Program Areas

Program Areas

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Global Democracy

GlobalDemocracy

 Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives. — Article 21, Universal Declaration of Human Rights

We advocate a right to democracy at all levels

It is no longer possible to limit democracy to the nation-state. Conversely, democracy can only function on a global scale if it also prospers nationally. We support an improvement and strengthening of democracy and closer collaboration of democratic countries.

All people must enjoy access to fundamental political and civil rights, in particular the right to competitive free and fair elections and political participation.

Democracy Without Borders believes that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the  International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights constitute a right to democracy at all levels of public authority, from the local to the global.

As a measure to help strengthen democracy, Democracy Without Borders supports the creation of a new mandate of the UN Human Rights Council of Special Rapporteur on Democracy.

What is democracy?

Learn here what democracy is, how it has developed over time, and the challenges it faces.

Two meanings of global democracy

Global democracy can address two things: the state of democracy across the world’s nation-states or democratization of global governance. Learn more about it here. The latter is part of our program area on global governance.

A UN Rapporteur on Democracy

Democracy Without Borders helps coordinate the campaign for the appointment of a UN Special Rapporteur on Democracy by the UN Human Rights Council.

An Alliance of Democracies

Democracy Without Borders supports the creation of an Alliance of Democracies following these principles and proposals.

Endorsements

We are part of the Global Democracy Coalition and we endorse the Coalition for Democratic Renewal.

News and developments in this program area

Dictators’ clubs: how regional blocs support authoritarianism
Authoritarian regimes are using regional organizations to legitimize their rule, suppress democratic opposition, and resist international pressure, forming networks called “Dictators’ Clubs” by Maria Debre.
Maria Debre | 15.07.2025
Quality declined in over half of 2024’s 62 elections worldwide: report
The Global Electoral Report 2025 shows over half of 2024’s 62 elections declined in quality and raises concerns about democratic backsliding even in major democracies like the US, UK, and India.
Toby S. James, Holly Ann Garnett and Sofia Caal-Lam | 04.07.2025
A movement is needed to ensure AI serves human­ity and democracy
A call to action for building a movement to ensure public oversight and governance of artificial intelligence before AI and corporate power undermine democracy and human rights.
Nathan Law | 02.07.2025
Global trade union warns of a “concerted assault” on workers’ rights
Workers’ rights are in decline around the world, according to the 2025 Global Rights Index published by the International Trade Union Confederation.
DWB | 06.06.2025