Freedom, democracy and human rights

Respect for human freedom and rights tops the agenda in the dialogue with the developing countries. Danida works to further the building up of free, democratic societies and efficient administrations that serve the public.

Freedom, human rights and democracy are fundamental values and objectives in themselves and promoting them is a key priority in Danish development cooperation. Democratic societies based on the rule of law provide equal opportunities for people to express themselves, participate actively in society and make decisions about their own lives. A justice system that is well functioning and independent is an important precondition for economic growth and prosperity.

Therefore, Danida works to:

• Strengthen the implementation of human rights and access to justice.
• Support the development of democratic institutions and broad participation in political processes.
• Strengthen interventions for the promotion of good governance in democratic societies based on the rule of law.
• Build systems of taxation that are efficient and fair.
• Fight corruption at all levels of society.
• Strengthen independent, diverse civil societies in developing countries.

Denmark places these objectives high on the agenda in direct bilateral dialogue with the developing countries and in international cooperation in the UN, for example, where Denmark works to cstrengthen the international and regional institutions and fora that have a mandate to further human rights and good governance.  

Access to justice

In order to protect the freedom and rights of individuals and ensure peaceful conflict resolution, well functioning systems of justice are necessary that provide all – including the poor – with access to justice.  Denmark supports the building up of systems of justice that are based on the rule of law and observe international standards of human rights. The support can go to strengthening formal institutions such as courts, Ombudsman institutions, the police force and prisons, or it can go to private organisations working with legal aid and alternative conflict resolution mechanisms.  Denmark will strengthen the opportunities of the poor to know their rights and demand them by, among other things, support for national or regional human rights institutions and civil society organisations that monitor the human rights situation and carry out information and advocacy activities.

Building free, democratic societies

Denmark works to promote free, democratic societies where freedom of expression is respected and the democratic code of conduct is observed.  All citizens must have the right and the opportunity to take part in political processes, elect their leaders and hold them accountable. Political parties must be strengthened to be enabled to undertake their democratic functions and represent the population. It should also be possible for minorities to be heard, and discrimination must be fought. 

Good governance is decisive for development

Good governance in Danish development cooperation encompasses respect for democracy, human rights, pluralism, free public debate, the rule of law, competent public administration and sustainable economic development. Good governance is decisive for creating favourable framework conditions for the private sector and the efficient supply of services. It is simultaneously decisive for creating a public sector that is able to cover the basic needs of the population. The framework for Danish support for the promotion of an effective, accountable public sector in the developing countries sector is defined in ”Effective and accountable public-sector management – strategic priorities for Danish support for good governance”.

Taxation makes governments accountable to their citizens

Denmark works to construct tax systems as part of promoting good governance. A tax system that is efficient and just supports good governance for two reasons: Firstly, because a population that pay taxes demand something in return for their tax money; Secondly, because a government that relies on tax revenues is more motivated to create proper frameworks for the citizens and businesses to be able to create growth and prosperity.

Corruption must be fought

Corruption poisons development, hits the poorest the hardest and reduces the legitimacy of the state. It undermines the work of the public sector and hinders economic growth. Therefore, Denmark works to fight all forms of corruption. In many cases collective pressure from the EU will be necessary to develop lasting results in the developing countries.

A diverse civil society strengthens development

A civil society that is independent and diverse can influence political decision-making processes to the advantage of people who are poor and marginalised. It can support the possibility of individuals to express themselves freely and to formulate demands and expectations of governments, authorities and others. This is why Denmark supports the building up of strong civil societies in the developing countries.