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
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.
Learn here what democracy is, how it has developed over time, and the challenges it faces.
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.
Democracy Without Borders helps coordinate the campaign for the appointment of a UN Special Rapporteur on Democracy by the UN Human Rights Council.
Democracy Without Borders supports the creation of an Alliance of Democracies following these principles and proposals
We are part of the Global Democracy Coalition and we endorse the Coalition for Democratic Renewal.
Our publications provide unique perspectives and background analysis
International institutions have only paid limited attention to their democratic credentials in recent years, case studies and interviews under the ENSURED project found.
Hylke Dijkstra, Clara Weinhardt |
A main report focuses on multilateral support for democracy at the national level. Three background papers explore the roles of the UN, regional organizations and coalitions of like-minded states.
DWB |
Research links democratic backsliding and hybrid regimes to greater conflict risk, making democracy support, social cohesion and early action key pillars of international security, this article argues.
Alexander Hudson |
According to International IDEA, of 174 countries assessed, 98 declined and 55 improved in at least one factor of democratic performance from 2020 to 2025. In 81% of cases, no change occurred.
Elena Kembabazi Angwech |