International Day of Democracy is held on September 15 every year. The purpose of this day is to review the state of democracy in the world and uphold and promote democracy and its principles. Founded on the 20th anniversary of the First International Conference of the New or Restored Democracies, it is observed every year to promote global democracy.

According to the United Nations, this year, “the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis has resulted in major social, political and legal challenges globally. As states around the world adopt emergency measures to address the crisis, it is critical that they 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.”

UN Secretary General António Guterres has urged governments to be transparent, responsive and accountable in their COVID-19 response and ensure that any emergency measures are legal, proportionate, necessary and non-discriminatory. He stated, “The best response is one that responds proportionately to immediate threats while protecting human rights and the rule of law.”

Well before #COVID19, frustration was rising & trust in public authorities was declining.

Governments must do more to listen to people demanding change.

On this #DemocracyDay, let’s seize this moment to build a more equal & inclusive world, with full respect for human rights. pic.twitter.com/slLcYefHep

— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) September 15, 2020

“Democracy is as much a process as a goal, and only with the full participation of and support by the international community, national governing bodies, civil society and individuals, can the ideal of democracy be made into a reality to be enjoyed by everyone, everywhere,” states the UN.

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