FIBGAR Presents Six Political Commitments for a Democracy and Human Rights Agenda
The International Baltasar Garzón Foundation (FIBGAR) has presented political parties with six commitments for a democracy and human rights agenda ahead of the general elections on 29 November 2026. The Foundation is calling on political parties to incorporate these commitments into their electoral manifestos and promote them throughout the next parliamentary term.
Democracy at a Critical Juncture
Armed conflicts, serious violations of international law and the weakening of multilateralism are threatening the principles that underpin democratic coexistence. These challenges are compounded by disinformation, polarisation, the criminalisation of protest and attacks against those who defend fundamental freedoms.
For FIBGAR, impunity for serious human rights violations and international crimes remains one of the main obstacles to ensuring justice and preventing their recurrence. The violence unfolding in Gaza and elsewhere in the world highlights the urgent need to uphold international law without double standards or exceptions.
Against this backdrop, the Foundation believes that Spain must play an active role in defending the rules-based international order and protecting human rights, both at home and abroad. This must be a priority for the next parliamentary term.
The Six Commitments
1. Multilateralism and a European Union Committed to Human Rights
FIBGAR calls on Spain to reaffirm its commitment to the United Nations Charter and international law, rejecting double standards. It also proposes that foreign and European policy be guided by respect for human rights, with particular attention to women and girls in Afghanistan who face persecution under the Taliban regime.
2. International Criminal Justice and Universal Jurisdiction
The Foundation calls for the independence of the International Criminal Court to be defended against threats and sanctions, and for the implementation of the EU Blocking Statute to be promoted. It also urges reform of the Organic Law on the Judiciary to reverse the restrictions introduced in 2009 and 2014 and restore effective universal jurisdiction.
3. Truth, Justice, Reparation and Memory
FIBGAR proposes ensuring the effective implementation of Law 20/2022 on Democratic Memory and adopting comprehensive legislation addressing the abduction and enforced disappearance of children, commonly known as the Stolen Babies Law. It also calls for the 1977 Amnesty Law and statutes of limitation not to prevent the investigation of crimes committed during the Spanish Civil War and Franco’s dictatorship.
4. Combating Corruption and Protecting Whistleblowers
The Foundation proposes strengthening the independence and resources of anti-corruption bodies and ensuring the full implementation of Law 2/2023 on the protection of whistleblowers. The aim is to guarantee protection against retaliation and recognise the role of those who report wrongdoing in defence of the public interest.
5. Protecting Civic Space
FIBGAR calls for the independence of civil society organisations and the work of journalists and human rights defenders to be protected. It also urges the full transposition and implementation of the Anti-SLAPP Directive (Directive (EU) 2024/1069) and the promotion of the preventive measures set out in Recommendation (EU) 2022/758.
6. Democratic Quality and Citizen Participation
Finally, the Foundation proposes establishing permanent mechanisms for citizen participation in public policymaking, promoting civic and democratic education grounded in human rights, and safeguarding media pluralism against disinformation and hate speech.
A Commitment for the Next Parliamentary Term
FIBGAR calls on all political parties to incorporate these commitments into their electoral manifestos and take responsibility for advancing them following the elections. Their implementation must translate into concrete legislative initiatives, adequate budgetary resources, independent institutions and monitoring mechanisms that involve citizens.
For the Foundation, the defence of human rights, democracy and multilateralism, as well as the fight against impunity, must not depend on political circumstances or parliamentary majorities. These are ongoing obligations of public authorities and must be embraced as a genuine matter
