International Day of Democracy
Today on 15 September, we are celebrating the International Day of Democracy. Still, we are all very aware that celebrating a day and encouraging governments to strengthen Democracy does not lead to its implementation. Therefore, Democracy is one of the aims and principles of IFM-SEI. We want to celebrate this day to educate, create awareness but also reflect on the status quo.
Democracy based on the UN definition is:
“The values of freedom, respect for human rights and the principle of holding periodic and genuine elections by universal suffrage are essential elements of Democracy. In turn, Democracy provides an environment for the protection and effective realisation of human rights.” (UN 2020)
What Democracy means for us
However, what we believe Democracy means additionally to how the UN declared in 2002;
- ● People can take part in decision-making at all levels in meaningful and inclusive ways.
- ● Democratic processes govern IFM-SEI and its member organisations.
- ● Children and young people are involved in all levels of decision-making in our movement, form their local groups to the world congress.
- ● Children can make decisions and have valid opinions on a wide variety of issues from a local to a global level.
- ● Children are heard in society.
- ● Different spaces are provided for children to develop their knowledge, attitudes, values and skills.
- ● Children’s are equally participating in the democratic process and they have adequate spaces for participation provided at all level.
- ● Just transitions of power take place in a timely manner honouring the electoral decisions.
- ● Those in power uphold human rights, freedom of association, judicial independence and the rule of law and are accountable in case of violations.
Take action today!
Worldwide protests are happening because the (elected) government does criminalise opinions, imprison journalists, and does not have the needs of the population as their priority. Additionally, children are often not part of the picture nor part of the decision making, though they are the ones affected by the results today and tomorrow.
So how can we, as organisations but also as individuals, strengthen the call for Democracy and empower children to become part of it?
- ● Discuss with your groups the value of Democracy and how you can make a change
- ● Join protest if you feel safe enough to do so
- ● Stand in solidarity – if you witness, hear or read about injustice
- ● Let children live Democracy - Implement an educational activity on a small scale, with your family, groups, and organisation
- ● Participate in local or global organisations working towards a more democratic future
- ● Organise if you have got the means and feel safe enough to do so
There are many issues we need to talk about, so let’s take action today towards a better and more democratic world.
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