Sunday, September 22, 2019

International Day of Democracy - 2019

                         Last monday, September 15th all the world celebrated the day of democracy. Since the beginning of civilization, the good leaders and the people are trying to improve this system. The huge manifestations in Brazil in 2013 and 2016, recent surveys and the renovation of 60% of the congress last year proved that the Brazilians are disappointed with politics as usual and have a wish for more participation, inclusion and renovation. Including a poll of the Senado showing that the more wished idea from the political reform, would be referendums and plebiscites used frequently. As you can see in a post published at this blog in November 2013 in this link  http://thepeopleteacher.blogspot.com/2013/11/political-reform.html.  An effective democracy is so important that through history so many have fought and died for it, so many have been suffering to reinforce its values and principles, and so many have dedicated their little spare time trying to educate the people about the importance of a functional democracy. The first step to a real democracy is respect for human rights and the constitution. All political system needs improvement, inclusion and renewal because if not it makes too many citizens apathetic or alienates them, losing legitimacy and enthusiasm as a result. The internet offers a chance for new forms of participation, transparency, civic awareness and activism. The politics can be better than actually it is, and this is precisely what the Brazilians want. This post is a summary of two articles. The first was published at   https://www.un.org/en/events/democracyday/. The second was published at   https://nationaltoday.com/international-day-of-democracy/. The third was published at   https://www.ifes.org/news/marking-international-day-democracy-2019

                2019 Theme is PARTICIPATION. This year's International Day of Democracy is an opportunity to recall that democracy is about people. Democracy is built on inclusion, equal treatment and participation. And it is a fundamental building block for peace, sustainable development and human rights. Democracy provides the natural environment for the protection and effective realization of human rights. True democracy is a two-way street. built on a constant dialogue between civil society and the political class. This dialogue must have real influence on political decisions. This is why political participation. civil space and social dialogue make up the very foundations of good governance. It is even more true with the impact of globalization and technological progress. And yet today, civic space is shrinking worldwide at an alarming rate. Civil society activists are finding it increasingly difficult to operate. Human rights defenders are under attack. women remain vastly under-represented. Journalists face interference, and in some cases violence. This International Day of Democracy, is an opportunity to urge all governments to respect their citizens's right to active, substantive and meaningful participation in democracy.  The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development addresses democracy recognizing the indivisible links between peaceful societies and effective, accountable and inclusive institutions.
             As free people, we sometimes take this for granted. Yet, when it is absent; we thirst only for this one thing that can fill us up and make us whole. It is democracy and every Septermber 15, we celebrate International Day of Democracy. The United Nations created the day to celebrate the system of values democracy promotes, giving citizens the power to make decisions regaeding all aspects of their lives. From democracy's birth in ancient Greece thousands of years ago through trial and error up to today, most of the world's nations choose democracy over all other forms of government. Every year. the U.N. holds official global events that spread awareness about democracy in actions. Past themes have included encouraging young people to take part in democratic movements. Learn more about this year's theme and see what you can do to take part. . From the ancient times of the Greeks and Romans, the Dark Ages and the Enlightenment, all the way to our modern world; the spread of democracy has had its ups and downs. Read a good historical novel or choose a documentary that will help you understand democracy and why it's so important today. Democracy is both a goal and a process which hinges upon your involvement. Thanks to digital advancements, it's now easier than ever to contact representatives, cast votes and make a difference in  government. Democracy is powerful because it gives a voice to a nation's citiens, enabling them to make changes as they see fit. One of the results of this form of government is that democratic changes creates space for new theories to emerge, leading to a world of innovation and improvement. A cornerstone of democratic societies is that they have the power to make change, when necessary. In principle, if things are going well, citizens have the power to maintain the status quo. But if things do not work out, it's up to the people to throw out the old and bring the new.
                   Since 2007 when the U.N. designated September 15th as the International Day of Democracy, organizations, governments and NGOs have joined to commemorate the importance of promoting and upholding principles of democracy. On this day, we lift our voices with others like-minded supporters of human freedom and dignity to raise awareness about the power that citizens have to determine by whom, and how, they rae governed. To appreciate the relevance of democracy we need look no further than to Hong Kong and Moscow, or to Caracas, where calls for greater representation and genuine self-determination underscore that democracy is not an end, but rather a means to achieving human dignity and development. The rising tide of threats to democracy in recent years also means that the Day of Democracy is an opportunity to reflect on how we can do better to ensure that the freely expressed will of the people is the basis of responsive governance and respect for human rights. As well remind us that all governments are obliged to respect their citizenss right to participation in political affairs. The theme for this year's is participation. We know that democracy flourishes only when all groups of society are represented and able to freely participate. Together with our civil society and national partners, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) works to empower citizens to find their voices and fully participate in all aspects of democratic society.

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