In modern societies, people are increasingly losing faith in the rule of kings, nobles or autocrats. In an egalitarian and just society, people are their own rulers; and therefore, democracy is the rule of the people. Do you know Abraham Lincoln’s famous definition of democracy? The International Day of Democracy envisages governments of the people, by the people and for the people. This day falls on September 15.
The purpose of celebrating such a day is to look for ways to encourage democracy and seek answers to the challenges it faces. Democracy must make nations ready to tackle economic and political inequalities, bring the young and the marginalized into the political system and make nations more innovative and responsive to emerging challenges such as migration and climate change. The rulers and governments should be made aware of the values of freedom, and respect for human rights as essential elements of democracy.
The international Day of Democracy tells the world that the relevance and significance of democracy can be upheld only through the protection and effective realization of human rights.