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Democracy
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Areas of work: Strengthening democracy
Germany has agreed with 32 partner countries to make "Democracy, civil society, governance" a priority area of development cooperation.
All measures in this priority area are in essence concerned with supporting political reform processes. Germany bases its approach on the democratic state governed by the rule of law and on the principle of the social market economy. Germany sees democracy as an instrument for implementing fundamental values such as justice, freedom and equality.
When promoting democratisation in partner countries, Germany takes account of the fact that this is a long and complex process which cannot be imposed from outside and which can be encouraged only on the basis of partnership. Partner countries are expected to demonstrate their own commitment and to draw up development strategies (e.g. Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers) as a starting point for German development cooperation.
Promoting human rights
Fundamental to any democracy is respect for political, civil, economic, social and cultural human rights. The German government therefore works to strengthen these rights. This work focuses on increasingly forging closer links between human rights on the one hand and development processes and other policy areas such as trade and economic policy on the other. The German government's Development Policy Action Plan on Human Rights draws together various measures for promoting human rights. The plan was drawn up in 2004 and has now been updated for the period 2008 to 2010.
Further information on Germany's engagement for human rights can also be found under the following topics:
Promoting political participation
One important democratic principle is the participation of the population in political affairs. Reforms cannot be sustainable unless they are legitimised and supported by the country's people.
Participation is therefore a fundamental principle of German development policy. Germany helps its partner governments put in place appropriate structures to allow for citizen participation.
This includes involving civil society in national development strategies, the creation of administrative structures for local self-government, natural resource management measures and the development of civil society organisations such as human rights groups, women's organisations, trades unions, occupational associations and consumer organisations.
Promoting the rule of law
The rule of law and legal certainty are important development criteria. Arbitrariness, unequal treatment, discrimination, the violation of human rights, the failure to pursue criminal prosecutions and inadequate separation of powers destroy people’s confidence in the state and deter both national and foreign investors.
Germany therefore promotes the rule of law and legal certainty in its partner countries through a wide range of measures, such as the provision of advice on constitutional issues and on reform of legal and justice systems.
This does not seek to impose the German legal system on partner countries; the aim is rather to work jointly to devise appropriate legal systems. One particular concern is to support marginalised groups, including the promotion of the rights of indigenous peoples.
Reforms in this area cannot be successfully implemented unless the partner government is as a matter of principle prepared to accept the fundamentals of the rule of law. If the government lacks this willingness, civil society groups can be offered support to initiate discussion within society of the principles of the rule of law and to help marginalised groups gain access to the legal system.
In addition, the German government engages in regional and global reform initiatives. For example, as part of its cooperation with the African Union, Germany is helping the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights to develop effective structures.
For further information see also the following topics:
Promoting decentralisation, local development and governance
So that political decisions can be brought closer to the people and their needs can be better taken into account, Germany promotes decentralisation and local self-governance in many partner countries as key factors for democracy and good governance.
Decentralisation, as understood by the German government, entails the transfer of tasks, responsibilities, financial and material resources and political decision-making power to the regions and local districts within a country. The aim of decentralisation is to improve government services, make the use of public resources more transparent, more effective and more appropriate to need, and improve political participation among the population.
Measures in this area include
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training administrative staff
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reforming budgetary and financial systems
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reforming organisational operations: the aim is to achieve a clear allocation of duties and regulated forms of communication and cooperation between all parties
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introducing e-government: this makes information more accessible, administrative processes faster and more transparent, and political involvement easier
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introducing monitoring and supervisory mechanisms: the aim of these systems is to tackle and help prevent corruption.
Publications
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Political involvement in German development cooperation
(PDF 504 KB, accessible) -
Promoting democracy in German development policy: Supporting political reform processes and popular participation
Special 137
(PDF 482 KB) -
Promoting Resilient States and Constructive State-Society Relations – Legitimacy, Transparency and Accountability
Special 168
(PDF 495 KB, accessible) -
Human Rights in German Development Policy
BMZ Strategy Paper
(PDF 574 KB, accessible)
