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.

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 global 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.

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

EIU 2023 democracy report: regression in an age of conflict
The Economist’s 2023 Democracy Index says there are currently 24 full democracies, 50 flawed democracies, 34 hybrid and 59 authoritarian regimes. Only 7.8% of the world’s population live in a full democracy.
Petter Ölmunger | 19.02.2024
In 2024, elections will be held in over seventy countries
In 2024, elections are held in more than seventy countries around the world that are home to more than half the world’s population. Media outlets are talking about the “biggest
Markus Pausch | 10.01.2024
Study: Attack on LGBTI rights indicates democratic backsliding
In a recent study titled “Democratic Backsliding and LGBTI Acceptance”, researchers from the Williams Institute at the Los Angeles School of Law of the University of California find that the
Nelleke Dekkers | 15.12.2023
International statement calls for a UN Rapporteur on Democracy
A statement calling on the UN to appoint a special rapporteur on democracy under the auspices of the Human Rights Council has been signed by over 80 civil society organizations and 180 individuals.
DWB | 20.11.2023