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On Thursday September 15 Guyana joins the international community to observe the 15th celebration of International Day of Democracy. The day is observed globally to mark the importance of democracy and create awareness among people about democratic rights. Every year, events are organised based on a theme. This year the theme for Democracy Day 2022 is “Protecting press freedom for democracy”. The theme will focus on the importance of media freedom in a democratic country to maintain peace and deliver on sustainable development goals.
Democracy is a form of government in which the people have the authority to deliberate and decide and enforce legislation (“direct democracy”), or to choose governing officials to do so, usually through a credible, transparent electoral process. Important, defining cornerstones of democracy include freedom of assembly, association, property rights, freedom of religion and speech, inclusiveness, equality, citizenship, consent of the governed, voting rights for all, freedom from unwarranted governmental deprivation of the right to life and liberty, and minority rights.
Regarding the 2022 theme, “protecting press freedom for democracy,” political analyst Saima Andrabi wrote, “Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the right to freedom of expression, is a fundamental human right. However, there are governments and highly influential people all around the world who are always on the lookout for ways to hinder it. The International Day of Democracy has been established to create awareness among people so that they understand the importance of protection and effective realisation of human rights.”
Secretary General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres has released a statement to mark the observance. The following is the text of his statement.
STATEMENT BY THE SECRETARY-GENERAL
Today marks the 15th anniversary of the International Day of Democracy. Yet across the world, democracy is backsliding. Civic space is shrinking. Distrust and disinformation are growing. And polarisation is undermining democratic institutions. Now is the time to raise the alarm. Now is the time to reaffirm that democracy, development, and human rights are interdependent and mutually reinforcing.
Now is the time to stand up for the democratic principles of equality, inclusion, and solidarity. And stand with those who strive to secure the rule of law and promote the full participation in decision-making. This year, we focus on a cornerstone of democratic societies – free, independent, and pluralistic media.
Attempts to silence journalists are growing more brazen by the day – from verbal assault to online surveillance and legal harassment – especially against women journalists. Media workers face censorship, detention, physical violence, and even killings – often with impunity. Such dark paths inevitably lead to instability, injustice and worse. Without a free press, democracy cannot survive. Without freedom of expression, there is no freedom.
On Democracy Day and every day, let us join forces to secure freedom and protect the rights of all people, everywhere.
Thank you.
