Democracy Without Borders

Program Areas

Promoting democracy worldwide

For a UN Special Rapporteur on Democracy

Democracy needs attention

There is a worrying global trend of democratic backsliding. According to research, the average level of democracy a global citizen enjoys has fallen back to that of 1986. There have been more than 15 consecutive years of a continous decline in global freedom other studies say.

People want democracy

Most people want democracy and many feel that there is a deficit: over 80% of people in countries across the world’s regions consistently say that they find it important to have democracy. But only half perceive their country to actually be democratic. 

Democracy and the United Nations

The UN has always been vocal in its support for democracy. This includes the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the 1966 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and other resolutions adopted by the UN General Assembly or the Human Rights Council until very recently.

Time for a Special Rapporteur

Democratic rights are under threat in many countries. A UN Special Rapporteur on Democracy appointed by the Human Rights Council can help protect and strengthen democracy. The rapporteur should not only address deficiencies but also highlight good practices.

On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on 10 December 2023, Democracy Without Borders together with like-minded groups calls for the appointment of a UN Special Rapporteur on Democracy.

Read more

This study discusses the proposed mandate in detail

News and developments in this campaign

A new mandate on democracy at the UN Human Rights Council
In this article human rights advocate Gulnara Shahinian argues that the UN Human Rights Council should create the mandate of a Special Rapporteur on Democracy.
Gulnara Shahinian | 20.04.2023
Group calls for “swift establishment” of UN Rapporteur on Democracy
Democracy Without Borders, a civil society group dedicated to promoting global democracy, calls on “like-minded states committed to democracy” to seek “a swift establishment of the mandate of a Special
DWB | 24.02.2023
A United Nations Special Rapporteur on Democracy
Research paper on the creation of a new UN Human Rights Council mandate of a UN Special Rapporteur on Democracy
Maartje Mensink | 23.02.2023
Experts discuss new mandate of UN Special Rapporteur on Democracy
The possible creation of a new mandate for a UN Special Rapporteur on Democracy was discussed by a group of experts from civil society organisations, think tanks, international institutions and academia.
DWB | 24.01.2023
This site is registered on wpml.org as a development site. Switch to a production site key to remove this banner.