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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.

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 supports the creation of the mandate of a UN Special Rapporteur on Democracy by the UN Human Rights Council based on this research and this policy brief.

An Alliance of Democracies

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

Projects

DWB and its chapters are seeking donors and partners to develop projects in the field of democracy promotion at all levels.

Endorsements

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

News and developments in this program area

Global poll: 84% believe it is important to have democracy
On the occasion of this year’s Copenhagen Democracy Summit, the sixth Democracy Perception Index was published by Latana in collaboration with the Alliance of Democracies Foundation. The 2023 annual study…
R. S. Deese | 01.06.2023
Citizens’ assemblies: not made to legislate
If things go to plan, 2023 could see Ireland’s constitution amended to include environmental rights for both people and nature itself. Not only would this be a victory for environmentalism,…
Graham Wetherall-Grujić | 09.05.2023
Civil society in a world of crisis: overview of CIVICUS’ 2023 report
War crimes are being committed by Russia on an industrial scale in Ukraine, women’s rights are being trampled on in Afghanistan and LGBTQI+ people’s rights are under assault in Uganda,…
Mandeep Tiwana | 08.05.2023
A new mandate on democracy at the UN Human Rights Council
In this article human rights advocate Gulnara Shahinian argues that the UN Human Rights Council should create the mandate of a Special Rapporteur on Democracy.
Gulnara Shahinian | 20.04.2023