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

Brochure: What is democracy?
This brochure explains what democracy is, how it has developed over time, and the challenges it faces. Available as a PDF in different languages.
DWB | 12.03.2025
Freedom House reports “global freedom decline” for 19th consecutive year
2024 was the 19th consecutive year with net global freedom decline says Freedom House. The situation deteriorated in 60 countries and improved in 34. The number of electoral democracies stands at 106 of 195.
Olivia Gauvin | 28.02.2025
Championing democracy at the UN: it is not who you may think it is
An analysis of UN General Assembly speeches illustrates the ongoing relevance of democracy in global politics. The findings challenge the mainstream view that democracy is a Western preoccupation.
Annika Silva-Leander | 24.02.2025
Democracy: a system that gives power to the people
Chinese political prisoner Xu Zhiyong, founder of the New Citizens Movement, describes in this article what democracy is. The piece is part of his essay series “A Beautiful China”.
Xu Zhiyong | 22.02.2025