Calls for Action
Countries with shared democratic values should enact at the first sign of human rights abuses and corruption such as constitutional amendments which prolong governmental seats of power e.g. Germany implemented substantial constitutional reforms after World War II and the atrocities committed by the Nazi regime, in order to safeguard human rights and prevent the rise of authoritarianism. The Basic Law (Grundgesetz), which was approved in 1949, contains provisions such as the protection of human dignity (Article 1) and the establishment of a strong framework for checks and balances to prevent the concentration of power.
Countries with shared democratic values should enact their own versions of the Global Magnitsky Act to impose sanctions on individuals and entities responsible for human rights abuses or acts of corruption. (see Appendix i - How does the Magnitsky Act work and how would it support stopping slide into authoritarianism?). Moreover, democratic countries and international organisations implement trade sanctions, such as tariffs or trade restrictions.
Groups of countries with shared values and interests could form coalitions to collectively enact legislation similar to the Magnitsky Act, which allows for the imposition of sanctions on individuals and entities responsible for human rights abuses or acts of corruption. This can directly target key figures within authoritarian regimes, holding them accountable for their actions
The EU has a Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) that allows it to implement trade sanctions against countries that violate human rights or democratic principles. For example, the EU has imposed sanctions on Russia for its actions in Crimea and Ukraine, as well as on Belarus for its crackdown on political opposition and civil society. (see Appendix i - How sanctions have affected the Russian Economy and society?)
UN Member States and organisations such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) should recover assets stolen by authoritarian leaders through corruption or illicit means, returning these funds to the people of the affected countries and depriving the regime of economic resources.
Suspend development aid and financial assistance to governments that fail to uphold democratic principles. This can include aid from international organisations, bilateral aid agreements, or loans from multilateral institutions. (see Appendix i - How does the Magnitsky Act work and how would it support stopping slide into authoritarianism?)
National governments should include human rights clauses in trade agreements, requiring trading partners to uphold basic human rights and democratic principles as a condition of trade access.
Main Outcomes
By imposing targeted sanctions, conditioning aid, and promoting accountability mechanisms, the call for action would increase pressure on authoritarian leaders to respect human rights, uphold democratic principles, and refrain from abuses of power. This could lead to a decrease in human rights violations, corruption, and authoritarian practices within these countries.
Connecting trade to human rights and democratic standards would promote the values of democracy, transparency, and accountability in international trade relations.
Through diplomatic engagement, public awareness campaigns, and advocacy efforts, the call for action would contribute to a shift in global norms towards greater respect for human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
Panel Discussion Summary
During the panel discussion, the experts thoroughly scrutinised the prevalent global trend of diminishing democracy, paying specific attention to the circumstances unfolding in Turkey and China. They engaged in a comprehensive examination of the vital importance of media freedom and the upholding of the rule of law in preserving democratic principles amidst these challenging times.
Barbora Bukovská opened the panel with a keynote speech, where she presented the levels of democracy around the world. She highlighted that only 15% of people around the world (1 in 7 people) live in countries where they can seek, receive and share information freely and safely. She also mentioned that the level of democracy has been diminishing over the last few decades and is at its worst since 1989.
Dolkun Isa discussed how China has changed over the last few decades to the biggest economy in the world. He mentioned that China is not just an authoritarian country, but a country with global influence and imposes authoritarian rule on other countries. As Mr. Isa explained, many economies have become dependent on China (e.g through Belt and Road initiative). China has economic as well as ideological influence all around the globe.
Yavuz Aydin has spoken about the situation in Turkey and his own experience of being one of many fired judges and declared as a terrorist in Turkey. He discussed the 3 branches of government and how taking over the judiciary branch and its control diminishes rule of law. He also mentioned the significance of media freedom and how limiting media freedom is a threat to access to information and freedom of expression. He has also discussed the many cases of Turkey at the EHRC in which ¼ of the cases and backlog of the EHRC come from Turkey.
Hayiuer Kuerban discussed the treatment of Uyghurs by the Chinese government and how the Chinese government has made sure to use social media as a tool to disperse false information and create an image of a superior China in the eyes of the Westerners (e.g. China is well developed and maintained and everyone is happy, while Europeans are polarised and undivided).
Moreover, the panellists delved deeply into the potential effectiveness of implementing sanctions as a strategic tool to deter and curb the spread of authoritarianism across the international stage, highlighting the need for cohesive and coordinated efforts to safeguard and promote democratic values worldwide. The thought-provoking dialogue emphasised the critical need for vigilance and collective action in combating the erosion of democracy on a global scale.