A/HRC/22/29 Centre for Constitutional Transitions at the University of New York, the Geneva Centre for Security Policy, the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces and the European Inter-University Centre for Human Rights and Democratisation. VII. Conclusions and recommendations A. Conclusions 81. Securing democracy should be an overarching and permanent concern for Member States. Systematic violations of human rights and the rule of law inevitably lead to a retreat of democracy. 82. The contemporary global spread of democracy is a dynamic movement responding to a popular impulse and aspirations for adherence to the principles of human rights and the rule of law, for greater justice and liberty. 83. There is no single model of democracy. Democracy does not belong to any country or region more than another. The constitutive norms, standards and values of democracy are universal. They are grounded in the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and core international human rights instruments. 84. Democracy, human rights and the rule of law are interdependent and mutually reinforcing. They enjoy a symbiotic relationship within a system of governance. The weakening of one endangers the enjoyment or even the existence of the others. 85. Democracy is a platform for inclusive participation, empowerment and accountability. It can be made resilient through solid institutions led by constitutionally invested and accountable officials and by human rights-compliant laws, policies and practices. 86. Challenges to democracy arise in both settled and transitional democracies. The main threats to democracy include violence, sectarianism, extremism and intolerance. Additional challenges, such as poverty, abuse of power, endemic economic and political corruption, impunity and the curtailment of fundamental freedoms, lead to serious setbacks. 87. As, inevitably, a trial-and-error process, democratization is a complex and unpredictable path beset with challenges. The quality of the transition, the nature of leadership commitment and the enactment of the transition requirements determine its achievements. 88. Democracy takes root over time. Its safeguarding is a lengthy and continuous exercise. It requires steady investment and astute agency. Contemporary transitions are eminently complex, involving an ever-growing number of State and non-State actors. 89. Democratization is about the crystallization of a new system. The ensuing transformations can spell disorder and potential conflict and violence. Leadership must grasp these complex phenomena and adopt flexible and competent approaches. 90. The international community has been more successful at providing support in the early stages of a transition, notably through electoral assistance, than during the subsequent phases of democracy consolidation. The United Nations should remain on course to respond to the continuing concerns of Member States. 16