Democracy is facing a global crisis. For nearly two decades, the world has witnessed a global democratic recession. More countries are shifting toward authoritarianism than toward democracy. Fundamental freedoms are eroding and civic space is shrinking.
Yet, despite democracy being a core principle of the United Nations, there is no dedicated UN mechanism to monitor and protect it. Unlike particular human rights such as freedom of expression or peaceful assembly, democracy lacks a UN Special Rapporteur—a role designed to assess, report, and advocate for its protection. This gap must be urgently addressed.
Across the world, elections are manipulated, political opposition is…