More than 500 political, civil leaders, Nobel Laureates, and pro-democracy institutions have signed an open letter to defend democracy, warning that the freedoms are under threat from governments who are using the crisis to tighten their grip on power. The coronavirus pandemic poses severe threats to democracy. Many governments worldwide have assembled emergency powers that restrict human rights and enhance state surveillance, disregarding legal constraints, checks, balances and time frames for restoring constitutional order. The letter aims to raise awareness, to mobilize citizens and policymakers to protect democracy- recognizing, that it is as the most effective system for handling global crises while protecting the rights of all citizens, particularly minorities and vulnerable groups. Read more here.
Source: European Endowment for Democracy