I recognize that democracy is going to take different forms in different parts of the world. The very idea of a people governing themselves depends upon government giving expression to their unique culture, their unique history, their unique experiences. But some universal truths are self-evident. No person wants to be imprisoned for peaceful worship. No woman should ever be abused with impunity, or a girl barred from going to school. The freedom to peacefully petition those in power without fear of arbitrary laws — these are not ideas of one country or one culture. They are fundamental to human progress.


Remarks to the United Nations General Assembly (September 2015)

Barack Obama Quotes

I recognize that democracy is going to take different forms in different parts of the world. The very idea of a people governing themselves depends...

I recognize that democracy is going to take different forms in different parts of the world. The very idea of a people governing themselves depends...

I recognize that democracy is going to take different forms in different parts of the world. The very idea of a people governing themselves depends...

I recognize that democracy is going to take different forms in different parts of the world. The very idea of a people governing themselves depends...