The Arab Human Development Report 2004

Download or read book The Arab Human Development Report 2004 written by United Nations Development Programme. Regional Bureau for Arab States and published by UN. This book was released on 2005 with total page 280 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is the third in a series of development reports which focus on the Arab world, based on the collective work of an independent group of scholars, policymakers and practitioners in the region. The 2004 report examines issues of freedom and human rights, good governance and political reform within Arab societies; considers the challenges and constraints involved in moves towards democratic reforms; and sets out a broad strategic vision for future progress. The report finds that despite some improvements in the human rights situation in some Arab countries, the overall picture in the region is grave and deteriorating. Key priorities for urgent action to reform governance practices are identified, including: the abolition of 'states of emergency' by governments in the region; ending all forms of discrimination against minority groups; and guaranteeing the independence of the judiciary.