The International Day of Democracy, which is observed every September 15th, offers a chance to assess the global status of democracy. Democracy essentially focuses on how societies choose the people who will wield power. Democracy is not only a process, but also a goal that requires the commitment of the government, civil society, international organisations, and each individual citizen living in a democratic society. These values of freedom, respect for human rights, and the principle of holding regular, honest elections. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights’ article 21(3), which reads in part, “The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures,” captures the relationship between democracy and human rights. While the COVID-19 dilemma has led to significant problems worldwide, a recent upheaval in Europe is serving as a reminder that our democratic ideals are continually in danger. Indeed, more than ever, democracy is regressing, civic space is contracting, mistrust, misinformation, and challenges to the independence of journalists and media professionals are growing daily. The theme of this year’s Democracy Day is the value of media freedom for promoting democracy, world peace, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. A functioning democracy is one in which the populace is properly educated and has unfettered access to forums for voicing complaints, participating in debate, holding the government accountable, and addressing societal issues. Thus, the ability of the media to operate freely is essential to democracy. In order to guarantee the enjoyment of a wide variety of human rights, including the right to be free from torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights is also founded on democratic principles. Goal 16 of the Sustainable Development Goals also focuses on protecting democratic institutions, with particular attention paid to promoting the rule of law, reducing corruption, developing effective and transparent institutions at all levels, ensuring responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels, ensuring public access to information, and protecting fundamental freedoms in accordance with national legislation. It is clear that democracy, the rule of law, and human rights are intertwined and cannot thus be viewed individually or given higher priority than the others. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees estimates that there are currently 22.5 million refugees worldwide. When people are forced to flee their country due to conflict or disaster, they encounter new insecurities and difficulties: establishing an official identity, providing for themselves and their families, and trying to re-establish some semblance of a life in the unnatural surroundings of tent camps or among host communities that themselves struggle with a variety of needs.
Edu world values and celebrated the International Day of Democracy. The democracy explains the people’s choice in the decision making of the country. However, this day should not simply be a chance to assess democratic regimes; it should also serve as a reminder that democracy is about people: living, breathing, thinking, feeling creatures who deserve to be treated properly under a system based on justice, freedom, peace, and equality for ALL (irrespective of gender, race, religion, place of origin and other status).
