United Democratic Nations

Charter

The goal of United Democratic Nations is to serve as a forum for the democratic nations of the world to meet and address global issues.  The UDN will serve both advisory and judiciary functions.  The UDN will not maintain a standing army, relying instead on member nations for support.

Membership

UDN Membership is given (and withdrawn) by simple majority rule of the members. The criteria for membership is that a country is Democratic. While there is no easy definition of democracy, a working definition (to be detailed) will be established and maintained based on simple majority rule.  Non-member nations are encouraged to attend sessions, however they will not have dedicated seats.  A visitor gallery will be established for this purpose.   This does NOT imply a policy of isolationism.  To the contrary, dialog with non-democratic organizations is necessary on issues of common good, such as communications, transportation logistics, and disaster relief.  Common sense statements voted on.

Transparency

To reduce the opportunity for corruption the UDN will operate in full transparency.  All meetings will be broadcast in real time over the internet, all financial accounting will be made public, and all activities will be carried out openly.  A lack of secrecy will at times hinder operations, but this sacrifice is deemed necessary for the greater good of the organization.

Funding

Not all nations are of equal wealth, nor does wealth in and of itself does not imply debt.  The UDN will operate entirely on funds donated by the member nations.

Spread of Democracy

In order to promote the principle of democracy the UDN will:

• Promote communication and travel between ALL countries, both members and non-members, independent of ideology.
• Promote the spread of technologies that advance communication (telephony, computers).
• Promote a free internet, one that is unencumbered by regulation or prejudice.  Recognize internet access as vital to freedom of speech.
• Communicate with dictatorial regimes and leadership, but only when the net result is to improve democracy.  Non-representative leadership shall not be treated as if it were representative.

Education

Democracy does not imply wisdom.  Even the most well intended democracy can exhibit a lack of good judgment when its citizens are insufficiently educated.  Consequently UDN mission will include the creation and support of educational facilities where the need is identified.

Judiciary

The International Court of Justice ("World Court") will continue to operate under its existing rules, but managed by the UDN.  Since justice delayed is justice denied, the ICJ will seek to expedite the process, reducing trial times to months rather than years.  Crimes against humanity, including those of dictatorships currently in power, will be tried and sentenced by the ICJ, in absentia where necessary.  There are circumstances where the punishment is not as important as the statement of wrongdoing.

See the Definition of Democracy