In its final week, the 1999 UN Commission on Human Rights adopted a resolution on the right to democracy. The international community has affirmed for the first time that democracy fosters respect for human rights and humanitarian standards.
Analysis: The Commission on Human Rights is not alone in recognizing the many benefits of democracy. “Without good governance,” UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has stated, “the foundations of society – both national and international – are built on sand.”
The Nobel prize-winning economist, Amartya Sen, has said that “no substantial famine has ever occurred in a country with a democratic form of government.” Per Ahlmark, former Deputy Prime Minister of Sweden, has cited studies showing that no two democracies have fought one another in war. “Democracy protects lives and dictatorship takes lives,” he asserted.
The Commission’s resolution “urges the continuation and expansion of activities carried out by the United Nations system…to promote and consolidate democracy within the framework of international cooperation.” Democracy is the foundation for accountable and transparent government. It helps to safeguard fundamental human rights, fight poverty, and maintain peace.
Advancing democracy should be integral to all of the UN’s agencies and programs. Along with human rights, the Secretary-General should place democracy-building as a central goal of the UN. Already some agencies have made this a priority.
For example, the UN Conference on Trade and Development is forging partnerships between least developed countries and private industry in democratic, industrialized nations. In addition to access to technology and the global economy, these developing states are exposed to business practices that prize accountability and shun corruption. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights promotes human rights and the rule of law among local institutions through its program of advisory services and technical cooperation.
These programs are examples of the UN’s potential to promote democracy. Now, the UN must coordinate and strengthen this commitment.
