Freedom From Fear | Themes

Freedom From Fear Themes

Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law

Aung San Suu Kyi wrote that the lifeblood of democracy is the will of the people as observed in their deeds: becoming and maintaining a democratic government takes individual commitment, individual work and time. Universal human rights is where a democracy must begin, not end. Democracy is not holidays and parades, not even simply voting (although that, too, has meaning). What Aung San Suu Kyi articulated was a synthesis of her philosophical and political thinking: The first step any legitimate government takes is the universal observance of everyone's individual human rights. A true government is also one based on principles, the rule of law. The only legitimate means of achieving such a government are non-violent. To bring about such a government, great personal and collective self-discipline is required.

Do Aung San Suu Kyi's collective public writing and speaking outline a plan that would have served as a foundational document for...
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