Title: Liberal Democracy and Open, Free Societies Must Win

Submitted by: Liberal Democrats UK, British Group of Liberal International (LIBG), FDP (Germany) & the German Group of Liberal International (DGLI).

Congress notes that:

• The fifth anniversary of Liberal International’s landmark Andorra Manifesto, adopted in May 2017, committed the liberal family to “make our world a better, freer, more prosperous, generous and sustainable place for the family of humankind”.
• Liberal democracies worldwide continue to hold considerable attraction for individuals to lead their lives in peace, security and harmony with others.
• Since the 2008 financial crisis, COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine, living standards for many citizens have continued to decline, prompting justified calls for help which have been translated in many cases because of growing frustrations into populism and nationalism.
• The rise of authoritarian leaders in such democracies as Brazil, India, Hungary, Philippines and Russia is now challenging the international rules-based system. The United States has not been immune to such challenges as well.
• As of today, around two fifths of the global population live in Not Free countries, the highest proportion since 1997, with only about one fifth living in Free countries ¹.
• Nonetheless ordinary people in many countries under threat are bravely resisting the advance of autocracy and military dictatorship, aware of the dangers of their countries sliding into darkness.

Congress Believes:

• Rule of the law and respect for human rights must remain the mainstay of the international system. That is why we must fight for liberal democracy and open, free societies.
• Liberals must concentrate on making society just and equitable to a much greater extent, adapting the international system to better reflect their people’s aspirations and needs.
• The People’s Republic of China and Russia specifically are actively undermining democracy and human rights in vulnerable countries and that this must be addressed.
• Aggression – whether against a country, a minority or an individual – must be countered by all means, with perpetrators brought to justice.

Congress Calls for:

• Support for open societies, breaking down barriers to encourage the spread of ideas and free media, cooperating with organisations, social media companies and foundations with similar aims.
• Work towards the reform of the international system to better deal with today’s challenges, with responsible government and human rights at its core.
• Our Leaders to ensure our own democratic systems are improved to be more resilient and better serve our peoples.
• Ensuring our educational systems help our citizens develop critical thinking to be able to judge better what they see or hear, thereby being able to combat misinformation and disinformation.
• The training of young politicians to improve their leadership skills.
• Liberal International to continue to have a strong emphasis on these priorities and encourage partners including foundations to financially support these activities.   

1 –  https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2022/global-expansion-authoritarian-rule