15/09/2026
Human Rights and Legal Press Statement
On the Occasion of the International Day of Democracy – 15 September 2026
Issued by the Center for International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights (HLHRCI)
On the occasion of the International Day of Democracy, observed annually on 15 September following its designation by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007, the Center for International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights (HLHRCI) reaffirms that democracy is not merely a mechanism for governing, but a comprehensive system founded on human rights, fundamental freedoms, the rule of law, participation, accountability, and justice.
This occasion provides an opportunity to assess the state of democracy worldwide and to reaffirm that democracy is both an ongoing process and a shared aspiration that can only be realized through the meaningful participation of state institutions, civil society, and individuals, while respecting the will of peoples and their fundamental rights.
Freedom of Expression and the Press: Pillars of Democracy
The Center emphasizes that freedom of opinion and expression and freedom of the press are among the fundamental safeguards of a democratic society. Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights guarantees everyone the right to freedom of opinion and expression, including the freedom to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers. These protections are further enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The Center expresses concern over continuing restrictions and practices targeting journalists, media professionals, human rights defenders, and civil society activists in various parts of the world. It stresses that restrictions on the media, the criminalization of peaceful expression, and unlawful censorship undermine the foundations of democracy and weaken society’s ability to exercise oversight and hold authorities accountable.
Democracy and Human Rights in Yemen
In Yemen, this occasion comes amid a complex reality shaped by years of conflict, political and institutional fragmentation, and economic and humanitarian crises, all of which have contributed to setbacks in the protection of rights and freedoms, weakened state institutions, and undermined the rule of law.
The Center expresses concern over the threats, restrictions, prosecutions, and detentions faced by journalists, media professionals, human rights defenders, and civil society activists, as well as the challenges confronting citizens in accessing justice and enjoying their rights on an equal basis.
The Center emphasizes that achieving peace and stability in Yemen is inseparable from building institutions capable of protecting rights and ensuring judicial independence, fair trial guarantees, equality before the law, freedom of the press and expression, political and civic participation, accountability, and the prevention of impunity.
The Center further stresses that democracy in Yemen should not be reduced to elections alone. Rather, it must constitute a comprehensive system that safeguards human dignity and freedoms, upholds the rule of law, and guarantees equal and meaningful participation for all members of society.
Democracy as a Shared International Responsibility
The Center reaffirms that democracy is a universal value and an essential environment for the effective protection of human rights. Supporting democracy requires the promotion of good governance, independent institutions, free and fair elections, civil society, freedom of the media, transparency, and accountability, while respecting the particularities of societies and their national contexts.
Against the backdrop of continuing conflicts, grave human rights violations, and declining respect for international legal norms in various parts of the world, the Center rejects selective application of international law and international legitimacy. It reaffirms its support for the right of peoples to self-determination and expresses its solidarity with the Palestinian people in light of the grave humanitarian conditions they continue to endure, while reiterating the imperative of protecting civilians and respecting international humanitarian law and international human rights law.
The Center’s Position
The Center for International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights (HLHRCI) affirms that defending democracy means defending freedom, human dignity, justice, peace, development, and human security, and that strengthening democracy is a shared responsibility of States, international institutions, civil society, and citizens.
The Center renews its commitment to supporting every genuine effort aimed at advancing human rights and the rights of peoples on an equal basis. It further reaffirms its steadfast support for defenders of democracy, human rights, freedom of the press, and the rule of law, and calls for a safe and enabling environment for human rights, media, and civic work, contributing to the building of societies founded on justice, peace, and stability.
Center for International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights (HLHRCI)
15 September 2026
