By,
Ms. Sejal Agarwal
B.Design (Fashion Design -Sem II)
Satyam Fashion Institute, Noida
“Let us use the power of democracy to bring the change we want to see.”
The International Day of Democracy, known as World Democracy Day, is celebrated on September 15 across the Globe after being established in 2007 through a resolution by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
The International Day of Democracy owes its existence to the Universal Declaration on September 15, 1997, by the Inter – Parliament Union (IPU). On the following day, Qatar led efforts to promote an International Day of Democracy. Finally, on November 8, 2007, the day was established as the UNGA adopted by consensus the resolution titled “Support by United Nations System of efforts of Governments to promote and consolidate a new or restored Democracies”.
According to the United Nations, “International Day of Democracy provides an opportunity to review the state of democracy in the world. Democracy is as much a goal, and only with the full participation of the international community can the ideal of democracy be made into a reality to be enjoyed by everyone, everywhere.
The values of freedom, respect for human rights and the principle of holding periodic and genuine elections by Universal suffrage are essential elements of democracy. In turn, democracy provides the natural environment for the protection and practical realization of human rights. These values are embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and were developed in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The link between human rights and democracy is written in Article 21(3) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights”.
The International Day of Democracy marks the importance of Democracy in the world. India being the largest democracy globally, conducting elections on a massive scale every five years is the best example of exercising human rights and universal suffrage. Union Minister for Road, Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said India would stand as a beacon of hope and inspiration for the world. He is committed to ensuring liberty, justice and fraternity in the country.
Each year highlights a specific theme. The theme for last year day was “COVID – 19: A Spotlight on Democracy”. Past themes have included “Strengthening voices for Democracy”, “Engaging youth on Democracy”, “Space for Civil Society”, “Participation”, and so on.
The Theme for International Day of Democracy 2021 is “Strengthening Democratic resilience in the Face of Future Crisis”. According to the UN website, this theme focuses on “the need to continue to uphold the rule of law, protect and respect international standards and basic principles of legality and the right to access justice, remedies and due process”, even in the face of the COVID-19 crisis. The United Nations insists that freedom, respect for human rights and the principles for holding periodic and genuine elections by universal suffrage are the significant elements of any democracy.
This year, the UN promoted the hashtag that is Stand Up For Human Rights or #StandUp4HumanRights.
Democracy is essential because it is the best system of government human beings have come up with. It allows people to make their legislation, decide their rights and duties and work together in the national interests.
There are some facts:
- The longest standing constitution in the world, and therefore the most stable and successful, is that of a democratic government
- No two democratic countries have ever gone to war. Ever. Governments fight governments, but the people do not wish to fight other people.
- There is no objective basis for morality, aside from basic truths like “killing is bad.” Because of this, no government can ever claim to be entirely correct in their laws, one can only have laws which are agreed upon by most citizens for them to be valid, legitimate, and binding.
The celebration of Democracy Day is conducive to reflecting on the importance of taking care of it. This requires the system to respond to expectations. This day holds great significance. It highlights the importance of a healthy democracy and its role in enabling the citizens to voice their opinions. It also plays a significant role in making people aware of their human rights and ensuring peace and justice.
You can share these to observe International Day of Democracy 2021.
- Democracy is not a form of government but a form of social organisation – Dr. B R Ambedkar.
- Democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choices are prepared to choose wisely. The real safeguard of democracy is education – Franklin D Roosevelt.