The United Nations (UN)’s International Day of Democracy is annually observed across the world -on 15 September to mark the importance of democracy and create awareness among people about democratic rights.
- 15th September 2022 marks the 15th anniversary of the International Day of Democracy.
- International Day of Democracy 2022 will focus on the importance of media freedom to democracy, peace, and delivering on the Sustainable Development Goals.
Background:
i.On 8th November 2007, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/62/7 and proclaimed the 15th September of every year as the International Day of Democracy.
ii.The first International Day of Democracy was celebrated on 15 September 2008.
Why September 15 ?
The day marks the adoption of theUniversal Declaration on Democracy by the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU) on 15th September 1997.
Significance:
i.The International Day of Democracy has been established to create awareness among people so that they understand the importance of protection and the effective realization of human rights.
- According to Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the right to freedom of expression is a fundamental human right.
ii.Democracy is a process as a goal which can be made into reality only with the full participation of the international community.
- Essential elements of democracy include: values of freedom, respect for human rights and holding periodic & genuine elections by universal suffrage.
Event of International Day of Democracy 2022:
i.The UN Office for Partnerships collaborated with the UN Democracy Fund to host a discussion in the SDG studio as part of the SDG Roundtable series.
- The solutions for the achievement of SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions will be discussed.
About Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU):
Headquarters-Geneva, Switzerland
President-Duarte Pacheco
Founded-1889
