In recent years, the landscape of democracy has faced a concerning decline, with governments around the globe tightening their grips on civil society through legal and policy constraints. Amid this backdrop, a coalition of civil society organisations champions the establishment of a UN Special Rapporteur on Democracy (UNRoD). This initiative seeks to address democratic erosion while reflecting societies’ enduring faith in democratic governance.
The proposal emphasises the power of democracy to safeguard human rights and freedoms, advocating for its reinforcement on an international scale. By utilising existing UN frameworks, including milestones like the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 1996 Agenda for Democratization, it aspires to enhance democracy through the UNRoD. This mandate is expected to advance democratic principles globally, providing expert guidance and recommendations for better governance.
An upcoming event will serve as a forum for scrutinising existing gaps in the Human Rights Council’s (HRC) approach to promoting democracy. Participants will explore mechanisms to uphold democratic governance principles within the UN. The aims include raising awareness and fostering discussions on the potential contributions of a UNRoD, particularly in enhancing election integrity, civic participation, and governmental accountability.
Agenda:
– Moderation and Introductory Remarks: Dr. Sigrid Lipott, UN Advisor, CIVICUS.
– Panel Discussion:
– Andreas Bummel, Executive Director, Democracy Without Borders.
– Dr. Dalia Leinartė, Member, UN Human Rights Committee.
– Yuyun Wahyuningrum, Executive Director, ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights.
– Dr. Annika Silva-Leander, Head of North America, International IDEA, Permanent Observer to the UN.
– Co-organizers: CIVICUS (lead partner) and Democracy Without Borders.
– Co-sponsors: International IDEA, Society for Threatened Peoples, Parliamentarians for Global Action, REDLAD, ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights, and Alliance for Vietnam’s Democracy.
The article discusses the alarming decline in democracy over the past twenty years and highlights a proposal for establishing a UN Special Rapporteur on Democracy (UNRoD). This initiative aims to strengthen democratic values and protect human rights by coordinating efforts among civil society and previous UN frameworks. The event will address current gaps in democratic governance promotion and is co-organized by various organisations dedicated to democracy.
The establishment of a UN Special Rapporteur on Democracy seeks to counteract the recent downturn in democratic principles worldwide, foster civic engagement, and ensure governmental accountability. Through collaborative efforts among global civil society and established UN frameworks, this initiative is set to revitalise democracy and enhance the protection of human rights globally, sparking essential dialogue on these pressing issues.
Original Source: www.idea.int
