IIMSAM Official Observed International Day of Democracy
IIMSAM Middle East Director & Goodwill Ambassador Dr. Naseer Homoud message on International Day of Democracy. He urged governments to ensure people participation in governance and asserted that without realizing the essence of egalitarianism, spirit of democracy could not be achieved.
- (1888PressRelease) September 15, 2010 - On the occasion of International Day of Democracy Dr. Naseer Homoud Goodwill Ambassador and Director of Middle East office for the Intergovernmental Institution for the use of Micro-algae Spirulina against Malnutrition (IIMSAM), the Permanent Observer to the United Nations Economic and Social Council while addressing the media said "It is widely recognized that the consolidation of democracy and human rights are critical to support peace and security and that genuine democratic elections are the means through which the will of the people is expressed and the legitimate authority of the government established".
On 8 November 2007, the General Assembly proclaimed 15 September as the International Day of Democracy, inviting Member States, the United Nations system and other regional, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations to commemorate the Day. UN states that "democracy is a universal value based on the freely expressed will of people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural systems, and their full participation in all aspects of life." And that "While democracies share common features, there is no single model of democracy and that democracy does not belong to any country or region."
The theme of the 2010 International Day of Democracy is Political accountability: Strengthening links between parliaments and citizens. The accountability of office-holders is nowadays seen as a basic requirement for all public life in a democracy. Parliament's standing depends on the trust of the people and being accountable to them. To be effective, parliament needs to be accessible and well understood, so that the public are regularly and actively involved in its work. It is essential to parliament's standing and to the health of a democratic system as a whole that its members are fully accountable. Free, fair and regular parliamentary elections are essential. The ability of the public to decide not to re-elect a member of parliament, or their affiliated party, or the government of which they are a part, is central to the democratic process. The provision of full, publicly available information is a prerequisite for accountability.
Speaking on the occasion to mark this Day Dr. Homoud said "on this day i propose to governments, media, businesses, religious groups, academics and other civil society actors to promote a profound and inclusive discussion about the ways to achieve a total adherence to democratic ideals". He urged that governments be chosen in free and fair elections, without manipulation, through transparent voting systems, with technical credibility and proven mechanisms of political participation based on law and international standards. He further advocated respect for freedom of the press and the right to transmit and receive information without prior censorship. He appealed governments to create or improve legislation on access to public information as a fundamental right of an active and participatory citizenship.
Addressing the media Dr. Homoud said "Democracy is a universal value, based on the freely expressed will of the people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural system and their full participation in all aspects of life. In order to achieve this objective, it is incumbent upon the political leadership to shun their political differences and join hands to strengthen the democratic process in the country". Dr. Homoud stressing the continued need for promotion of democratization and development of the political system all across the globe said that democracy, peace, development and respect for human rights are inter-dependent phenomena and therefore, it is imperative for democracy to flourish. He said that the people's participation in the affairs of the country would ensure fundamental independence, equality, achievements of the needs of the people and restoration of law and order.
He said that involvement of the people in public affairs of the country ensures basic freedom and equality, fulfillment of the needs of people and preserve or restore peace. He further contended that the ultimate goal of democracy is to preserve and promote the dignity and fundamental rights of the individuals, to achieve social justice, foster the economic and social development of the community; strengthen the cohesion of society and building a propitious environment for international peace. "It is also important to highlight the need for democracy to improve in all countries.
Nothing can be considered as one consolidated democracy; new challenges arise all the time and the International Day of Democracy will remind us annually that democracy merits discussion and should not be taken for granted", he contended. Dr. Homoud asserted that the beauty of democracy is that its practice is never final and always has room for improvement no matter how old a democratic society may be. Where we falter we must not fall. When we are weak, we must not surrender. The conduct of the affairs of government in policy, legislation, decision-making and execution, and the choices we make over who conducts these processes keep transforming in democratic societies.
While giving the call to support IIMSAM and its initiatives which is channelizing its efforts to fight malnutrition and hunger among the masses particularly children, Dr Nasser hoped that under guidance of His Excellency Ambassador Remigio M. Maradona Director General, IIMSAM is pledged to support the oppressed section of society which is deprived of the basic requirement to life- food. We are penetrating to the malnourished people and exerting best efforts to tackle the catastrophic situation of malnutrition. "It would be people helping people, not governments helping governments," he said while advocating support for IIMSAM.
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