Democracy, human rights and gender equality
After decades of democratic development, human rights and democracy have come under pressure in a number of African countries. There have been rising conflict levels, coups and unconstitutional seizures of power in some of these countries. Growing inequality creates a breeding ground for social unrest and can undermine stability and support for democracy. Weak African democracies have proved vulnerable to external influences and pressures. Even so, Africa is the continent where the greatest number of countries have moved in a democratic direction. The total number of democracies on the African continent remains fairly stable.
Democracy surveys show that most residents in African countries want free and fair elections and military forces that stay out of the political arena. Dissatisfaction with elected leaders and democratic institutions is generally greater in countries where people are seeing a widening gap between their demands and expectations and what is actually being provided. Poverty, inequality and inadequate social services are often part of this picture. In many cases the lack of participation in, and ability to exert influence on, political decision-making processes is a source of conflict and political and social unrest.
African countries and regional organisations are crucial partners in international efforts to curb rising inequality. In this context development cooperation plays an important role in supporting democratic development and a more equitable distribution of social and economic goods. Norway will continue to work to promote locally-led development cooperation that can lead to lasting social change.
The AU’s Agenda 2063 calls for a universal culture of respect for good governance, well-functioning states based on the rule of law, democratic values, gender equality and human rights. These issues are on the agenda in the close, productive dialogue Norway has through annual consultations with a large number of African countries. Norway seeks to further expand its dialogue with the AU, African governments, civil society organisations, businesses, traditional and religious communities and other actors on how to develop accountable institutions and democratic processes that best address challenges in a variety of different contexts.
The interplay between inclusion, participation, respect for human rights, good governance, knowledge, economic progress, climate change adaptation, stability and security implies a need for a broad and integrated approach to cooperation to promote democracy.
Civil society, women, children, minorities and marginalised groups are often the victims when democracy is weakened. Norway will work together with partners in African countries to increase the scope of action of civil society organisations, strengthen gender equality and safeguard the rights of vulnerable groups.
Promoting the right of women to participate in political and public life on an equal footing with men is an integral part of Norwegian partnerships with African countries. Sexual and reproductive health and rights and combatting sexualised and gender-based violence will need to be given increased focus in cooperation moving forward.
Education is of crucial importance in combating poverty, fostering democracy and business development, increasing employment and ensuring sustainable economic growth. Education also has a major role to play in promoting health and gender equality. It is in our common interest to strengthen cooperation to enable more children and young people to pursue quality education.
Digital technology can facilitate more transparent and inclusive ways of governing, but it can also increase inequality if access to technology and other resources is skewed. Social media platforms are used effectively by human rights and democracy advocates, but they can also be used by the authorities for surveillance and control. The spread of hate speech and disinformation through digital channels is a growing problem. It is in our shared interest to work together to address both the opportunities and the challenges digital technology entails.
Objective: Strengthened cooperation on democratic development, human rights and gender equality
Priorities for strengthening cooperation in this area:
Political dialogue: In its dialogue on democracy development with African national authorities, traditional communities and business sectors, Norway will emphasise the participation of civil society organisations, freedom of expression, media freedom and efforts to combat inequality.
Combatting inequality: Norway will strengthen efforts to combat inequality, including by taking a leading role in international cooperation to counter tax evasion, corruption and illicit financial flows. Development cooperation is to be locally-led and help to promote lasting societal change.
Civil society, institutions and media: Norway will attach importance to supporting reform of the justice sector, including promoting independent courts, broad societal engagement in civil society organisations, independent media and trade unions.
Digital technology: Norway will support cooperation to map and counter disinformation and ensure access to reliable information, including through independent media and civil society organisations.
Human rights: Norway will work with country situations via the UN Human Rights Council and the Universal Periodic Review reporting process, with emphasis on the follow-up of recommendations. Importance will be attached to efforts to protect vulnerable groups, including the LGBTIQ+ community.
Gender equality: Norway attaches importance to establishing partnerships between public authorities, the private sector, civil society actors and multilateral organisations in efforts to promote gender equality, the right of women and girls to decide over their own bodies, and the political and economic rights of women and girls.
Young people and children: Norway attaches importance to the rights of young people and children, including the right of all children to quality education. Norway works strategically through funds and partnerships to unlock large-scale investments, strengthen national education systems and facilitate access to education when children are affected by crisis, conflict and displacement. It is of key importance to ensure meaningful and inclusive participation for children and young people.