EBN- The Youth Parliament for SDG organized a side event during the 57th Session of the Human Rights Council at the United Nations Office (UNHRC) in Geneva.
The event, titled “Whose Democracy is it Anyway?” critically examined the prevailing narratives surrounding democracy, challenging the conventional Eurocentric interpretation that often sets the standard for evaluating democracy in non-Western contexts.
The panel featured four distinguished experts who shared alternative perspectives on the assessment of democracy and human rights, exploring concepts rooted in the historical and cultural contexts of diverse societies.
Mr. David Fernandez Puyana, Ambassador and Permanent Observer at the University for Peace to the United Nations, opened the discussion by tracing the origins of democracy back to ancient Greece. He highlighted the lasting influence of George Washington in shaping modern democratic systems through fundamental structures like constitutions, government bodies, and political parties. Mr. Fernandez stressed the essential role of education in promoting respect for democracy and human rights.
Mr. Tripurdaman Singh, PhD, a leading expert on South Asian democracies, expanded the conversation by drawing connections between the liberal democratic discourse and the colonial history of South Asia. He explained how colonialism had generated skepticism among South Asian leaders, who viewed democratic and human rights discourses as tools of imperialism. Mr. Singh illustrated his point using India as an example, noting that the British colonial power denied India access to democracy and later criticized its alleged democratic shortcomings to undermine its legitimacy.
Joining the discussion remotely, Mrs. Angele Kedaitiene, a former member of the European Commission, focused on the European Union’s role in supporting democracy and human rights. She noted that the EU had allocated €1.511 billion to civil society initiatives in neighboring countries and had included human rights clauses in many development programs. Mrs. Kedaitiene also highlighted the Barcelona Declaration, which promotes dialogue and cooperation in the Mediterranean region.
Mr. Nidal Salim, General Director of the Global Institute for Water Environment and Wealth, turned the spotlight on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. He noted the region’s long history of authoritarianism and human rights violations, while emphasizing the vast differences between countries. He cited examples such as the UAE, where the government promotes an image of tolerance and peace, yet engages in surveillance and restricts freedoms. Mr. Salim also discussed Tunisia, once seen as a symbol of hope following the Arab Spring, but now facing severe restrictions on freedom of expression and political dissent.
The audience contributed significantly to the dialogue, raising critical points about the role of liberal democracies in global human rights issues. One participant criticized the double standards of some Western democracies, particularly regarding their involvement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Another participant brought attention to the specific challenges of India’s democratic system, to which Mr. Singh responded by emphasizing that India’s model is deeply rooted in its historical context and does not position itself as a normative model for democracy.
The event concluded with a consensus that the prevailing Eurocentric view of democracy requires reevaluation. The panel underscored the need to address these global challenges to achieve true democracy and respect for human rights on a broader scale.
