The Community Of Democracies 2005 Santiago Ministerial Commitment

“Cooperating For Democracy” Final Version

We, the Participants in the Third Ministerial Conference of the Community of Democracies held in Santiago on April 28–30, 2005 approve:

Reaffirming the vital importance of the observance of the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations, the International Bill of Human Rights, as well as the fundamental principles of international law.

Recommitting to act in accordance with universally recognized standards of human rights with the purpose of strengthening dialogue and cooperation between states, peoples and individuals.

Reaffirming further our commitment to the “Warsaw Declaration: Toward a Community of Democracies”, approved at the First Ministerial Conference on June 27, 2000 in Warsaw, and to the implementation of the “Seoul Plan of Action: Investing for Peace and Prosperity,” and the “Community of Democracies Statement on Terrorism,” adopted at the Second Ministerial Conference, held in Seoul on November 16, 2002, declare that:

We renew our conviction that democracy, sustainable development, peace, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms are interdependent and mutually reinforcing. Democracy is based on the freely expressed will of the people to determine their own political, economic, social, and cultural systems and their full participation in all aspects of their lives.

We reaffirm that education in human rights and democracy is essential for participation in the democratic process and governance.