natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
And they serve as sources of inspiration for other states who aspire to achieve economic and human progress.
And they serve as sources of inspiration for other states who aspire to achieve economic and human progress.
To further complicate the picture, we see that political Islam is increasingly influencing democratic development.
To further complicate the picture, we see that political Islam is increasingly influencing democratic development.
Western states must get used to the idea that democratically elected governments can be dominated by Islamist parties.
Western states must get used to the idea that democratically elected governments can be dominated by Islamist parties.
We should judge the Islamist by what they do.
We should judge the Islamist by what they do.
The measure of their legitimacy, however, will be the ability and willingness to uphold human rights for all its citizens, regardless of religion.
The measure of their legitimacy, however, will be the ability and willingness to uphold human rights for all its citizens, regardless of religion.
This entails, among other things, free speech and the right to criticize the convictions of the majority.
This entails, among other things, free speech and the right to criticize the convictions of the majority.
It remains to be seen if political Islam and democracy will develop into a state of fruitful coexistence.
It remains to be seen if political Islam and democracy will develop into a state of fruitful coexistence.
Hopefully, countries such as Tunisia can find a way to combine religious conviction with democratic government and human rights.
Hopefully, countries such as Tunisia can find a way to combine religious conviction with democratic government and human rights.
Meanwhile, the West is increasingly constrained in its ability to effectively support democracies.
Meanwhile, the West is increasingly constrained in its ability to effectively support democracies.
Budgetary cuts in development agencies leave less means for concrete democracy assistance.
Budgetary cuts in development agencies leave less means for concrete democracy assistance.
Also, Western countries may not be as strong sources of inspiration to developing nations as they once were.
Also, Western countries may not be as strong sources of inspiration to developing nations as they once were.
Particularly now, when Europe is on its knees.
Particularly now, when Europe is on its knees.
The financial, social, political crisis in Europe has led to a deterioration of social ties, growing religious radicalisation and inter-ethnic tensions.
The financial, social, political crisis in Europe has led to a deterioration of social ties, growing religious radicalisation and inter-ethnic tensions.
What effects will the crisis have on Europe’s democracies?
What effects will the crisis have on Europe’s democracies?
Several worrying trends are surfacing: Take Hungary and their 2010 parliamentary elections.
Several worrying trends are surfacing: Take Hungary and their 2010 parliamentary elections.
Economic crisis and lack of trust in the government lead to increased support to right-wing extremist forces.
Economic crisis and lack of trust in the government lead to increased support to right-wing extremist forces.
And Hungary is not unique in this sense.
And Hungary is not unique in this sense.
Neo-Nazis elected into the Greek parliament.
Neo-Nazis elected into the Greek parliament.
The True Finns of Finland, who last year won 39 seats in the 200-member parliament.
The True Finns of Finland, who last year won 39 seats in the 200-member parliament.
Anti-democratic forces seem to flourish in times of crisis.
Anti-democratic forces seem to flourish in times of crisis.
And we are witnessing increased insecurity and pressure on fundamental rights for many groups in our societies.
And we are witnessing increased insecurity and pressure on fundamental rights for many groups in our societies.
In Belarus, unfortunately none of the preconditions of democracy are in place.
In Belarus, unfortunately none of the preconditions of democracy are in place.
It is our obligation as European neighbors to send a clear message both to the Belarusian government and to the Belarusian people, that needs for stability and security never is an excuse for using excessive force against peaceful demonstrators, clamping down on opposition figures and imprisoning of Human Rights defenders.
It is our obligation as European neighbors to send a clear message both to the Belarusian government and to the Belarusian people, that needs for stability and security never is an excuse for using excessive force against peaceful demonstrators, clamping down on opposition figures and imprisoning of Human Rights defenders.
Let me be frank: I am also concerned about Russia.
Let me be frank: I am also concerned about Russia.
I am concerned about the negative developments related to conditions for civil society and political dissent.
I am concerned about the negative developments related to conditions for civil society and political dissent.
They pose a threat to the young Russian democracy, and put into question Russia’s readiness to stand by commitments the country has made as a member state in the Council of Europe and the OSCE.
They pose a threat to the young Russian democracy, and put into question Russia’s readiness to stand by commitments the country has made as a member state in the Council of Europe and the OSCE.
We have addressed these issues with Russia, in bilateral consultations and in multilateral foras.
We have addressed these issues with Russia, in bilateral consultations and in multilateral foras.
Russia, along with other countries, is concerned with what they claim to be “Western values based moral discussions”.
Russia, along with other countries, is concerned with what they claim to be “Western values based moral discussions”.
They claim that these are undercutting their own values and that they are offensive (ex. discussions on LGBT rights).
They claim that these are undercutting their own values and that they are offensive (ex. discussions on LGBT rights).
In the Human Rights Council, Russia recently proposed, and successfully pushed through, a controversial resolution on the issue of traditional values.
In the Human Rights Council, Russia recently proposed, and successfully pushed through, a controversial resolution on the issue of traditional values.
Tradition is often used to justify practices that undermine human rights, such as violence against women, restrictions to freedom of expression and assembly.
Tradition is often used to justify practices that undermine human rights, such as violence against women, restrictions to freedom of expression and assembly.
We are concerned that this initiative serves to undermine the norms laid down under international human rights law.
We are concerned that this initiative serves to undermine the norms laid down under international human rights law.
We have therefore consistently rejected this concept.
We have therefore consistently rejected this concept.
It is an ongoing challenge: the misconception that human rights reflect “a Western agenda”.
It is an ongoing challenge: the misconception that human rights reflect “a Western agenda”.
They do not.
They do not.
We need to make that clear.
We need to make that clear.
Traces of this universal language can be found in the philosophies, ethics, laws and strategies of many great civilisations, from ancient to modern times.
Traces of this universal language can be found in the philosophies, ethics, laws and strategies of many great civilisations, from ancient to modern times.
Universal human rights are not imposed from “outside”.
Universal human rights are not imposed from “outside”.
States themselves agreed on them 60 years ago.
States themselves agreed on them 60 years ago.
There are now 162 states parties to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
There are now 162 states parties to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
That makes its standards almost universally applicable.
That makes its standards almost universally applicable.
We need to remain focused on this critically important point of departure: that we are dealing with humankind, that humankind is global.
We need to remain focused on this critically important point of departure: that we are dealing with humankind, that humankind is global.
Fundamental prerequisites for true democratic change
Fundamental prerequisites for true democratic change
There are certain enduring factors that we know are essential if democracy is to be able to take root.
There are certain enduring factors that we know are essential if democracy is to be able to take root.
Some constant, fundamental elements that must be in place if there is to be real democratic change.
Some constant, fundamental elements that must be in place if there is to be real democratic change.
I will mention four such factors:
I will mention four such factors:
First, we must recognise that democracy is more than majority rule.
First, we must recognise that democracy is more than majority rule.
Democracy is not sustainable unless the human rights of individuals are respected.
Democracy is not sustainable unless the human rights of individuals are respected.
Mahatma Gandhi once said: “My notion of democracy is that under it the weakest should have the same opportunity as the strongest.”
Mahatma Gandhi once said: “My notion of democracy is that under it the weakest should have the same opportunity as the strongest.”
Respect for human rights places limits on the laws, policies and practices that can be pursued by a government, and that can be pursued by the majority in a society.
Respect for human rights places limits on the laws, policies and practices that can be pursued by a government, and that can be pursued by the majority in a society.
The right to life.
The right to life.
The principle of non-discrimination.
The principle of non-discrimination.
The right to justice, a fair trial, protection against torture, the right to health, to food, to education, to having a faith, to an opinion.
The right to justice, a fair trial, protection against torture, the right to health, to food, to education, to having a faith, to an opinion.
Human dignity, equality, and justice: these are core values for everyone, everywhere, always.
Human dignity, equality, and justice: these are core values for everyone, everywhere, always.
Establishing robust democracies is not a technical exercise.
Establishing robust democracies is not a technical exercise.
It is not just about holding an election.
It is not just about holding an election.
Fundamental changes relating to both society and culture are required on many levels.
Fundamental changes relating to both society and culture are required on many levels.
Democracy is only secured when a society has not only altered its laws and practices, but also its political culture and economy so that women and previously marginalised groups are included and the rule of law prevails.
Democracy is only secured when a society has not only altered its laws and practices, but also its political culture and economy so that women and previously marginalised groups are included and the rule of law prevails.
Second, establishing robust democracies is not something that can be imposed from the outside.
Second, establishing robust democracies is not something that can be imposed from the outside.
In the Arab world in particular, such attempts are met by strong resistance.
In the Arab world in particular, such attempts are met by strong resistance.
Local society must develop into a democracy through its own free will.
Local society must develop into a democracy through its own free will.
International support must be based on local demand, on genuine local interest and commitment.
International support must be based on local demand, on genuine local interest and commitment.
Third, democratic change takes time.
Third, democratic change takes time.
The World Bank has estimated that it takes an average of 41 years for the most successful countries to establish the rule of law ([1]).
The World Bank has estimated that it takes an average of 41 years for the most successful countries to establish the rule of law ([1]).
We must take a long-term perspective, both with regard to democratic development and to our support for it.
We must take a long-term perspective, both with regard to democratic development and to our support for it.
Fourth, we must realise that the transition to democracy can be fiercely opposed by influential local agents.
Fourth, we must realise that the transition to democracy can be fiercely opposed by influential local agents.
Democratic transition inevitably also means that previously powerful elites will lose some of their influence.
Democratic transition inevitably also means that previously powerful elites will lose some of their influence.
Naturally, they will try to hold on to their privileges.
Naturally, they will try to hold on to their privileges.
Military elites, for instance, can be reluctant to submit to a civil administration.
Military elites, for instance, can be reluctant to submit to a civil administration.
This is currently one of the main challenges in Egypt, and was previously a major issue in Turkey.
This is currently one of the main challenges in Egypt, and was previously a major issue in Turkey.
Conservative religious elites can also be reluctant to change, for example when it comes to the inclusion of religious minorities or women in politics.
Conservative religious elites can also be reluctant to change, for example when it comes to the inclusion of religious minorities or women in politics.
So, how can we strengthen democracy worldwide?
So, how can we strengthen democracy worldwide?
What can we do to support the process of democratic change?
What can we do to support the process of democratic change?
If we agree that democracy cannot be imposed, that it has to come as a result of the will of a country’s citizens, then what is there for us to do?
If we agree that democracy cannot be imposed, that it has to come as a result of the will of a country’s citizens, then what is there for us to do?
We can make visible, clarify, the benefits of democracy.
We can make visible, clarify, the benefits of democracy.
Introducing democracy does not mean denial of a country’s culture and beliefs or a westernization of society.
Introducing democracy does not mean denial of a country’s culture and beliefs or a westernization of society.
No, we have to contribute to visualise that democracies take many forms, but it is ultimately beneficial to the society in terms of individual rights, economic prosperity, and long-term stability and security.
No, we have to contribute to visualise that democracies take many forms, but it is ultimately beneficial to the society in terms of individual rights, economic prosperity, and long-term stability and security.
In supporting democracy, the key is to combine outside pressure from the international community with bottom-up pressure from local civil society.
In supporting democracy, the key is to combine outside pressure from the international community with bottom-up pressure from local civil society.
At the same time, we must recognise that democratic change must be sustained by developing the society’s economy and human capital.
At the same time, we must recognise that democratic change must be sustained by developing the society’s economy and human capital.
I will mention seven elements that I consider to be relevant in this regard.
I will mention seven elements that I consider to be relevant in this regard.
First, we must convey a clear message in our public and political statements.
First, we must convey a clear message in our public and political statements.
In the UN and other multilateral arenas, we must continually press for democratic values and human rights.
In the UN and other multilateral arenas, we must continually press for democratic values and human rights.
What we say and do in the UN and the Council of Europe sets the tone for much of the discourse in local societies.
What we say and do in the UN and the Council of Europe sets the tone for much of the discourse in local societies.
One concrete example: Tomorrow Ukraine will be examined by the Human Rights Council in the Universal Periodic Review.
One concrete example: Tomorrow Ukraine will be examined by the Human Rights Council in the Universal Periodic Review.
Norway is seriously concerned about the development in Ukraine and will raise several issues with the government.
Norway is seriously concerned about the development in Ukraine and will raise several issues with the government.
We will for instance urge the government to take all necessary steps to ensure the rights of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) people to a free speech, and protection against violence.
We will for instance urge the government to take all necessary steps to ensure the rights of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) people to a free speech, and protection against violence.
We also follow closely this weekend’s parliamentary elections, which look to be problematic indeed.
We also follow closely this weekend’s parliamentary elections, which look to be problematic indeed.
However, political statements must always be coupled with other initiatives.
However, political statements must always be coupled with other initiatives.
On their own, they cannot bring change.
On their own, they cannot bring change.
We know, for example, that when we raise concerns about human rights challenges, like we did in the UN in relation to Bahrain last year, local actors are encouraged to continue their difficult work for democratisation in spite of the odds.
We know, for example, that when we raise concerns about human rights challenges, like we did in the UN in relation to Bahrain last year, local actors are encouraged to continue their difficult work for democratisation in spite of the odds.
Second, we must provide both moral and material support to human rights defenders and democratic agents of change at the local level.
Second, we must provide both moral and material support to human rights defenders and democratic agents of change at the local level.
A free and critical civil society is crucial if democracy is to be able to take root.
A free and critical civil society is crucial if democracy is to be able to take root.
We have an obligation to support those who risk their lives fighting for values that we take for granted.
We have an obligation to support those who risk their lives fighting for values that we take for granted.
Norway and other countries must continue to work through their embassies and local partners to support those actors on the ground who stress the universality of human rights, and who resist attempts to label such rights as “Western”.
Norway and other countries must continue to work through their embassies and local partners to support those actors on the ground who stress the universality of human rights, and who resist attempts to label such rights as “Western”.
Third, we must support free local media.
Third, we must support free local media.
Independent newspapers, radio stations and television networks are guarantors of inclusive political participation.
Independent newspapers, radio stations and television networks are guarantors of inclusive political participation.
Civil society actors must have independent channels through which they can disseminate their views.
Civil society actors must have independent channels through which they can disseminate their views.
Norway supports a number of media initiatives.
Norway supports a number of media initiatives.
For example, we are providing training in human rights and security issues for journalists working for Al Jazeera, in partnership with the Norwegian Institute of Journalism and the Norwegian Centre for Human Rights.
For example, we are providing training in human rights and security issues for journalists working for Al Jazeera, in partnership with the Norwegian Institute of Journalism and the Norwegian Centre for Human Rights.
Fourth, we must speak out against the enemies of democracy.
Fourth, we must speak out against the enemies of democracy.
These may be old elites that cling to their positions of influence, and are unwilling to share power.
These may be old elites that cling to their positions of influence, and are unwilling to share power.
Or they may be new groups who, through fear of rival groups, seek to monopolise power.
Or they may be new groups who, through fear of rival groups, seek to monopolise power.
It is sometimes easy to appease such actors to achieve short-term gains.
It is sometimes easy to appease such actors to achieve short-term gains.
And, of course, there are times when compromises are unavoidable.
And, of course, there are times when compromises are unavoidable.
But all the same, we must not lose sight of our principles.
But all the same, we must not lose sight of our principles.
Fifth, we must promote the Rule of Law, particularly in new or fragile democracies.
Fifth, we must promote the Rule of Law, particularly in new or fragile democracies.
A democracy will fail unless there is a minimum of trust in the general population in the fairness of the state institutions.
A democracy will fail unless there is a minimum of trust in the general population in the fairness of the state institutions.
This means that such institutions must have both the capacity and the willingness to address the legitimate concerns of the people.
This means that such institutions must have both the capacity and the willingness to address the legitimate concerns of the people.
But even more important is that these institutions are governed by the principles of fairness, including equality before the law and zero tolerance of corruption.
But even more important is that these institutions are governed by the principles of fairness, including equality before the law and zero tolerance of corruption.
There is increased awareness about the importance of Rule of law internationally.
There is increased awareness about the importance of Rule of law internationally.
This was the main topic of this year's High Level Summit in the United Nations in New York.
This was the main topic of this year's High Level Summit in the United Nations in New York.
Norway also put up inclusion and rule of law as the topic for this year's annual Trygve Lie Symposium on fundamental freedoms.
Norway also put up inclusion and rule of law as the topic for this year's annual Trygve Lie Symposium on fundamental freedoms.
Sixth, economic growth is often important if democracy is to take root.
Sixth, economic growth is often important if democracy is to take root.
In Europe, Fascism and Communism flourished when ordinary people experienced the hardship that came after the First World War and during the Great Depression.
In Europe, Fascism and Communism flourished when ordinary people experienced the hardship that came after the First World War and during the Great Depression.
Democratic governments, once established, must deliver to their people in material terms.
Democratic governments, once established, must deliver to their people in material terms.
This means reducing unemployment, increasing trade, and combatting corruption.
This means reducing unemployment, increasing trade, and combatting corruption.
Development assistance can serve to support democratic development, by reducing poverty levels and increasing the availability of public goods and services.
Development assistance can serve to support democratic development, by reducing poverty levels and increasing the availability of public goods and services.
The seventh and final point, education is probably the most effective way of supporting democracy.
The seventh and final point, education is probably the most effective way of supporting democracy.
It is a truism that power cannot be given – it must be taken.
It is a truism that power cannot be given – it must be taken.