The world marked the International Democracy Day yesterday with various events with distance.
In 2007 the United Nations General Assembly resolved to observe September 15 as the International Day of Democracy- with the purpose of promoting and upholding the principles of democracy.
According to the United Nations, “International Day of Democracy provides an opportunity to review the state of democracy in the world. Democracy is as much a process as a goal, and only with the full participation of the international community, can the ideal of democracy be made into a reality.
The day offers an opportunity for people everywhere to reflect on not only the state of democracy worldwide, but also the values that make democracy essential for the preservation of human rights and human dignity around the world.
Respect for the integrity of every individual, without exception. Compromise, cooperation, mutual respect, rule of law, free speech, access to information, open debate and facts.
At a time when those values are coming under siege around the globe, it behooves us on this day to take a moment to reflect on how precious they are, how essential to the dignity of our lives and what is at stake that they be preserved, protected and ultimately prevail in political life worldwide: better health, education, peace and development outcomes, as well as the mutual security and stability that results.
The fact is despite the self-serving assertions by autocrats and illiberals that the future is theirs, every day billions of people around the world continue to demand their rights and dignity, that their voices be heard and that those who purport to govern them be held accountable and truly represent them.
The global demand for democracy in fact has never been higher. Those frustrated by democracy’s failures do not seek to discard it, but to make it stronger, better, more responsive, more effective to meet the challenges of our time.
Ultimately for democracy to prevail will require patience, resilience, vigilance, hard work, good faith and often intense struggle. Democracy is never easy, nor is it inevitable. But it remains essential.
The UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said in his message that, “Finally, safeguarding democracy means phasing out emergency powers and laws as the worst of the pandemic subsides. Some States and security sector institutions rely on emergency powers because they offer shortcuts.”
“With time, such powers can seep into legal frameworks and become permanent, undermining the rule of law and consuming the fundamental freedoms and human rights that serve as a bedrock for democracy,” he said.
“As we look beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, let us commit to a future in which we recognize human rights and the rule of law as fundamental to democracy. Let us commit to safeguarding the principles of equality, participation and solidarity, so that we can better weather the storm of future crises,” the UN chief added.
According to the press release, the United States underscores support for democracy toward a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable world.
The US places democracy and human rights at the center of foreign policy that are essential elements in achieving and sustaining peace and stability.
“Our commitment is firm and grounded in our own experience as a democracy imperfect, but continuously striving for a more perfect union. We know that free and democratic societies have healthier citizens, less violent conflict, and more prosperous communities. Indeed, democracy delivers for the many, not the few,” the release said.
A thriving democracy also depends on open and vibrant civic space, in which people – all people – can advocate for their rights and hold the government to account with equal rights and without discrimination.
“The rule of law, free and fair elections, freedom of expression, and freedom of the press are cornerstones of a healthy democracy and the right of all. On this Day of Democracy, US recognizes that these efforts are critical to defend, strengthen, and renew democracy,” the release added.
The world stands in solidarity with citizens around the world seeking a democratic future, to build strong democratic societies that include and deliver for all encouraging the people of Belarus, Cameroon, China, Hong Kong, Myanmar Nicaragua, Russia, Uganda and many other places, under some of the most difficult conditions of oppression and closing political space, as citizens struggle to gain democratic rights and liberties owed to them.
