MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

UN defines democracy and calls for International Day

Stressing the continuing need to promote democratization, development and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, the General Assembly 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 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.