Sida’s partner countries include one-party states, fragile democracies as well as more developed democracies. That’s why Sida’s cooperation efforts in all of these countries should be designed in a way that strengthens democracy, equality and human rights, says Anders Pedersen, head of Sida’s department for democracy, human rights and equality.
“It’s about spreading knowledge of human rights,” he says. “People who have never heard of the right to express their opinion, for example, may never have even thought of forming their own views – let alone spreading them.”
It is not enough for people to know about their rights, of course. The countries also have to be able to fulfil and protect these rights.
“Knowing that you have the right to a free and independent judicial inquiry doesn’t help if the country lacks a well-functioning judiciary,” Pedersen says. “For this reason, we’re also contributing towards building democratic structures and institutions in our partner countries.”
Journalists and parties receive support
Other efforts within this area include support for journalists and providing journalistic training to promote access to good information and a free press. Party support goes to the political parties and the party-associated organizations and is used to develop contacts with party colleagues in other countries – and, as a result, democracy.
“All of Sida’s efforts are to be carried out with a democratic and just perspective, including support for forestry, water purification or infrastructure. People must always be at the centre,” Pedersen says.
Support for democracy difficult but important
Pedersen says that while some of Sida’s work, such as supporting the creation of statistics offices, national audit offices or tax offices, may sound dull, they are extremely important functions for democracy.
It is difficult to measure the result of democratic support. Even if one contribution works very well, the democratic situation in the country could deteriorate for completely different reasons.
“I’m convinced that people understand that support for democracy is hard, but important,” Pedersen says.
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