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.

Endorsements

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

News and developments in this program area

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
Study: 2022 sixth year of more democratic decline than progress globally
The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) released their annual Global State of Democracy report on November 2, 2023. The intergovernmental institute based in Stockholm describes the
Nelleke Dekkers | 10.11.2023
World Liberty Congress unites dissidents to “end autocracy” worldwide
According to the World Liberty Congress, more than 200 dissidents from 56 countries under autocratic rule gathered in Vilnius, Lithuania, this week at a global assembly that formally established the
DWB | 09.11.2023
Open Society Barometer: 86% worldwide want to live in a democracy
In September 2023, Open Society Foundations, renowned as the world’s most substantial private supporter of groups championing justice, democratic governance and human rights, introduced the Open Society Barometer. This comprehensive
Lidia Bilali | 04.10.2023