On the 15th anniversary of the International Day of Democracy, commemorated on Thursday, the UN chief observed that “across the world, democracy is backsliding”.
“Civic space is shrinking. Distrust and disinformation are growing. And polarization is undermining democratic institutions,” Secretary-General António Guterres said in his video message marking the day.
Raise the alarm
He said that “now is the time” to raise the alarm, and “reaffirm that democracy, development, and human rights are interdependent and mutually reinforcing”.
“Today marks the 15th anniversary of the International Day of Democracy.
Yet across the world, democracy is backsliding.
On #DemocracyDay and every day, let us join forces to secure freedom and protect the rights of all people, everywhere.” — @antonioguterres pic.twitter.com/UtrUjpvfXo
— UN Geneva (@UNGeneva) September 15, 2022
“Now is the time to stand up for the democratic principles of equality, inclusion, and solidarity”.
The UN chief said it was important to stand with those who strive to secure the rule of law and promote full participation in decision-making.
Media focus
Mr. Guterres drew attention to this year’s focus, which is on free, independent, and pluralistic media, which he described as the “cornerstone of democratic societies”.
He warned that from verbal assault to online surveillance and legal harassment, attempts to silence journalists are “growing more brazen by the day” – especially against women journalists.
As media workers face censorship, detention, physical violence, and even killings – often with impunity – the UN chief reminded that “such dark paths inevitably lead to instability, injustice and worse”.
“Without a free press, democracy cannot survive. Without freedom of expression, there is no freedom,” underscored the Secretary-General, urging the world to join forces “to secure freedom and protect the rights of all people, everywhere”.
Waning press freedom
According to the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), over the past five years, 85 per cent of the world’s population has experienced a decline in press freedom.
The UN agency elaborated that in attempts to hamper their work, media globally are increasingly facing attacks, online and offline.
They are being targeted with increasing detention; the use of defamation laws; cybersecurity or hate speech laws to curb online expression; and growing surveillance technologies.
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