World International Democracy Day is observed each year on the 15th of September. The day was established through a resolution passed by the UN General Assembly in 2007. The first celebration of the day happened in 2008 which was observed by 46 National Parliaments.
The main motto behind observing the International Day of Democracy is “to motivate governments to strengthen and consolidate democracy. Democracy is essential for the protection and effective realization of human rights,” UN.
In his address to the media today, September 15, the Secretary General of the UN António Guterres said,
“Today marks the 15th anniversary of the International Day of Democracy. Yet across the world, democracy is backsliding. Civic space is shrinking. Distrust and disinformation are growing. And polarization is undermining democratic institutions. Now is the time to raise the alarm.”
UNESCO has reported that 85 percent of the world’s population experienced a decline in press freedom in their country in the past five years. “With the media globally facing an increase in attacks, online and offline, increasing detention; the use of defamation laws as well as cyber security or hate speech laws to curb online expression; the growing use of Strategic Lawsuits against Public Participation Laws.”
“Now is the time to reaffirm that democracy, development, and human rights are interdependent and mutually reinforcing. Now is the time to stand up for the democratic principles of equality, inclusion, and solidarity. And stand with those who strive to secure the rule of law and promote the full participation in decision-making,” the UN Secretary-General further stated.
The plight of the media was addressed as we are a cornerstone of democratic societies. “Media workers face censorship, detention, physical violence, and even killings – often with impunity. Such dark paths inevitably lead to instability, injustice, and worse. Without a free press, democracy cannot survive. Without freedom of expression, there is no freedom. On Democracy Day and every day, let us join forces to secure freedom and protect the rights of all people, everywhere,” António Guterres- Secretary General of the UN.
