DEMOCRACY, HUMAN RIGHTS AND GOVERNANCE
THOUSANDS OF CHILDREN LIVING IN UNDERDEVELOPED COUNTRIES GO THROUGH DIFFERENT KIND OF ABUSE JUST TO SURVIVE PARTNER WITH US TODAY TO HELP END CHILD ABUSE.
"WE CAN CHANGE THE WORLD AND MAKE IT A BETTER PLACE, IT IS IN YOUR HANDS TO MAKE A DIFFERENC." -NELSON MANDELA
Democratic governance and human rights are critical components of sustainable development and lasting peace. Countries that have ineffective government institutions, rampant corruption and weak rule of law have a 30-to-45 percent higher risk of civil war and higher risk of extreme criminal violence than other developing countries.
To help change this narrative, we are integrating democracy programming throughout our core development work, focusing on strengthening and promoting human rights, accountable and transparent governance, and an independent and politically active civil society across all our work. At the same time, we remain committed to fundamental democratic empowerment activities, including supporting free and fair elections, up-to-date technology for new and traditional media, as well as the rule of law.
By helping societies protect the basic rights of citizens, we prevent conflict, spur economic growth and advance human dignity. Countries with democratic freedoms are more just, peaceful and stable-and their citizens can fulfill their potential. Through its democracy, human rights and governance programs, the United States remains committed to protecting and advancing our most cherished values.
We are focused on:
- Democratic Governance - Building open, responsive, and accountable institutions and processes that serve the needs and preferences of the public.
- Participation - Ensuring that all have the opportunity to participate and have a voice in how they will be governed.
- Fair Competition - Promoting free, transparent and fair political competition so that citizens’ preferences are represented.
- Civil Society and Independent Media - Defending citizens’ rights of association and expression, so that they can play a role in their country’s future.
- Justice - Holding institutions and people responsible to the rule of law.