Democracy

Time for a UN Special Rapporteur in Defense of Democracy

At the start of the 55th session of the UN Human Rights Council, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) is the first German political foundation to join the call for the appointment of a UN Special Rapporteur on Democracy.

The campaign was launched at the end of last year by the non-governmental organization Democracy Without Borders to mark the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 150 organizations and 400 individuals from all over the world have signed it by now. 

For weeks, people in Germany have been taking to the streets in support of democracy. Many have come to realize that an open, liberal society cannot be taken for granted, but that it is an achievement that must be defended. In numerous countries, however, citizens do not even have the opportunity to publicly stand up for their values. The number of autocracies is increasing, while democratic spaces are shrinking.

In this threatening global political climate, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom has taken a clear stance: the two board members responsible for human rights, Sabine Leutheusser-Schnarrenberger and Anne Brasseur, support the initiative of Democracy Without Borders to create a mandate for a UN Special Rapporteur in defense of democracy. UN Special Rapporteurs are appointed on a wide range of human rights issues, from the right to food to the rights of indigenous peoples.

Strengthening and promoting democracy is one of the core tasks of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom. As democracy and human rights are inextricably linked, it set up a Human Rights Hub in Geneva last year. As a hub for the Foundation's human rights work, it is intended to enhance respect for and compliance with human rights around the globe and to promote the rules-based international legal system. The hub will connect human rights defenders and civil society actors both with each other and with UN organizations in Geneva.

Role of the UN Special Rapporteurs

A UN Special Rapporteur on Democracy would also have the task of protecting and strengthening a free, rule-based social order. He or she could document concerning developments while raising public awareness of good examples. During their country visits, UN rapporteurs consult with experts and civil society. They make recommendations and communicate their findings to the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly through reports.

The Economist's annual Democracy Index shows just how vulnerable democracy is these days. According to the index, less than 8 percent of the world's population lived in a so-called "full democracy" in 2023, while almost 40 percent fell under the category of "authoritarian regimes". The number of authoritarian regimes has risen steadily over the past few years, while democracies recorded their lowest level since the global survey began in 2006.

In the super election year of 2024, when more than half of the world's population will vote, this trend is particularly worrying. The use of all available means – such as the appointment of a UN Special Rapporteur on Democracy – is urgently needed to halt or even reverse it. The Human Rights Council meets until April 5.

“There will be no peace in the world as long as human rights are not respected, democracy is restricted and the rule of law is disregarded.” – Anne Brasseur, Board Member and former President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe