A resolution published by Parliamentarians for Global Action calls on the UN Human Rights Council to appoint a UN Special Rapporteur on Democracy. The document explains that the independent expert should monitor democratic governance, identify risks of democratic backsliding, promote good practices, and advise governments and parliaments.
The resolution highlights that democracy is enshrined in “key international instruments” such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and represents “the best system to protect human rights.”
According to the global network of lawmakers, a new UN mandate is necessary because democracy is “under unprecedented pressure worldwide.” The organization points to shrinking civic space, rising authoritarianism, and the erosion of democratic norms as threats to human rights, peace, and accountable governance.
The group’s Executive Board Member and Deputy Majority Leader in the National Assembly of The Gambia, Abdoulie Ceesay, commented that “democracy is more than a system of governance; it is the foundation of human dignity, civic participation, and accountability. As democratic institutions face growing challenges around the world, the international community should strengthen its commitment to protecting and advancing democratic principles. A UN Special Rapporteur on Democracy would provide an important and practical mechanism to promote these values and ensure that every voice can be heard.”
There is no comprehensive UN mandate dedicated to democracy itself
The resolution argues that existing UN human rights mechanisms protect important democratic rights but that no dedicated mandate provides a “comprehensive, structural, and systemic focus” on democracy itself. A Special Rapporteur on Democracy, it says, could help address this gap by examining civic space, political participation, electoral integrity, checks and balances, parliamentary effectiveness, accountability mechanisms, and democratic inclusion.
The proposed mandate would include monitoring, fact-finding, reporting, and cooperation with existing UN-appointed experts. With the consent of states, the mandate holder could undertake country visits and gather information from citizens, civil society organizations, marginalized communities, parliaments, political parties, and regional and international bodies.
The resolution calls on UN member states committed to democracy and human rights to support the establishment of the new mandate. It encourages parliamentarians to help build momentum through national parliaments, parliamentary caucuses, inter-parliamentary organizations, and engagement with foreign ministries and UN missions.
Parliamentarians for Global Action is continuing to collect individual signatories. At this time, around 40 lawmakers from nearly 30 countries have endorsed the document.
The initiative adds parliamentary support to a broader campaign for a UN Rapporteur on Democracy, which was launched in connection with the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
As the UN and its human rights pillar face financial pressure, proponents argue that a dedicated democracy mandate remains necessary and represents a cost-effective measure.
