Global Issues: Democracy

Introduction

A fundamental principle of the UN is democracy. By advancing human rights, development, and peace and security, the UN supports democracy. The UN has contributed more to advancing democracy around the world in the 75 years since the UN Charter was ratified than any other international body. The UN helps civil society in strengthening democratic institutions and accountability, encourages good governance, supervises elections, ensures self-determination in former colonies, and aids in the development of new constitutions in post-conflict countries.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF), the Department of Peace Operations (DPO), the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA), the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), among others, are among the UN organizations that carry out activities in support of democracy.

The United Nations' founding papers include references to democracy.

Democracy was not mentioned in the United Nations Charter, which was written by the organization's founders. Many UN Member States in 1945 either did not support or did not implement democracy. The essential tenet of democracy is that the will of the people is the foundation of the legitimacy of sovereign nations and, consequently, of the United Nations as a whole. This is reflected in the opening words of the Charter, "We the Peoples."

The UN does not support any one particular form of government, but it does support democratic governance as a set of ideals and guidelines that should be upheld for better equality, participation, safety, and human progress. Democracy offers a setting where fundamental freedoms and human rights are upheld, and where the people's freely expressed will is carried out. People can influence decisions and hold decision-makers responsible. Men and women enjoy equal rights, and discrimination is not permitted.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights embodies these ideals. The phrase "the will of the people must be the basis of the authority of government" projects the idea of democracy. They are further developed in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which also establishes the legal foundation for the values of democracy in international law. For instance, it covers the freedom of speech, the right to peaceful assembly, and the ability to associate with others. The 189 parties to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women are required to take all necessary steps to guarantee that women can cast ballots, run for office, and participate in public life and decision-making, including on an international scale.

The UN General Assembly and democracy

The General Assembly has passed at least one resolution pertaining to democracy each year since 1988. Global leaders pledged to create a world in which "democracy, good governance, and the rule of law, as well as an enabling environment at national and international levels, are vital for sustainable development" in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in 2015. The Millennium Declaration and earlier pledges made at the World Summit in 2005 were reiterated in the Agenda.

Human Rights and Democracy

Democracies must adhere to the principles of freedom, human rights respect, and the periodic, legitimate election of all eligible voters. Democracy, in turn, creates a setting where human rights can be effectively protected and realized.

The previous Commission on Human Rights and the UN General Assembly have worked to develop a shared understanding of the fundamental ideas and ideals of democracy for a number of years. As a result, the Commission suggested a number of legal, institutional, and doable steps to strengthen democracy in 2000. Additionally, the Commission deemed the following to be fundamental components of democracy in 2002:

Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms
Freedom of association
Freedom of expression and opinion
Access to power and its exercise in accordance with the rule of law
The holding of periodic free and fair elections by universal suffrage and by secret ballot as the expression of the will of the people
A pluralistic system of political parties and organizations
The separation of powers
The independence of the judiciary
Transparency and accountability in public administration
Free, independent and pluralistic media

Since its founding in 2006, the Human Rights Council (the Commission's successor) has passed a number of decisions emphasizing the interdependence and mutual support of democracy and human rights. Resolutions 19/36 and 28/14 on "Human rights, democracy, and the rule of law" are recent examples.

Democracy deficits

Deficits in democracy, weakened institutions, and bad leadership provide ongoing difficulties. Through its programs and consulting services, the OHCHR and UNDP address these problems. OHCHR supports the development of robust and independent judicial systems, legislatures, human rights institutions, and thriving civil societies in transitional democracies and in post-conflict nations. To combat corruption, foster inclusive participation, and guarantee that no one is left behind, UNDP works with governments to strengthen their public institutions. UNDP invests, on average, $565 million annually to promote inclusive government and local development.

Assisting emerging democracies

In post-conflict countries and transitional democracies, OHCHR works with national governments and other players to reestablish public trust, peace, and the rule of law. Over the past 15 years, OHCHR has actively supported transitional justice initiatives in more than 20 nations. OHCHR supports the creation of truth-seeking procedures, judicial accountability systems, and restitution programs and works to ensure that human rights and transitional justice principles are included in peace agreements.

Directing regional and national initiatives

OHCHR aims to direct regional and national initiatives and to promote dialogue on democracy and human rights. Human rights, democracy, and the rule of law were reaffirmed in a resolution passed by the Human Rights Council in 2012, titled "Human rights, democracy, and the rule of law." This resolution reaffirmed the interdependence and mutual support of democracy, development, and respect for fundamental freedoms. In addition, OHCHR held a panel discussion on these topics and issued a research on the difficulties, lessons learned, and best practices in protecting democracy and the rule of law from a human rights perspective.

The UN is a trusted impartial actor providing electoral assistance to approximately 60 countries each year

Approximately 60 nations get electoral help from the UN annually, either at the request of Member States or according to a mandate from the Security Council or General Assembly. The UN is a dependable, impartial actor in this regard. Advisory services, logistics, training, civic education, computer programs, and short-term observation are all included in the help. The UN also works to strengthen its capabilities in relation to the overall political climate. Working with voters, the media, political parties, civic society, the parliament, and the courts are all necessary for this.

The electoral assistance assists Member States in establishing nationally viable electoral systems and holding regular, inclusive, transparent, and credible elections. In order to maintain peace, develop peace, and establish and strengthen democratic governance, UN electoral aid has been a critical and effective component.

There are numerous programs, funds, agencies, and departments involved in the electoral support. The UN's point person for electoral assistance is the Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs. The Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs' (DPPA) Electoral Assistance Division evaluates electoral requirements, creates electoral policy, and preserves institutional memory. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) offers technical support and encourages women, young people, and other underrepresented groups to vote. It also organizes donor assistance. Military and police components of peacekeeping missions assist national law enforcement organizations in ensuring elections in peacekeeping or post-conflict contexts. The UN collaborates on electoral support with various regional, intergovernmental, and non-governmental organizations.

The UN Democracy Fund discusses democracy and civil society.

Projects that strengthen civil society, advance human rights, and promote participation by all groups in democratic processes are funded by the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF). For instance, UNDEF is now funding initiatives to encourage youth participation in elections in Côte d'Ivoire, to encourage men to support gender equality in Palestine, and to create a platform for citizen advocacy in Brazil. In nations that are both in the transitional and consolidating stages of democratization, the majority of UNDEF funds are distributed to local civil society organizations.

Since its founding in 2005, UNDEF has contributed about 210 million dollars to more than 800 projects in more than 130 nations. Grant requests must be in the range between $100,000 and $300,000 USD. The Member States' voluntary contributions are the only source of funding for the Fund. It has received support from more than 40 governments thus far. India and the United States are the two largest donors. On the UNDEF website, you can find external assessments of finished projects.

Democracy needs women to be truly democratic

Women are necessary for democracy to be truly democratic and for changing the laws and systems that exclude them. The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and the 2011 General Assembly resolution on Women's Political Participation both place emphasis on the role of women in democratic processes.

Despite these advancements in norms and the universality of these objectives, many women still struggle to achieve them. In terms of expanding the representation of women, progress has been too gradual. Just 25% of national lawmakers in 2021 were female, a slowly rising percentage from 14% in 2000. Whether they are mayors or members of the local council, women are underrepresented in local decision-making bodies. The ability of political parties and election commissions to guarantee that women's views are expressed and taken into consideration is frequently lacking.

The UN encourages women to participate in politics. The UN General Assembly established UN Women in July 2010 with the task of coordinating the UN System's efforts to mainstream gender issues. By doing this, UN Member States advanced the Organization's objectives for gender equality and women's empowerment in a historic way. Making local and national elections free and fair for women, supporting women's civil society organizations, increasing accountability for women's rights in public institutions, and supporting women political leaders are all parts of the UN's strategy to support women's effective political participation.

Democracy, Youth, and the United Nations

More over 40% of people worldwide are under the age of 25. Huge obstacles, such climate change, unemployment, inequality, and marginalization, beset the younger generation. Many people move as a result. Young people connect and speak out on important topics in the meantime. They take action for their beliefs and combat injustice, discrimination, and violations of human rights through modern media. Young people also have a powerful voice that speaks to their generation, whether it be Malala Yousafzai advocating for the right of all people to an education or Greta Thunberg leading the fight against climate change.

Working with and for young people was one of the Secretary-main General's priorities. He designated the initial Secretary-Youth General's Envoy, whose job it was to create the UN Youth Strategy. A resolution encouraging all UN bodies to employ education to advance peace, human rights, and democracy was adopted by the UN General Assembly in March 2015. The resolution calls on Member States to include democracy education in their educational requirements.

The World Youth Report by DESA discusses important global issues relating to youth development. The ECOSOC Youth Forum is another venue for young people, where they can express their needs and concerns informally with other stakeholders. The Forum is a crucial tool for organizing young people to carry out the 2030 Agenda because it is the most institutionalized place for youth engagement in UN discussions.

The International Day of Democracy

The International Day of Democracy was declared by the General Assembly on September 15. The occasion to observe offers a chance to assess the global state of democracy. The goal of democracy can only be realized to the advantage of everyone and everywhere with the complete cooperation of the international community, national governing bodies, civil society, and people.