The ‘2022 Resilient Democracies Statement
India, along with the G7 nations and four other countries, signed a statement that called for “guarding the freedom, independence and diversity of civil society actors” and “protecting the freedom of expression and opinion online and offline”.
India signed the ‘2022 Resilient Democracies Statement’ (RDS) with the G-7 grouping countries and four other invitees (Argentina, Indonesia, Senegal and South Africa).
These countries have reaffirmed their commitment to work towards equitable, inclusive and sustainable solutions to global challenges (climate change, COVID-19 etc.).
These countries have expressed commitment to a rules-based international order.
These countries discussed the ‘Carbis Bay Open Societies Statement’ for the year 2021. Also discussed the dramatic changes in the geopolitical situation since that time. In addition, it acknowledged the significant threats facing democratic systems around the world.
These announcements assume significance in the context of international events such as China’s aggressive moves in the strategic Indo-Pacific region and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Principles of Resilient Democracies Statement (RDS)
- Global Responsibility: This includes promoting respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of other countries; Supporting democracy and free and fair elections around the world.
- Information Environment: Protecting freedom of expression and thought through online and offline means; Ensuring an open, open, global, interoperable, reliable and secure Internet, etc.
- Civil Society: This includes protecting the freedom and diversity of civil society workers; Building capacity against malicious foreign interference, etc.
- Inclusion and Equality: Protecting freedom of thought, conscience and religion/belief and promoting inter-religious dialogue; Social integration and inclusion etc. are included.
Source – The Hindu
