The work of the 137th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union continues today in St. Petersburg, in the context of which AKEL Famagusta MP Skevi Koukouma-Koutra took part yesterday in a discussion of the Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights, "Human Rights". Our diversity: The 20th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Democracy ".
According to a statement from the Press and Information Office, Ms. Koukouma noted that the 20th Anniversary of the World Declaration on Democracy is a milestone that offers an opportunity to review the progress of democracy in international politics and report on the progress of democratic authorities. several tried and tested parts of the world.
"Democracy as a political system has survived," he said, "mainly because its basic principles and values remain strong: citizen participation in the decision-making process, respect for basic human rights, transparency, accountability and justice."
As Ms. Koukouma pointed out, "globalization and technological progress have brought our world closer together, allowing the spread of ideas and ideals quickly and extensively, forcing us to share our differences, our beliefs and our values, and most." times to accept and learn from our diversity ”.
He also stressed that in the last 20 years since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Democracy, further leaps have been made, especially in many parts of the world where democratic values and basic human rights have remained absent. On the other hand, he added, some sweeping democratization efforts, while strengthening the quality of life of citizens, have failed to bring sufficient progress to freedom of speech, fair elections and fair litigation.
He also referred to cases where third countries are interfering in the internal affairs of other states, under the pretext of democratizing them.
Finally, the Cypriot MP pointed out that twenty years after its adoption by the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the World Declaration on Democracy guides governments, parliaments and ordinary citizens in their efforts to promote the true meaning and essence of democracy.
Concluding, he said that MPs, as representatives of the people, must continue to defend and spread democratic principles and values, honoring diversity and multiculturalism.