The General Assembly of United Nations in its session on 8th
November 2007, while stressing the continuing need to promote
democratization, development and respect for human rights and
fundamental freedoms, agreed to observe 15 September each year
as the International Day of Democracy.
In adopting
by consensus a resolution on the issue, the 192-member body
reaffirmed that “while democracies share common features, there
is no single model of democracy and that democracy does not
belong to any country or region.”
In
addition, the Assembly reaffirmed that democracy is “a universal
value based on the freely-expressed will of people to determine
their own political, economic, social and cultural systems, and
their full participation in all aspects of life.”
The
Assembly also invited all Member States, organizations of the UN
system, regional and intergovernmental organizations,
non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and individuals to
commemorate the Day “in an appropriate manner that contributes
to raising public awareness.”
In taking
today’s action, the Assembly recognized that 2008 marked the
twentieth anniversary of the first International Conference of
New or Restored Democracies, which offers a special opportunity
to focus attention on the promotion and consolidation of
democracy at all levels.
The Centre for Civic
Education Pakistan welcomes this positive decision and
acknowledges the importance of an international day of
democracy. It is not enough just to promote democracy - it is
imperative also to discuss, evaluate and explore the realms of
democracy.
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