Statement delivered by Ambassador Tine Mørch Smith, Permanent Representative of Norway on behalf of the following countries :
Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Cape Verde (Cabo Verde), Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, Honduras, Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, Italia, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malta, Marshall Islands, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Panama, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Poland, Romania, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America and Vanuatu

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Thank you, Madam President,

It is clear from the UDHR, the human rights treaties, and other core UN documents that only democratic forms of governance are capable of providing an environment conducive to long-term peace and security, sustainable development, and the full enjoyment of human rights.

Yet today, many of the fundamental pillars of democracy are being openly challenged, including by States that are party to the aforementioned treaties.

In view of these challenges, we believe it is time for the world's democracies to reaffirm their common conviction that the authority and legitimacy of government stems from the will of the people, as expressed through periodic and genuine elections, based on universal and equal suffrage and secret ballot; that all citizens have the right to take part in the government of their country, by standing for election or by freely voting for their chosen representatives; and, that everyone has the right to freedom of opinion, expression, peaceful assembly, and association; that everyone is entitled to a fair and public hearing by a competent, independent and impartial tribunal; and that everyone is entitled to all human rights – civil and political, economic, social and cultural – without distinction.

The United Nations, including this Council and its mechanisms, has a critical role to play in promoting, defending and reinvigorating democracy, to help deliver on the hopes and aspirations of the people the UN ultimately serves.

Thank you.