The US Biden administration has kickstarted its two-day “Summit for Democracy” with the participation of over 100 world leaders. It also comes as a confirmation that democracy and human rights values are a priority in President Joe Biden’s foreign policy agenda as promised by him during his 2020 presidential election campaign.
On the eve of the summit, which Biden heads, Asharq Al-Awsat spoke to the Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights about the Biden administration’s plan for human rights worldwide, especially in the Middle East region.
Uzra Zeya, a senior official in the State Department, explained that the summit was being held to fulfill Biden’s pledges on promoting democracy and human rights at the heart of US foreign policy.
She stressed that this policy would be followed in all countries without exception, including the Middle East.
According to Zeya, the world’s most pressing challenges call for democracies to cooperate and “stand together.”
The US pro-democracy summit centers on three critical matters: Confronting authoritarianism worldwide, raising the level of anti-corruption, and promoting respect for human rights at home and abroad.
While the summit gathers government leaders from more than 100 countries, Zeya pointed out that it also presents a significant opportunity for civil society and the private sector to join in what hopefully could be a genuinely global and multilateral effort.
When asked about the Arab region’s widespread protests against corruption and repression of civilians in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon, the US official noted that demonstrations in the Middle East demand a better future.
In many cases, protesters rightfully express their opposition to corruption, suppression of fundamental rights, or even the lack of opportunities.
Zeya confirmed that the US remains committed and involved in the region and all cases, whether it is Lebanon, Sudan, Iraq, Syria, or others.
As for Libya, Zeya pointed out that the North African country is anticipating “historic” elections that have been preceded by years of conflict and civilian suffering.
The US will continue to advance global solutions for inclusive governance and advocate for the right of people to engage in peaceful protest without retaliation against their governments.
As maintained by Zeya, President Biden pledged to host Summit for Democracy to advance the US commitment to democracy and human rights worldwide.
Regarding Iraq, Zeya pointed out that the Levantine country faces many crises such as the coronavirus pandemic, confusion in oil markets, corruption, and the constant threat from ISIS.
Despite the grave challenges, the US official said that there was a real chance for success in Iraq given that the state there conducts elections fairly and transparently, rejects foreign intimidation and corruption, and places unruly armed groups under the complete control of the central government.
In the opinion of Zeya, those factors all play to the best interest of Iraq and are supported by the US.
Through holding strategic dialogue, the US is keen on truly aiding the people of Iraq so that they arrive at a stable and democratic future. However, Zeya underlined that democracy is a journey, not a destination.
The ride towards democracy is often full of setbacks, noted the US official, reaffirming that the US certainly wants to continue to support the Iraqi people on this journey.
Concerning the turbulent situation in Sudan, Zeya said that the problem there confirms the fragility and danger of democratic transitions in many cases.
For that reason, the Sudanese people need continuous support from the international community.
Washington has been extensively involved in calling for the release of all political prisoners, noted Zeya, adding that the US has spotted true potential and a step forward in the agreement that’s been reached.
Nevertheless, the US must also truly respect the will of the Sudanese people and insist on accountability for human rights violations such as the killing of many protesters. Moreover, the US is calling for the release of all detained leaders and political prisoners as well as the restoration of power to a genuine civilian government leading the democratic transition.
In response to a question about the incompatibility of the world’s countries with US human rights standards, Zeya stressed that holding the summit does not impose the US agenda or its definition of human rights and democracy.
On the contrary, the US approach to advancing human rights is based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which all UN member states have recognized.
But regarding this summit, the US is adopting a big tent approach with the clear realization that there is no perfect democracy. Instead of imposing views, the US encourages positive change and learning from shared experiences.
Zeya stated that the US approach is to reach out to various regional democracies, whose progress and commitments will promote a more just and peaceful world.
Therefore, the US will continue to communicate with the summit participants and other governments worldwide as it realizes that governance takes many different forms in the Middle East and other regions of the world.
The US and participating countries have a common agenda for promoting respect for human rights, noted Zeya.
The US wants to champion the fight against corruption at home and abroad and seeks cooperation to address setbacks facing democracies, internally or externally, in the long term.
More so, the US wants to involve all countries that show a willingness to make commitments that support the summit’s goals.
Zeya stressed that the US indeed welcomes the participation of Iraq and Israel in the summit, adding that Washington looks forward to sharing the results with the region and the world.
Additionally, she underscored that the Biden administration’s priorities include supporting free and independent media, protecting democratic reformers, promoting free and fair elections around the world, encouraging innovation, as well as emphasizing rights and integration and democratic standards.
