On this occasion of the International Day of Democracy, Liberal International remains observant and engaged with the global decline in democratic freedoms around the world.

The Covid-19 pandemic has shaken democratic foundations. While restrictions on societies have been necessary to contain the spread of the virus, some leaders have seized this opportunity to increase their powers in the wake of the pandemic. Rights and freedoms have been unduly restricted, and temporary measures unjustifiably prolonged. We call on states to respect the principles of legality, necessity, and proportionality when imposing restrictions in response to the pandemic.

While the pandemic has catalysed democratic backsliding, this trend started long before its outbreak. According to Freedom House, 2020 marked the 15th consecutive year of decline in global freedoms, with this concerning development happening on every continent. It is critical that the international community mobilise to safeguard human rights by supporting the free and fair elections, inclusive institutions, and freedom of expression that underpin democratic societies.

This past year, Liberal International has called attention to alarming situations in Afghanistan, Belarus, Cuba, Ethiopia, Hong Kong, Uganda, and Venezuela, and worked closely with leaders to defend democracy and its champions in Afghanistan, Cambodia, Guinea, Nicaragua, and Russia. We remain vigilant to these ongoing situations and continue to support all democratic efforts.

Digitalisation and new technologies also pose new challenges to democracies. The increased use of artificial intelligence, mass surveillance technology, as well as data collection and use, can threaten fundamental human rights and democracy in the absence of a human rights-oriented approach. LI’s ongoing campaign on Digitalisation and Human Rights aims to raise awareness of these challenges and to develop a liberal response to them.

As the alarming news of democratic backsliding in different parts of the world reach us and new challenges arise, Liberal International views with hope the next generation of youth leaders and remains ever vigilant for opportunities to support and protect defenders of democracy everywhere.