Increase Cooperation with U.N., Community of Democracies, says Doha Democracy Conference
http://www.icnrd6.com/pdf/doha_dec_en.pdf

November 7, 2006 The Sixth International Conference of New or Restored Democracies (ICNRD-6) was held in Doha, Qatar from October 29 – November 1, 2006.  Government officials, members of parliament, and civil society leaders from 192 countries met “to work together to consolidate and strengthen democratic institutions, and to enhance the linkages between democracy, peace and social progress….”

In the official “Doha Declaration – Building Capacity for Democracy, Peace and Social Progress,” the members agreed to adhere to the basic principles in the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights and the Charter of the United Nations and said they were “committed to advancing human welfare, freedom and process everywhere, as well as to encouraging tolerance, respect, dialogue, and cooperation among different cultures, civilizations and peoples…”

However, the declaration also recognized that there is neither one way to democratize nor one model for democracy.  The declaration acknowledged that each country will have its own path in democratizing, stating the countries are “considering the need to develop home-grown democratic reforms…taking into account the distinctive cultures and traditions of each society….”  

The declaration tasked the ICNRD-6 chairman, Advisory Board (comprised of ICNRD representatives from civil society, government, and the United Nations), and the Secretariat to find “the most effective and practical ways and means to follow up on ICNRD recommendations.”  Moreover, the declaration stressed the need for cooperation with the UN and “consultation and increased cooperation between the Community of Democracies and ICNRD to facilitate technical cooperation, including exchange of experiences about specific issues of common interest.”

To read the full text, as well as other outcome documents from the conference, visit http://www.icnrd6.com/outcome.php