International Democracy Day: IRIAD Calls for Inclusive Democracy Anchored on Human Rights

Photo Credit: Photo courtesy of The Sun Nigeria / IRIAD
International Democracy Day: IRIAD Calls for Inclusive Democracy Anchored on Human Rights

As the world marks the 2026 International Day of Democracy, the Initiative for Research, Innovation and Advocacy in Development (IRIAD) and The Electoral Hub have urged a deeper reflection on the true meaning of democracy beyond elections.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Executive Director of IRIAD, Princess Hamman-Obels, said democracy must ensure that every voice counts, every right is protected, and every citizen has a meaningful place in governance.

She noted that the International Day of Democracy, observed annually on September 15, provides an opportunity to assess the state of democracy globally and renew commitment to democratic governance. This year marks 18 years since the day was first observed in 2008.

Hamman-Obels said this year’s United Nations theme, “When Every Voice Counts, Democracy Delivers,” places citizens at the heart of democracy. According to her, democracy should go beyond voting to create real opportunities for citizens to be heard, access information, influence decisions, engage public institutions, hold leaders accountable, and enjoy the dividends of democracy.

She added that the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s 2026 theme, “Bring Human Rights into Focus,” underscores the central role of human rights in sustaining democratic societies and the duty of parliaments and other arms of government to protect freedoms, civic participation and those who speak up for others.

“Together, these themes reinforce a fundamental truth: democracy cannot be meaningful without participation, and participation cannot be meaningful without rights,” she stated.

The IRIAD Director stressed that while credible, inclusive, peaceful and transparent elections are fundamental, democracy must be sustained between elections through effective lawmaking, transparent budgeting, public consultations, legislative oversight, civic engagement, access to information and quality service delivery.

“Citizens should have opportunities to engage their representatives, contribute to public decisions, influence policies and priorities, and hold institutions accountable. Democratic participation must therefore be continuous, meaningful, and capable of influencing outcomes,” she said.

She further noted that public trust in democracy grows when institutions are responsive, transparent, accessible without discrimination, and effective in service delivery, while exclusion, poor service delivery and weak accountability erode that trust.

“Human rights provide the foundation for meaningful democratic participation. Freedom of expression, access to information, freedom of association and peaceful assembly, equity, non-discrimination, and protection of civic space enable citizens to participate freely and safely in public affairs,” Hamman-Obels added.

IRIAD and The Electoral Hub also emphasized that putting every voice at the centre of democracy requires recognizing that citizens do not experience democracy equally. Women, girls, young people, persons with disabilities and other marginalized groups still face social, economic, political and institutional barriers that limit their participation and influence. The group called for equitable opportunities for all citizens to contribute to public life.
Source: The Sun Nigeria