Question

Explain the significance of democratic and human rights with real life seatuation

Answer 1



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Democracy and human rights is one of Sida's priority areas. Per Nordlund, Sida's Lead Policy Specialist for democracy and human rights, talks about how Sida works to counter the backlashes that the world has seen over the past decade.

OUR FIELDS OF WORK

Democracy, human rights and freedom of expression

Updated: 10 October 2018

Poverty is not just about a shortage of food, water and a roof over the head. Being poor also means the lack of power and a voice. Human rights and democracy is therefore the area in which Sida is investing the most – more than one quarter of the development cooperation.

Human rights are universal, indivisible and interdependent. They are based on the universal declaration of human rights that the UN’s member states signed 70 years ago, and that have been augmented by several important conventions.

They are about, for example:

Being treated fairly and not suffering discrimination because of, for example, gender, sexual orientation, disability or ethnic origin.Being able to influence your life and the society in which you live.Being able to express yourself, to access and disseminate information and opinions.

Human rights and democratic principles are very important in the battle against poverty. This is essentially about sharing power and resources in society so that poor women, men, girls and boys have more say. But for millions of people they are far from being respected.

Defenders of human rights and democracy often live in danger because they criticise those in power. They are monitored and subjected to threats, abuse, sexual violence, torture, arbitrary imprisonment and murder. At the same time, the ability of civil society to operate is limited as the state obstructs registration and funding. Sida actively supports their battle against violence and repression.