Call for sustained democratization with economic and social justice

The World Forum for Democratization in Asia (WFDA) concluded its Third Biennial Conference yesterday with a joint commitment to sustain democratization efforts in the region with special attention to the challenges of economic and social justice, which was the theme of this year’s conference in light of the recent economic and financial crisis, as well as signs of democratic setbacks around the region.


Over 200 participants from over 20 countries in Asia and around the world met from September 16 to 18 at the Best Western Premier Seoul Garden Hotel for the WFDA event, which has been held regularly every two years since the regional network was established in 2005.


The concluding plenary adopted the “Seoul Declaration,” which affirmed WFDA’s belief that there is an “indissoluble link between democracy and economic and social justice,” and emphasized that economic and social rights are of equal importance to civil and political rights. The conference document also pointed out that the failure to deliver economic and social justice, particularly to marginalized sectors, threatens to undermine democracy.


Participants called on governments to adopt a “rights-based approach to economic policymaking,” including the rights of expression and assembly of vulnerable and disenfranchised groups in articulating and their own economic and social needs, and the right of workers to organize independent and democratically organized labor unions. They also emphasized that “policymaking must be transparent and open to the participation of elected parliaments, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders.”


“Governments should also commit to the transparency of stimulus packages and other major economic programs so that any corruption in their implementation can be monitored and eliminated,” WFDA participants stated in their declaration. Furthermore, meaningful democratic governance should encompass agrarian and land reforms, with particular emphasis on ensuring effective land rights for women.


In particular, WFDA stressed that genuine economic and social justice must be based on the principles of citizen empowerment, gender justice, and the right to self-determination. It also made a special effort to highlight the role of youth in democratic politics and to strengthen their participation in WFDA. A special youth caucus was held today at Dobong Forestville in Seoul for the youth participants of the WFDA biennial conference.


Earlier on the last day of the conference, Dr. Kyungseo Park, South Korea’s former Ambassador-at-Large for human rights, delivered a keynote address on the Korean democratization experience in the Asian context. “Solidarity, especially transnational solidarity among democracy advocates, will be a key to success,” said Dr. Park. “I believe that the WFDA can and will act as a strategic venue and tool for making that vision a reality, both in Asia and globally.”


Over three days, the WFDA Third Biennial Conference evaluated the situations of each Asian country and discussed plans for action in areas including regional standard-setting and human rights mechanisms, defending civil society through media, peace and conflict resolution, transparency and accountability, and education.

The conference was opened on September 16 featured video remarks by from H.E. Jose Ramos-HortaJose Ramos-Horta, President of the Republic of Timor-Leste, and H.E. Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, President of Mongolia, followed by a special tribute to the late President Kim Dae-jung of South Korea and Corazon Aquino of the Philippines.(EOM)