Good Governance
Various developing countries that are quite similar in terms of their natural resources and social structure have shown strikingly different performance in improving the welfare of their people. Why is this? Research suggests that some countries do better than others because they have 'good governance' and a good human rights record. Good governance and human rights are a vital part of the Australian Government's overseas aid program. This case study looks at the concept of good governance, the link between good governance and human rights and the status of human rights in the Asia Pacific Region.
Governance - What is it? |
The term governance is used to describe the way in which a country is governed. It has a much broader meaning than the term government. 'Government' describes the political, economic and administrative processes carried out by the political party that is in power. This can be called the government sector. The term 'governance' includes the government sector but adds two more sectors, business and civil society.
The business sector includes both large and small businesses while the civil society sector includes a range of organisations which people have created to meet a variety of needs. All three sectors contribute to the way in which society is governed.
What is good governance? |
Good governance is achieved under a democratic political system in which the actions of all three sectors contribute to the good of society. It is most likely to occur when the government sector has high quality public sector institutions and when the nation has a strong civil society.
Public sector institutions look after the everyday administration of government. They are responsible for the provision of goods and services such as the supply of electricity and the provision of education. Sustainable development is more likely to occur when these institutions are efficient, accountable and transparent.
An institution is 'transparent' when its activities are open to public examination. This means that someone outside of the institution, who has no vested interest in hiding inefficient or corrupt practices, can be appointed to check administrative and financial procedures. This makes sure that the public interest is properly served.
An institution is 'accountable' when it has to justify its expenditure and its decisions to an independent person or organisation appointed to represent the public interest. It demonstrates its accountability through the provision of financial and administrative reports.
Good governance means an institution's activities are transparent and open to public examination. |
The term 'civil society' describes the ways in which people come together and organise themselves around common interests. Organisations formed out of these common interests are called 'civil society organisations'. Some examples are listed below:
Ukrainian Society (Ethnic group)
Soccer Club (Sporting association)
Uniting Church Women's Group (Religious group)
Society of Accountants (Professional association)
Women's Electoral Lobby (Community group)
Amnesty International (Non government organisation)
Citizens against overhead cables (Pressure group)
Civil society organisations:
- make it possible for people to influence government policy on issues which concern them;
- provide people with a way of gaining access to public resources;
- give people an opportunity to mix socially and to make a contribution to society. This helps to create a society based on trust and mutual respect.
What comes first good governance or human rights? |
Asking this question is a bit like trying to find out whether it was the chicken which came first or the egg. In this instance, the answer is neither. Good governance and human rights develop together. Outlined below are some key principles of good governance and an explanation of how each is linked with a particular type of human right.
Good governance principle | Human rights link |
Democratic government and processes | A truly democratic government cannot occur unless individuals have guaranteed civil and political rights. This means they can freely express their views without fear of being arrested, tortured or discriminated against. |
Effective public sector institutions | These institutions are developed through good government policy but they cannot be administered effectively unless the staff has access to economic human rights, such as adequate pay. Adequate pay enables people to support themselves properly and so reduces corruption. This improves governance. |
The primacy of the rule of law and an impartial and effective legal system. | The primacy of the rule of law and an impartial legal system protects the civil rights of all people in relation to their property, personal security and liberty. The legal and judicial system should be independent of the government so that it can serve the interests of its citizens rather than a particular political party. In this way it protects the civil rights of its citizens against a predatory state. |
A strong civil society | Civil society is about people contributing to the governing of their country through their participation in the community. It is difficult to participate if you are poor, unemployed, hungry, homeless and uneducated. People who live under these conditions are being denied their economic, social and cultural rights. Good governance cannot truly occur until these rights are guaranteed by a government willing to take responsibility for the social security of its people. |
A high priority on investing in people | Investing in people means creating a skilled workforce. This cannot occur unless basic economic and social human rights are met including the right to adequate education, health services, food, and shelter. |
Careful management of the national economy | A government which does not manage its economy well will not have enough resources to guarantee basic human rights. However, if these rights are not met it is difficult to create the accountable and transparent institutions so vital to good governance and to sustainable development. |
The status of human rights in the Asia |