Democracy

Challenges and opportunities

While there is international consensus that democracy is based on the freely expressed will of the people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural systems and to participate fully in all aspects of their lives, it is also accepted that there is no single universal model of democracy.  Different societies may have reached different stages of democratic development and there are several routes to the democratic apex.  Even mature democracies are constantly engaged in a dynamic exercise to maintain the right democratic balance.  This being said, experience has proven that for all its ambiguities and elasticity, democracy is the best hope for a political order in which all human rights – civil, cultural, economic, political and social – can be effectively respected, protected and promoted. 

The expert seminar provided an opportunity for all participants to engage in a constructive exchange of ideas and experiences. Its proceedings and conclusions can also be found in document E/CN.4/2003/59 which was submitted to the 59th session of the Commission on Human Rights.