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2023 Copenhagen Declaration on Democracy: A Humanistic Value
2023. World Humanist Congress, Meeting in Copenhagen, adopted this declaration on democracy: a humanist value.
Humans are social animals, shaped by evolution and culture to live together in society with others.
For society to function, norms, laws, and regulations are needed. As society changes, these principles must always be open to challenges and updates arising from ongoing ethical discussions and rational debates.
Democracy, which is founded on the principle of the equal worth, dignity, and right to participate of every individual, is a humanistic way to organise ethical discussions and rational debates.
As humanists, we affirm that democracy should be a core value, protected by societies and governments. Everyone should be heard with respect, and democratic processes provide the basis for ensuring this principle is practically adhered to. It guarantees that there can be no legitimate government without the fully informed consent and participation of those it governs.
Democracy is not just a political process. With its pursuit of equality and equal opportunity to participate, democracy is a powerful tool for achieving social justice, human dignity, and the common good.
Democracy is not static. It is a process that requires constant engagement, informed participation, and change.
Democracy is not the tyranny of the majority. It must go hand in hand with the protection of human rights, the principles of the rule of law and a commitment to social progress.
In accordance with these principles, Congress approves the following points:
- Democracy is a universal and fundamental value, essential worldwide for the realisation of humanistic principles.
- Democracy must be broadly inclusive, transparent, accountable and secular, with institutions and practices responsive to the evolving needs and aspirations of citizens.
- Citizens must have power. The right to citizenship must be protected without prejudice.
Democracy, as part of culture, must be actively defended against all threats, including threats from regimes, movements, and political parties that espouse authoritarian principles. From those with unaccountable, opaque economic and social power, and from all other forces that seek to undermine democratic values and institutions.
We commit to working for a more democratic world.
We call on all governments, institutions and individuals to defend and protect democratic values as the foundation of human dignity, justice and freedom.
We invite all humanists worldwide to show solidarity with those fighting to defend and promote democracy, and to cooperate in creating a world where democracy flourishes, and the dignity and rights of all people are protected.
The decision was made at the General Assembly of Humanist International members, in 2023, in Copenhagen.
The Amsterdam Declaration of 2022, which outlines the core beliefs and values of humanism (this declaration is an improved version of the earlier humanist declarations of 1952 and 2002), can be considered the main document defining secular humanism.