Statement of the Convening Group of the Community of Democracies on the International Day of Democracy
Statement of the Convening Group of the Community of Democracies on the International Day of Democracy
14 September, 2009
The Community of Democracies congratulates all
The Community of Democracies encourages the Member States to strengthen national programmes devoted to the promotion and consolidation of democracy, including through increased bilateral, regional and international cooperation, taking into account innovative approaches and best practices and to consider recognising September 15th as the official Day for Democracy.
The Community of Democracies reiterates that democracy is a universal value based on the freely expressed will of people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural systems and their full participation in all aspects of their lives. Democracy, peace and security, development and human rights are interdependent and mutually reinforcing. It is essential that civil society organizations take responsibility and action to influence the agenda of the International Day of Democracy, making sure that the debate reflects issues relevant to various parts of population, including the marginalized and poor people.
The Community of Democracies underlines that the current financial and economic crisis has brought new challenges that democracies must deal with and calling on the governments, parliamentarians, non-governmental organizations to discuss the implications of current financial and economic crisis for democratic governance in order to sustain, expand and improve democratic governance at local, national and global level.
The Community of Democracies pledges to spare no effort to promote democracy and strengthen the rule of law, as well as respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
