Democracy and Human Rights
GGI’s Democracy and Human Rights (DHR) section focuses on the current and future development of democracy world-wide and the relationship between the promotion of democracy and fundamental rights. At a time when democratic principles are increasingly challenged and threatened at global, regional, national and local levels, GGI analysts provide in-depth analyses, assessments and policy-oriented proposals for strengthening democracy, advancing human rights and wider conditions for global justice.
Publications
Report
Democracy and Human Rights
Parliaments in the EU enlargement process: Strengthening capacities of accession country parliaments under the evolving enlargement methodology
This study examines parliamentary capacity-building in EU enlargement countries, assessing democracy support efforts by EU institutions and partners. It highlights best practices, challenges, and the European Parliament’s key role in addressing democratic backsliding.
Briefing
Democracy and Human Rights
UNRWA’s Funding Freeze was Unjustified and Undermined Good Governance
The UNRWA, essential for Palestinian refugees, faces a funding crisis amid controversies, impacting Gaza's humanitarian situation. A Global Governance Institute paper urges reversing funding freezes and improving decision-making to uphold humanitarian governance.
Briefing
Democracy and Human Rights
Israel’s Non-implementation of the ICJ’s Provisional Measures: International Law Must Be Upheld
The ICJ ordered Israel to implement provisional measures in a genocide case brought by South Africa regarding Gaza. Concerns persist over Israel's compliance, reflecting broader challenges to international law and the legitimacy of the rules-based order.
Analysis
Democracy and Human Rights
Whither the Global Governance of Protecting Civilians? An Initial Assessment of the ICJ’s Decision on South Africa v. Israel of 26 January 2024
The October 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel prompted military operations in Gaza. The Israeli actions have raised concerns of genocide, leading South Africa to file a case with the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The ICJ ruled that Israel must comply with the Genocide Convention and protect Palestinian civilians.
Analysis
Democracy and Human Rights
The Responsibility to Protect and the Responsibility while Protecting: Friends or Foes?
This GGI Analysis examines the growing use of ransom payments in Somali piracy, analysing their legal and humanitarian dimensions, links to terrorist financing, and broader implications for international law, security policy, and counter-piracy strategies in fragile states.
Briefing
Democracy and Human Rights
Widening The Huntress’s Reach: Legal And Strategic Aspects Of A New Atalanta Mandate
This GGI Briefing analyses the EU’s 2012 decision to extend Operation ATALANTA's mandate onto Somali territory, finding it legally justified under international law but highlighting strategic risks, including pirate adaptation, relocation, and potential destabilisation, while stressing cautious implementation to enhance counter-piracy effectiveness.
Analysis
Democracy and Human Rights
A Democratic Justification for Military and Non-military Humanitarian Intervention
The analysis advances a democratic justification for humanitarian intervention, arguing that protecting basic democratic rights reconciles human rights with collective self-determination, and that while military interventions may be permissible, targeted nonmilitary interventions often constitute moral duties under international law.
Analysis
Democracy and Human Rights
The International Criminal Court and Kenya’s Post-election Violence
This publication analyses the ICC’s involvement in Kenya’s 2007–2008 post-election violence, highlighting the Court’s precedent-setting investigations, Kenya’s political and legal manoeuvres, and the broader implications for complementarity, civil society engagement, and the effectiveness of global mechanisms in advancing national justice.
Experts
