About International Day of Democracy: UPSC Current Affairs

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF DEMOCRACY

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Context:

The International Day of Democracy is an annual event observed on 15th September.

In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly declared September 15 the International Day of Democracy to promote and uphold democratic principles.
The objective is to highlight that democracy is an ongoing process that requires active participation by international organisations, governments, civil society, and individuals.
The theme for 2024 is “Artificial Intelligence as a tool for good governance“.
The day aligns with the anniversary of the Inter-Parliamentary Union's adoption of the Universal Declaration of Democracy on September 15, 1997.

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) adopted a Universal Declaration of Democracy in 1997 to promote democratic values.
The international conferences on new and restored democracies (ICNRD process) started in 1988 at the initiative of the Philippine president.
- - In 2006, the sixth conference in Doha (Qatar) concluded with a declaration and Plan of Action to promote democratic principles and ideals.
After the outcome of ICNRD-6, Qatar initiated drafting a United Nations General Assembly resolution and consulted with UN member states.
The IPU proposed that the International Day of Democracy be observed annually on September 15 (the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Democracy).
The resolution titled "Support by the United Nations System of Governments' Efforts to Promote and Consolidate New or restored democracies" was passed by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in November 2007.

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) adopted the Universal Declaration on Democracy on September 16, 1997.
The declaration aims to advance peace and prosperity by promoting inclusive government, strengthening democratic institutions, and boosting international cooperation.
It has three main components: Universal recognition, Fundamental rights, and Pluralism and Participation.

It is one of the UN's six principal organisations and includes all 193 member nations.
It makes critical decisions on vital matters such as international peace and security, admitting new members to the UN, and passing the UN budget.
It elects non-permanent members of the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, and the Trusteeship Council.
It passes resolutions and makes decisions on various matters. Although not legally binding, these decisions have major moral and political consequences.

It is a global organisation of national parliaments established in 1889 to provide a permanent forum for political multilateral negotiations.
It consists of 180 national parliaments and 14 associate members.
Its headquarters are in Geneva, Switzerland.

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UN General Assembly

Source:

Hindustan Times

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Consider the following statements in the context of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA):

1. The UNGA's peace and security resolutions are legally binding.

2. It elects non-permanent members of the Security Council.

3. All peacekeeping missions require a unanimous vote of the UN General Assembly to proceed.

Which of the above statements are incorrect?

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: C

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: Unlike UN Security Council resolutions, the UNGA's resolutions and proposals are not legally binding.

Statement 2 is correct: The UN General Assembly elects the Security Council's non-permanent members.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Peacekeeping missions are approved by the United Nations Security Council, not the General Assembly.