Democracy Day: Stefanile, “in time of pandemic public safety must go hand in hand with rule of law

ROME/NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 16 – Addressing a IDLO/UNDESA/IDEA Webinar on Democracy Day in the time of the pandemic, the Italian Deputy Permanent Represnetative to the UN, Ambassador Stefano Stefanile highlighted how public safety must go hand in hand with continuous respect of Constitutional principles, the rule of law and international aw obligations.

Stefanile brought Italy’s experience as one of the first countries to be heavily hit and to face the pandemic. He emphasized the opportunity for all levels of government to focus on the most pressing needs of our societies and shape post-emergency recovery with a reinforced commitment to democratic and effective institutions, good governance, justice, rule of law, human rights and inclusion

The international community is observing the International Day of Democracy at a time when the magnitude, implications and gravity of the global crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic are becoming increasingly patent. But so are also the lessons to be learned that can guide the recovery and serve, in the words of the UN Secretary-General, to “build back better”.

The Webinar was co-organized by International IDEA and IDLO and co-sponsored by the Permanent Missions of Sweden and Italy to the United Nations. The UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and the High Commissioner fo Human Rights Michelle Bachelet sent video messages. (@OnuItalia)