Democratic Governance and Human Rights
| Key statistics | Key links |
"We resolve therefore:
- To respect fully and uphold the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
- To strive for the full protection and promotion in all our countries of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights for all.
- To strengthen the capacity of all our countries to implement the principles and practices of democracy and respect for human rights, including minority rights (...)"
Extract from the United Nations Millennium Summit Declaration (September 2000).
Key statistics
- More people live under democratic regimes today than at any other point in history.
- At the end of 1998, there were 117 electoral democracies, representing over 61 % of the world'.
- As of September 2001, 147 countries have ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, but the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights receives reports of over 200,000 violations per year.
Key links
- DevLink website - Human rights topic
This chapter from DevLink is axed on human rights issues, which have been identified by the UN Secretary-General as a crosscutting theme that runs throughout the activities of the UN System. Key Documents includes core UNDG approved documents on human rights. A selection of examples and experiences of the UN's work can be found in the Best Practices section. Information on Theme Groups, UN Country Websites, and training materials and events can be found under Resources. UNDG Links contains hyperlinks to specific pages on UNDG members' websites and connects to UN Country Team sites that contain information on rights. Similar information from other sources outside the UNDG can be reached by selecting Other Links.
For more information on DevLink, click here. - UNDP Forum "Human Rights Talk"
Although the forum is primarily intended for UNDP staff, colleagues from other UN agencies are welcome to participate in it. To register as a member of the forum, send e-mail to: simon.munzu@undp.org -
UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights website
The Office acts as the focal point for all human rights activities of the United Nations. It prepares reports and undertakes research at the request of the General Assembly and other policy-making bodies. It co-operates with governments and international, regional and non-governmental organisations for the promotion and protection of human rights. It acts as the secretariat for the meetings of United Nations human rights bodies. -
World Bank Operational Tools: indicators of governance and institutional quality
This section of the World Bank website introduces the different types indicators, briefly surveys the indicators being developed both internally and externally, critiques these indicators and discusses how they may best be used. - Institute on Governance (IOG) website
The IOG is a Canadian non-profit organization with charitable status founded in 1990 to promote effective governance. From their perspective, governance comprises the traditions, institutions and processes that determine how power is exercised, how citizens are given a voice, and how decisions are made on issues of public concern. -
International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) website
Created in 1995 by 14 countries, International IDEA promotes and advances sustainable democracy and improves and consolidates electoral processes worldwide. It provides a forum for discussions and action among individuals and organizations involved in democracy promotion. Global in ownership and scope, independent of national interests, and flexible and quick in its responses, International IDEA is the only international organization with this unique mandate. -
International Institute of Governance of Catalonia website (in Spanish)
The International Institute of Governance - IIG, is a non-profit public research and training centre in the fields of Governance and Human Developpement. It bases its action on the intensive use of the Information and Communication Technologies, aiming at generating and managing networks and virtual communities.