What can states do to promote participation in public affairs?

In 2018, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) released new guidelines providing practical recommendations on how States can put in practice the right to participate in public affairs. The Guidelines cover participation both in electoral and in non-electoral contexts, and at the international level.  ECNL prepared a comprehensive and easy-to-use summary of the Guidelines. 

• Participation enables the advancement of all human rights. It plays a crucial role in the promotion of democracy, the rule of law, social inclusion & economic development.  
• Participation is essential for reducing inequalities and social conflict.  
• Participation is central for empowering individuals and groups and contributes to eliminating marginalization and discrimination. 

The Summary of Participation Guidelines is also available in Spanish, French and Russian. To download the Participation Guidelines by OHCHR, click here.