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

Democratic decline continued to dominate globally in 2023, study reveals
The Global State of Democracy report 2024 of International IDEA shows that in 2023 47% of the countries covered experienced a democratic decline and 30% advanced, making it another year with overall net decline
Marina Milic | 26.09.2024
Democracy plays no role in the UN’s Pact for the Future
The Pact for the Future does not emphasize support of democratic institutions, inclusive governance, and civil liberties. Its failure to consider the erosion of democracy leaves a critical gap.
Annika Silva-Leander | 23.09.2024
Support of new International Anti-Corruption Court on the rise
Transparency and justice are crucial elements of democracy. There has been, however, a global decline in justice and the rule of law since 2016. The latest Corruption Perceptions Index released
Ksenia Karpova | 05.08.2024
Community of Democracy debates new UN Special Rapporteur in Warsaw
On 11 June, representatives of the 30 member states of the Community of Democracies (CoD) convened for a meeting of their Governing Council in the Polish capital Warsaw, the location
DWB | 13.06.2024