International Day of democracy is celebrated on September 15th to promote democratic principles in each country.
This year, it is focused on the “importance of media freedom to democracy, peace, and delivering on the Sustainable Development Goals”.
What is Democracy
The word democracy comes from the Greek words “demos“, which means people, and “Kratos” which means strength; so democracy may be the notion of “strength of the people”: a manner of governing which relies upon the desire of the people.
The concept of democracy derives its ethical strength from these key principles:
1. Individual autonomy: The concept that nobody must be concerned with regulations that have been imposed via way of means of others. People must be capable of deciding the direction of their very own lives (inside reason).
2. Equality: The concept that everybody must have an equal opportunity to persuade the choices that have an effect on human beings in society.
History
According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the concept was initiated in 1988. Later in 1997, the IPU adopted a Universal Declaration on Democracy which affirmed the principles of democracy.
United Nations General Assembly (UNSC) passed a resolution in 2007 to encourage governments in creating awareness of democracy. The first International day of democracy was celebrated in 2008.https://www.zeebiz.com/india/news-international-day-of-democracy-history-theme-significance-and-more-199089
Importance
The day not only emphasizes the importance of democratic processes but also encourages governments around the world to strengthen democratic systems and continue to respect the rights of their citizens. In addition, the International Day of Democracy plays an important role in highlighting the role of parliaments and electoral bodies in ensuring justice, development and human rights.
“All member state parliaments are encouraged to celebrate this day with events and celebrations,” the IPU website says.
Theme
This year, it is focused on the “importance of media freedom to democracy, peace, and delivering on the Sustainable Development Goals”. Meanwhile, previous themes have focused on strengthening democracy, the importance of democracy, strengthening the voice of citizens, dialogue and inclusion, accountability and political tolerance.
Declining Press Freedom
UNESCO has reported that 85 per cent of the world`s population experienced a decline in press freedom in their country in the past five years. Media globally are increasingly facing attacks, online and offline, increasing detention; the use of defamation laws as well as cybersecurity or hate speech laws to curb online expression; the growing use of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation Laws (SLAPPS) and surveillance technologies; to target them and hamper their work. UNESCO and the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) found that 73 per cent of 714 women-identifying journalists from 125 countries have reported experiencing online violence in the course of their work. From 2016 to the end of 2021, UNESCO recorded the killings of 455 journalists, who either died for their work or while on the job.
From the Gambia to Ukraine and Tunisia to Sri Lanka, civil society organizations have been drafting legal frameworks for access to information; combating hate speech, supporting local citizen journalism; fighting mis- and disinformation; and supporting media rights. In his message for World Press Freedom Day, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called on governments, media organizations and technology companies around the world to tell the truth to those in power, debunk lies, and build strong and resilient institutions. build a society.
Quotes on Democracy
“Of the people, by the people, for the people” Abraham Lincoln
“A government of laws, and not of men.”
—John Adams
“People shouldn’t be afraid of their government. Governments should be afraid of their people.”
“The real strength of democracy is that anyone who is not specifically against it must ultimately be for it, while communism suffers from the great tactical liability that anyone who is not specifically for it is eventually forced to oppose it.”
