New York/The Hague
Today, as the world continues grappling with the devastating effects of a global pandemic, which has caused around 4.6 million deaths worldwide and a severe decline of democracy and human rights, Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) joins efforts to echo and commemorate the International Day of Democracy.
In 2007, when the United Nations General Assembly resolved to observe the 15 of September as the International Day of Democracy, the world was in a different position. At a time of crisis and as long-standing and new democracies are shaken by political polarization, social unrest, and economic havoc, PGA’s global membership wishes to reiterate the importance of building stronger, effective, and more transparent democratic institutions and societies based on the respect of universal human rights. .
Totalitarian and populist leaders around the world are putting democracy in danger as they gain more support and use the COVID-19 pandemic as an excuse to solidify their power locally and abroad. From Brazil to Belarus, Malaysia, India, and Turkey, we are witnessing a dangerous trend where the political discourse is being used as a tool to destroy rather than construct, build, and protect. Religious, ethnic, and other vulnerable minorities are disproportionately being targeted; fundamental human rights and freedoms have been curtailed, and lack of transparency has increased as Governments impose severe restrictions to curve the spread of the virus.
As new technologies and communication platforms emerge, Governments are also required to adapt to the new realities while refraining from and combating the spread of misinformation and disinformation, hate speech, and excessive concentration and abuse of power. The Executive must avoid exploiting its emergency powers to interfere with the judiciary branch, impose restrictions on the opposition and dissent, and sideline the legislature, as it can lead to serious violations. Therefore, PGA urges leaders, legislators, and other key stakeholders worldwide to respect the Rule of Law, protect free and independent media, counter disinformation, and uphold the principles and constitutional pillars upon which our societies have been built.
Through its Campaign on Democratic Renewal and Human Rights and its three main pillars, PGA has manifested its support to Members of Parliament facing political persecution, torture, and other forms of violence to their physical and/or phycological integrity; condemned the erosion of democracy in several countries; and supported minorities as they face constant repression while committing itself to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goal 16. The International Day of Democracy, thus, represents the perfect occasion to review the state of our democracies and reevaluate what measures can be taken to improve our democratic systems.
With continuous efforts to build solid democracies and sustainable institutions, and by influencing our systems of governance through our representatives, we can ensure that our democratic values and principles remain strong in the future as we face new adversities. Towards that endeavor, PGA, today, invites all legislators worldwide to reaffirm their commitment and sign the Global Parliamentary Code of Democratic Conduct (available also in French and Spanish), which is an important benchmark to hold parliamentarians accountable for their speech, commit themselves to demand a respectful dialogue for all and respect for human rights, and refrain from disinformation.
