Sec. 1801. Findings and statement of policy
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Congress finds the following: Democratic development, political pluralism, and respect for internationally recognized human rights are intrinsically linked to economic and social progress. Efforts to reduce poverty and promote broad-based economic growth are more effective and sustainable in a political environment in which fundamental freedoms and the rule of law are respected, government institutions are broadly representative, and corruption is held to a minimum. Violent extremism that threatens United States national security flourishes where democratic governance is weak, justice uncertain, and legal avenues for change in short supply.
Democracy can only be sustained in a society in which the legitimacy of the government rests firmly on the expressed consent of the governed; the rights of all citizens, including minorities, are respected and protected; and there is effective civilian control over the military and security forces. There is a growing worldwide movement toward more open, just and democratic societies. This trend is essential to achieving the United States ultimate objective of worldwide respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms without distinction as to race, sex, language, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
At the same time, this trend holds great promise for promoting the peace of the world and the foreign policy, security, and general welfare of the United States. Preventing mass atrocities is a core national security interest and a core moral responsibility of the United States. Governmental engagement on atrocities too often arrives too late, when opportunities for prevention or low-cost, low-risk action have been missed. By helping partner countries to strengthen democratic institutions and practices and to manage diversity peacefully, responsibly and equitably, USAID can address many of the structural conditions that give rise to mass atrocities.
Persons belonging to racial, ethnic, religious, and linguistic minorities, as well as lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender individuals, and persons with disabilities are often subjected to discrimination, harassment, exploitation, intimidation, and exclusion. United States policies and programs should seek to foster equal opportunity and equal access to justice for all people, including marginalized groups. Civil society organizations and activists worldwide contribute in unique and essential ways to development as innovative agents of change and social transformation.
In particular, such organizations have an important role to play in bringing the voices of the poor to influence government policies, and to hold governments and other powerful actors to account for their actions. A diverse, strong, and independent civil society sector is critical for the sustainable reduction of poverty. Democracy cannot be imposed from without. However, the United States should encourage all states to meet their obligations under international law to uphold and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms, and should support the aspirations of those who seek through peaceful means to make their governments more democratic and accountable.
Democracy takes time to become firmly rooted in society and in the political system. While short-term interventions can be important and effective means for preventing abuses and opening windows of opportunity, democratic development generally requires sustained effort and a comprehensive approach. It is the policy of the United States to— support democratic aspirations and values, foster the spread of democratic institutions, and encourage universal respect for internationally recognized human rights, including civil and political liberties; recognize that, to be successful, such support must not be defined narrowly in terms of parties and elections and government institutional capacity building, but must include other, equally important, aspects of democratic development, including— independent and balanced media; impartial and competent judicial processes that deliver access to justice; respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms; and a vibrant civil society that engages meaningfully with government; and take into consideration a country’s commitment to good governance, respect for the rule of law and protection of internationally recognized human rights in providing assistance under this subtitle.