Discuss the arguments justifying torture as a legitimate Essay

Discuss the arguments justifying torture as a legitimate counter-terror strategy and the implications of legitimizing state-sponsored programmes of torture - Essay Example The collective costs of terrorism include its destabilization of governments, civil societies, peace and security as well as its threat to socio-economic development of the affected zones and the entire global society; these collective costs also undermine the stability of human rights. Given that individuals are entitled to security as a fundamental human right and governments are obligated to assure the security of their citizenry, states around the world have consequently adopted significant measures to safeguard their nationals against the insecurity threat posed by terrorism (Piazza & Walsh 2010, p.407). Nonetheless, developments in the recent past including the pervasiveness of global terrorism and the fast changing nature and scope of terrorism have compelled governments to adopt stringent measures as counter-terrorism strategies, consequently undermining human rights and the rule of law (Foot 2007, p.489). Most if not all states are increasingly resorting to the use of tortur e and other ill-treatment as their counter-terrorism strategy while disregarding the legal institutional safeguards designed to prevent torture. Similarly, other states have undermined the global commitment to avoidance of torture and handed over terror suspects to the countries where they are highly susceptible to torture as well as other human rights abuses. The fight against global terrorism has been mired with both pro and anti-torture arguments all over the world, with the opponents of the use of torture as a counter-terrorism strategy claiming that such an approach is counterproductive since it undermines the rule of law, good governance and human rights. In that reservists have often argued that the war on terror should be tampered with respect for human rights as well as the rule of law respectively, through the establishment of counter-terrorism strategies that both

Hummer, BMW, and Corolla's Brand Personalities Coursework - 2

Hummer, BMW, and Corolla's Brand Personalities - Coursework Example Hummer has a rugged image but to enhance their sales, they decided to change the brand personality to attract the youth and the women. Corolla has a dull image but is keen to give up its conservative approach which projects nothing except dependability. BMW gives rise to feelings of sophistication and yearning and hence is preferred by the wealthy and those who seek importance. It is hence recommended that brand owners should first segment their target market and try to understand the needs of their segment. This would help them design the features as per their requirement and hence would be more appealing to the customers. At the same time, the same brand can appeal to more than one segment and this can be done by appealing to their self-concept.Products and services today are imbued with personality characteristics and are recognized through these characteristics both by the consumers and the marketers. Marketers are trying to project an image of the brand that matches the personal ity of the individual consumer. They try to use marketing material such as advertisements and phrases so that the brand has an emotional appeal to the consumer. This becomes necessary because to buy a product the consumer must have an awareness of the brand. The brand would catch the consumer’s attention if he finds some similarities with his own requirements and personality. This led to the concept of brand personality which has been described by Aaker as a specific mix of human traits that are attributed to a particular brand.   Within a sector, different products and marketers apply different strategies to attract the right customer. Each product has its own specifications and hence they target a particular segment. Thus, the personality of the brand that is projected to the target segment must have similar characteristics and emotional appeal. This paper evaluates how three different automobile manufacturers project their brands to attract the right segment to enhance t heir sales. Online academic journals and some useful websites have been used to study the concept of brand personality in the automobile sector.  

Writing Skills Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Writing Skills - Essay Example The article shows another problem - Germany’s population is still dwindling because old people are its majority. This has affected the production output of the country. The future seems bleak and thus, an urgent action is needed to salvage this predicament. Germany needs to employ a policy that will enhance immigration. In addition, it needs to implement integration measures like those found in other nations such as the U.S.A. As a fact, changes are inevitable and they occur in all cultures. The acceptance of friendly immigration rules by Germany will make it handle the problem of age difference among its population. The article talks about Brazilian immigrants who have been sending back to their native country. It is highlighted that they have been offered air tickets home and not expected to come back to Japan. Japan faces a high immigration rate, especially from Brazil. As a way of sustaining its economy, it had allowed the immigrants to come to the country and offered them jobs. However, the pressure has become too much and unemployment rates have risen. As a way of curbing this, it has opted to send the Brazil immigrants back to their country (Masters, 2009). Japan needs to come up with well defined migration laws in order to curb the high immigration rate. The country requires not sending the Brazilians back to their native country as they help in sustaining its economy. Instead, Japan has to look for other opportunities that will help in curbing the rising unemployment rates. It should encourage its population to be self-employed as well as educate its younger generation. In this way, the Brazilians who are already in the country would not feel

Discuss the arguments justifying torture as a legitimate Essay

Discuss the arguments justifying torture as a legitimate counter-terror strategy and the implications of legitimizing state-sponsored programmes of torture - Essay Example The collective costs of terrorism include its destabilization of governments, civil societies, peace and security as well as its threat to socio-economic development of the affected zones and the entire global society; these collective costs also undermine the stability of human rights. Given that individuals are entitled to security as a fundamental human right and governments are obligated to assure the security of their citizenry, states around the world have consequently adopted significant measures to safeguard their nationals against the insecurity threat posed by terrorism (Piazza & Walsh 2010, p.407). Nonetheless, developments in the recent past including the pervasiveness of global terrorism and the fast changing nature and scope of terrorism have compelled governments to adopt stringent measures as counter-terrorism strategies, consequently undermining human rights and the rule of law (Foot 2007, p.489). Most if not all states are increasingly resorting to the use of tortur e and other ill-treatment as their counter-terrorism strategy while disregarding the legal institutional safeguards designed to prevent torture. Similarly, other states have undermined the global commitment to avoidance of torture and handed over terror suspects to the countries where they are highly susceptible to torture as well as other human rights abuses. The fight against global terrorism has been mired with both pro and anti-torture arguments all over the world, with the opponents of the use of torture as a counter-terrorism strategy claiming that such an approach is counterproductive since it undermines the rule of law, good governance and human rights. In that reservists have often argued that the war on terror should be tampered with respect for human rights as well as the rule of law respectively, through the establishment of counter-terrorism strategies that both

Writing Skills Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Writing Skills - Essay Example The article shows another problem - Germany’s population is still dwindling because old people are its majority. This has affected the production output of the country. The future seems bleak and thus, an urgent action is needed to salvage this predicament. Germany needs to employ a policy that will enhance immigration. In addition, it needs to implement integration measures like those found in other nations such as the U.S.A. As a fact, changes are inevitable and they occur in all cultures. The acceptance of friendly immigration rules by Germany will make it handle the problem of age difference among its population. The article talks about Brazilian immigrants who have been sending back to their native country. It is highlighted that they have been offered air tickets home and not expected to come back to Japan. Japan faces a high immigration rate, especially from Brazil. As a way of sustaining its economy, it had allowed the immigrants to come to the country and offered them jobs. However, the pressure has become too much and unemployment rates have risen. As a way of curbing this, it has opted to send the Brazil immigrants back to their country (Masters, 2009). Japan needs to come up with well defined migration laws in order to curb the high immigration rate. The country requires not sending the Brazilians back to their native country as they help in sustaining its economy. Instead, Japan has to look for other opportunities that will help in curbing the rising unemployment rates. It should encourage its population to be self-employed as well as educate its younger generation. In this way, the Brazilians who are already in the country would not feel

In the explanation made by Aaker Essay Example for Free

In the explanation made by Aaker Essay Accordingly, there are various management approaches that the company may use to have a strong and effective brand image. In order to build a strong brand and effective image, the management who are tasked to build brand image should think of two things in planning a strategy. Such things are first is to sell the service of the company as a short-term goal and second is to build a strong brand image in the long run. In time of the process of promoting the brand name, the industry should apply integrated marketing communications to ensure the efficient introduction of the quality of service that the organization stands for (Clowe Baack, 2007). The strong and effective characteristic of the brand is also linked with the performance of the company. In this regard, to ensure the effectiveness of their brand image, the industry must be able to integrate all the available resources as well as recognize essential opportunities include combining a strong image with an external opportunity to establish competitive position and advantage of the brand. A comprehensive analysis of the characteristic of a strong brand image of the company should be integrated to solidify the connection of the brand with the target market. A strong and effective brand image has also the ability to consider various consumer behaviors to be able to introduce a consistent message with the target market (Engel, Blackwell Miniard, 1995). Another characteristic of the strong and effective brand image is its ability to effectively communicate with the target audience which starts on the organisation per se. The strength of the brand image can be determined through the values and principles of the industry as well as the extent that the company established its position. A strong and competitive brand image in the company has various components which can be considered as tangible and intangible aspects. The tangible characteristics of a strong brand include the quality of the products or services identified with the brands, the different subcategories of the brand names in terms of the needs and demands of the clients, the brand accessibility; the marketing communications approach used by the company, company name and logo which represents the image of the brand and the staffs of the company whore are considered as the forerunners of the strong brand image (Asher, 1997). On one hand, the intangible characteristics of the brand image includes the operational as well as the human resource policies of the company; the culture of the company which determines the beliefs as well as the practices of the industry personnel, the internal and external environment as well as the location of the organisation which include the accepted personal and business practices of the specific country where the brands are operated. A strong and effective brand image also plays a crucial role in the perspective of consumer. A strong and effective brand image provides an assurance to the target market that the decision to purchase the product or service of a specific company in unfamiliar settings is worth it. A strong and effective brand image also has the capability of assuring the clients of the quality of the products and service when the clients have no previous experience of the company. The brand image perceived of the company also lessens the time spent looking for other alternative and substitute brands that could meet and the needs and of customer. A strong and effective brand is also perceived to determine the nature and extent of connection that the clients develops with the company based on the perceived openness of such company. Furthermore, a strong and effective brand image can also be attributed with the point of view of the company. It has the ability to ushers the acceptability of change and developments within the industry including the introduction of new products and services as well as setting up of new brand categories under the initial brands. Moreover, a strong and effective brand has the ability to determine the appropriate price of the product or services offered. It can be said that a strong and effective brand is the one which consistently meets the needs of target market results to the return of target market and positive endorsements through word-of-mouth. A strong and effective brand not only attracts target market but also qualified staffs willing to work to maintain the strengths and effectiveness of the brand and lastly, strong and effective brand attracts favorable reviews from industry experts (Laforet Saunders, 1999).

Exploring teenage pregnancy in the uk

Exploring teenage pregnancy in the uk Sexual Health is a fundamental constituent of health. Teenage pregnancy is an aspect of sexual health which has been of great public health and social importance due to the implications it poses. According to UNICEF (2001), UK has the highest teenage pregnancy rate in Western Europe. This essay will critically analyse the factors that contribute to teenage pregnancy in the UK, that is, socio-economic , education- related factors and as well as risky behaviours. To get a better understating of this topic, effects of teenage pregnancy as well as current strategies, interventions and recommendations for improved care in tackling teenage pregnancy will be discussed. The essay will be concluded with a summary of the literature. Teenage pregnancy can be defined as a term employed to refer to giving birth of young women under 20 which result in live births or abortions ( Ewles 2005). The scale of problem is appalling. Approximately 91,200 conceptions in teenagers take place per year, 7700 among girls under 16 years of age and 2200 among 14 year olds or younger (Chambers et al 2001). Moreover, 46% constitutes to those who have legal abortion and 56% of those aged under 16 years who partake in an abortion. According to Ewles ( 2005), UK teenage pregnancy rates are much higher compared to other European countries, in that, they are five times as high as compared to those in Netherlands, three times as high as compared to France and two times higher in Germany. Teenage pregnancy poses a great public health threat due to the causal link associated with health inequalities. The high rates of abortion and sexually transmitted disease elucidates that young people are not having protected sex and this is supported by the appalling STI rates which are highest in 16-19 year old women ( Baker et al 2007). Furthermore, Elwes ( 2005) states that one in ten sexually active teenagers is infected with a sexually transmitted disease ,illustrating lack of public awareness about sex education, contraception and condom use. In order to tackle teenage pregnancy, it is important to understand the factors that contribute to teenage pregnancy. Research evidence has identified the key risk factors which are acknowledged to be associated with teenage pregnancy. Ewles (2005) states that low expectations is a major factor, where we see there is a significant association between young people from lower-social economic classes and high rates of teenage pregnancy and birth. Lack of employment and disengagement from education or training can potentially give rise to feelings of inadequacy and hoplessness thus goals and aspirations seem unattainable affecting the outlook of ones future. Moreover, according to the survey conducted by the Department for education and skills (2006), low education attainment and leaving school at 16 with no qualifications are evidently independent risk factors of teenage pregnancy. Consequently, parenthood can be perceived as an appropriate approval to gain adulthood status with no employment or educational attainment to show for it. However, the SEU (1999) did not find evidence to support these findings. Ignorance about sex and relationships has been identified as another risk factor. Notwithstanding being surrounded by sexual images and messages from an early age and despite being sexually active, research demonstrates that there is poor knowledge on consensual and safe sexual relationships, contraception and STIs among young people (Ewles 2005). A study conducted by the Health Education Authority (1999) reported that 25% of teenagers aged 14-15 years perceived that the contraceptive pill protected them from acquiring a sexually transmitted diseases which can be exacerbated by myths, such as first sexual experience will not end up in pregnancy, that are apparent in the society. In a nutshell, young people have impractical perceptions on pregnancy and parenthood (SEU 1999). Mixed messages have been associated with teenage pregnancy, given that, children and teenagers in the UK are bombarded by sexual images and messages which can potentially lead one to believing and accepting sex as the norm in the society even at a young age (Ewles 2005). It is argued that in the UK, sex appears to be the custom and relatively necessary, whereas contraception and sexual health awareness is inadequate thus elucidating young people cannot make informed decisions (NHS 2004). Simultaneously, there may be insufficient communication between parents or teachers and young people on sex and contraception thus leaving young people uninformed. Poverty is another factor, where the risk of becoming a teenage mother is approximately 10 times more in girls and women from social class V( unskilled and manual) as compared to women in social class 1 (professional) ( DOH 1999) . Additionally, research evidence illustrates young women who have experienced care or foster and homelessness are at risk as well (Chambers et al 2001). A study reported women in this category are two times at risk of becoming teenage mothers compared to those raised by birth parents (Baker 2007). A complimentary study also found out that approximately 50% of girls leaving care become mothers within 18months to two years ( DOH 1999). A British cohort study conducted in 1970 reported that one of the strongest predictors of teenage pregnancy is being a daughter of a teenage mother because they are 1.5 times at risk as compared to children born of older women (Baker 2007). According to DOH (1999), having a history sexual abuse is identified as a risk factor where we see young people may be reluctant to abstain from sexual pressure subsequent to abuse that ensued. Numerous studies have elucidated the association between mental health disorders and teenage pregnancy, in addition, Maskeys study conducted in 1991 illustrated that a third of young women with conduct disorders become pregnant before the age of 17 ( Baker 2007). Crime is also a factor especially with teenagers who get involved in unlawful activities causing police intervention because they are twice likely to become teenage parents. (Chambers et al 2001). Tyrer et al conducted in a study in 2005 and reported that 39% of young female offenders are teenage mothers even as approximates propose that more than 25% of young male offenders are teenage fathers or fathers-to-be ( Zaplin 2006). Risky behaviours for example early onset of sexual activity and poor contraceptive use are factors associated with teenage pregnancy. The average age of first sexual intercourse has fallen from to 16 ( House Of Commons 2002-3) and girls having sex under 16 are three times more likely to become pregnant that those who have sex over 16 years ( SEU 1999). Approximately 60% of boys and 47 % of girls dropping out of school at 16 with no qualifications engaged in sex compared to 20% for both males ( Baker 2007). Ethnicity has a fundamental link with teenage pregnancy. Consistent with the 2001 census, data on mothers under 19years demonstrated that teenage pregnancy rates are considerably higher among mothers of mixed and black Caribbean, other black and black Caribbean ethnicity (Baker 2007). Early onset of sexual activity is linked to ethnic groups where a survey conducted in East London (Viner and Roberts 2004, ) illustrated that first sexual encounter under 16 was higher among Caribbean men (56%) compared with 30% for black African and 27% for white men and 11% for Indian and Pakistani men. As for women, 30% for both white, black Caribbean, 12% for black African and 3% for Indian and Pakistani women. In addition, poor contraceptive use among specific ethnic groups has been associated with teenage pregnancy (Baker 2007). Having acknowledged the factors and effects associated with high rates of teenage pregnancy, Tony Blair commissioned the Social Exclusion Unit (SEU 1999) to develop a teenage pregnancy strategy, known as the National Teenage Pregnancy Strategy in 1999 ( Ewles 2005). Its main aims were to halve the number of teenage conceptions by 2010 and establish a consistent decline in trend in the under -16 teenage pregnancy rate ( SEU 1999). According to ( Chambers et al 2001 ) , a total of 150 teenage pregnancy co-ordinators were appointed in each local authority area in England, in 2000, who lead the force to execute the Social Exclusion Unit report. Each local area has employed a 10-year strategy, with local under -18 pregnancy rate reduction targets of between 40% and 60%, which strengthens the national reduction target of 50% ( Ewles 2005). As recommended by the SEU(1999) , the main preventative interventions in tackling teenage pregnancy are effective school-based sex and relationships education ( SRE) that are established with the help of local authority, particularly when correlated with contraception use and services. HDA (2004) reported that SRE programmes was highly rated by young people who received it and were positively impacted by the knowledge and decreased the level of report over first sexual intercourse .However, from the UK- based systematic evaluation of SRE programme they found out that the multi-faceted approach had no effect on contraception use and sexual behaviours ( NICE 2004). (DFES) stated that effective education programmes should be focused on mitigating behaviours that cause teenage pregnancy and are based on theory and highlight background information on sexual matters Moreover clear information on use of contraception is necessary and young people should be informed about the risk factors, h ow they can avoid sex as well protection against pregnancy and STIs. Activities that help deal with peer and social pressure are fundamental and how to acquire communication, negotiation and refusal skills by employing participatory teaching methods ( HDA 2004). Ewles ( 2005) argues that abstinence education as recommended by the strategy has proved to be ineffective The strategy stated the need to involve and provide information on prevention to teenagers parents which is fundamental. SEU (1999) recommended that youth Services should involve programmes that integrate a long term, multi-dimensional approach that is a combination of self-esteem building, voluntary work, and educational support (Ewles 2005) and have a clear focus on addressing issues that affect young people for example, sexual health and substance abuse. HDA (2004) states that, the adoption of development programmes has proved to be successful in America and has been elucidated as a competent approach to teenage prevention. Chambers et al (2003) argues that provision of effective sexual health services has been identified as a factor for reducing teenage pregnancy. The DFES (2006) recommended the availability and accessibility of well-publicised contraceptive and sexual health advice services targeted for young people, with a an established responsibility that commits to health promotion work and delivery of reactive service. In addition, engaged and coordinated action among all key mainstream delivery partners who are responsible for reducing teenage pregnancy health , Education, Social services and youth support services as well as the voluntary sector is vital ( Ewles 2005). Moreover, HDA (2004) recommended that practicing confidentiality and having long term provision of services has proved effective in teenage prevention. Another key recommendation is the need for a keen focus on tailored interventions that target young people who are susceptible to teenage pregnancy especially with Looked After Children, that is, those in care and foster ( Acheson 2001 ). The strategy advocated for professionals in partner organisations for example, Connexions, working with the most vulnerable young people need consistent Sexual and Relationship Education training that are readily available ( HDA 2004). Moreover, the national teenage strategy introduced the national media campaign aimed at mitigating myths and provides young with clear and accurate information to make it possible for young people to make informed choices thus reducing teenage pregnancy rates ( Ewles 2005). It recommended that effective information should be clear and unambiguous ( HDA 2004) . The current focus on awareness and education is supported by the two national media campaigns which are ; R U thinking is addressed to young teenagers encouraging them to delay onset of sexual activity and shun peer pressure; Want Respect? Use a condom is targeted at young people who are sexually active by promoting condom use by relating condom use with ones conduct and behaviour that will earn respect from their peer ( DFES 2006). The Teenage Pregnancy Strategys main priority is to reduce under 18 pregnancies by providing young people with ways and incentives to defer parenthood until they able to cope with the challenges that come with it. Nevertheless, the strategy is dedicated to support and reducing the risk of poor outcomes for teenage parents and their children, with a target to increase the participation in education, training or employment of teenage mothers aged 16-19 by 2010 ( DFES 2006). According to the Acheson Report ( 2001) the inequalities faced by teenagers who go on to be mother as compared to older mothers are perturbing because there is an increased likelihood they have mental health problems, especially, post-natal depression; are 50% likely to breast feed as well as have a higher occurrence of smoking during pregnancy and experience relationship breakdown . In addition, when they become older, say in their thirties, it is evident that they are more likely experience poverty, be subjected to unemployment, lack qualifications and live on benefits which makes them susceptible to get trapped in the poverty cycle which can potentially lead to a poor adult life.( Ewles 2005). Children born of teenage parents are 60% more at risk of infant mortality and can possibly die in their first year, 25 more at risk be conceived with a low birth weight, are particularly at much higher risk of growing up experiencing poverty, poor housing and nutrition for a long haul and are at a greater risk of becoming teenage parents themselves ( Ewles 2005). To prevent poor out comes for teenage parents and their children, the strategy recommends and provides support and interventions that include antenatal and postnatal support where they are provided with impartial information on alternative of parenthood, abortion and adoption and pregnancy testing services as well ( Ewles 2005). They are advised and get help with psychosocial issues for example, anxiety that they may face during and after their pregnancy with the help of youth-friendly maternity services characterised by tailored models of care ( Chambers et al 2005). Together with providing young parents with development skills in parenthood, the strategy recommends and is committed to provide services that will support them to stay or resume to education, training or employment ( Ewles 2005). This is includes finding preferred courses, getting help with childcare so that young parents can continue with education or work as well as providing them with necessary help for them to remain in school or get alternative methods to continue with education ( DFES 2006). The strategy introduced the Sure Start Plus programme to provide every child with the best start in life by providing education, childcare, health and family support ( National Audit Office). It recommends and recognizes the crucial benefits of a committed personal advisor for teenage parents, who tailors ongoing support packages to meet various individual needs for example housing and financial needs (Ewles 2005). In consistent with the priorities of the strategy in terms of better support, it acknowledges that high quality support to all teenage parents living without family or parents is needed ( DFES 2006). Furthermore, some young mother under 18 can be susceptible to social exclusion when they live without any support, leading to isolation especially when disintegrated from their social support networks, that is, family. The strategy aims to tackle this by providing supported housing to all under 18 lone parents who cannot live at home or with their partner and are provided with suitable needs ( Ewles 2005). This reduces the detrimental effects of poor housing on health. In conclusion, this essay has discussed the factors that contribute to teenage pregnancy and its impact on public health. Moreover, the implications of teenage pregnancy have been highlighted. The government, through the Social Exclusion unit and the establishment of the National Teenage Pregnancy Strategy , has been involved in tackling teenage pregnancy through joined up action, national media campaign , better support for teenage parents and better prevention as discussed. According to Naidoo and Wills , education and persuasion through mass media campaign may be an effective strategy in tackling teenage pregnancy because these techniques are geared to change peoples behaviours and lifestyles willingly as a result of information, support and advice.. HDA (2004) states that young people should be provided with sufficient education and clear information about all facts of sex and relationships and its implications coupled with confidential and accessible sources of contraceptive ser vices in tackling teenage pregnancy.