Last Tuesday 15th of September, all the world celebrated the day of democracy. This post is a summary of four articles. The first was published at http://www.un.org/en/events/democracyday/. The second was published at http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx? The third published http://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2015/09/24.The fourth was published at http://thecommonwealth.org/media/news/international-day-democracy-statement
Democracy is a universal value based on the freely expressed will of people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural systems and their full participation in all aspects of their lives. While democracies share common features, there is no single model of democracy. Activities carried out by the United Nations in support of efforts of governments to promote and consolidate democracy are undertaken un accordance with the U.N. Charter. The U.N. General Assembly, in a resolution of 2007 encouraged governments to strengthen programmes devoted to the promotion and consolidation of democracy, and also decided that 15 september of each year as the Day of Democracy. Globally, the role of civil society has never been more important than this year, as the world prepares to implement a new development agenda. However, for civil society activists and organizations in a range of countries, space is shrinking, or even closing, as some governments have adopted restrictions that limit the ability of NGOs to work or to receive funding. That is why the theme of this year's Day of Democracy is "Space for Civil Society." It is a reminder to governments everywhere that the hallmark of successful and stable democracies is the presence of a strong and freely operating civil society, in which governments and civil society work together for a better future, and at the same time, civil society helps keep governments accountable.
"Stop the erosion of democracy," U.N. rights experts urge governments across the world. Speaking ahead of the International Day of Democracy, the Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic international order, Alfred de Zayas, and the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of association, Maina Kiai, deplore, the increasing erosion of democracy as a result of repressive policies, but also by virtue of the increasing influence of vested interests at the expense of the public will. This year's theme for the Day of Democracy is space for civil society. The U.N. endorse this necessary and achievable goal. But democracy today has become an over-used word, invoke even by tyrants. A country does not become democratic simply by holding elections. What matters most is what happens between those elections: Can people speak out, engage and influence the leaders they have elected? Is there a correlation between the needs and will of the people and the policies that affected them? Can people peacefully assemble when other ways of expressing their grievances fail? Is peaceful dissent tolerated and encouraged to flourish, so that the marketplace of ideas is not monopolized by one group? On International Day of Democracy 2015, we call on states to recognize that civil society space is the vehicle that allows this to happen. Indeed, it is essential for a true democracy. Unfortunately, space for civil society is shrinking. There is a growing disconnect between elected officials and the people. We see this disconnect manifested in the recent surge of large protest movements throughout the world. People perceive a failure of governance and democracy, and protest is often their last resort in making themselves heard. Increasing, governments are responding to this type of dissent with more repression, distorting the concept of democracy beyond recognition. Meanwhile, we are also witnessing a worrisome erosion of democracy as a result of the increasing influence being exercised by powerful actors that have not democratic legitimacy, including the military-industrial complex, transnational corporations and other lobbies. Democratic governance is being corrupted by players that are not subject to democratic controls and who use their largesse to ensure that their interests are prioritized over those of the general public. Civil society must reclaim its rightful place by demanding genuine participation in governance, including decisions on peace initiatives, and environmental protection. "Fast-tracking" legislation or treaties, enacted without consulting stakeholders and without responsible debate is unacceptable in a democracy. Democracy is much more than a label. 'Representative democracy' can only be called democratic when and if 'representatives' actually represent their constituencies by pro-actively consulting with them and facilitating their participation in decision-making, thus making the goal of greater space for civil society meaningful. Democracy should not be reduced to an empty word, is a necessary instrument for securing a more stable world. We therefore call upon Member States to ensure greater space for civil society, so that they may take their rightful place as key players in democracy.
We pause today to reflect on and celebrate democracy and the free and open debate it entails. We celebrate democracy not because it is perfect, for it is obviously neither of those things. We celebrate democracy because it is rooted in the will of the people, and, as such, does a better job than any other form of government in respecting the rights of individuals, solving problems peacefully, and building enduring prosperity. Only democracy allows a country to benefit from the full energy and talent of its citizens, and the unconstrained flow of ideas can create. That is why ordinary people everywhere are working to make this fundamental principle a reality. This past year, we saw an outpouring of popular support for constitutional term limit in Africa, and the courage of activists around the world who are demanding governments that are accountable, inclusive, transparent, and honest. There are few ideas more powerful, more infused with universal aspiration than democracy. But democracy has never been an automatic fact. It is an opportunity that must be renewed and revitalized by each generation.
Day of Democracy is an occasion to celebrate the progress towards achieving a world in which all individuals are able freely and regularly to express their choice as to who should represent and lead them, and about decisions affecting the future of their lives and livelihoods. Democracy includes a commitment to the inalienable right of individuals to participate in democratic processes, and to shape the societies in which they live. In practical ways and as advocates for the continual sedimentation of a robust culture of democracy. In which citizens' rights, quality governance, development and growth for all, can be best achieve. Democracy is also about practicing inclusion, empowerment and participation, respecting human rights, and promotion transparent and accountable representation. This culture of democracy has been greatly advanced by the role of civil society in democratic nations by promoting dialogue, respecting pluralism and diversity. We pay tribute to the leaders of democracy who ensure that the voices of all are heard and are taken into account and also to all those who contribute to advancing the culture of democracy. To all those helping to reinforcing the foundations on which democracy is built. Through their activities, civil society organisations have helped strengthen some of the most fundamental rights necessary to build stronger and better democratic societies. Undertaking these activities has not been without cost. In some instances, members of civil society have been harassed, persecuted, imprisoned and lost their lives because of their commitment to democracy and its principles. We will continue to celebrate and encourage the voice of civil society and freedom of expressing at the heart of healthy and flourishing democracies serving their people.
