Civil Society and Democratic Governance: An International Legal Perspective

Authors

Hoiruddin Hasibuan Universitas Islam Sultan Agung Semarang, Semarang
Setiyowati Setiyowati Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Semarang, Semarang

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54518/ldi.3.2.2025.1347

Keywords:

Accountability, Civil Society, Democratic Governance, International Law, Public Participation

Abstract

Civil society plays a strategic role in strengthening democratic governance through participation, accountability, transparency, and public oversight. This study aims to analyze the contribution of civil society to democratic governance from the perspective of international law. The analysis is based on the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), particularly Article 21 concerning the right to peaceful assembly and Article 22 concerning freedom of association, as well as the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, which collectively provide normative guarantees for civic participation and the protection of democratic freedoms. This research employs a normative juridical method using a statute approach and a conceptual approach. Primary legal materials consist of international legal instruments, while secondary legal materials include scholarly publications discussing civil society, democratic governance, accountability, and civic participation. The collected legal materials were analyzed qualitatively through legal interpretation and systematic legal reasoning. The findings demonstrate that international legal frameworks strengthen democratic governance by protecting civic participation, promoting public accountability, enhancing democratic legitimacy, and supporting democratic resilience. Nevertheless, shrinking civic space, restrictions on civic freedoms, threats against human rights defenders, and challenges arising from digital governance continue to affect the effectiveness of civil society in sustaining democratic governance.

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Published

2025-12-30

How to Cite

Hasibuan, H., & Setiyowati, S. (2025). Civil Society and Democratic Governance: An International Legal Perspective. Law and Democracy Insight, 3(2), 116–133. https://doi.org/10.54518/ldi.3.2.2025.1347