The International Day of Democracy is observed every year on September 15. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007, this day serves to promote the ideals of democracy worldwide. It is a reminder that democracy is more than a system of governance \u2013 it is a set of values grounded in respect for human rights, freedom of expression, equality before the law, and the active participation of citizens in decision-making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For Ukraine, this day carries special significance. Amid Russia\u2019s ongoing aggression, Ukrainians\u2019 democratic choices take on global importance. The people of Ukraine continue to defend their right to live in a free and democratic state, where power is derived from the people and the rights and freedoms of every individual are the highest priority. Supporting democracy in Ukraine today is also supporting an international order based on freedom, sovereignty, and justice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The day is especially symbolic for the temporarily occupied territory of Crimea. Since the occupation of the peninsula in 2014, the democratic rights of its residents have been systematically destroyed. Under the control of the occupying authorities, so-called \u201creferendums\u201d and \u201celections\u201d are held, which bear no resemblance to genuine free expression of will. These events take place in conditions of military presence, pervasive pressure on citizens, absence of independent observers, and suppression of free speech. Participation is often coerced, with people pressured to vote under threat of persecution or loss of employment, and the outcomes are predetermined by the Kremlin. For these reasons, the international community universally rejects these procedures as illegitimate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Freedom of speech and peaceful assembly in occupied Crimea has been virtually eliminated. Ukrainian media are shut down, independent journalists and civil activists are persecuted, and any dissent is met with harsh repression. The occupiers deliberately cultivate an atmosphere of fear, where even expressing an opinion publicly or posting on social media can result in harassment or imprisonment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The International Day of Democracy reminds the world that Ukraine\u2019s struggle is also a fight for the core values shared by all democratic nations. For the residents of occupied Crimea, this day represents hope for the restoration of justice, the return of rights and freedoms, and the opportunity to once again participate fully in Ukraine\u2019s democratic life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Celebrating this day in Ukraine is therefore a call for international solidarity, support for civil society, and continued efforts to ensure that democracy extends to all Ukrainian territories, including Crimea.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":76566,"template":"","publication-type":[43],"class_list":["post-76595","press-center","type-press-center","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","publication-type-news"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n