UN General Assembly
1990

Governments must be held accountable for their actions. People must be allowed to participate in the political process. Democracy, pluralism and respect for human rights are indispensable features of sustainable development. It is encouraging that political and legal reforms are on the agenda in an increasing number of countries. Denmark welcomes that development. It gives reason for optimism. Human rights, democratization and popular participation in the development process are both important tools and objectives in Danish development co-operation. The international development agencies, increasingly, are following the path. We, for our part, will support this trend. Human rights and democratization are not to be seen as temporary items on the development agenda. It is our common responsibility to make sure they have come to stay. By doing so we might also contribute to solving the overwhelming problem of refugees. Unless tackled in a comprehensive context, that immense problem could endanger our security in the foreseeable future. At the same time, we must not lose sight of other threats to developing and developed countries alike.