LocationsJustice and Trust - Keys to Preserving Democracy
September 14, 2026
The International Day of Democracy serves as an essential reminder that democracy requires continuous care, protection and institutional reinforcement.
“Democracy, like a little plant, does not grow or develop on its own. It must be nursed and nurtured if it is to grow and flourish. It must be believed in and practiced if it is to be appreciated. And it must be fought for and defended if it is to survive.” - Sir Seretse Khama, first President of Botswana, 1978
Every year on 15 September, the global community marks the International Day of Democracy, a United Nations observance day dedicated to promoting and upholding the principles of democratic governance worldwide. Established by the UN General Assembly, this day serves as an essential reminder that democracy requires continuous care, protection and institutional reinforcement.
While public celebrations may centre on electoral milestones like voting or political campaign debates, democratic governance cannot survive on elections alone. True democracy lives in quiet, operational spaces where human rights are protected, laws are upheld and the vulnerable are defended. It thrives in an independent and efficient justice system.
As emphasized in the UNDP flagship report, Democracies Under Pressure: Reimagining the Future of Democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean (2026), democratic sustainability depends on institutional performance. In the Caribbean the data reveals a stark paradox: while just over half of citizens prefer democracy as the ideal form of government, less than one third are satisfied with how it works in practice. This gap highlights a vital truth: an essential element of a successful democracy is public trust in institutions, of which the judicial system is fundamental.
The courtroom as a democratic pillar
Small island developing states face unique, modern challenges ranging from organized crime networks and complex financial fraud to AI-enabled cyber threats, none of which recognize national boundaries. Simultaneously, regional justice sectors face a number of systemic challenges in dealing with the risks these issues present.
Continued reliance on physical files and handwritten notes slows the preparation of transcripts, delays judgements and appeal processes and heightens administrative risks.
These delays contribute to significant case backlogs, leaving victims without closure and keeping citizens in legal limbo. They also result in extended remand periods, which directly contribute to high incarceration rates across the region, violating constitutional guarantees and imposing high public costs.
The courtroom is the primary arena where basic human rights are safeguarded, disputes are resolved and the system is held accountable. When a judicial system is transparent, fair and efficient, citizens trust that the law applies equally to all. Conversely, when they see it not functioning effectively, public confidence in the rule of law begins to break down and faith in the broader democratic architecture begins to fracture.
Restoring trust
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) recognizes that delayed justice could pose a threat to democratic stability and current regional judicial systems must transform legacy workflows into modern, transparent and humane processes.
With funding from the European Union, UNDP is implementing the Partnership of the Caribbean and the European Union on Justice (PACE Justice) Project, which works to strengthen criminal justice administration across eight Caribbean countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Guyana, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis and Trinidad and Tobago.
"By improving systems, procedures, skills and regional coordination, the PACE Justice project helps to support more effective justice processes, reinforce public trust and contribute to stronger democratic governance across the region. Societies are stronger and more resilient when people feel safe, can exercise their rights and have meaningful access to justice."Stephanie Ziebell, UNDP Resident Representative a.i.
In recognition of the International Day of Democracy, Stephanie Ziebell, UNDP Resident Representative a.i. stated: “As we commemorate this day, we are reminded that a thriving democratic society depends on justice systems that are fair, accessible, accountable and responsive to the people they serve. UNDP, through the PACE Justice Project, is strengthening key areas across the criminal justice system, from police and prosecution to the courts and correctional services. By improving systems, procedures, skills and regional coordination, the project helps to support more effective justice processes, reinforce public trust and contribute to stronger democratic governance across the region. Societies are stronger and more resilient when people feel safe, can exercise their rights and have meaningful access to justice."
Operating across three connected focus areas, PACE Justice tackles systemic delays while aligning with global frameworks like Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions):
1. Technology & Infrastructure Enhanced
Deploying modern IT hardware, court management software and digital court recording systems that replace manual notetaking. Digitizing proceedings accelerates transcript preparation, streamlines appeal timelines and ensures reliable, interoperable records between police, courts and prisons.
Photos: e-litigation training in Dominica under the PACE Justice Project.
2. Empowered Stakeholders & Enhanced Capacity
Delivering training for judicial officers, prosecutors, defense counsel, police, and prison administrators to enhance evidence management, operational efficiency, along with specialized support for victims, witnesses and the rehabilitation of offenders.
Photos: Joint DPP-police training in Belize organized by the PACE Justice Project.
3. Processes, Procedures and Coordination Improved
Modernizing court rules, case management standards and strategic planning tools streamlines cross-agency coordination.
Photos: Case management training workshops in St. Kitts and Nevis conducted by the PACE Justice Project and EL PAcTO 2.0.
Partnerships at the core
At the heart of this transformation is the understanding that safeguarding a modern democracy requires strong cooperation across borders. To maximize regional impact, the PACE Justice Project works hand-in-hand with strategic partners through a deeply integrated, ongoing collaboration that unites technical reform with international security expertise.
Through a thriving partnership with the bi-regional Europe-Latin America Assistance Programme against Transnational Organised Crime (EL PAcCTO 2.0) the project directly links digital court management and prosecutorial training, with regional efforts to tackle transnational organized crime and enhance international judicial cooperation.
Building on this partnership, PACE Justice connects seamlessly with the European Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (EUROJUST), the European Union’s judicial cooperation hub, to bridge national and international legal actions.
Through this collaboration, EUROJUST has established a network of regional Focal Points made up of leading legal professionals who help connect Caribbean national authorities with practical channels for international legal cooperation in cross-border criminal matters. This international cooperation helps close coordination gaps between jurisdictions, making it harder for transnational criminal networks to exploit geographic boundaries.
“To fight organized crime efficiently, it is not enough to work in silos. We need to work together, with excellent links, knowledge, cooperation and coordination, as they are essential between the European Member States and the Caribbean region. It is encouraging to see the commitment and dedication of the islands involved, who have appointed their Focal Points and participated in this workshop. I appreciate they are distinct and separate jurisdictions who will need to tailor our mechanisms accordingly,” said EUROJUST Vice President, José de la Mata at the workshop on International Legal Cooperation in Criminal Matters between the Caribbean Region and the European Union via EUROJUST.
"We need to work together, with excellent links, knowledge, cooperation and coordination, as they are essential between the European Member States and the Caribbean region."José de la Mata, EUROJUST Vice President
A continuous commitment to democratic resilience
Judicial reform is ultimately an ongoing commitment to democratic resilience. As we observe the International Day of Democracy, we are reminded that protecting civic rights requires robust, transparent, and responsive institutions. By modernizing court infrastructure, building specialized institutional capacity, and strengthening international partnerships, the PACE Justice Project actively transforms access to justice from a theoretical promise into a daily reality across the Caribbean. Safeguarding the speed, efficiency and fairness of our courtrooms remains one of our most vital investments in preserving public trust and securing a democratic future for all.
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