Summary: November 5, 2003: Ambassador Aldo Mantovani, Deputy Permanent Representative of Italy to the United Nations on behalf of the European Union - Plenary- Support by the United Nations system of the efforts of Governments to promote and consolidate new or restored democracies: report of the Secretary General (A/58/392) Item 20 (New York)
Mr. President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union with regard to agenda item 20. The acceding countries Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia, the associated countries Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and the EFTA country Iceland align themselves with this statement.
Mr. President,
The outcome of the fifth International Conference on New or Restored Democracies, held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, on September 10-12, 2003, proved that there is growing support for strengthening democracy in all the regions of the world as a system of government which is based on the rule of law, which allows free expression of political opinions through electoral and other participatory mechanisms, which guarantees the independence of the judiciary, the freedom of the media and the promotion of
human security.
The Conference also addressed the question of the many challenges to democracy. Among others, these include poverty, international terrorism, transnational economic crime, HIV/AIDS and blatant disregard for human rights. It was agreed that while it is crucial to fight these threats effectively, this must be done without eroding human rights or resorting to repression. Democracy and the protection of human rights are inseparable. We cannot protect democracy while, at the same time, undermining
human rights. It was also noted that building up democracy is a long and difficult process, and that it should not be allowed to compromise on issues such as human rights and fundamental freedoms. Moreover, the participants recognized that, even though democratic processes can benefit from external supports, a democratic system must have the support of the people concerned. Nevertheless, it was acknowledged that there is no universal recipe for democracy, as this can take different forms in
different countries.
Mr. President,
The EU believes firmly that democracy is a prerequisite for the respect for human rights, as well as for prosperity, progress and sustainable development. It is for this very reason that protection and advancement of democracy and the rule of law are among the top priorities for the international community. The EU is strictly committed to the implementation and promotion worldwide of democratic principles, such as those endorsed at the Conference in Ulaanbaatar.
Peace and security also depend on the spread and consolidation of democracy. A well-coordinated policy within the framework of the United Nations can help to achieve peaceful solutions to the conflicts that are threatening stability in different areas of the world, but this is not enough in itself. We also have to promote the right conditions, across the world, that will enable democracy to take root where it has never existed before, or where it has been eliminated by war, dictatorship or the
breakdown of civil society. It is equally necessary to shore up democratic institutions in countries in transition and to support democracy in all countries that have recently moved to a democratic system. In this context it is important to emphasize that equal participation of women and men in political life and decision making, as well as the enjoyment of human rights by both gender on equal terms, are a prerequisite for genuine democracy.
The EU is convinced that all democratic countries must join forces for the advancement of democracy and freedom, to make it a credible model for all countries which, for one reason or another, have not achieved democratic standards yet. For, sharing of common democratic values brings about the need to actively confront violations of human rights, whenever they occur in the world. In this light, it is also important to promote "democracy-building" programmes, making every effort to encourage
dialogue and to overcome traditional north-south divisions.
In the EU's view, regional co-operation is an essential tool for promoting democracy and human rights in every area of the world. The EU itself can serve as a successful example of such a co-operation. In fact, democracy and fundamental freedoms are the main pillars of the EU. To this aim, the Amsterdam Treaty of the European Union includes respect for democratic principles among the essential conditions that must be met by any country seeking admission to the Union. Furthermore, any EU member
country failing to honor this commitment might even be suspended from membership.
Mr. President,
The European Union fully supports, and will continue to support the efforts of all the states in the process of democratization. Consolidating democracy is one of the key objectives of the EU's common foreign and security policy. Through its cooperation programmes, the EU concretely supports other states to promote democratization in several areas: the rule of law (with special regard to the field of justice), the effective participation of people in the democratic process, the role of civil
society and the development of a steady human rights culture. Cooperation in the electoral process also represents a considerable share of the EU's overall contribution towards democratization and sustainable development in third countries.
At the same time, as a result of its tangible commitment to support the growth of democratic institutions, particularly in the countries where the construction of a democratic society meets major difficulties, the EU attaches the utmost importance to the efforts of the international community in order to devise and to implement assistance and educational programmes for democracy.
Yet, democracy has to be built on the basis of universally acknowledged rules and practices, even though we think that historical or cultural regional identities should not be affected by inter-regional dialogue. Actually, neighbouring countries which have already reached satisfactory standards of democracy can give an extremely important contribution to all countries that are trying to build up new domestic democratic institutions. It is therefore important that the international community as
a whole encourage and support all these countries as they move along this very demanding route.
Mr. President,
Today, many new democracies are making impressive strides ahead. They need our help in order to carry on down this route. The EU does not seek to impose any particular model of democracy. We recognize the unique political, social and cultural background of each country. If our efforts are to be truly successful, we have to support those moving toward democracy by giving the highest prominence to the essential role played by the civil society. We must not forget, furthermore, that without the
stability afforded by democracy and the rule of law, we are unlikely to succeed in our struggle for a safer and more prosperous world.
The European Union would like to take this opportunity to thank Mongolia for successfully arranging the fifth International Conference on New and Restored Democracies and to welcome the work of Mongolia also in the follow up of this conference and the planning of the next international conference.
Thank you, Mr. President.
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