Afghanistan, Sept. 15 -- The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) marked the International Day of Democracy on Tuesday by reaffirming that democracy is built on freedom, respect for human rights and the meaningful participation of all people in public life.
In a statement issued on September 15, UNESCO said periodic, genuine elections based on universal suffrage remain one of the fundamental pillars of democracy. The agency said democratic governance provides the most effective framework for protecting and promoting human rights, fundamental freedoms and accountable public institutions.
UNESCO emphasized that democracy requires more than elections, describing it as a system that depends on civic partic...