UN rights experts, speaking ahead of the International Day of
Democracy, have deplored the increasing erosion of democracy as a result
of repressive policies in some countries but also by virtue of the
increasing influence of vested interests at the expense of the public
will.
The Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable
international order, Alfred de Zayas, and the Special Rapporteur on the
rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, Maina Kiai
made the call urging the governments across the world to stop erosion of
democracy.
They said democracy should not be reduced to an empty word; it is
self-determination in action, and a necessary instrument for securing a
more peaceful, just and stable world and civil society is a key partner
to achieve this noble goal, according to a message received here from
Geneva on Friday.
"We therefore call upon Member States to ensure greater space for
civil society, so that they may take their rightful place as key players
in democracy," they said.
This year's theme for the International Day of Democracy is space for
civil society. The United Nations and all Special Procedures mandate
holders endorse this necessary and achievable goal.
But democracy today has become an over-used word, invoked even by
tyrants. A country does not become democratic simply by holding
elections, it said.
What matters most is what happens between those elections: Can people
speak out, engage and influence the leaders they have elected? Is there
a correlation between the needs and will of the people and the policies
that affect them? Can people peacefully assemble when other ways of
expressing their grievances fail? Is peaceful dissent tolerated and
encouraged to flourish, so that the marketplace of ideas is not
monopolized by one group?
"On International Day of Democracy 2015, we call on States to
recognize that civil society space is the vehicle that allows this to
happen. Indeed, it is essential for a true democracy," it said.
Unfortunately, space for civil society is shrinking rapidly today,
both in countries with no democratic tradition and in ostensibly
democratic countries, the UN experts observed.
They said there is a growing disconnect between elected officials and
the people. "We see this disconnect manifested in the recent surge of
large protest movements throughout the world. People perceive a failure
of governance and democracy, and protest is often their last resort in
making themselves heard. Increasingly, governments are responding to
this type of dissent with more repression, distorting the concept of
democracy beyond recognition."
The UN experts said civil society must reclaim its rightful place by
demanding genuine participation in governance, including decisions on
peace initiatives, environmental protection and trade and investment
agreements.
"Fast-tracking legislation or treaties, enacted without consulting
stakeholders and without responsible debate is unacceptable in a
democracy."
They said democracy is much more than a label. 'Representative
democracy' can only be called democratic when and if 'representatives'
actually represent their constituencies by pro-actively consulting with
them and facilitating their participation in decision-making, thus
making the goal of greater space for civil society meaningful.