CIVIL congratulates International Day of Democracy to all citizens, reminding that the fight for democracy in the Republic of North Macedonia is a continuous process and goes on.

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 the natural environment for the protection and effective realization of human rights. These values are embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and are further developed in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which takes account many political rights and civil liberties underpinning meaningful democracies.

However, democracy does not only mean the right to vote, but also the right to a dignified life in every aspect, right to determination, participation, demands, cooperation and respect.

The link between democracy and human rights is determined in Article 21 (3) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which reads:

“The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.”

For years our society has faced violation of human rights and freedoms, with the help of the rule of an extremely undemocratic regime, against which it rose, fought and overthrew!

International Day of Democracy provides an opportunity to review the situation of democracy in the world, and in our country. Democracy is as much of a process as it is a goal, and only by full participation and support from the international community, national governing bodies, civil society and individuals, can the ideal of democracy be turned into a reality to be enjoyed by all citizens throughout the world.

On the occasion of International Day of Democracy, CIVIL once again calls on the institutions, but also the public, to respect the principle of the rule of law and democracy in the country.

CIVIL