ENGAGEMENT ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRACY

advocating for fundamental universal values

In today’s world, the pillars of democracy, freedom, human rights and civil society are facing unprecedented challenges and threats. Across the globe, we witness the erosion of democratic principles, the suppression of basic freedoms and the diminishing space for civil society to operate and advocate for change.

From government crackdowns on dissenting voices to the rise of authoritarian regimes, the very foundations of democracy are being undermined, threatening the rules-based international order itself.

The rights of individuals to express themselves freely, participate in peaceful protests, and hold those in power accountable are increasingly under attack. Marginalised communities, including minorities, women and other vulnerable individuals, often bear the brunt of these assaults on democracy and their rights. Their voices are silenced, their rights are restricted or abused, and their opportunities for meaningful participation in society are limited.

Human rights and democracy are at the heart of all of our engagements, mainstreamed throughout our portfolio. At the same time, we also dedicate specific campaigns to core rights and values, shedding light on pressing social and democratic policy issues, raising awareness about human rights violations, and advocating for justice and equality.

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We actively engage with organisations, activists and community leaders to support their efforts in promoting democracy and defending human rights. We passionately support the role of civil society as champion and guardian of the fundamental universal values. Whether it’s providing resources, expertise, or advocacy, we stand in solidarity with those who are fighting for a more just and equitable society.

Together, we believe that through compassion, solidarity, dialogue and collective action, we can protect and strengthen democracy, uphold fundamental freedoms and ensure that all people have the opportunity to participate fully and equally in society.

Examples

People Summit

Denmark

Youth Summit

Denmark

People Summit

In June 2024, Good people for change organised a panel discussion at Denmark's People Summit (Folkemødet) 2024. Folkemødet (the People's Summit) is Denmark's main democracy festival, organised since 2011 every year in June on the island of Bornholm. With the aim of deepening dialogue and advancing democracy, the festival brings together people representing diverse groups of Danish society – from political parties and decision-makers to grassroots organizations, from business to culture – to meet and interact in debates, presentations, cultural events, workshops etc.

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Good people for change organised a 'Syria advocacy corner', where Syrian civil society representatives [from outside Denmark] advocated for accountability for the egregious crimes against humanity committed by the Assad regime.

Good people for change also organised a panel discussion under the banner 'Syrian Voices Fighting for Freedom and Democracy', where panelist from a variety of civil society organisations discussed their role in preparing for 'the day after', their determination to keep going – from advocating their cause, to fighting for justice and accountability for the regime's victims, to fighting disinformation. The event was organised in partnership with IMS.

Denmark

Youth Summit

In September 2024, Good people for change connected Danish youth at Denmark's Youth Summit (Ungdommens Folkemøde) 2024 with international youth spreading awareness and advocating for freedom and democracy in Afghanistan, Iran, Syria and Ukraine. Their powerful voices were given centre stage at the summit, where they opened the main stage with a discussion on the threats posed to global peace, democracy and security by authoritarian attacks on freedom and human rights in their countries.