As a member of Humanists International, the Humanistischer Verband Deutschlands – Bundesverband supports the statements of the Copenhagen Declaration:
Humans are social beings who, through evolution and culture, are designed to live together with others in a society.
For a society to function, it needs standards, laws and rules. As society changes, they must always be open to challenges and updates as a result of continuous ethical discussion and rational debate.
Democracy, which is based on the principle of equal value, equal dignity and the equal right to participation of every individual, is a humanistic way of organizing these conversations and debates.
As humanists, we believe that democracy should be a fundamental value that is upheld and protected by all societies and governments. Everyone should be heard with the same dignity and respect. The democratic process provides the framework to ensure that this principle is respected in practice. It guarantees that there can be no legitimate government anywhere without the consent and participation of the governed on the basis of full information.
Democracy is not simply a political process. With its emphasis on equality and participation, democracy is a powerful instrument for realizing social justice, human dignity and the common good.
Democracy is not a static state. It is a dynamic process that requires constant commitment, informed participation and adaptation.
Democracy is not a tyranny of the majority. It must go hand in hand with the protection of human rights, the rule of law and a commitment to social progress.
In light of these principles, we reaffirm the following:
- Democracy is a universal fundamental value that is essential for the worldwide realization of humanist principles.
- Democracy must be inclusive, transparent, accountable and secular, with institutions and practices that are responsive to the changing needs and aspirations of citizens.
- Citizens must be empowered and the right to exercise citizenship must be protected without prejudice.
- Democracy as a culture must be actively defended against all threats, including those from regimes, movements and political parties that espouse authoritarian principles, from those with uncontrollable economic and social power, and from all other forces that seek to undermine democratic values and institutions.
We are committed to working for a more democratic world.
We call on all governments, institutions and individuals to uphold and protect democratic values as the cornerstone of human dignity, justice and freedom.
We call on all humanists around the world to stand in solidarity with those fighting to defend and promote democracy, and to work together to build a world where democracy thrives and the dignity and rights of all people are protected.
The original Copenhagen Declaration is available
on the website of Humanists International
can be found here.
