Since time immemorial, poor citizens in the developing countries have been sidelined and their needs left unattended to since they do not have the status and power to influence the society. Their interactions with those in authority and the decision makers in the society have been marred with many obstacles and denied the rights to freedom of speech and expression that is being enjoyed by the affluents in the same society (Kembrew 2005, p. 23).
The problem arose from negligence by the past regimes. Most of the leaders did not mind about the welfare of their subjects and were not ready to fight for their rights. For these problems to be adequately addressed, there was need for fresh leadership that was focused on fighting for the rights of its citizens.
These marginalized groups need to be enlightened and informed of their rights to expression and to what is expected of them by the world out there (Stephens 2009, p. 11). They also need to be provided with the constitution and relevant literature materials which contain information that touch on their lives.
It is of uttermost importance that the poor and the less fortunate in the society be empowered so as to have a platform to air their views and influence their nation and the world at large. Progress is being made at the moment and the gap is narrowing by the day.
In conclusion, a lot still needs to be done to bring awareness and admonish ignorance in the poor countries and as Kofi Annan alludes, there is a great need to aid poorer countries gain status and freedom by allowing them to freely express themselves like their counterparts in the developed countries since this is a fundamental human right that ought to be embraced by all irrespective of their races, class, status, educational levels or their positions in the society (Kuhlen 2003, pp. 20-21).
Reference list
Kembrew, M 2005, Human rights: freedom of expression, Hoboken, NJ; John Wiley and Sons, Inc.
Kuhlen, R 2003, Why are communication rights so controversial? Fundamental Human Rights, vol. 55, no. 4, pp. 20-21.
Stephens, M 2009, The commission on legal empowerment of the poor, Toronto: Sage Publications.