Monday marks the 18th anniversary of the International Day of Democracy, providing an opportunity for all to contemplate the state of democracy around the world.
At a time of conflict, shrinking civic space, and rising disinformation, this day serves as a crucial reminder of the values and institutions that sustain democratic practices.
The horror unfolding in Gaza is an affront to democratic values, as Palestinians are being treated as unequal and many are subjected to a man-made famine. Meanwhile, the perpetrators of war crimes, Israel, is being almost unquestioningly supported by those in power in the US, although much of its population is against the continuing victimisation of Palestinians.
Meanwhile, Russia's protracted war on Ukraine enters its 1,299th day.
Marking the 18th International Day of Democracy 2025, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted "the courage of people everywhere who are shaping their societies through dialogue, participation, and trust", deeming these efforts as more vital than ever "at a time when democracy and the rule of law are under assault from disinformation, division, and shrinking civic space."
While the term democracy can denote a number of political arrangements, like first-past-the-post voting and proportional representation, it is safe to say that it is a method of collective decision-making, according to the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
"Democracy is as much a process as a goal," the UN news says, adding it can only become a reality for all people, everywhere, through the active participation and support of the international community, national governments, civil society, and individuals.
In essence, democracy is a constant grind and vigil to protect the agency of the people. "It flourishes when rights are protected, particularly for those most often left behind," it adds.
Moreover, freedom of expression, a measure of democracy stipulated in article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states, "Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers."
The link between democracy and press freedom is also enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The UN Democracy Fund will host an event on this occasion at UN Headquarters to highlight how democratic participation can be transformed "From Voice to Action".
The event aims to show democracy as a living force for agency, hope, and cooperation, at a time when building trust through dialogue and shared decision-making has become an imperative, the UN news says.
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