Democracy and promoting a dialogue between Europe and America

Abstract

Although it is difficult to identify a clear concept of Democracy at an international level, and the relationship between Europe and Latin America is complex, promoting Democracy has been a factor that has fostered dialogue between the two regions. It might be interesting to understand if there is a common notion of Democracy. Firstly, the paper will examine the concept of Democracy at the international level from the UN Charter to Resolution 62/7. Secondly, the paper will compare this concept with notions emerging within the Council of Europe and the Organization of American States (OAS). The concept emerging at the international level is reflected in Article 3 of the Additional Protocol to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), which was opened for signature by member states on March 20, 1952, in Paris, and in Article 23 of the American Convention on Human Rights. It was adopted within the framework of the Organization of American States (OAS) in San José, Costa Rica, in 1969, and it entered into force in 1978. Thirdly, the proposal will examine the interpretations offered by the European and Inter-American Courts of Human Rights.