美国国务院华盛顿哥伦比亚特区（Washington, D.C.）
2020年 6月26 日
副国务卿斯蒂芬·比冈(Stephen Biegun)对民主共同体（Community of Democracies）20周年网络会议发表讲话
讲话稿：
[摘译]
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美国相信民主是危机时期的解决方案，而不是毫不顾及满足本国人民需要的专制政权的高压手段和贪污腐化。然而，我们知道，维护民主需要付出艰辛的努力、认真的经营和一贯保持警觉，同时也会面临各种挑战，甚至挫败。
某些政府趁国际社会因受疫情困扰注意力分散的机会在本国限制人权和基本自由，声称这种高压对于制止疾病传播很有必要，甚至有利无害。我们目睹他们散布假消息；审查独立媒体；将罪责推给宗教和其他少数群体；限制上网通道；加强大规模监控；镇压政治和公民活动人士；抛弃法治。
恰恰是在这样的时期，在我们需要付出更多的时候，各民主政体必须共同努力倡导和保护我们的价值，增强民主机制，奉行法治。另外还有必要解决公共卫生危机，因为这可以增进公众的信任和合法性，而这些历来是解决以往疫情的关键因素。
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政府的透明和问责、公民社会和其他利益相关方的全面和广泛参与，以及自由地获得及时和准确的信息至关重要。
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政府应该协同社会各界一起制定、执行和通报各项公共卫生的措施。
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公民社会和独立媒体在危机时期可发挥特别积极的作用。
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在危机时期，政府必须尊重表达的自由，不论在线下还是线上，其中也包括报界成员。
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现在比以往任何时期都更重要的是，联合国、地区和其他多边组织明确指出封闭和限制性社会的人权问题，并尽一切努力与受到威胁的公民社会互通信息，尽可能提供支持。
美国与民主共同体和公民社会休戚与共，坚持对共同民主原则的高度忠诚和承诺，共同迎接21世纪的挑战。

REMARKSSTEPHEN BIEGUN, DEPUTY SECRETARY OF STATE
JUNE 26, 2020
Stephen Biegun, Deputy Secretary of State
As prepared:
Foreign Minister Arescu, Secretary General Garrett – I thank you and your teams for organizing this important discussion to commemorate the twentieth anniversary of the Community of Democracies and the Warsaw Declaration.
Former Secretary Albright, we applaud your tireless efforts as a champion for democracy and your ongoing support for the Community of Democracies.
I’m pleased to join you in reflecting on how we as a community of democratic states should address challenges to democracy arising from the global COVID-19 pandemic.  The United States co-founded this Community because we believe democratic values and respect for human rights underpin global peace, security, and prosperity.  Twenty years later, the United States stands firmly committed to the purpose and goals of this coalition.
The United States believes that democracy is the answer in times of crisis, not the oppression and corruption of authoritarian regimes poorly equipped to respond to the needs of their people.  We know, however, that sustaining democracy requires hard work, careful stewardship, and constant vigilance.  It faces challenges and even setbacks.
Some governments exploit an international community distracted by the pandemic to restrict human rights and fundamental freedoms in their countries, claiming this oppression is necessary – or even advantageous – for stopping the spread of disease.  We have seen them use disinformation; censor independent media; scapegoat religious and other minority groups; restrict access to the Internet; expand mass surveillance; stifle political and civic activism; and suspend the rule of law.
It’s precisely in times like these – when more is demanded of us – that democracies must act together to promote and protect our values, strengthen democratic institutions, and uphold the rule of law.  It is also necessary to solving public health crises, because it builds public trust and legitimacy, which has been key in mitigating previous epidemics.
In this regard, we know what works:
Government transparency and accountability, the full and inclusive participation of civil society and other stakeholders, and free access to timely and accurate information are critical.  Transparent, inclusive, and open governments are better able to coordinate national health responses, rapidly and accountably deploy emergency procurement processes, and harness new and emerging technologies that protect public health.
Governments should engage all sectors of society in developing, implementing, and communicating public health measures.  The full participation of women and persons from all marginalized communities – including religious, racial, and ethnic minority groups, persons with disabilities, and LGBTI persons – in decision-making fosters more resilient, peaceful, and democratic societies.
Civil society and independent media play especially positive roles during times of crisis.  As a critical link between governments and the publics they serve, they help build public trust, efficiently communicate public concerns to authorities, and push governments to share critical updates and counter the spread of disinformation and misinformation.
It is essential during crises for governments to respect freedom of expression, whether exercised offline or online and including for members of the press.  Governments must not engage in state censorship under the guise of protecting public health, including by shutting down Internet access or blocking platforms or content that is protected by freedom of expression.  Such censorship poses an unquestionable risk to public health.
In the face of challenges and efforts to undermine the democratic principles we hold dear, we in this Community must work together to promote and protect these principles – including by speaking out with a unified voice whenever and wherever they are threatened.
It is more important than ever that the UN, regional, and other multilateral bodies illuminate the human rights issues in closed and restrictive societies, and make every effort to communicate with and support where possible civil society under threat.
The United States stands side by side with this Community and civil society to face the challenges of the 21st century with a deep faith in, and commitment to, our shared democratic principles.