Democracy Without Borders

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.

Publications

Our publications provide unique perspectives and background analysis 

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News and developments in this program area

Zambia’s cancellation of RightsCon sparks alarm and condemnation
The Zambian government's last-minute move to stop RightsCon 2026 in Lusaka draws sharp criticism from rights groups and raises concerns over civic space and foreign influence.
DWB | 01.05.2026
Rethinking democracy: experts agree innovation is needed, but which?
On online event brought together political reseachers Doina Stratu-Strelet and Hanno Scholtz who presented and discussed their approaches to democratic theory and innovation.
DWB | 24.04.2026
Authoritarian states keep collaborating to target dissidents abroad
A Freedom House report finds that at least 54 governments have engaged in targeting dissidents abroad in 2025, in particular in Southeast Asia and East Africa.
Vladan Lausevic | 22.04.2026
It’s the end of internet anonymity as we know it (and I don’t feel fine)
Online identity checks risk becoming a dangerous slippery slope, making it easier for governments to erode anonymous speech and chill dissent under the guise of safety or accountability.
Sarah McLaughlin | 16.04.2026
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