The Fifth Assembly Kyiv, Ukraine, April 6–9, 2008

Making Democracy Work: From Principles to Performance

WORLD MOVEMENT FOR DEMOCRACY FIFTH ASSEMBLY

6–9 APRIL 2008 KYIV UKRAINE The World Movement for Democracy is a global network Steering Committee Members of democrats, including activists, practitioners, scholars, policy mak- ers, and funders, who have come together to cooperate in the promotion of Mariclaire Acosta – Mexico democracy. It is dedicated to strengthening democracy where it is weak, to Mahnaz Afkhami – Iran reforming and invigorating democracy even where it is longstanding, and to bolstering pro-democracy groups in countries that have not yet entered Genaro Arriagada – Chile* into a process of democratic transition. The Washington, D.C.-based National Igor Blaževic – Bosnia Endowment for Democracy (NED) serves as the Secretariat. Francesca Bomboko – Democratic How We Help to Promote Democracy Republic of Congo The World Movement seeks to offer new ways to give practical help to Kim Campbell – Canada (Chair) democrats who are struggling to open closed societies, challenge dicta- torships, democratize semi-authoritarian systems, consolidate emerging Kavi Chongkittavorn – Thailand democracies, and strengthen established democracies. It has the poten- Alicja Derkowska – Poland tial to do so in several ways… • as an of democrats in dangerous situations who need political Ivan Doherty – Ireland ally solidarity and moral support; Han Dongfang – (Vice Chair) • as a lobby for the cause of democracy in international bodies and in Yuri Dzhibladze – Russia countries where democracy is under siege; • as a facilitator that can help link democrats from different countries João Carlos Espada – Portugal* and regions to exchange information more efficiently, work together, and help one another; Abdou Filaly-Ansari – Morocco* • as an innovator that can encourage the development of new ideas Hannah Forster – Gambia and effective approaches for overcoming obstacles to democracy; • as a big tent that can provide a meeting place for democrats who are David French – United Kingdom active in different professional areas, such as human rights, media, – United States (ex-officio) law, development, workers’ rights, economic reform, research, and education; Paul Graham – South Africa • as a resource center that can make basic materials on democracy Jana Hybásková – Czech Republic available to groups around the world; • as a monitor that can convey the views of democracy activists on the Melinda Quintos de Jesus – Philippines efficacy of different forms of democracy support; and Asma Khader – Jordan • as a catalyst to stimulate new initiatives and help shape the priorities of the broader community of institutions concerned with the promotion Maina Kiai – Kenya of democracy. Ivan Krastev – Bulgaria* Reginald Matchabe-Hove – Zimbabwe Connecting Democracy Activists Worldwide • Networks. The World Movement Web site (www.wmd.org) provides links to George Mathew – India various regional and functional networks focused on advancing democracy. Roel von Meijenfeldt – Netherlands • DemocracyNews. As the monthly electronic newsletter of the World Movement, DemocracyNews enables participants to share information with Ayo Obe – Nigeria* their colleagues, announce events and publications, and request assistance Can Paker – Turkey (Treasurer) or collaboration in their work. To subscribe, send an e-mail message to [email protected]. Inna Pidluska – Ukraine • World Movement Assemblies. Global assemblies offer World Movement Jacqueline Pitanguy – Brazil participants the opportunity to take stock of the accomplishments they have achieved and the challenges they confront, and to build networks of mutual Carlos Ponce – solidarity and support. Elisabeth Ungar – Colombia (Secretary) Project on Defending Civil Society. Launched in 2007, this project seeks to expose and address the increasingly restrictive environments for civil society Yevgeniy Zhovtis – Kazakhstan work in a growing number of countries around the world. In partnership with * Term expired with the Fifth Assembly. the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), the World Movement has produced the Defending Civil Society report to identify and promulgate international principles, already rooted in international law, to inform proper Secretariat: government-civil society relations, and to protect NGOs and other civil society National Endowment for Democracy groups. The report is available in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish at www.wmd.org. Art Kaufman Project on State of Democracy Assistance. As a result of discussions at the Director Fifth Assembly, the World Movement is assessing through this project what has been accomplished in the field of democracy assistance over the past two ISBN 0-9821041-6-2 decades and how that work can be made more effective. Table of Contents

MESSAGE FROM THE STEERING COMMITTEE...... 3 WELCOMING REMARKS AND ADDRESSES Welcoming Remarks Ayo Obe, Chair, Steering Committee...... 4 Inna Pidluska, Member (Ukraine), Steering Committee...... 4 Special Address The Honorable Victor Yushchenko, President of Ukraine...... 4 Opening Address Kateryna Yushchenko, First Lady of Ukraine...... 5 Keynote Addresses The Honorable Alejandro Toledo, former President of Peru...... 5 Maina Kiai, Former Chair, National Commission on Human Rights, Kenya...... 6 Myroslava Gongadze, Founder of the Gongadze Foundation, Ukraine...... 7 DEMOCRACY COURAGE TRIBUTES PRESENTATION and JOHN B. HURFORD MEMORIAL DINNER...... 8 DEMOCRACY FAIR...... 10 REPORTS Making Democracy Work › Plenary Session on Making Democracy Work...... 11 › Panel Discussion on Lessons from the “Fifth Wave”: Challenges to Democratic Transitions in Post-Communist States...... 12 › Panel Discussion on Press Freedom: Challenges and Strategies...... 14 Workshops › Addressing Corruption: Civil Society Strategies to Strengthen Legislation, Enforcement, and the Role of the Judiciary...... 15 › Improving the Quality of Democracy: How can Women’s Economic Empowerment be Enhanced?...... 17 › How can Relationships between Leaders and Constituents be Strengthened in New Democracies?...... 18 › The Crucial Role of Migrant Worker Rights in a Vibrant Democracy...... 19 › Role of the Media in Democratic Consolidation: Working Together for Transparency and Access to Information...... 21 › Democracy from the Bottom Up: How to Think Locally about Democratic Performance...... 23 › What Is the Role of the Emerging Private Sector in Post-Conflict, Democratic Reconstruction?...... 24 › From Principles to Performance: How can Europeans Enhance their Support for Democratic Transitions Worldwide?...... 25 › Making Democracy Work: How to Build Platforms for Inter-Party Cooperation?...... 27 › Community of Democracies: How can Civil Society Work with Governments and Diplomats?...... 28 Defending Civil Society › Presentation of World Movement for Democracy Report, Defending Civil Society...... 30 › Panel Discussion on Promoting the “Defending Civil Society” Principles: Targets and Opportunities...... 31 Workshops › Securing Civil Society Space: How to Respond to Violations of Conventions, Treaties, and Declarations?...... 33 › Association, Assembly, and Advocacy: What are the Best Strategies and Tactics for NGOs in Restrictive Legal Environments?...... 35 › Effective Coalitions: How can National, Regional, and International Cooperation for Advocacy be Generated?...... 36 › Freeing Prisoners of Conscience: What are the Effective Strategies?...... 38

www.wmd.org 1 Making Democracy Work: From Principles to Performance

› Building Democracy Networks under : What’s Possible?...... 41 › Shanghai Cooperation Organization: What are the Threats to Democrats and What can be Done about Them?...... 42 › How to Strengthen the UN Human Rights Council through Cross-Regional Collaboration?...... 43

Political Party Building and Elections Workshops › Developing and Implementing Norms and Standards for Political Parties...... 44 › Civil Society Strategies for Free and Fair Elections...... 46

Democracy Research and Education Workshops › What can Democracies Do to Reduce and Inequality?...... 47 › Teaching Democracy in Difficult Political and Cultural Environments: What Works?...... 49 › Experiential Learning: Democracy and Human Rights Education for Youth...... 50

Regional Networking › Africa...... 51 › Asia...... 53 › Central-Eastern Europe and Eurasia...... 54 › Latin America and The Caribbean...... 55 › Middle East and North Africa...... 57 › Luso-Forum for Democracy...... 58

Functional Networking › Network of Democracy Research Institutes: Improving Democratic Governance...... 59 › Democracy Assistance Foundations: Developing an Agenda for Cooperation – What are the Current Priorities?...... 60 › Global Network on Local Governance...... 62 › World Youth Movement for Democracy...... 63 › International Women’s Democracy Network...... 65 › International Knowledge Network of Women in Politics (iKNOW Politics)...... 66

Technologies for Democracy Workshop › Using New Technologies for Advancing Democracy...... 68

Technology Training Sessions › Civic Spaces in Cyberspace: Amplifying our Voices with Blogs and YouTube Videos...... 69 › Virtual Assemblies and Campaigns: Social Networks and ICT Tools for Grassroots and Youth Outreach...... 70 › Openings in Closed Spaces: Effective Email and Web Communication in Restrictive and Non-Restrictive Environments...... 71 PARTICIPANTS...... 72 PRESS...... 78 ASSEMBLY SUPPORT...... 80

The material in this report was edited by the World Movement for Democracy Secretariat Staff: Art Kaufman, Director; Ryota Jonen, Project Manager; and Cecilia Andersen and Cate Urban, Assistant Project Managers. The report was assembled by Cecilia Andersen.

2 Wo r l d Mo v e m e n t for De m o c r a c y | Kyiv, Ukraine, April 6–9, 2008 Message from the Steering Committee

highly diverse group of activists, practitio- lasting democratic change. By introducing the World ners, scholars, donors, and others engaged Movement’s recently published Defending Civil Society Ain democracy promotion from more than report and featuring panel discussions and workshops 100 countries in all global regions met at the Fifth to discuss it in depth, the Assembly also focused on Assembly of the World Movement for Democracy in developing effective responses to the increasingly Kyiv, Ukraine, on 6-9 April, 2008. Despite their dif- restrictive environments in which democracy and ferent backgrounds and cultures, they came together human rights organizations carry out their work. with shared democratic values to build relationships In addition, the Fifth Assembly helped solidify of mutual support for strengthening democratic move- the achievements that the World Movement has ments, defending democracy and human rights activ- made since its Inaugural Assembly in New Delhi, ists, and consolidating democratic institutions. India, in 1999. As a result of the previous assem- The Steering Committee was very pleased to hold blies, World Movement participants have established the Fifth Assembly in Ukraine, which has made impor- various networks to increase exchanges of informa- tant strides in building democracy for its citizens, but tion and experience in specific regions or particular still faces many serious problems. We wish to express areas of democracy work. These networks include our deep appreciation to our local partner organiza- the African Democracy Forum, the Latin America tion in Kyiv—the Europe XXI Foundation—as well as and Caribbean Network for Democracy, the World to the many institutions listed at the end of this report Forum for Democratization in Asia, the International that provided generous funding to make this Assembly Women’s Democracy Network, the Global Network possible. We also offer a special word of thanks to on Local Governance, the Network of Democracy our Steering Committee colleague from Ukraine, Inna Research Institutes, and the World Youth Movement Pidluska, who offered profound leadership and guid- for Democracy. At the Fifth Assembly, these networks ance in the organization of the Fifth Assembly. discussed their progress, developed ideas for future We greatly appreciate the insightful addresses by activities, and welcomed new members. Ukrainian President Victor Yushchenko and First Lady Finally, as a result of recommendations provided at Kateryna Yushchenko, welcoming the Assembly partic- this Assembly, the World Movement is launching a ipants and helping us to understand Ukraine’s progress “State of Democracy Assistance” project to assess what in building democracy and the challenges it still con- has been accomplished in the field of democracy assis- fronts. We are also grateful for three inspiring keynote tance over the past two decades and how that work addresses delivered by the Honorable Alejandro Toledo, can be made more effective. former President of Peru; Maina Kiai, former chairper- We believe that this Assembly Report, consisting of son of Kenya’s National Commission on Human Rights; reports from all the plenary sessions, panel discussions, and Myroslava Gongadze, founder of the Gongadze and workshops, reflects the dynamic nature of the dis- Foundation in Ukraine. cussions that took place. We strongly encourage you to At each assembly, we recognize the exceptional cour- review the report, and we hope you will find the rec- age of democracy and human rights groups and move- ommendations it contains useful for your work. ments. We would like to take this opportunity to salute, As the Tenth Anniversary of the World Movement once again, this Assembly’s Courage Tributes recipients: nears, we celebrate the contributions the World the Legal Community of Pakistan, the Independent Movement has made and re-affirm our commitment Journalists of Somalia, and the Monks of Burma. to advance democratic values and to address both old Under the theme of “Making Democracy Work: From and new challenges to democracy promotion in every Principles to Performance,” the Assembly sought to cap- corner of the world. ture many issues arising from the need to deliver on Steering Committee the promises of democratic transitions. Whether it is World Movement for Democracy the need to strengthen institutions, fight corruption, or reduce poverty and social inequality, democracy must NOTE: With the Fifth Assembly, Ayo Obe fulfilled her term as a member (Nigeria) and chair of the Steering Committee. be made sustainable through performance. In plenary The World Movement takes this opportunity to express sessions, panel discussions, and over 40 roundtable its deep appreciation for her service and that of the other workshops, the Assembly participants discussed how to members whose terms also expired with this Assembly (see build on the progress that has been made to bring about Steering Committee list inside front cover).

www.wmd.org 3 Welcoming Remarks and Addresses

Welcoming Remarks person because he or she will have had the opportunity to get to know, in my opinion, a very original, unique teering Committee member (Nigeria) history in the battle for democracy on this land—the and Chair, Ms. Ayo Obe, opened the Ukrainian land. It is not a simple history. Behind this his- Assembly by welcoming participants S tory lies tens of millions of Ukrainian lives. Democracy is and explaining that the Steering Committee a goal we have dreamed of for centuries…. chose Ukraine for this Assembly “to send a I want to say right off, no matter the cost, it is an strong message that much of what has been advantageous cause to have democracy and to have free- Ayo Obe accomplished in this country over the past dom, because only democracy brings new opportunities. several years can serve as an inspiration for those seek- These opportunities are formed through freedom—the fun- ing to bring about transitions to democracy” in their damental mechanism that protects democracy—through own countries. justice, through the defense of rights, through freedom of press, and through the rule of law. Democracy makes Inna Pidluska, Steering Committee mem- clear the priorities of government that are applicable to ber from Ukraine and President of the all mankind…. Kyiv-based Europe XXI Foundation, which During the last 90 years, we declared Ukraine’s state served as the local partner organization independence six times. Think about it: six times the for the Assembly, welcomed participants Ukrainian nation declared political sovereignty. And, as to Ukraine. She remarked that democracy Inna Pidluska you know, five times we lost it. In fact, at one point there “can’t just be the work of politicians and was a sovereignty attempt that was declared for 22 hours, professional NGO workers; it must be the responsibil- following which we lost our leader, his political power, ity of every citizen, and they must be involved to make and repression began—and thus, generation after genera- democracy deliver.” tion, we have paid the price for a Ukrainian state. If we speak about the last century, I do not know of Special Address a genocide that took so many human victims as the Victor Yushchenko is the Ukrainian genocides did. We survived three holodomors President of Ukraine. Prior to [politically motivated ] in the 20th century. This his election in 2004, he was year, we are commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Chairman of the Our Ukraine Great Starvation that occurred in 1932-1933. It is uncom- political coalition and served fortable to even mention to the world that over the course as Ukraine’s Prime Minister of 18 months we lost 25,000 people daily. The majority of from 1999 to 2001. President them, of course, were children, and children are the future Yushchenko has also been of a nation. And this also has been part of the struggle for a member of the Verkhovna Ukrainian democracy. It’s no wonder that the first blow Rada Committee on Human The Honorable Victor Yushchenko, Stalin directed was against the Ukrainian peasantry in President of Ukraine Rights, National Minorities, the 1920s…. Joseph Stalin was right when he declared and International Relations. that the fundamental issue of national-liberation move- He has held several prominent positions during his ments at the time was the peasant question. Until the career in banking, including Chief Acting Economist peasant has land, he is the most devoted fighter for free- of the Ulyanovsk department of the Soviet State Bank dom in his own nation. That’s why collectivization was and Chairman and Governor of the National Bank of necessary, to take away land, to take away the grain, so Ukraine. that in two years, 1932-1933, this country had the worst starvation in the world. Excerpts: I would like to express my great appreciation This was a tragedy with political implications. All that to the organizers of this Fifth Assembly, and to thank remained was the intelligentsia, but only for five years, them on behalf of the Ukrainian nation for choosing until the Ukrainian intelligentsia was attacked…. [So Ukraine as the country in which to hold it…. I am con- we reflect on this] when we talk about how the Orange vinced that every person who has entered this hall will, could happen, how people’s energy could be har- after the completion of the Assembly, walk out a different nessed, how people could imagine their goals. What unites

4 Wo r l d Mo v e m e n t for De m o c r a c y | Kyiv, Ukraine, April 6–9, 2008 Making Democracy Work: From Principles to Performance people the most is a goal. And those people who were to biased state-controlled media, and to vote fraud…. on the Maidan in 2004 imagined their own goal, which What made the remarkable was united them in those snowy days. We wanted to see our its positive spirit, its laughter and its humanity.… A government as a democracy in which a fundamental free- nation that had for generations been subjugated, defeated, dom would exist—the freedom of political choice…. And murdered, found the strength to sing songs of freedom, the nation hoped together that new presidential elections to spend nights in tents sharing experiences and talking would bring a change of authority, a change in our way about democracy, to donate their apartments, their money, of life. But this hope was being stolen from us. This forced food and clothes to the revolution. people to unite because we saw the fundamental answer to When the so-called opposition to the protesters was the question of what was to be the future of Ukraine. These transported in by the authorities, they were received with were complicated and terrible, but also wonderful, days. kindness, warm words and blankets, and hot tea. And We received a great chance to make the country different, a many of those who were sent in to break up the demonstra- country in which we would want to live…. tions ended up joining them. As did the pop stars and poets, I do not doubt that we will become a member of the priests and athletes, police and soldiers…. We are truly European Union. This is our main priority, rooted in the grateful for the international solidarity we felt, for all the democratic changes that we will make in our country, countries and NGOs and individuals throughout the world and evidence of the great international responsibilities who supported us at that crucial moment in our history.... that Ukraine is ready to assume as a European country. The Orange Revolution did not bring change; it brought With this, we demonstrate our own contribution, not only the opportunity to make change…. It provided each citi- to Ukraine’s future, but to global stability, to European zen of our country with a voice in its future development, stability, which today demands the respect, support, and with the chance to become involved in solving the many energetic efforts of countries around the world. difficult problems plaguing us, with the right to obtain I bow my head to the great work your Assembly is information and give information, to read, write, and crit- undertaking. I would like to thank you for finding the icize, to form organizations, to start businesses, to travel time to come to Ukraine because I am convinced that and learn—to be true citizens. when you leave you will take with you a great love of this country and a great respect for its politics. Keynote Addresses Thank you for having a great heart and for showing The Honorable Alejandro Toledo such great love for my country and for my nation. is former President of Peru and founder of the Global Center for Opening Address Development and Democracy. Born Kateryna Yushchenko, First in a small Andean village, Mr. Lady of Ukraine, is dedicated to Toledo financed his undergradu- representing Ukraine internation- ate degree at the University of San ally and working in community Francisco with a soccer scholarship

service. Following a successful and by pumping petrol. He went The Honorable Alejandro Toledo, career as an economist and man- on to earn three advanced degrees former President of Peru ager in both the United States and at Stanford University, including Ukraine, Ms. Yushchenko is now a Master’s in Economics and a Ph.D. in Education. involved in numerous charitable His professional career focused on economic devel- Kateryna Yushchenko, First Lady of Ukraine projects with the Ukraine 3000 opment, with positions at the UN, the , International Foundation that she and Harvard University’s Institute for International chairs. The key priority of the Foundation is better Development. Mr. Toledo was elected President of Peru health for Ukraine’s children. in 2001.

Excerpts: The Orange Revolution was an extraordinary Excerpts: There is nothing more beautiful than being free explosion of hope, an uprising of the human spirit. In a and expressing what you believe and having the level of brief moment, hundreds of thousands, millions of people, tolerance necessary to entertain different points of view.… young and old, students and pensioners, workers and intel- To be free involves the capacity to choose, and you can lectuals, from many parts of the country, rose from their only choose once you have a nation rooted in its own cul- knees and came together to say ‘enough’ to injustice, to the ture with mutual respect in the face of internal diversity. repression of free speech and the flouting of the rule of law, To be free means constructing a nation that has its own

www.wmd.org 5 Making Democracy Work: From Principles to Performance

identity, with people who believe political democracy process in Kenya. He has served as Africa Director at is not enough if it is not accompanied by economic and the International Secretariat of social democracy. The time has come to build political and Director of Africa Programs at the International democracy that delivers concrete results for the poor and Human Rights Law Group in Washington, DC (now for the excluded…. called Global Rights). Mr. Kiai was named Jurist of [F]or democracy to be rooted in a nation we need to the Year in 2005 by the International Commission of build strong democratic institutions, a judicial system Jurists and is a member of the Management Committee that works, that transmits the message to the common of the African Democracy Forum (ADF), the World citizen. Even the poorest citizens need to have the sense Movement’s Africa regional network. He recently that justice can be ensured in a democracy. A judicial sys- joined the World Movement’s Steering Committee. tem should also provide legal stability to attract capital investment for economic growth because growth generates Excerpts: … For the first two months of this year, jobs and income and reduces poverty. Freedom of the press Kenya grabbed headlines across the world as the country that does not distort is also necessary; a press that does descended into chaos and violence—with more than 1,000 not sell its soul to other people; a press that informs; a dead in less than a month and 300,000 others displaced press that tells the truth. Strong democratic institutions from their homes—following the announcement of presi- include a parliament of equality in which the members dential election results…. do not serve only the interests of a corporation or people [Kenya] was one of very few African countries that outside the country…. had managed to hold regular elections since indepen- Democracy does not belong to a single country. dence, no matter that the outcome of many of these elec- Democracy does not belong to some country that has a tions had been pre-determined. It had the trappings of monopoly. Democracy is like a tree that you plant in your democracy with a functioning Parliament…. It had a own country; you fertilize it, you water it, you give it love, vibrant civil society that had muscled concessions from and you trim it to your own style. Democracy cannot be the state…. transplanted as some other country wishes. We need to With all that, then, how could it have gone so wrong? enroot it; we need to feel that it belongs to us. And we need How could the world fail to read and predict the inher- to be ready to fight for it. ent instability? How could a population, long used to I have had 118 death threats on my life: 117 as a fight- pre-determined elections, now arise and reject them so er in the street, and one as President. And I’m still here for violently? you, to tell you that I’m ready to continue the fight in my Clearly, one of the most important lessons is that we country and all around the world. I’m fighting for democ- need to look beyond the forms and façades of democracy racy in Burma. People will say, “Are you crazy? What to the substance of it. Democracy must mean more than does Peru have to do with Burma?” But there is a lady having legislatures that sit and simply endorse the wishes there who does not have the freedom of expression just to of the Executive, or when they differ, to perpetuate their be a candidate. Democracy does not have a boundary, and personal interests. It must mean more than having judges that is why I assume that those who have organized this sitting all decked up on a raised bench but afraid to make event have brought us all together from different corners decisions that upset the Executive. And it must mean more of the world, independent of our color, sharing one value, than holding periodic elections…. one concept, and you trim that concept to your own style. It is also important to note that Kenyan elections have We need to enroot it and we need the support and the soli- been progressively better and fairer since 1992…. The darity of the rest of the world. effect of these last two plebiscites was that Kenyans final- ly believed in the power of the vote as a way of peacefully Maina Kiai is an advocate of the resolving differences, and as a legitimate way to change High Court of Kenya and former leaders…. When this sense of empowerment was subvert- Chair of the Kenya National ed in the manipulated presidential elections—watched live Commission on Human Rights. on TV by voters—and peaceful legal spaces for Mr. Kiai was also the founding were disallowed, it was not surprising that frustrations Executive Director of the non- boiled over and violence ensued…. governmental Kenya Human I would suggest that if we are to make democracy work Rights Commission (KHRC) anywhere in the world, a paradigm shift is necessary. We

Maina Kiai, former Chair of the Kenya where he led the revitalization must move from the forms of democracy to the substance National Commission on Human Rights of the constitutional reform of it…. It is here that competent, non-partisan anti-cor-

6 Wo r l d Mo v e m e n t for De m o c r a c y | Kyiv, Ukraine, April 6–9, 2008 Making Democracy Work: From Principles to Performance

ruption bodies—in structure and personnel—are vital. It and accept their own defeat. is here that a functioning and effective parliament must be This alliance, however, also proved to have its limits. created. It is here that a proper justice system, from polic- While successful in propelling the opposition to power, it ing to prisons and including the judiciary, is critical. And fell short of producing the expected change. it is here that legitimate spaces for independent media and The people’s desire to hold their rulers accountable for civil society are necessary. All these structures depend on past wrongs was undermined—as often happens in these sustainable and sensible constitutional and legal frame- situations—for the sake of political expediency, as the rul- works that have the people they serve at their core, rather ing and opposition elites negotiated behind closed doors. than leaders and political elites.… [W]e must never When civic activists on the Maidan stood up for higher forget that democracy is about people. It is about shifting ideals, some politicians were willing to sacrifice these ide- power from leaders to the people themselves, especially in als in pursuit of power or personal well being. the periods between elections. Over the past three years, we have witnessed the impact This is the time to invest in people and in their empow- of these unfulfilled promises on the Ukrainian public. erment. This is the time to invest in bottom-up strategies Bitterness and apathy have spread among the most ener- that give ordinary people the guts, ideas and power to getic and idealistic, providing an opening for opportunis- hold their leaders accountable and to enable them to force tic political and business groups to sponsor imitations of their leaders to listen. This is the new challenge for the civic action or to use activists for their narrow purposes. pro-democracy movement, and one that we must adopt Civil society for hire has been a new and unsettling urgently, and as creatively as possible. Ukrainian trend. It has also fostered public cynicism about the effectiveness of civic participation in achieving Myroslava Gongadze is a political or social change. Ukrainian journalist, human Ukraine’s example, as so many of you know so well, rights activist, and founder is not unique; when civil society becomes involved in the of the Gongadze Foundation. political process there are always risks that can outweigh She was trained as a lawyer at the potential advantages. On the one hand, the alliance L’viv State University and has between NGOs, media, and political parties has demon- worked for several Ukrainian strated its value as a vehicle of democratization.… publications. Since the mur- On the other hand, once civic groups give up their inde- der of her husband, journalist Mysroslava Gongadze, pendence to support the programs of political elites, they Founder of the Gongadze Foundation Georgiy Gongadze, in 2000, are likely to see many of their ideals cast aside for politi- she has been a prominent advo- cal interests. So the toppling of authoritarian government cate for freedom of the press and protection of the through social uprising is only the first step in building safety of journalists in Ukraine, and has continued to genuine democracy. The next step requires civic activists work for justice in the case of her husband’s murder. to keep their distance from political power and continue Ms. Gongadze has been a Reagan-Fascell Democracy to pursue a democratic agenda. They should act both as Fellow at the National Endowment for Democracy and a partner to the new political elite, and also as an impor- a Visiting Scholar at George Washington University, tant check on state power. both in Washington, D.C. She has also worked as a Despite its successes, Ukraine’s path to consolidated correspondent for Voice of America and Radio Free democracy remains long and complicated. But it is even Europe/Radio Liberty. more challenging for its neighbors, like Russia and Belarus. Autocratic leaders in these countries have fear- Excerpts: … Change [in Ukraine] required a truly col- fully watched successful democratic protests and have lective effort from defiant citizens who reversed their brutally suppressed civic activism.... country’s slide into political isolation. Ukraine’s example The emergence of a truly vibrant civil society requires demonstrates how a broad network of civic groups, that people share a fundamental belief that they are the increasingly assertive media, and a growing democratic makers of their own destiny, that they have sufficient movement can change a nation’s history…. power, when acting collectively, to improve the life of their Ukraine’s Orange Revolution rested on the alliance community, rectify social injustice, or hold corrupt offi- between civil society actors and political forces willing to cials accountable. end . This alliance made all the guns and tanks powerless in the face of genuine human solidarity. In the end, it forced the authorities to recognize the public will

www.wmd.org 7 Democracy Courage Tributes Presented at the John B. Hurford Memorial Dinner

highlight of each Assembly is the presenta- The Legal Community of Pakistan tion, at the John B. Hurford Memorial Dinner, In March 2007, Pakistan’s then President and Army of the World Movement’s Democracy Courage A Chief, Pervez Musharraf, triggered the most severe Tributes, which give special recognition to groups and crisis of his tenure when he sacked the Chief Justice movements working in particularly difficult circum- of the Supreme Court, Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry. stances, but outside the spotlight of world attention. The ensuing protests by dark-suited lawyers across At the Fifth Assembly, Tributes were presented to the the country were unprecedented and unexpected. Monks of Burma, the Legal Community of Pakistan, The subsequent police crackdown on the lawyers and and the Independent Journalists of Somalia. other protesters was broadcast live, giving ordinary The Monks of Burma Pakistanis direct evidence of both civil resistance and the government’s heavy-handed suppression as it Reacting to the suffering of the Burmese people after occurred. The lawyers’ efforts to promote the rule of government-imposed price increases brought impover- law and preserve the sanctity of the Constitution have ished Burmese citizens to their breaking point, revered provided the inspiration and momentum for a broader Buddhist monks led peaceful demonstrations in Burma democratic movement in Pakistan. in July and August 2007. The monks became a power- ful symbol of the loss of legitimacy of the ruling junta when they began to refuse alms from members of the military and led protests calling for political reconcilia- tion in the country. Although the demonstrations were met with a brutal crackdown by the Burmese junta, which included the deaths of a still unknown number of protestors and the detention of at least 2,000, the monks’ peaceful protests captured the imagination of both the Burmese people and the international commu- nity and hopefully have begun a process of transition in Burma that will eventually lead to democratic rule.

Accepting for the Monks of Burma were the Venerable Sawyadawgyi U Pannya and the Venerable U Uttara. The Tribute was presented Accepting on behalf of Pakistan’s Legal Community was Syed by Chito Gascon of the Lawyers League for Liberty, The Philippines. Muhammad Shah, who was president of the Lahore Bar Association In their acceptance speeches, the monks urged the interna- when the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court was removed. As a tional community to stop selling arms to the Burmese junta, and representative of the legal community, Mr. Shah decided to organize to unite to end the suffering of the Burmese people. Concluding a historic . The Tribute was presented by Carl Gershman of the his remarks, Ven. U Pannya said, “Thank you World Movement for National Endowment for Democracy. Accepting the Tribute, Mr. Shah Democracy, thank you organizers, and thank you to the people of expressed the hope of the legal community that with an independent Ukraine. After all, saffron is just another shade of orange.” (From judiciary in Pakistan, “there will be rule of law and a fight against cor- left to right: Chito Gascon, Ven. U Uttara, and Ven. U Pannya) ruption.” (From left to right: Syed Muhammad Shah and Carl Gershman)

8 Wo r l d Mo v e m e n t for De m o c r a c y | Kyiv, Ukraine, April 6–9, 2008 Making Democracy Work: From Principles to Performance

The Independent Journalists of Somalia For more than a year, independent Somali journal- ists, who are accustomed to working in a difficult and dangerous environment, have been subject to severe and often deadly threats. The Somali government has carried out a widespread crackdown on journalists, repeatedly shuttering print and broadcast outlets, tak- ing equipment and detaining journalists, often accus- ing independent stations of siding with anti-govern- ment insurgents. But the anger and violence directed against Somali journalists have come from all sides in the conflict, leaving them particularly vulnerable. At least seven Somali journalists have been killed in apparent targeted assassinations in the past year alone. Democracy Courage Tributes recipients pictured with Mahnaz Afkhami (center), World Movement Steering Committee member (Iran), who chaired the John B. Hurford Memorial Dinner.

Past Recipients of Democracy Courage Tributes Fourth Assembly (Istanbul, Turkey, 2006) › Democracy Activists in Vietnam › Human Rights and Democracy Movement in Uzbekistan › Civil Society of Nepal › Crimean Tatars and their Mejlis (Parliament) Third Assembly (Durban, South Africa, 2004) › Democracy Movement in Sudan › Democracy Movement in Belarus › Mano River Union Civil Society Movement Omar Faruk Osman, Secretary-General of the Eastern Africa Journalists › Israel-Palestine Center for Research and Information Association, accepted the Tribute on behalf of the Independent (Israel)/Panorama Center (Palestine) Journalists of Somalia. The Tribute was presented by Francesca Bomboko of the Office of International Studies, Research, and Second Assembly (São Paulo, Brazil, 2000) Consulting, Democratic Republic of Congo. “Continuous attacks on › Colombian Democratic Mayors media professionals constitute a terrible assault on press freedom, free society, restoration of peace and democratic governance in our › Civil Society Movement of the war ravaged country,” Osman said. “Concerned about the increasing Democratic Republic of Congo intolerance towards independent journalism and rising violence against › Iran’s Pro-Democracy Student Movement journalists from all sides in the conflict, Somali journalists continue to perform their duties professionally and to inform the public, protect › LAM Civil Society Organization, Chechnya their freedoms and rights, and work together to build and maintain public respect for their work and for an independent pluralist media.” › Tiananmen Mothers Network (From left to right: Omar Faruk Osman and Francesca Bomboko)

The John B. Hurford Memorial Dinner was sponsored by The Dinner is named the Hurford Foundation, whose president, Robert Miller, for John Boyce Hurford welcomed all the Assembly participants and recognized (1938 – 2000), an inter- their extraordinary efforts: “Thank you for the work you nationalist and philan- do to make this world a better place; thanks for travel- thropist who played an ing here, and thanks for sharing your experiences and important role in helping insights with us. We hope you will leave Kyiv with an to conceptualize and arsenal of ideas and tools to pursue your cause more bring into being the World Robert Miller, President, effectively.” Movement for Democracy. Hurford Foundation

www.wmd.org 9 Democracy Fair

he Democracy fair included an exhibition throughout the Assembly. The environment Tfostered active engagement among participants, allowing them to share their organizations’ materi- als and experiences. In addition, the Democracy Fair included an Internet Café, Video Screening Room, Technology Training Center, and Ukrainian craft pre- sentations arranged by the Ivan Honchar Museum of Ukrainian folk culture.

10 Wo r l d Mo v e m e n t for De m o c r a c y | Kyiv, Ukraine, April 6–9, 2008 Reports

Making Democracy Work

Plenary Session on Making Democracy Work

Organizer: Rapporteurs: Presenters: National Democratic Institute (NDI) John Johnson – U.S. The Honorable Alejandro Toledo – U.S. Sef Ashiagbor – U.S. – Peru Moderator: Roland Rich – Australia Kenneth Wollack – U.S. Ayo Obe – Nigeria

Kenneth Wollack, who moderated this plenary ses- tions of representative democracy. sion on the overall theme of the Assembly, began Mr. Wollack concluded by stating that “making with some observations on the challenges of “making democracy work” means making existing political sys- democracy work.” He noted that many who were tems more democratic by: caught up in the euphoria of democracy’s Third Wave › assumed that since many of the challenges facing the Increasing government responsiveness to citizens poor were rooted in non-democratic political systems, at all levels; democratic rule would necessarily lead to policies › Removing obstacles to effective political participation; and programs addressing those challenges. They › Reducing distortions in a democratic system assumed that democratic incentives and safeguards caused by corruption and “state capture”; and would allow citizens to reward public officials who › Developing an educated electorate that has access acted in the public interest, and to hold accountable to information about policy choices and trade-offs. those who failed, and that democratic states would deliver public goods, taking into account the concerns It also means developing complementary partner- of the poor and marginalized. That new democracies ships between economic growth and democracy- were not able to guarantee economic opportunity for promotion organizations. all should not come as a surprise. Those who work to In his presentation, former Peruvian president promote democracy now realize, therefore, that mak- Alejandro Toledo noted how difficult it is to bring ing democracy work is the principal challenge for the down a that has a monopoly on political next generation of democracy-building programs. and military power and that controls the media. His According to Mr. Wollack, it remains difficult in political fight in Peru was not easy, he said, but the many new democracies to combat the legacies of struggle was not his alone. A combination of civil political exclusion. Reform-minded governments society (especially indigenous people) and students often inherit governing structures with few channels effectively challenged those in power. of popular access, and the poor suffer this dearth of President Toledo suggested that political democ- access most sharply. For the poor, the years of politi- racy is vital; people must be free to express what they cal exclusion often harden into resignation, apathy, or believe. But for political democracy to be sustain- fatalism. Overcoming this legacy requires training for able, for leaders to recapture faith in democracy, it collective action and advocacy, and assisting political must be responsive to the people’s needs. He cited institutions to function better to improve the quality of a recent study by the UN showing that 54 percent of life for the country’s citizens. Latin Americans prefer an authoritarian government to With no way to express their concerns, the poor a democratic one if it provides jobs and hope for the often take to the streets, a place poorly suited for future. Such statistics emphasize the importance of effectively discussing issues or formulating policies. democracy delivering. He also noted that under his They may also vote for populist leaders who promise presidency, Peru’s economy grew. He inherited an easy answers but eventually move against the founda- economy in recession, but it is now growing by 8 per-

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cent a year. Inflation has fallen to 1.5 percent, and the in Nigeria), one resorts to democracy, but how can fiscal deficit is below 0.2 percent. He was also able to we ensure that democracy delivers? For example, gain access to markets in China. Nevertheless, trick- Nigeria’s new democracy finds itself having to estab- le-down economic theory is insufficient for a country lish and build the institutions of democracy while at in transition where citizen expectations are great. the same time having to learn how to make democracy Government is responsible for monitoring the econo- deliver in people’s lives. She noted a recurring refrain my and responding to the needs of the poor, women, in Nigeria: “I can’t eat democracy.” Democracy must etc. Good economic performance is important, but deliver. Ms. Obe also spoke to what civil society can if wealth is not distributed fairly, people lose faith in do to assist: It must make those in power accountable, their government. The institutions of democracy must even if they were elected through a flawed system, also be strong and must be made to work for the poor. as was the case in Nigeria’s most recent elections. Roland Rich, director of the UN Democracy Fund, Those in office must be held to democratic account- asked what civil society can do to make democracy ability standards. The recent effort in Nigeria to make work. He argued that activism is not enough; that government accountable for problems with the public for civil society to be effective it must develop skills power supply is a case in point. The country was and expertise similar to those of the executive and suffering regular power outages when the nation tran- legislative branches of government. Civil society must sitioned to civilian rule, but these outages continue. understand legislative agendas, how their system of The National Assembly is now making inquiries to government works, and how to work with it. Civil soci- determine how the funds for public power were spent, ety also should know what legislation and regulations and the President says he intends to live up to the are being developed and promulgated and how to promises made in 1999. Civil society pressure on the read national budgets. He concluded that civil society executive and legislature has thus raised the levels levels of expertise and knowledge must increase; that of accountability. Through civic education and other he senses that such expertise is, in fact, developing in behind-the-scenes activities, civil society has made it civil society; and that we are witnessing an evolution clear that it is entitled to question government perfor- of well-reasoned policy ideas. mance and the actions of elected leaders, even those elected through flawed systems. Such actions help to World Movement Steering Committee chair Ayo ensure that democracy delivers. Obe stated that when a dictatorship fails (as it did

Panel Discussion on Lessons from the "Fifth Wave": Challenges to Democratic Transitions in Post-Communist States

Organizer: Moderators: Presenters: Europe XXI Foundation – Ukraine Inna Pidluska – Ukraine Ivan Krastev – Bulgaria Center for the Development of Yuri Dzhibladze – Russia David Darchiashvili – Georgia Democracy and Human Rights Rapporteur: Nikolay Petrov – Russia – Russia Igor Blaževic – Czech Republic Olexiy Haran – Ukraine Michael McFaul – U.S.

This panel addressed the lessons learned (and not and we need to see what has really happened. In learned) from the “fifth wave” of democratization in a number of places we have experienced serious post-Communist states. The recent wave of democra- tensions between democracy and liberalism. What tization in the region has created a certain paradigm: reality shows is that we also have illiberal democra- democratization means liberal values and a market cies, some of them with very anti-Western attitudes. economy generating prosperity, a pro-Western ori- Moreover, it is not only liberal democracy that might entation, and a crucial role for civil society in bring- be linked successfully with the free market; we can ing about democratic change and consolidation. also have illiberal democracies and even authoritar- However, this might be a part of our own propaganda, ian or semi-authoritarian governments linked with

12 Wo r l d Mo v e m e n t for De m o c r a c y | Kyiv, Ukraine, April 6–9, 2008 Making Democracy Work: From Principles to Performance well performing market economies with significant against the principles for securing human and civil growth, which brings a better life for the people. That rights. paradigm of liberal market-oriented, pro-Western The focus on putting economic reforms first, and democracy is now globally challenged by the Russian expecting democratization to follow, was probably a (as well as the Chinese) counter-paradigm of authori- serious mistake in the approach to deliver interna- tarian , which derives its legitimacy from tional assistance. In many international assistance the promise of satisfying consumer needs and from programs, democratization is wrongly approached as nationalism. a technical problem. More effort was put into formal In a recent global survey on democracy that cov- institution building than into developing democratic ered 69 countries, 83 percent of the people said they societies and democratic citizens. What has proved believed democracy was the best model available. to be important is how to foster genuinely democratic These results show that democracy as an ideology is society; how to develop and strengthen political par- not disputed. However, in many places there is a big ties; how to implement anticorruption policies; how to sense of disillusionment. For example, in the same secure the rule of law; and how to enhance the role of survey, people in Central and Eastern Europe, includ- a strong civil society in the period after a democratic ing Russia and Ukraine, were the most skeptical of all. breakthrough. When asked if they believed the voice of the people Elections also have proved to matter. Electoral mattered, the majority of the people who responded breakthroughs can bring about a robust democratiza- said “no.” The accession of Central and Eastern tion drive. It is also a good sign that resolving political European countries to the EU was seen as a major tensions and conflicts through elections has been success, but after the accession there were a number accepted in many countries in the region. In addition, of major political crises in the region, the emergence parties are held accountable to their election prom- of populist politicians winning elections, and growing ises as parties that break their promises have failed to popular distrust of elected governments and institu- be re-elected. tions. But we now have the problem of responsiveness; In Ukraine, the Orange Revolution was a great voters feel that their votes do not matter, since they do inspiration, but many of its promises remained unful- not see progress beyond the pre-election status quo filled. One of the reasons for this is that the political even where there is a change in government. On the parties were not ripe and too centered on their lead- other hand, there is the sense of the liberal elites that ers. The competition for access to power and to the they should not allow people to “make mistakes” by leader undermined the consistency of the process of choosing the “wrong” policies. democratic change. The chain of elections created unfavorable conditions for much-needed but unpopu- A fundamental question that remains is whether lar reforms. democratic systems are more efficient in providing jobs, better health care, education, and security. If not, The real drive behind the popular demand for alternatives challenging the democratic concept will change has been driven by the population’s wish for look tempting to many. a more secure and better life. Therefore, when the leaders of change did not deliver on that expectation, much disillusionment set in. Recommendations › Furthermore, non-democrats have learned demo- Investment in education matters, since this is the cratic rhetoric well, and they use it in challenging only way to develop new ranks of liberal democrats. democrats on a variety of issues. At the same time, › Institutions by themselves do not matter very much some democratic politicians are also seduced into unless there are new generations of democrats grow- using populist, non-democratic, or fraudulent methods ing up to make those institutions work. to achieve popular support. Another challenge in the › Democratic reformers should be more inclusive and region stems from “good” people (reformers) align- appeal to ordinary people, the media, and the opposi- ing themselves with “bad” people engaged in crime tion. and corruption. The lessons not learned by many in › Democratic reformers often prove not to be ready the region include the issue of how to make sure that for compromise. The zero-sum game culture remains every state’s concern over its security does not run and shows that it cannot work. Therefore, they should

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learn how to find compromise for the sake of pushing The promise of European and Euro-Atlantic integra- democratic reforms forward. tion was a strong driving force for democratization Although it is wrong to overestimate the role of and reform in post-Communist transitions. That oppor- NGOs, vibrant civil society proved to play an important tunity should be kept open for countries in the region role in bringing about and sustaining the democratiza- as an additional incentive for their transformation tion process. The lesson is that investment in devel- process. oping civil society pays off. At the same time, NGOs Finally, do not rely too much on democratization should also have the courage to engage in hard and theories. They change every few years, and there is culturally unpopular topics, such as organized crime, obviously no blueprint. religion, and homosexuality.

Panel Discussion on Press Freedom: Challenges and Strategies

Organizer: Rapporteur: Presenters: IREX Azerbaijan Iryna Wells – Ukraine Supinya Klangnarong – Thailand Moderator: Madhu Acharya – Nepal Shahin Abbasov – Azerbaijan Emin Huseynov – Azerbaijan Rahma Hugaira – Yemen Shahida Tulaganova – Uzbekistan

Participants in this panel discussion, including media nels, ownership is concentrated in the hands of the professionals, representatives of media support few in power. Such cases can be seen in the Middle organizations, international and national NGOs, civil East, Thailand, Eurasia, and other places. society groups, and activists, discussed the main › Journalists’ lives and safety are often in dan- issues and possible strategies to address challenges ger. In Yemen, journalists are prosecuted, attacked, concerning press freedom. The discussion began entrapped, and injured on a regular basis. In some with presentations by speakers from Nepal, Thailand, Eurasian countries—particularly in Azerbaijan and Azerbaijan, Yemen, and Uzbekistan, who shared their Uzbekistan—reporters are arrested en masse and experiences with press suppression and rights viola- often set up. If in the past intervention by internation- tions in their regions. The participants outlined the fol- al organizations helped bail innocent reporters out of lowing key challenges and possible strategies. jail, currently, corrupt authorities simply ignore them. In Yemen, media professionals are under constant Challenges watch and in danger. They are being killed or hurt, › Populations in the Middle East and in some coun- and their families are being attacked. tries of Eurasia and Latin America do not have enough, › Gender is an unresolved issue in Muslim countries, or equal access to, information and media resources. where regardless of legislation women cannot freely › Politicians often accuse the media of being biased practice their professional activities, including media if journalists cover the authorities in an unfavorable activities. way. State leaders do not like to be criticized, so if › Limited access to resources negatively impacts all there is negative coverage, media outlets are accused spheres of media and the civil development of societ- of being affiliated with the opposition or of publishing ies. Political authorities block international resources, lies. In such cases, words against the government are control Internet providers, intentionally narrow used as justification for arrests and attacks. Internet channels and speed, and set very high fees › Outside monitoring has become ineffective because to prevent the creation of content and accessibility to international organizations do not press charges or online media. hold anyone accountable. › There is an absence of good, detailed, and support- › Even with the vast number of TV and radio chan- ive legislation.

14 Wo r l d Mo v e m e n t for De m o c r a c y | Kyiv, Ukraine, April 6–9, 2008 Making Democracy Work: From Principles to Performance

Recommended Strategies the expertise of specialized civil society organizations, and NGOs can serve as a conduit that media orga- › Media professionals should consolidate and unite nizations can work through to pursue freedoms and in their fight for rights and freedoms. Consolidating fight for their cause. Cooperation between media and forces will strengthen the voice to confront autocratic civil society groups can increase awareness among authorities, give individual journalists confidence, the whole population and advocate democratic val- and impel local authorities to investigate cases of ues. violations and murders. Uniting professionals from different countries can also help in the struggle › In countries where authorities control all media against common problems, create and outsource channels, alternative ways of reaching audiences, media resources, provide more access to educational such as satellite, cellular networks, and the Internet, resources, and generate new ideas and projects. can be used. “Off-shore” news broadcasts on radio waves and satellite signals are another way to deliver › Colleagues in more developed countries should unbiased and free information to populations. communicate their experiences. Using expertise in media business creation, development, promotion, as › Monitoring from outside by international organiza- well as in freedom advocacy and legislative devel- tions has to be effective. They can do much more opment, can save time and effort in achieving mile- than just publish reports; they can use their power to stones. influence country leaders to support media develop- ment and lobby for journalists’ freedom and safety. › Cooperation with international organizations to gain support and protection is very important in many › The creation of “watchdog organizations and cam- areas, including protecting journalists and bailing paigns” is another way to address issues of rights them out of jail, investigating crimes, promoting free- violations, corruption, ethical problems, etc. This dom of speech, and providing informational and finan- could take the form of an alternative media infor- cial resources. mation resource or a union made up of journalists themselves, civil citizens, experts, and international › Training and education are crucial to media devel- observers. opment. In many countries, reporters do not have specialized education or are vulnerable to corruption › Recognition and awards are very important in due to ignorance of media ethics. stimulating and crediting journalists’ achievements. They pay tribute to those who paid with their lives for › The media sector should ally with NGOs to freedom of speech, as well as serve to motivate oth- strengthen their forces. Media professionals can use ers to fight for their beliefs. Workshops Addressing Corruption: Civil Society Strategies to Strengthen Legislation, Enforcement and the Role of the Judiciary

Organizers: Moderators: Rapporteur: Transparencia por Colombia Rosa Inés Ospina-Robledo Jeremy Zucker – U.S. Liberia National Law Enforcement – Colombia Presenters: Association Cecil Griffiths – Liberia Igor Koliushko – Ukraine Jose Luis Martin Gascon – The Philippines

Acknowledging from the outset that corruption under- Observations mines democracy and democratic institutions, the › Corruption is a fatal combination of three fac- presenters and workshop participants focused on tors: monopoly of power, latitude of discretion, and challenges and opportunities in the fight against cor- absence of accountability. ruption. › Corruption takes many forms and involves many dif- ferent actors.

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› Corruption must be recognized as a public crime; › How can international financial institutions (IFIs) even though everyone suffers, the failure to perceive play a more useful role in fighting corruption? The such suffering on an individual level poses a chal- anti-bribery compliance programs of IFIs often ignore lenge to mobilizing against corruption, requiring the reality on the ground, and future generations will coordinated action among civil society organizations thus be left holding “debts” for loans that were not (CSOs). put to public use. › Governments will not change behavior without strong public demand for change. Recommendations › Government entities exist, and can be created, › Focus on timely access to accurate information on to fight corruption, but the support of civil society is the lifestyles of government officials, public procure- essential for a long-term, systemic approach. ment, and global best practices. › The private sector is sometimes a reluctant partici- › Public advocacy must include more than general pant in bribery, and would welcome an environment complaints; CSOs should thus focus on concrete solu- in which bribes are no longer required. CSOs should tions and bring success stories to the people. therefore view the private sector as a potential part- › Not all government officials or entities are part of ner and not simply part of the problem. the problem. CSOs should work to identify and sup- › Some corruption is “legal,” reflecting state capture port those within government who are willing to fight by small elites. corruption. › Fighting against corruption is not a sprint, but a › Corruption is increasingly complex. CSOs should marathon. therefore develop technical expertise to effectively monitor flows of money (i.e., regarding the national Questions budget, public works projects, etc.). › › How should the international community respond Success stories encourage further success; focus when certain donor countries do not appear con- on the prosecution of “big fish.” cerned about corrupt uses of the “development › Systemic problems require systemic solutions, funds” they provide? rather than ad hoc responses. CSOs should therefore › When the government is corrupt, how can CSOs focus on: cooperate with it in the fight against corruption with- › Greater public awareness of the problem; out consequently conferring legitimacy? › Greater public awareness of possible solutions (and the belief that solutions are attainable); › Greater public access to information regarding national budgets, public procurement, electoral expenses, and the behavior of legislators; › Public interest litigation under local law and international conventions in national and interna- tional courts; › Guaranteeing the safety of those who publicly oppose corruption—including whistleblowers, CSOs, judges, and government auditors—especial- ly, but not exclusively, in societies emerging from recent internal conflict; and › Incentives created by international donors and other governments—perhaps tied to the availability of donor funds—regarding concrete anti-corrup- tion program progress.

16 Wo r l d Mo v e m e n t for De m o c r a c y | Kyiv, Ukraine, April 6–9, 2008 Making Democracy Work: From Principles to Performance

Improving the Quality of Democracy: How can Women’s Economic Empowerment be Advanced?

Organizers: Moderator: Speakers: Center for International Private Jean Rogers – U.S. Camelia Bulat – Romania Enterprise (CIPE) (U.S.) Rapporteur: Selima Ahmad – Bangladesh Regional Center for Organization Sarah Siegel – U.S. Monica Hernandez – Ecuador Management (RCOM) (Romania)

Countries cannot be truly democratic or prosperous hold themselves back by believing that they deserve if half of their populations are disenfranchised from less than men. It is essential to overcome that mental the political and economic spheres. For this reason, barrier for women to achieve their full potential. women’s participation in entrepreneurship, policy Other questions addressed the use of foreign making, and civil society is essential for the develop- resources, how to build family support for women ment of a healthy, egalitarian democratic country. involved in business outside the home, and how to Approximately 35 World Movement participants from handle the large risk and responsibility involved in 20 countries came together to discuss this theme, opening a business (often when juggling other impor- focusing on cross-regional challenges facing women tant family responsibilities). and sharing strategies for success. Another key issue is that both men and women play Three presenters launched the workshop with roles in facilitating women’s economic empowerment examples of women’s economic empowerment in their in an inclusive environment. In general, participants own countries. Camelia Bulat discussed the example agreed that building such an inclusive environment of the Coalition of Women Business Associations in requires systemic change at the policy level, so Romania (CAFA), which was founded in 2004 by a group women do not have to overcome regulatory barriers of nine associations that wanted to build a stronger, (to owning property, opening a business, or gaining united voice to advocate for their needs. Now, CAFA is access to finance) to succeed economically. regularly invited to policy debates on top issues includ- ing Romania’s fiscal code, and its membership has Participants offered success stories from their increased to 19 associations across the country. own countries, such as women’s essential role in the “economic rebirth” of Liberia after the war. In Selima Ahmad described her experiences as an Romania, the Association of Business Women and Top entrepreneur and the founder of the Bangladesh Managers has held a very high-profile competition Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BWCCI). each year that recognizes women who have met with Democracy facilitates women’s empowerment and success in the economic, political, and social spheres. entrepreneurship, she noted, and this in turn helps to build a prosperous country and a better future. BWCCI Women’s economic empowerment benefits the recently experienced a huge policy success when the individual, the family, the community, and the country. Central Bank of Bangladesh adopted recommendations Ultimately, women are a resource to their countries to increase access to credit for women entrepreneurs. and should be recognized as such. Models of suc- cessful women are essential and serve as sources of Monica Hernandez discussed the ways that inspiration for others who aspire to open a business or microfinance can empower women, as well as the to get involved in policy making. For women who want importance of leadership, self-esteem, and values. If change, it is important to have a goal and get involved. a woman does not believe in herself and her ability Developing a strategy, forming a coalition, or conduct- to succeed, it is unlikely that she will accomplish her ing advocacy are some of the ways that women can goals. Rather, she should know that she is capable of have a positive impact on the economic empowerment solving her own problems instead of expecting a solu- of other women in their country or around the world. tion from someone else. Finally, knowledge is key: women need to know A recurring theme in the workshop was what par- their rights and have the opportunity to receive an ticipants called the “glass ceiling of the mind.” The education so they may reach their full potential as traditional concept of the glass ceiling is a large prob- active citizens and economic actors. lem in many countries, but too frequently, women also

www.wmd.org 17 Making Democracy Work: From Principles to Performance

How Can Relationships between Leaders and Constituents be Strengthened in New Democracies?

Organizers: Moderator: Presenters: Democracy Development Rama Naidu – South Africa Ash Narain Roy – India Programme (South Africa) Andrea Sanhueza – Chile Mokhar Benabdallaoui – Morocco Participa (Chile) Rapporteur: Anahit Bayandur – Armenia Harriet Turay – Sierra Leone Ilona Bilan – Ukraine

The growing gap that exists in both advanced and mittees. NGOs can bring expertise to parliaments new democracies between citizens and their govern- because they are sometimes more in touch with what ments remains a major concern. Traditional meanings is happening on the ground. Constituency outreach of democracy reduce citizens’ involvement in gover- offices that keep in touch with constituents on an nance and politics to choosing between candidates ongoing basis should be established. Funding should for political offices through electoral politics, and, be made available to Members of Parliament to carry in turn, it is the job of the elected representatives out developmental projects in their constituencies. to make policy and to hold the state accountable, The “right to recall” in cases of non-performance assuming that a vote for a particular candidate implies of representatives can serve as a mechanism for acceptance of every policy position. Democracy increasing accountability. defined in this way legitimates a situation in which › Role of Diplomats. Their functions are not limited experts and political elites ostensibly represent the to the Consulate, but also serve to bring together people and are allowed to make essential political and interest groups to learn about their demands and policy decisions on behalf of their entire citizenries. possibilities for engagement. The Community of This paradigm has spawned growing disillusion- Democracies has launched a Handbook for Diplomats ment of citizens with their governments based on con- on democracy promotion and the role of diplomats. cerns about opaque policy processes, corruption, lack › Role of Cooperation Agencies. They can take the of responsiveness to the needs of the poor, and the lead in bringing together civil society groups that absence of participation or connection to the poor. were involved in conflict in transitions to democracy Any attempt to respond effectively to these con- with those that are now in such conflict to share their cerns requires work by both the state and the citizens. experiences and lessons learned. On the one hand, there is a need to focus on making › Political Reforms. There is a need for political state institutions more responsive and accountable. reforms to close the gap between constituencies and On the other hand, there is a need to pay greater political leaders. There was a sense that a mixed attention to processes of participation, that is, on electoral system would better serve this need rather the ways in which poor people can exercise their than a straight forward proportional representation voice through forms of deliberation and mobilization system. designed to inform and influence state institutions and › public policies. Decentralization. There is need for a decentral- ization process to bring government closer to the Participants highlighted the importance of recog- people and to promote the principle of subsidiarity. nizing that every country has its own democratization Decentralization of power can also mean that local process and that there is thus no one model for all solutions will be sought rather than national ones. democracies. › Political Parties. Strengthening political parties is crucial because they are a fundamental mechanism of Recommendations representation. In many developing countries, opposi- › The Role of Parliament. There is a need for the tion parties are weak and unable to present a viable citizenry and civil society organizations to learn more alternative to the government in power or to engage about the role and work of parliamentarians and their seriously with it on policy issues. The relationship participatory mechanisms, such as its working com- between political parties and civil society should be

18 Wo r l d Mo v e m e n t for De m o c r a c y | Kyiv, Ukraine, April 6–9, 2008 Making Democracy Work: From Principles to Performance

seen as complementary, not necessarily competitive. ships. Strategies for building accountability should be › Civic Education. In most countries, citizens are not informed by questions relating to “whom” and “what” aware of their civic rights, duties, and responsibilities. accountability is for. In other words, who is demand- Therefore, continuous civic education programs are ing accountability and why? necessary. Such programs should be anchored in the The participants also agreed that we must become context of local realities. Public servants should be more critical about what actually happens when aware that their role is to serve citizens and that their people participate in spaces provided for such partici- policies and practices must be inclusive and trans- pation. Do those spaces extend a voice to marginal- parent. ized people and thus deepen democracy, or are they › Accountability. Accountability is fundamentally merely vehicles to bind organized voices to the policy a relationship of power, and therefore promoting choices of those in power? Are citizens better able to it is political. When accountability mechanisms hold their governments to account by attending and work citizens are able to make demands on power participating in these forums? These questions raise holders and ensure that those demands are met. serious challenges for realizing effective citizen par- Accountability is not only a legal relationship between ticipation and deeper forms of democracy. states and citizens, but also includes social relation-

The Crucial Role of Migrant Worker Rights in a Vibrant Democracy

Organizer: Rapporteur: Presenters: Solidarity Center (U.S.) Mark Hankin – U.S. Ellie Larson – U.S. Moderator: Sharia al Qatarneh – Jordan Neha Misra – U.S. Elizabeth Tang – Hong Kong Balasubramanian Alagu – Malaysia Wahyu Susilo – Indonesia Henry Sabile Rojas – The Philippines Ahmed Bilal Mehboob – Pakistan

Migrant worker rights activists, trade union activ- Emirates, migrant workers outnumber the local popula- ists, and NGO activists from 17 countries gathered tion. Even in countries where migrant workers are the to discuss the implications of labor migration on the minority, their numbers are significant enough to affect practice of democracy in both countries of origin and social and economic structures on a national level. countries of destination, recognizing that ignoring › Governments around the world also explicitly use migrant worker rights is a major threat to democracy. labor migration as a development policy, but they Moreover, respect for migrant worker rights and the rarely view migration in the context of its impact on participation of migrant workers in democratic pro- democracy. Remittances are not a substitute for devel- cesses in both countries of origin and destination opment policy based on human and worker rights. expands democratic space and is a powerful force in › Women workers are increasingly migrating abroad economic development. for work, and they are often the chief sources of income for families. Observations › There is an increasing trend in destination coun- › Labor migration is a growing phenomenon that tries around the world to limit the stay of migrant involves millions of workers moving within their workers by labeling them “temporary workers” who own countries or abroad. The International Labor are authorized to work in countries for only a speci- Organization (ILO) estimates the population of foreign fied period of time, effectively denying them a path to migrant workers to be 120 million. China alone may citizenship or their ability to bring their families with have the same number of internal migrants. them. Despite clear economic demand in countries › In some countries, such as the United Arab of destination, migrant workers are often forced to

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migrate through irregular channels. of destination countries to support the provision of In a growing number of instances, migrant workers such services in home countries. have become focal points in the debate about demo- cratic practices and the rule of law. Experience shows Recommendations that in countries where the violation of migrant worker › Democracy activists must recognize the role rights occurs, the rights of citizens are also constrained. of migrant worker rights in promoting democracy. It is important to recognize that the present condition of Democracy cannot flourish when the rights, espe- migrant workers has an impact on the future of democ- cially voting and labor rights, of entire populations are racy in individual countries. A vibrant democracy relies ignored. Efforts must be made to share best prac- on the participation of all sectors of society. Being tices. away from home for years at a time does not allow › migrant workers to participate in the political, economic Where appropriate, migrants should be given a path and social decisions of their home countries. At the to citizenship. In all cases, migrant workers should same time, in their host countries, they are often denied enjoy the same labor rights and access to social ser- any rights as members of society. A democratic govern- vices as indigenous workers. ment cannot ignore entire populations of people and still › Trade unions and democracy NGOs should work fulfill its role in making effective economic and social together to promote the basic human and worker policy. However, this is precisely the situation in the rights of migrants. Such efforts must occur within a majority of countries who send or host migrant workers country, regionally, and internationally. It is important (which is now a majority of countries in the world). that trade unions and NGOs within countries and Many of the workshop participants noted the across borders broaden current alliances and create importance of voting rights for migrant workers. new alliances supporting the democratic and worker Internal migrants within countries are often denied rights of migrant workers. Best practices should be the right to vote by being required to travel hundreds emulated. of miles to do so, thus favoring entrenched urban › Restrictive immigration laws are a factor in increas- interests. The Filipino overseas absentee voting policy ing the vulnerability of migrant workers to exploitation was cited as a good example of ensuring that migrant and should be reformed. Unions and other civil soci- workers are not denied this most basic democratic ety groups should cooperate with law enforcement to right of participating in elections, even if they live ensure that workplaces and labor employment agen- abroad for years at a time. cies are monitored and inspected to protect workers Denying migrant workers basic democratic rights and not to deport them. also creates instability and insecurity concerning rela- › International labor standards apply equally to all tions between the local population and migrant work- workers (indigenous or migrant). Labor unions and ers, a permanent fixture in most countries. Conflict democracy NGOs should highlight where gaps in law between local and foreign workers can destabilize exist and lobby to incorporate standards into the laws nascent democracies or limit the space for demo- and policies of their countries, as well as in interna- cratic development. Migrant workers also play a role tional trade agreements and international financial in expanding democratic space in countries where institution policies. democratic rights are few by supporting the struggle › Civil society groups providing legal aid services, of domestic unions and NGOs. In restrictive environ- including unions, should expand those services to ments, migrant workers are often the first groups of migrant workers, thus allowing them access to the civil society who are able to demonstrate publicly for rule of law. rights. In countries where basic norms and standards › Migrant workers are much less likely to be cannot be implemented for migrant workers, the stan- exploited or trafficked if they are allowed freedom of dards and rights of all workers are eroded. association and the right to organize. Unions have Participants also raised the issue of “brain drain,” an obligation to reach out to migrant workers and an where trained professionals in sectors such as nurs- obligation to educate their own members as to why ing and education are leaving their own countries to this is important. educate their children in developed countries and pro- › To ensure safe migration, trade union and NGO part- vide healthcare and education services to the “richer” ners should work with governments and even employ- nations. The question was raised about the obligation

20 Wo r l d Mo v e m e n t for De m o c r a c y | Kyiv, Ukraine, April 6–9, 2008 Making Democracy Work: From Principles to Performance

ment agencies to develop legal frameworks (laws and that promote migrant worker rights. regulations) and policies aimed at ensuring that work- › Unions often use their unique presence in economic ers can migrate safely, thus rendering them less vul- sectors to combat the exploitation of migrant workers. nerable to exploitation and trafficking. They can also For example, Jordanian garment and textile unions conduct pre-departure training for migrant workers so organize Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan migrant workers they know their rights before leaving for home. in Qualifying Industrial Zones to improve their working › The Defending Civil Society principles collected by conditions. Trade unions must expand these initiatives. the World Movement for Democracy Secretariat and › New forms of technology, such as text messaging, the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL) should be used in advocacy efforts and to reach vul- should include protection of migrant worker unions nerable migrant workers. and associations, as well as trade unions and NGOs

Role of the Media in Democratic Consolidation: Working Together for Transparency and Access to Information

Organizer: Moderator: Presenters: Global Forum for Media Marguerite Sullivan – U.S. Kostya Kvurt – Ukraine Development-GFMD Rapporteur: Roby Alampay – The Philippines Internews Ukraine Drusilla Menaker – U.S. Eduardo Bertoni – Argentina Omar Faruk Osman – Somalia

The workshop presenters agreed that achieving free- after Iraq. Lack of security for journalists imperils dom of expression and access to information requires freedom of expression. Without security, journalists media collaboration with civil society. Civil society cannot express themselves and the media cannot groups and media owners share with the media the play their role as watchdogs and conveyers of critical need for freedom of expression rights. If the media is news and information. suppressed, the issues raised and statements made Media laws are also important. Within the broad by other groups—human rights advocates, for exam- legal enabling environment for media, which varies ple—will be muted. Therefore, forging media-civil greatly from country to country, access-to-informa- society alliances is important. tion laws are needed, according to the workshop Civil society groups often approach the media to presenters, but such statutes, which only represent a seek help in getting their messages across. Potential starting point, must be well drafted. Some countries ways in which the media sector can support this, as have specific access-to-information laws (Thailand suggested by participants, include professional train- and Mexico, for example), while others have consti- ing in journalism and targeting issues (for example, tutional provisions but no specific enabling law (for child labor); by joining in the pursuit of common goals example, The Philippines). At the other extreme are (for example, making elections free and fair); by con- countries that have prohibitions in the form of inter- tributing to change (for example, the media’s role in nal security laws, official secrets acts, and related Ukraine’s Orange Revolution and by introducing more provisions. democratic media practices); and by confronting the In all countries, however, challenges to access- challenge that freedom poses to the media community ing information go beyond the law; political realities to be socially responsible and protective of the inter- may also make it difficult, even with good laws, to ests of the people (for example, through the transition obtain information. But even without good laws, there from state to public television and by exploring tech- are still ways to gain access to information. One niques such as citizen journalism). determining factor, the presenters pointed out, is the In conflicted countries, the priority must be the degree to which there is space for civil society to safety and security of journalists. Somalia, for exam- come together with media to work on promoting free- ple, is the most dangerous country for journalists in dom of expression and access to information. In some Africa and the second most dangerous in the world countries, penalties for giving out incorrect informa-

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tion are more severe than those prohibiting giving out information at all. Other factors that negatively affect access to infor- mation include: › Incomplete laws and implementation—where there are no templates for requesting access to information, no established redress when access is denied, high prices for making information requests, etc. › Slowing down the process—when information requests are not met in a timely manner or where Internet speed is deliberately reduced. › Poor demand—when people do not know their rights to information or how to take advantage of them. › Old habits—when journalists are accustomed to using their own networks of contacts and derive a degree of power from this personal access. Recommendations Sometimes, journalists are the ones opposing access › Access-to-information laws should be well drafted. to information laws. Civil society and media can join in advocating for such Workshop participants agreed that access to laws and to ensure they are implemented effectively. information is not a right limited to the media. It is › Timeframes for meeting requests, and penalties for also crucial for NGOs, entrepreneurs, academics, and failing to provide information, should be clear. individual citizens. Journalists can play an important › Support for rights to information should go beyond role in pushing for access to information, not only for the media, with benefits to each sector (civil society their own use but to enable the people to understand organizations, human rights activists, businesses, it as a broader right. For example, in Mexico, a news- individual citizens, etc.) understood specifically. It is paper published a set of questions on its front page, particularly vital for ordinary citizens to understand such as on the president’s salary, and offered readers and demand their rights to information. a reward for correct answers; this prompted people to › realize that this is information they should have. Civil Journalists and media organizations should society can contribute as well by using information enhance their capacity to obtain information and use access mechanisms that may be available, supporting it effectively and professionally. litigation to fight for access to information in strategic › The state’s capacity to respond to requests for cases, and by promoting and disseminating work by information must be established and supported, journalists who use access-to-information laws. including emplacing mechanisms for doing so and developing the skills of information officers with spe- Challenges cial attention to local government. › Special attention should be given to the ability of › There is a need for self-regulation by the media to those whose access to information is particularly diffi- ensure that information is used ethically and that jour- cult in some settings (for example, women journalists). nalists work professionally; › Making use of technology and networks that span › There is a budgetary cost of implementing freedom borders can help support rights to information. of information provisions; › There is a potential threat to privacy in certain The workshop concluded with the recognition cases; and that access-to-information laws alone will not create democracy, reduce poverty, or create better journal- › There is a potential disincentive to keep records ism. However, transparency is important for democ- when officials know that what they write down might racy, and there are positive experiences that demon- be accessed in the future. strate that media and civil society can work together to achieve it.

22 Wo r l d Mo v e m e n t for De m o c r a c y | Kyiv, Ukraine, April 6–9, 2008 Making Democracy Work: From Principles to Performance

Democracy from the Bottom Up: How to Think Locally about Democratic Performance

Organizer: Moderators: Rapporteur: International Republican Institute-IRI Theary Seng – Cambodia Alex Primostko – Ukraine (U.S.) Patricia Lozada – Peru Presenters: Njoki Ndungu – Kenya Rene Joaquino Cabrera – Bolivia Agnieszka Pomaska – Poland

The workshop was structured around the following trusted by the local community. According to Mr. themes: Cabrera, the key issue was to get citizens involved in the decision-making process and local authori- Equity and Inclusiveness ties to be responsible and accountable to citizens; › How this appears in the decision-making process; their power should be modest and transparent. Local and authorities are effective when they take into consider- ation the following issues: › How this is represented in policies, practices, and procedures. › Involving citizens and bringing them into decision- making processes; Citizen Participation › Legal grounds for citizen activity; › The objectives of citizen engagement and its › View of national and regional problems; and importance; › Adjusting the government to local conditions. › The mechanisms for citizen participation; and Fighting corruption was one of the key issues for › Citizen participation and decision-making local authorities in Potosi. It is now a city where there processes. are no examples of corruption. All state servants submit their wealth declarations annually, indicating Transparency and Accountability the sources of their income. A civic culture to control › The presence of these two factors in decision- municipal activities has been developed. People are making processes; broadly engaged in meetings, sessions, and roundta- › Transparency and accountability through the ble discussions. The municipality is trying to observe disclosure of information: principles of inclusiveness and equity. Women are strongly represented in the municipality, and more › Using E-government to achieve transparency and young people are taking part in planning events, accountability; and including the budgeting processes. Very broad layers › Implementing anti-corruption initiatives. of the population are also involved in the management process as the generators of new ideas. In this way, Responsiveness the local authorities can increase the effectiveness › Responding to citizen needs (i.e., through public of management in the city. In Bolivia, the municipal- works, basic service delivery, short- and long-term ity gets 30 percent of the central government’s funds. planning); and Other sources include local funds, taxes, and fundrais- › Developing a customer service mechanism (i.e., ing. The City of Potosi has its own economic platform hotlines for requests or complaints). that was developed with broad public participation. Citizens have free access to power, and this helps to In his opening presentation, Rene Joaquino develop the city from the bottom up. Cabrera, mayor of Potosi in Bolivia, shared the secrets of how he managed to turn what was once one of Agnieszka Pomaska, deputy chair of the Gdansk the poorest cities in the country, described as “an City Council in Poland and chair of the Civic Education imperialistic heritage of Spain” with high corruption Development Center, shared her experiences in and , into a prosperous city where the working with different groups of people and learn- municipal government is now strongly supported and ing their needs and problems. She became a city councilor at the age of 22. Involving more young

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people dramatically enhances democratic perfor- included prioritizing local budgets and ensuring pub- mance, she said. Door-to-door campaigning taught lic participation in the process; the need for power her that people should be listened to and understood. decentralization; local programs; and procurement Communication with people plays a key role in under- procedures. standing them and getting helpful feedback. It is nec- Participants also heard about the Colombian essary to be in touch with people continuously and to experience where local authorities and NGOs have respond to all e-mails, for instance. Communication increased citizen participation in local government. via mobile phone is also very important. People feel People there have become involved to improve their more comfortable when they can directly call the lives, and this will increase the transparency of the person representing their interests. Meetings also authorities. The lesson learned is that governments play an important role because you can talk to many should consult the people on all the main issues, people at once interactively. It is very important to tell including the local budget, and the people should people the truth and to keep them informed, includ- formulate their goals for solving local problems, ing about what you are doing, through the media. such as health protection, eradicating poverty, etc. Educational programs help encourage citizens to get International assistance can also play a big role. involved in the local self-government process. In Gdansk, there are public consultations on different In Cambodia, numerous forums are organized on issues before the Council makes a decision. A good, justice and reconciliation. One project carried out in well-maintained, and regularly-updated Web site is cooperation with the International Republican Institute also very important. Finally, Ms. Pomaska pointed was focused on civic education via television, recog- out, Polish city mayors are now elected directly by nizing that TV and radio can play a very important role citizens, not by city councils. In this way, the local for entertaining and educating young people at the regions have received more local powers. same time. Similar examples of educational programs in China and Canada were also discussed. The workshop participants discussed topics that

What Is the Role of the Emerging Private Sector in Post-Conflict, Democratic Reconstruction?

Organizer: Moderator: Presenters: Center for International Private Andrew Wilson – U.S. Muhamet Mustafa – Kosovo Enterprise-CIPE (U.S.) Rapporteur: Theodosia Clark Wah – Liberia Kim Bettcher – Australia

Democratic stability in post-conflict environments that the business community has in generating hope depends on the creation of sound governance frame- and opportunity for future democratic prosperity. works and sustainable economies to provide for the Muhamet Mustafa provided his insight on how to needs of the people when humanitarian assistance sequence the transition from an emergency situation declines. Post-conflict reconstruction is typically a to a sustainable and promising future. One should balancing act of providing sufficient humanitarian have about a 12-year time horizon to plan the transi- relief while planning for long-term development objec- tion, recognizing that the first year would be devoted tives. Down the road, the local private sector must to humanitarian relief. Early on, it is vital to engage generate jobs, income, better living conditions, and private-sector participation in the creation of market sustainable peace. Yet too often, international and institutions and economic policies that would support local policy makers fail to heed voices of the local a good business environment and the creation of a business community, thus weakening economic poli- middle class. cies and forestalling the development of civil society in areas of economic importance. Participants at this Mr. Mustafa explained how international donors workshop discussed strategies for engaging the pri- and consultants need to work together with local vate sector in the reconstruction process and the role civil society, listening to their real needs while build- ing their capacity to absorb assistance and assume

24 Wo r l d Mo v e m e n t for De m o c r a c y | Kyiv, Ukraine, April 6–9, 2008 Making Democracy Work: From Principles to Performance responsibility for their country’s development. He rec- and stability. Finally, she noted that “conflicts bring ommended greater transparency and accountability poverty, so we have to work together to avoid con- in both recipient countries and donor countries, more flicts and build peace.” checks and balances in reconstruction programs, and follow-up analysis of how programs lead to better liv- Recommendations ing conditions. Finally, there must be an exit strategy › for international agencies to transfer responsibility to Start to build the capacity of the local private sec- local actors and institutions. tor early in the post-conflict reconstruction process in order to smooth the transition when international aid Theodosia Clark-Wah began her presentation with declines. a description of the history of war in Liberia and the › present post-conflict environment. During the war, Work primarily with local actors, including business the country experienced a total breakdown of the associations, think tanks, and other civil society orga- economy, human rights abuses, corruption, and disre- nizations, rather than foreign consultants. Ultimately, gard for rule of law. The democratic elections in 2005 citizens of post-conflict states must be the drivers of brought an opportunity to build sustainable peace and reform and reconstruction. a better democratic and economic future for the coun- › Protect the rights of women to own and inherit try. Ms. Clark-Wah’s presentation focused on the role property because their participation is essential to the of the private sector in this process, and the ultimate development of the private sector, especially in the goal of developing a middle class to ensure peace and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise sectors. prosperity. Also provide women with business education and Ms. Clark-Wah noted that business associations encouragement to join the business community. play a key role in preparing the private sector to con- › Monitor transparency and accountability in govern- tribute to the reconstruction of a country’s economy ment and in the use of foreign aid. and democratic institutions. The Liberian Business › Provide humanitarian assistance in a way that Association provides small business owners with the helps people regain control of their economic future – skills, access to finance, and legal support to enable not in a way that encourages aid dependency. them to succeed and grow their enterprises. Now, › Encourage private sector investment in post-con- Liberian businesses are providing employment and flict environments. improving living conditions, which will lead to peace

From Principles to Performance: How Can Europeans Enhance Their Support for Democracy Assistance Worldwide?

Organizers: Moderator: Presenters: European Partnership for Democracy Igor Blaževic – Czech Republic Edward McMillan-Scott – U.K. – EPD Rapporteur: Roel von Meijenfeldt – The Netherlands People in Need Foundation Kristina Prunerová – Czech Republic João Espada – Portugal (Czech Republic) Jana Hybášková – Czech Republic Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy-NIMD Iryna Solonenko – Ukraine Yuri Dzhibladze – Russia Martin Schieder – Austria

This workshop covered two topics: the recently of democracy promotion on both the political and launched European Partnership for Democracy (EPD) technical levels. and the role of democracy in European Union policy. The EPD is a new, independent organization that The point was made that democracy is a part of aims to contribute to the advancement and strength- European identity and rhetoric, but not practical poli- ening of democracy outside of the European Union cies. The workshop thus sought to address this issue and to complement existing democracy assistance

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programs within the European Union. It was founded potentially means 27 different opinions on democracy. by some 15 European civil society organizations that It is difficult to reach a consensus, and this is one of are focused on democracy assistance to function as the reasons that it has been difficult to make democ- a platform for sharing lessons learned from this field racy support part of EU policy. There’s a consensus of work; to exchange information; and to join efforts on development policy, and many European efforts in promoting democracy to the policies of European and financial means are dedicated to it. The goal is to Union institutions, EU member states, and nongovern- find consensus on democracy support as well. mental actors. New EU member states have recently overcome The three instruments to be used by the EPD are totalitarian regimes, and as a result of a successful the following: process are not only becoming part of the EU, but › A knowledge platform through which European successful democratic states as well. Driven by their democracy assistance organizations can share expe- experience, they are now key players in pushing for riences, conduct evaluation, and cooperate on joint more European involvement in advancing democracy. projects; the platform will be accessible to govern- Engagement from abroad was crucial to the fall of ments of EU member states and official EU institu- their previous communist regimes, which is why they tions, as well as to partners outside of the EU. feel the need to provide this help and thus “pay back their debt.” › An advocacy function will contribute to a stronger European profile in democracy assistance globally by The case of Ukraine was presented by Martin advocating a more prominent place for democracy Schieder, a representative of the European assistance in EU policy priorities. Commission in Ukraine, and Iryna Solonenko, of the International Renaissance Foundation, also based in › A flexible funding facility will add to existing finan- Ukraine. Mr. Schieder presented several levels of EU cial instruments so funds will be available when engagement in Ukraine, ranging from political dialogue windows of opportunity for democratic reform open or at all governmental levels, to technical assistance, to when democracy comes under threat. As appropri- nongovernmental initiatives. All of these have been ate, the funding facility will be financed from diverse successful to some degree. sources, such as charity lotteries and foundations, EU member states, and the EU Commission. Ms. Solonenko stated that freedom and democracy in Ukraine are still fragile. Institutions are unstable, In his opening presentation Edward McMillan- and rules and laws are still being shaped. There is Scott, vice-president of the from a lack of political elites with the capability to shape Great Britain, expressed his support for the idea of the democracy, and many politicians are closely linked to EPD as a complementary, flexible tool that will func- business. tion next to EU instruments on democracy. European involvement in Ukraine focuses on two The second topic of the discussion—democracy instruments: conditionality and socialization. Under as part of European policy—was addressed both on conditionality, certain incentives are offered in the theoretical level and in relation to case studies on exchange for reform, but in Ukraine these are per- particular countries. According to several presenters ceived by some participants to be quite weak and inef- democracy is a core value for Europe, and is included ficient. Socialization takes place through the sharing in all European documents and statements. Yet, when of norms and values in various projects undertaken it comes to practical policies Europe still hesitates to with the cooperation of civil society, but these need to put more emphasis on democratic dialogue. There are be made wider. successful examples of European support for democ- ratization, such as the enlargement process in Central › Very similar concerns were mentioned by some and Eastern European countries from throughout the participants with respect to other countries as well: 1990s until now, or the project of Radio Free Europe/ › European engagement is weak or not even present Radio Liberty. Europe should build on these good les- in some countries; sons and also use the instruments currently in place, › There is a contradiction regarding EU-level and such as the new European Instrument for Democracy national-level assistance; and and Human Rights (EIDHR), which has been reformed › and should now be a more flexible tool. Available funding is very difficult to obtain and administer. Europe is now a gathering of 27 states, which

26 Wo r l d Mo v e m e n t for De m o c r a c y | Kyiv, Ukraine, April 6–9, 2008 Making Democracy Work: From Principles to Performance

Making Democracy Work: How to Build Platforms for Inter-Party Cooperation?

Organizers: Moderators: Rapporteur: Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Hans Breeveld – Suriname Maarten van den Berg Democracy-NIMD Horrance Chilando – Zambia – The Netherlands Institute for Economic Affairs-IEA Presenters: (Ghana) Johnson Asiedu Nketiah – Ghana Zambian Center for Inter-Party Sylvia Chalikosa – Zambia Dialogue-ZCID Sebastian Kopulande – Zambia FUBODEM (Bolivia)

This workshop focused on the cases of Zambia and Ghana Ghana to help participants better understand the While Zambian politicians consider the establishment advantages of inter-party cooperation, the challenges of an institution like ZCID as a necessary step in the to building platforms to facilitate it, and strategies for consolidation of interparty dialogue, in Ghana they do meeting those challenges. it differently. As Johnson Asiedu Nketiah explained in his presentation, interparty dialogue in Ghana was Zambia initiated in 1994 by the Electoral Commission as a In Zambia, political parties and civil society organiza- multiparty roundtable to discuss common concerns, tions are engaged in a review of the Constitution. All particularly election-law reforms, codes of conduct, stakeholders acknowledge that reforms are neces- and other election-related issues. The Accra-based sary, but they were not able to agree on the review Institute for Economic Affairs (IEA) has continued process until June 2007 when the Zambian Centre for and expanded this roundtable, and there is now a Interparty Dialogue (ZCID) managed to convince the caucus of party chairmen and a platform for the par- leaders of all political parties to meet together to work ties’ secretary generals. New issues have been taken out an agreement. Now there is a road map for the on and there is a joint youth program. This year, the review and a deadline to complete the process by the parties agreed on a joint strategy to deepen democ- end of 2008. racy in Ghana, which is set forth in a Democracy Consolidation Strategy Paper. They also drafted a The Zambian experience illustrates how interparty new bill that includes proposals for public funding of dialogue helps politicians overcome impasses that political parties. they cannot resolve in parliament. According to the workshop presentation of Sylvia Chalikosa, “through The Ghanaian case demonstrates that interparty ZCID the parties are learning that there are issues that dialogue and cooperation can achieve tangible results you have to address collectively.” As a member of a without the oversight of a designated institution. small but growing opposition party, Ms. Chalikosa also According to Mr. Asiedu Nketiah, the crucial factor for pointed to the importance of ZCID as a venue to dis- the success of interparty dialogue is the political will cuss urgent issues with members of the ruling party. among political parties to address common concerns and interests. “We come together to address issues In his presentation, Sebastian Kopulande of of importance for democracy generally, issues in Zambia’s ruling party, agreed: “Parties are more which the electorate is also interested: greater trans- inclined to compete than to cooperate, especially in a parency, transfer of power, ways to involve women young democracy where there is not yet a culture of and youth in politics.” Once the political will is there, interparty dialogue.” While Mr. Kopulande observed the dialogue can become institutionalized—whether in that conflict is an integral part of politics, he stressed the form of a permanent platform or a center—which that conflict needs to be kept to a certain level or it can help keep it inclusive and sustainable. escalates into political hostility. That is why his party has supported the institutionalization of interparty dia- logue in Zambia. Recommendations The ZCID is now a legal entity with a multiparty Based on their experiences with interparty dialogue, board and membership. workshop participants recommended that any such

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initiative cannot replace—and should distinguish itself stressed that the ZCID is not a substitute for Zambia’s clearly from—parliamentary politics. As Mr. Asiedu national parliament. “The purpose of the Center is to Nketiah pointed out, in the Ghanaian interparty plat- reduce the degree of tension as much as possible,” form “we don’t discuss policy—that we do in parlia- according to Ms. Chalikosa. As Mr. Kopulande put ment. We also draw a clear line between coming it, “Interparty dialogue helps to overcome polariza- together to preserve or develop democracy, on the tion,” to which their Ghanaian colleague, Mr. Asiedu one hand, and coalition building for government, on Nketiah, added, “so that we can continue to disagree the other. The latter is not what interparty coopera- in a constructive manner.” tion is about.” In sum, interparty dialogue and cooperation are Likewise, both Ms. Chalikosa and Mr. Kopulande indispensable ingredients of democratic politics.

Community of Democracies: How can Civil Society Work with Governments and Diplomats?

Organizer: Rapporteur: Presenters: Council for a Community of Bob LaGamma – U.S. Richard Rowson – U.S. Democracies-CCD (U.S.) Bob LaGamma – U.S. Moderator: Oumar Makalou – Mali Paul Graham – South Africa Mohsen Marzouk – Tunisia Andrea Sanhueza – Chile

Paul Graham opened the workshop by briefly review- new paradigm in international relations—the need for ing the Community of Democracies (CD), defining diplomats to relate to civil society in support of human it as an entity that seeks to deepen and strengthen rights and democracy. He identified CCD as the sec- democracy around the world; the CD Ministerial retariat of the Handbook, which he described as a meeting held in Bamako, Mali, in November 2007; guide for diplomats on using their status to work with and the role Portugal will play as the current chair of civil society in their efforts to advance democracy. He the CD and host of the next Ministerial. He observed pointed out that the Handbook contained a toolbox of that the CD has a governing body, the Convening resources and a number of case studies (for instance, Group, which is chaired by the host country, and Ukraine’s Orange Revolution), and that it will be used a Permanent Secretariat that is currently being as the point of departure for a training process for established in Warsaw, Poland. He also noted that diplomats. Participants in the workshop were asked invitations for governments to participate in the CD to contribute examples of cooperation between dip- Ministerial in Mali in November 2007 were based on lomats and civil society through the Handbook’s Web recommendations of a nongovernmental eminent site (www.diplomatshandbook.org). The Handbook’s persons group making up the International Advisory list of resources—a compendium of over 100 Web Committee (IAC) and were decided upon by the sites of donors and other organizations – constitutes a Convening Group governments. He also described rich repository of ideas on democracy initiatives. the International Steering Committee of the nongov- Bob LaGamma, also of the CCD, discussed in ernmental process of the CD as a 21-member body his presentation a second CD civil society initiative representing NGOs from all world regions. Finally, endorsed by the Bamako Ministerial Declaration, the he noted that the CD had created working groups in Global Strategic Plan on Democracy Education, which which government representatives and civil society is intended to help countries develop a culture of members had equal status. democracy. He noted that since the launching of the In his presentation, Richard Rowson of the Council CD in Warsaw in 2000, there has been wide agreement for the Community of Democracies (CCD) described that promoting democracy education is fundamental an important CD initiative: the Diplomat’s Handbook for to the international democracy movement both to Democracy Development Support. He suggested that advance and to consolidate democratic gains. He this approach within the diplomatic field reflected a said a discussion on implementing the plan by bringing

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together representatives of NGOs and governments to the role of the CD Ministerial invitation process in would be held on September 22-23, 2008. determining the countries that should be a part of the In his presentation, Oumar Makalou spoke of the CD, and called for implementation at the national level NGO coalition that was formed in Bamako, Mali, to that would allow countries to become eligible for CD serve as the Executive Secretariat and host to civil membership. She urged members of the CD United society at the Ministerial, as well as to serve as the Nations Democracy Caucus to work together to have liaison with the host government of Mali. In prepara- a greater impact at the UN Human Rights Council. tion for that Ministerial, the Secretariat held meetings In his presentation, George Mathew noted a prob- to assess and find ways of improving democracy in lem of the CD with respect to the declining diplomatic nine regions of Mali, and the coalition worked with the level of participation on the part of governments, and African Democracy Forum (ADF) and IDASA in South asked what might be done. He endorsed the idea of Africa to host conferences on women’s issues and the Diplomat’s Handbook, but called for an instruc- transparency. The coalition also participated in the tor’s manual that focuses on problem solving. David six regional roundtables organized by the CCD. McQuoid-Mason of South Africa suggested a variety Mohsen Marzouk addressed in his presenta- of role-playing exercises and scenarios that might be tion the issue of the paucity of democracies in the developed. Mr. Mathew also raised the issue of how Middle East/North Africa region. He described the to deal with state sovereignty within the CD frame- importance of the new Arab Democracy Foundation work. He noted that dealing with human rights in the established in Doha, and discussed the Arab citizen- context of addressing is an especially thorny ship movement and the citizenship declaration, which issue for CD governments. On the inclusion of politi- he called the “third alternative” for the Arab world. cal parties, he favored seeking the participation of the He described a number of the Foundation’s initia- second most important, or opposition, parties in addi- tives, including study tours, a January 2009 meeting tion to the major parties in each democratic country to discuss implementation of projects, and the estab- and the inclusion of NGOs from countries with non- lishment of a regional coordinating committee for the democratic governments. NGO process in the region. The ensuing discussion focused on the Diplomat’s Andrea Sanhueza provided details in her presenta- Handbook and how diplomats from democracies tion on the work of the nongovernmental secretariat can support civil society; the problems of the Human established by her organization, Participa, for the Rights Council; the need for the International Steering Santiago CD Ministerial in 2005. She noted that that Committee of the CD nongovernmental process to Ministerial marked the first at which ministers and support the African Democracy Forum’s statement civil society representatives engaged in direct dia- on the Zimbabwe elections; and the need to issue a logue. Listing the main challenges to the CD, she statement on Tibet and the Olympics. The scope of highlighted the need to build NGO networks and to the World Forum for Democratization in Asia, the need bring political parties and foundations into the pro- to support the adoption of the African Democracy cess, and she said that it was necessary for foreign Charter, and ways in which the CD can serve as a ministers of the Convening Group countries and per- forum for NGOs to influence the policies of govern- manent representatives to the UN to be more active ments were also taken up. participants. She also attached special importance

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Defending Civil Society Presentation of World Movement for Democracy Report, Defending Civil Society

Organizer: Rapporteur: Presenters: World Movement for Democracy Michael Allen – U.K. Doug Rutzen – U.S. Secretariat – U.S. Saad Eddin Ibrahim – Egypt Moderator: Yuri Dzhibladze – Russia Paul Graham – South Africa Chee Siok Chin – Singapore Carlos Ponce – Venezuela

This plenary session featured the presentation of the in Lima, Johannesburg, Bangkok, Kyiv, and Casablanca recently published World Movement report, Defending arranged by the World Movement. Civil Society, which articulates well-defined inter- On a positive note, Mr. Rutzen outlined how the national principles protecting civil society, including principles that legitimize the work of democracy and norms and conventions that regulate and protect civil human rights organizations are already reflected in society from government intrusion. These principles international law, including conventions signed by include: the right of NGOs to entry (that is, the right many authoritarian regimes. International law legiti- of individuals to form and join NGOs); the right to mizes NGO rights to communication and cooperation, operate to fulfill their legal purposes without state to seek and secure resources (including cross-border interference; the rights to free expression and to com- funding), and that states have a positive duty to pro- munication with domestic and international partners; tect NGOs. He concluded with the inspiring affirmation the right to seek and secure resources, including the from sociologist Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that cross-border transfer of funds; and the state’s positive a small group of thoughtful people can change the obligation to protect NGO rights. world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” In his introduction, Doug Rutzen, president of Saad Eddin Ibrahim illustrated the various dimen- the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law sions of the backlash through his personal experience, (ICNL), which co-authored the report with the World including that of his own organization, the Cairo-based Movement Secretariat, outlined how autocrats are Ibn Khaldun Center. He had been charged by the stealthily reducing political space in their countries Egyptian government with defaming Egypt, with receiv- by imposing legal and administrative constraints, and ing unauthorized foreign funds, and with being funded justifying barriers to NGO registration and restrictions as an agent of a foreign power, while the Center has on foreign funding on the pretext of ensuring NGO been accused of being an umbrella for unpatriotic and “accountability,” fighting terrorism, or combating politi- subversive activities, and thus threatened with closure. cal “extremism.” Even more ominously, he described Dr. Ibrahim has been forced into exile, and the Mubarak how regimes are collaborating with each other by shar- regime has threatened to strip him of his Egyptian nation- ing “worst practices” and copying each others’ legisla- ality. But, he concluded, civil society is itself becoming tive provisions and ways of using political technologies. more innovative in adapting to new restrictions, as evi- Mr. Rutzen explained how the Defending Civil Society denced by recent labor movement actions, Bedouin pro- report was conducted under the auspices of an Eminent tests, and the increasingly assertive Judges Club. Persons Group, including leading global civil society The backlash has been prompted in part by the figures such as former Czech president Vaclav Havel, success of non-violent “people power” movements, former Malaysian deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim, for- particularly by the powerful example of Ukraine’s own mer Brazilian president Fernando Henrique Cardoso, Orange Revolution, according to Russian democracy former Canadian premier Kim Campbell, Egyptian schol- and human rights activist Yuri Dzhibladze. The Kremlin, ar-activist Saad Eddin Ibrahim, Archbishop Emeritus spooked by what has been called “Russia’s 9/11,” Desmond Tutu, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The reacted by harassing Russian NGOs through a “chok- report drew on expert ICNL analysis, as well as regional ing bureaucracy,” repeated and intrusive tax inspec- consultations with activists, practitioners, and scholars tions, and burdensome reporting requirements.

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Perhaps the most disturbing result of these devel- self lucky compared to her brother, Chee Soon Juan, opments, according to Mr. Dzhibladze, has been the who has been jailed 6 times by the regime for his degree of self-censorship that NGOs now impose on efforts to expose and rally opposition to the country’s themselves when faced with such hostility and obsta- undemocratic practices. cles to working effectively. Many NGOs are losing According to Carlos Ponce, Venezuela’s would- valuable staff, are frustrated with the lack of profes- be caudillo, Hugo Chavez, has a peculiar notion of sional advancement, and fearful of possible prosecu- democracy; his “Bolivarian revolution” appears to be tion. On the positive side, the authorities’ hostility has based on Chavistas monopolizing the country’s politi- had the effect of increasing the sense of commitment cal institutions, from an absence of parliamentary and mission of Russia’s beleaguered civil society, opposition to a hand-picked judiciary. In these circum- and its sense that it is perhaps the most valuable of stances, Mr. Ponce said, civil society provides the Russia’s last remaining democratic spaces. only countervailing power to the Chavista state and to Singapore may be only a “pencil dot” on the map, Chavez’s authoritarian aspirations. but it has a powerful global presence and influence, The Venezuelan Supreme Court recently not least on would-be authoritarians, because it is deemed illegal even the tiniest of foreign donations an economically vibrant but politically authoritarian to Venezuelan NGOs, said Ponce, who heads the regime. Moreover, democracy activist Chee Siok Asociacion Civil Consorcio Justicia. The country’s civil Chin suggested, it is a country that has successfully society organizations have received only $1.3 million marketed itself as a benign, if quirkily, strict state – no at the same time that Chavez has used billions of chewing gum allowed, and all that. Established in the -dollars to subsidize and sustain his movement 1960s under Lee Kuan Yew, and continued under his inside Venezuela and its external cheerleaders. The son (albeit with his father’s guaranteed place in the state has an extensive list of pro-democracy activists Cabinet as “Minister Mentor”), the city-state’s form of and thousands of ordinary citizens known to be crit- authoritarian governance is undermining the pursuit of ics of the regime that it uses as a de facto “blacklist” democracy globally. China’s Deng Zhiao Ping cited the to deny jobs and carry out harassment. State-run TV state as an influence; communist Vietnam’s premier programs are also devoted to attacking, and publi- called it a “good role model”; and Beijing’s representa- cizing the names and addresses, of democracy and tives have sought to “Singaporise” Hong Kong. human rights activists. Yet civil society has demon- Affiliated with the Alliance for Reform and strated its resilience and capacity to mobilize itself, Democracy in Asia (ARDA), Chee Siok Chin has been in association with a revived student movement, to arrested, prosecuted, arbitrarily detained, and bank- defeat Chavez’s proposed constitutional amendments, rupted by Singapore’s authorities, but she counts her- which would, in effect, have given him power for life.

Panel Discussion on Promoting the “Defending Civil Society” Principles: Targets and Opportunities

Organizers: Moderator: Presenters: Center for the Development of Yuri Dzhibladze – Russia Salah Aziz – Iraq Democracy and Human Rights Rapporteur: Hassan Shire Sheik – Somalia – Russia Xiaorong Li – China Swee Seng Yap – Malaysia SUARAM – Malaysia Nina Belyaeva – Russia Rodolfo Alban – Peru

Yuri Dzhibladze of Russia opened the session by and protect civil society from government intrusion. reminding participants of the presentation of the World The purpose of this session was to move from the Movement’s Defending Civil Society report during analysis in the report to a plan of action for the near an earlier plenary session. The report articulates future, particularly for civil society organizations, at well-defined international principles protecting civil various levels of engagement: international, regional, society, including norms and conventions that regulate national, and local. Most importantly, he proposed

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that we should not rely on international bodies, but national grassroots level. First, he said, this report should instead pay greater attention to actions at the should be implemented within local contexts; local national and local levels by working with public offices activists should reframe the framework. Second, and other sectors to promote freedom and democracy. the report focuses on civil-political rights, but many In his presentation, Salah Aziz addressed the ques- issues regarding human rights violations have to do tion of how to go from articulating democratic prin- with trade or economic issues; it is essential that ciples to practical work, using his own organization’s the national process include social groups working experiences working in Kurdish Iraq: it is a process, together to have an impact on local issues. In Asia, he said, of starting with noble ideas, then moving to he said, there are closed, semi-closed, and open soci- the design and implementation of programs, and then eties, requiring different strategies according to local to an evaluation of performance. According to Mr. contexts. At the international and national levels, it is Aziz, the Kurds’ experiences, with some stories of suc- helpful to have solidarity from NGOs and civil societ- cess, reveal that we need to learn to adapt to our cir- ies. There should be a mechanism to assemble and cumstances in promoting such principles, which can share resources and lobby contacts. There should be very difficult. In the Kurdish experience following be a mapping exercise to create synergy. The World independence, those working in the democracy-pro- Movement should help provide this mechanism. motion community learned to promote these principles Nina Belyaeva of Russia asserted in her presenta- by disseminating them in textbooks for education, by tion that to be successful it is important to go beyond reforming laws to conform to international standards, immediate circles, to expand the networks—for and by training activists to build a healthy civil society. instance, by going into universities and high schools. In Iraq, NGOs have to deal with military occupations Academics are consulting to governments; it is thus while working on democracy and freedom. The main important to influence them about global civil society concern is that NGOs do not receive much protection. agendas and to embolden political decision mak- The international community can help these NGOs ing. We do not need to create new institutions. We by creating space for networking, and the World can also focus on government offices that address Movement for Democracy can serve as a platform for business issues to encourage attention to human promoting this. rights concerns. We should push businesses to make Hassan Shire Sheik of Somalia talked in his presen- human rights a priority on their agendas and in open tation about his network in the Eastern Horn of Africa. public discussions, and to make them care about The activists in this region face some of the greatest those issues. We can also hold governments respon- challenges and run great risks. This year, more than sible for fulfilling their international obligations, and nine activists have died pursuing their work. We must we can pressure ministries of foreign affairs, which generate mutual support, Mr. Sheik argued, and try to are supposed to report to the UN on compliance. We provide activists with a “survival kit” on the regional also should work on all levels and with all kinds of and national levels. We must build coalitions, provide players and institutions. Ms. Belyaeva also endorsed training, urge governments to comply with regional the idea of effectively “localizing” the report by having and international standards, and implement principles local groups produce it in local languages. in local legislation. We have to do this work bearing In his presentation, Rodolfo Alban of Peru talked in mind the conditions on the ground. We must also about how his organization moves from ideas to prac- raise awareness among network participants, build tice: by doing research and supporting democrats partnerships, encourage sharing of experiences, pro- in the region, transforming democratic institutions, vide advice on how to implement principles, cooperate struggling for human rights, and promoting collective with civil society groups internationally, and encour- protection of democracy in the Latin American region. age activists to take on UN Human Rights Council But activists run certain risks, he said. We should functions. We should put pressure on countries, therefore develop a mechanism to exert pressure on thereby encouraging them to sign on to, and live up to, governments, and the Latin America region has much international treaties. experience with this. He emphasized the importance In his presentation, Swee Seng Yap expressed the of developing a collective protection of democracy. view that while the Defending Civil Society report is For example, he said, we need to push for the protec- written from an international perspective, there should tion of NGOs in Latin America by pressuring high-level be a greater sense of ownership among those at the institutions to address these issues.

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During the ensuing discussion, participants raised › An emphasis has been put on NGO transparency the following points: and accountability. NGOs should avoid being used › The report covers mostly backsliding, semi- by the government for its political agenda, but NGOs authoritarian governments. These governments pose should not exclude using the government’s political a particular challenge: while they appear democratic, agenda for pushing forward their own. they have engaged in a gradual tightening of control. › The report should be an open process. As new These “hybrid” countries (for example, Russia) have ways of violating civil society principles are being cre- developed systems to tighten their control. We should ated, new material should be added to the document not legitimize but should expose this backsliding. to describe such violations. › While it is a good idea to tailor the report to local › Some participants also claimed that the private contexts, it is important not to nationalize the uni- sector does not trust NGOs; it is therefore important to versal norms. There is also a concern that NGOs build greater trust to win its confidence. are not the whole of civil society. Cooperation with › Taking action must not be limited to NGOs, but other types of groups that are not NGOs (such as should be undertaken across civil society, and demo- trade unions or community-based groups) should be crats should broaden their range of alliances. encouraged.

Workshops Securing Civil Society Space: How to Respond to Violations of Conventions, Treaties and Declarations?

Organizers: Moderators: Rapporteur: International Center for Not-for- Clare Doube – Australia Sharon Hom – China Profit Law – ICNL David Moore – U.S. CIVICUS: World Alliance for Civic Participation

This workshop focused primarily on the various con- › Implementation of NGO registration laws, which straints on civil space, and addressed barriers to civil often translates into the criminalization of non-regis- society work, justifications given for such barriers, tered groups and activities, corruption and nontrans- and strategies for removing or overcoming them. parent administrative discretion and lack of account- Within limited time constraints, the moderators also ability in the registration process, and invasive and introduced and led a role-play of a UN Human Rights restrictive oversight and control. Council debate on a draft resolution. Funding and Resources Barriers › The role and impact of foreign donors through their funding policies, priorities placed on domestic groups The workshop participants first identified a num- (e.g., the impact of a funder’s in-country operation or ber of barriers faced by civil society, including legal, office on its ability to support groups critical of the funding and resources, institutional and systemic con- authorities), and the need to balance access with straints, and the larger geo-political context. independence; and Legal › Restrictions and difficulties in transferring and/or › The lack of effective mechanisms for civil society receiving foreign funding (including laws or regula- input; tions requiring the reporting of foreign transactions, which contributes to a chilling effect on civil society › The lack of effective integration or domestic imple- work) and the authorities’ ability to track and crack mentation of international conventions and norms; down on such transfers. › Gaps between legislation and implementation (or between norms and practice); and

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Institutions Strategies › A lack of independent media, which makes it dif- A recurring theme of the workshop was the need for ficult to report on or investigate issues; and networking and coordination among different actors › A lack of independent judicial systems or the trans- (those in the private sector, government, etc.) and in parent and accountable rule of law. different fora:

Geopolitics Coordination within civil society › The post-September 2001 U.S.-led war on terror › Domestic, regional, and international networking and related counter-terrorism measures have been and coordination should be encouraged (allocation used by some governments as justification for more of different roles for different groups from the bottom repressive measures on civil society groups or activi- up); ties, thus raising the issue of balance between secu- › There should be comparative analysis; and rity and respect for rights (privacy, freedom of expres- › There should be greater development of education sion, right to association) that conform to international and more expertise on international mechanisms, standards. such as the new UN Human Rights Council, or on special human rights mechanisms and treaty review Justifications processes (this would enhance the capacity of civil The participants explored justifications often cited for society groups to use international human rights imposing constraints on, or limiting the activities of, norms and processes). civil society: Coordination between civil society and specific › Participants engaged in a role-play exercise of a international fora or other actors UN Human Rights Council debate on a pretend state- ment from Zimbabwe proposing the channeling of all › There should be more communication and dialogue funding to NGOs through the UN. between different actors so that media messages, reports, and recommendations are articulated in con- › Participants identified supposed concerns often cise, accessible, and usable ways for policy makers; cited by governments about NGOs as instruments of foreign governments (by virtue of their funding and › Lobbying and campaign activities (sharing informa- supposed threat of destabilizing or interfering in the tion, coordinating launches, and coordinating lobbying country’s domestic affairs). at the UN and in regional venues); › Participants briefly discussed the role of foreign › Strengthening international mechanisms and pro- NGOs based in developed countries, their limited cesses (e.g., the Human Rights Council and the new knowledge and expertise of local conditions, and Universal Periodic Review of all member states); some tensions regarding differences in approach, pri- › Utilizing and strengthening regional fora, such as orities, and perspectives of local groups. groups active in the World Movement for Democracy; Role-play exercise and discussion: The workshop › Participation in and use of global mechanisms, such participants were assigned roles as representatives of as petitions to the International Labor Organization different governments on the Human Rights Council. (ILO); and The simulation revealed different and predictable posi- › More effective engagement of civil society and the tions reflecting the geopolitics of state alignments and private sector on business and human rights issues in positions (e.g., repressive/Communist governments, light of the important role and impact that multination- blocs, Western democratic governments), especially al companies and domestic private sectors, as well regarding the role of NGOs and different views regard- as foreign investment, have regarding labor rights, ing the relationship of domestic NGOs to their own the environment, rights of indigenous people, and the governments, as well as to foreign governments and development of local communities (see, for example, international bodies. the development of UN norms on human rights obliga- tions, voluntary codes, and regulatory approaches).

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Association, Assembly, and Advocacy: What Are the Best Strategies and Tactics for NGOs in Restrictive Legal Environments?

Organizers: Moderator: Presenters: Women’s Learning Partnership for Asma Khader – Jordan Chee Siok Chin – Singapore Rights, Development, and Peace Rapporteur: Tolekan Ismailova – Kyrgyzstan (WLP) Christina Halstead – U.S. Marfua Tokhtakhodjaeva Alliance for Reform and Democracy – Uzbekistan in Asia (ARDA) Sakena Yacoobi – Afghanistan

Civic activism around the world is under threat by ris- activists are frequently targeted by the police. In ing religious fundamentalism, war and conflict, and December 2007, for instance, there were elections in government restrictions, including legislation that Kyrgyzstan, and a press conference was organized by limits activities of civic organizations. In Afghanistan, civil society organizations to state that the elections the breakdown in security and the volatile economic were falsified and that the procedure was monopo- conditions have made daily life a constant struggle. In lized by the presidential party. As a result, 20 people Egypt, new legislation has made it nearly impossible were arrested on December 18 and placed in prison, for NGOs to function independently, as it denies their where the conditions were awful, and some of the right to freedom of association and stifles their work prisoners were tortured. It is thanks to the interna- for the promotion of reform and human rights. In some tional networks of “Citizens Against Corruption,” such societies, increased activism by civil society has cre- as WLP, that the prisoners, including Ms. Ismailova, ated a backlash by fundamentalists who have used a were released. The case of Kyrgyzstan teaches that variety of means to suppress progressive efforts. In electoral democracies must be supported by good Palestine, devastating economic conditions have left constitutional processes. Ms. Ismailova also made civic organizers struggling to survive. Despite these clear that there must be a very good horizontal net- harsh realities and setbacks, civil society is overcom- work of solidarity both inside and outside of a country. ing obstacles by developing innovative strategies Marfua Tokhtakhodjaeva, of the Women’s Resource appropriate to their context in order to create spaces Centre of Tashkent, explained that freedom of the for moderate voices to be heard and to bring about press has been severely restricted in Uzbekistan. Her social change. own NGO was shut down in 2005 due to government Chee Siok Chin, of the Alliance for Reform and repression, at which point the organization shifted its Democracy in Asia (ARDA), explained that legal activities to the Internet, but that, too, was shut down restrictions are not only found in developing countries, because the state began to block Web sites. The but can also be found in rich countries. Singapore is organization is currently organizing activities through a very rich country with a literacy rate of 95 percent the UN and other agencies, as well as with their part- and a life expectancy of 80 years. Yet everything is ners in the region and provinces. It is important, Ms. controlled by the government, even when and how to Tokhtakhodjaeva said, to have access to information associate, assemble, and advocate. Currently, the law and communication technology and the skills to use states that there can only be four people assembled at them effectively in advocacy work. There also must be one time for a protest. However, even when Ms. Chee citizen involvement in, and popular support for, reforms assembled only four people for a protest, they were if they are to be implemented successfully, and there told to disperse. It is supposed to be understood that must be a strong commitment to the core values of a the law is there only to serve the government. The democratic constitution and human rights principles. only strategy, then, is to call on the courage of civil Sakena Yacoobi, of the Afghan Institute of Learning, society to defy the laws peacefully, as the cost of not emphasized that Afghanistan has been ravaged by doing so is our liberty and our life. Freedom comes war for 30 years. People have been closed off from with a price. It is not free. national and international society, and there are many Tolekan Ismailova, of Human Rights Center “Citizens Afghan refugees both inside and outside the country. Against Corruption,” said that in Kyrgyzstan, which is However, there is democracy in Afghanistan, and there also a rich country (although the wealth is ill-gotten), is a democratic constitution that stipulates many basic

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rights, but the challenge is the implementation of those organizations; rights. Ms. Yacoobi has spent 18 years working in › Mobilize youth, especially students; refugee camps, establishing underground schools, and › Acquire and share knowledge because knowledge attempting to work with the government in Afghanistan. is power; Her organization has educational programs geared to empower young girls because an educated civil soci- › Cooperate with the UN and other international entities; ety can lead the country to democracy. › Strengthen campaigns by referencing UN conven- tions and declarations, especially the International Recommended Strategies for Working Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (www2.ohchr. in Restrictive Legal Environments org/english/law/ccpr.htm); and › Peacefully defy laws; › Build strong networks and plans of action to protect democracy defenders and activists. › Enact constitutional support; › Build and employ horizontal networks for solidarity Next Steps both inside and outside the country; The workshop participants committed to achieve › Use information and communication technologies something specific on the topic of the workshop by (ICTs, such as Web sites, blogs, video, email, phone, the time of the next World Movement for Democracy etc.) to further advocacy work; assembly in 2010. The following steps were therefore › Include women, who are not only the majority of suggested: the people in the world, but are also at the heart of › Use the Women’s Learning Partnership’s horizontal the movement for expanding participatory, interactive, and participatory leadership curriculum, including and inclusive approaches to leadership; Leading to Choices and Leading to Action, to train › Develop support at the local and international levels; grassroots activist women and thus empower them to › Take the message from closed environments into take on leadership roles in their families, communities, the public space; and at the national level; and › Work in cooperation with a variety of social justice › Organize a rapid response committee of lawyers, movements; journalists, and advocates to provide support for human rights activists who are working in restrictive › Share learning and best practices; legal environments. Participants asked the organiz- › Call on the international community to develop ers of the workshop to help establish such a commit- strong instruments to protect human rights and civil tee. The organizers agreed to keep the participants society organizations and to implement them; informed of the progress made. › Pressure the state to allow external funding for

Effective Coalitions: How can National, Regional, and International Cooperation for Advocacy Be Generated?

Organizer: Moderator: Presenters: Women’s Learning Partnership for Mahnaz Afkhami – Iran Jacqueline Pitanguy – Brazil Rights, Development, and Peace- Rapporteur: Wajeeha Albaharna – Bahrain WLP Bunmi Dipo-Salami – Nigeria Amina Lemrini – Morocco Zainah Anwar – Malaysia

This workshop focused on building coalitions and ate and marginalized people. Participants explored strengthening networks to promote democratic gover- concepts and strategies to develop, organize, and nance, peace building, and women’s human rights in implement effective campaigns at the local, national, order to strengthen and amplify the voices of moder- regional, and international levels. There was agree-

36 Wo r l d Mo v e m e n t for De m o c r a c y | Kyiv, Ukraine, April 6–9, 2008 Making Democracy Work: From Principles to Performance ment that it is becoming increasingly important to to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of come together to work towards achieving the kind of against Women (CEDAW) in the Middle world that democracy activists and practitioners envi- East and North Africa region. She noted that such sion, especially in the face of rising challenges. This reservations have rendered the CEDAW meaning- process usually begins with identifying the nature of less in those countries. The Campaign was launched the problem and developing strategies appropriate to to raise public awareness of the rights of women as the local context. human rights. It is working to raise such awareness among government agencies, as well as among a Contexts variety of UN mechanisms in cooperation with a broad network of human rights and feminist organizations The opening presenters highlighted how they have and regional and international networks. worked with others to promote their campaigns at the national, regional, and international levels, almost Finally, Zainah Anwar shared the experiences of always widely using new information and communica- her organization, Sisters in Islam, that has been work- tion technologies (ICTs). Other participants identified ing with the Joint Action Group for Gender Equality in the steps and good practices of coalition building. Malaysia for over 20 years. The group came together in 1985 as a loose and fluid coalition, which has now Wajeeha Albaharna shared her experiences of evolved into a permanent coalition of five feminist working on the Citizenship Campaign, a multi-regional groups for the advancement of women’s participa- effort to advance an amendment to nationality laws tion in democratic processes. It was important, she in Bahrain to enable women to pass on their national- said, to work together on the initial campaign on the ity to their children and husbands. With the slogan, Violence against Women Bill to show the government “nationality is my right and my children’s right,” the that it was not an isolated demand of a single organi- coalition received regional solidarity from CRTD-A in zation and to put the expertise of different members Lebanon and international support from the Women’s to maximum use. The coalition succeeded in getting Learning Partnership for Rights, Development, and the government to pass and implement the bill after 11 Peace (WLP) and its partners in 20 countries around years of struggle. the globe. The Bahrain Women’s Association then expanded the Campaign to include groups in other Gulf countries, including Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Best Practices and the United Arab Emirates, to achieve its objec- › Have clear, explicit, and shared goals. The clearer the tives. Although the law has not been amended, a vision, the higher the level of success of the coalition. recently released royal decree recognized 372 chil- › Develop specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, dren of Bahraini women as citizens. and time-bound (SMART) objectives and strategies, Jacqueline Pitanguy presented the work of a coali- and set clear terms of cooperation. tion in Brazil formed in the 1970s when the country › Understand the different contexts and adapt strate- was still under a dictatorship. The goal was to bring gies and partnerships accordingly. awareness to violence against women as a criminal › offense and punish perpetrators who murder women, Work with people with similar values and principles instead of regarding it as a “legitimate defense of to ensure success. honor” as lawyers then labeled it. The group used › Regularly review the coalition’s objectives, evaluate protest marches and worked with the media, among its strategies, and be flexible to meet changing cir- other strategies, to call attention to the phenomenon. cumstances. The efforts of the coalition led to the establishment of › Foster the organic growth of coalitions and special police stations to deal with cases of domestic strengthen solidarity at the local, regional, and inter- violence. There are now over 400 such stations in national levels. Brazil. Moreover, in 1991, the Supreme Court refused › Communicate effectively and build alliances with a to yield to the argument of “legitimate defense of wide variety of stakeholders, including government, honor” and began to punish perpetrators. individuals, organizations, the private sector, donors, Amina Lemrini discussed the Equality without media, progressive religious leaders, and social jus- Reservations Campaign in 13 Arab countries to mobi- tice networks, among others, some of which are pub- lize support and push for the removal of reservations lic while others remain invisible, and some of which

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are purpose-specific and time-bound. Next Steps › Build relationships of trust based on respect for Workshop participants agreed to stay together as each other and respect for diversity. members of a coalition building core group and sup- › Identify human resources needed in terms of exper- port each other in dealing with the challenges they tise and skills, and build on their strengths, resources, face, sharing experiences and information on “best and strategic influence. practices” in developing and implementing effective coalitions in their own contexts. They will continue › Ensure participatory leadership and decision mak- to communicate their progress on campaigns and ing that reflect democratic values and encourage coalition building and report at the next assembly. consensus around a shared vision. The membership of this group is open to all interested › Nurture commitment, enthusiasm, and passion. participants in the World Movement. WLP and the › Build on social networks, especially among youth, International Women’s Democracy Network (IWDN) through the use of information and communication volunteered to moderate its activities and kick-start technologies (ICTs). the group immediately after the Assembly.

Freeing Prisoners of Conscience: What are the Effective Strategies?

Organizer: Rapporteur: Presenters: Freedom Now (U.S.) Sanem Guner – Turkey Yang Jianli – China Moderator: Livingstone Sewanyana – Uganda Jeremy Zucker – U.S. Abdulhadi Alkhawaja – Bahrain

This workshop focused on the following questions: mit acts of violence in the service of defending these › What is a prisoner of conscience, and is this defini- same freedoms. Therefore, not all such “political tion sufficient? prisoners” are considered “prisoners of conscience.” Moreover, some are held for common crimes, but are › What are the legal approaches to freeing prisoners denied due process rights to which they are entitled of conscience? under international conventions. In some countries, › What other approaches and strategies exist or the government will call both PoCs and political pris- might be employed? oners “security prisoners” to highlight that they pose › What institutions should be targeted? a security threat, whereas the general public usually calls PoCs “political prisoners.” Defining a Prisoner of Conscience (POC) There is also the problem of status: “detainee” ver- sus “inmate.” That is, for someone to be considered a Amnesty International and others define a prisoner PoC, she or he needs to be convicted and imprisoned, of conscience (PoC) as “someone imprisoned solely but there are cases in which people are detained for the peaceful expression of their beliefs.” PoC can indefinitely (sometimes for many years) without formal also refer to anyone imprisoned because of their race, charges. What status should they be assigned? This religion, color, language, sexual orientation, belief, or problem must be resolved. lifestyle, so long as they have not used or advocated violence. Representation of all such detainees/prisoners likely serves to promote democracy and respect for This definition poses problems of practical applica- the rule of law, and definitions, perhaps, should not tion, however. For instance, some governments might stand in the way. claim that certain human rights defenders or political activists are inciting violence, and therefore cannot be classified as prisoners of conscience. While some Legal Approaches are detained or imprisoned for taking peaceful actions Domestic legal reform. Trying to reform certain laws that may qualify as exercising fundamental freedoms that states use to authorize or excuse arbitrary deten- (e.g., speech, religion, or assembly), others may com- tion can be a useful approach. In the case of Uganda,

38 Wo r l d Mo v e m e n t for De m o c r a c y | Kyiv, Ukraine, April 6–9, 2008 Making Democracy Work: From Principles to Performance human rights activists and lawyers campaigned against the Public Order and Security Act of 1967 that authorized indefinite detention of people identified as potential security threats. They campaigned against this repressive legislation and presented their case to the Law Reform Commission that resulted in the repeal of the Act. Although in practice not much has changed, the legal pretense is no longer there, so human rights defenders can now make stronger legal cases. In addition to efforts to repeal laws in Uganda, petitions are also brought before the Constitutional Court to draw attention to the unconstitutionality of laws, such as the Police Act, 1994. A Constitutional petition against the application of the death penalty in Uganda resulted in a ruling of the Constitutional Court that while the death penalty is constitutional, manda- tory death sentences are unconstitutional. This ruling People’s Rights, is an example. opened the door for revisions and appeals of more › Arab League Charter on Human Rights. There are than 600 cases involving Prisoners of Conscience. On a number of problems with this charter. First, its stan- July 15, 2008, the Supreme Court of Uganda heard the dards fall below international standards; since mem- appeals, and the ruling will be delivered on a date to bers of the Arab League are also members of inter- be announced. national conventions, why resort to lower standards? In Bahrain, the State Security Measures Act was Second, as a regional system the Charter does not abolished in 2001 thanks to Bahrainis working in exile. have a mechanism—no court, no commission. Third, Challenging the legal system, therefore, often does there is very narrow NGO representation; there is one work. person in the Arab League secretariat who deals with NGOs, but there is no NGO participation. Regional and multinational fora. Cases may be brought before regional judicial bodies, as well as the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. Other Strategies and Approaches These bodies can decide that a PoC has been There are cases where it is not possible to take the detained or imprisoned in violation of commitments legal route because the system is resistant to change made by the offending governments under relevant or because there is no article of law to be amended. treaties, or under binding principles of customary In these cases, a number of strategies and tactics can international law. Such decisions can carry both be used to free PoCs. legal and moral weight and lend themselves to subse- Raising international NGO attention. It is very quent governmental and public relations advocacy. important that there be ownership of a case, and that Regional bodies are closer to the countries in NGOs take full responsibility at each level, from mak- question and thus might be more effective than global ing the necessary political contacts, to alerting the ones. Both governments that are members of such media, to organizing letter-writing campaigns. NGOs, bodies and other multi-party institutions like the UN such as Amnesty International, have been very effec- refer to their decisions and such decisions thus have tive in drawing international attention to PoCs; other an amplified effect. However, the question is how to NGOs, such as Freedom Now, are effective at taking enforce the rulings of these bodies. ownership of cases, with PoCs as clients receiving Some examples: full-service representation from start to finish. The approaches of these and other organizations are › Inter-American, African, and European Courts/ complementary. Even the International Red Cross Commissions on Human Rights. (IRC), which deals with governments but refuses to › Regional systems in Africa, which are evolving. give feedback to the local NGOs working on a case, The African Union’s adoption of the Optional Protocol, has proved very useful. In the experience of Freedom establishing an African Commission on Human and

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Now, for example, the IRC’s involvement and prison state against the PoCs. Second, if the media (espe- visits helped improve the conditions in Bahraini pris- cially international media) pay attention to a case, ons. governments will try to save themselves from interna- International human rights NGOs, such as Human tional exposure and embarrassment. Some countries Rights Watch and Amnesty, are also instrumental in are more in the limelight than others, and also may gathering and cross-checking necessary information. have more to gain or lose in terms of reputation, so it It is a common state tactic to blame NGOs for manipu- is easier to achieve positive results by drawing atten- lating information when it is presented to international tion to human rights abuses in those places. institutions, so the help of international NGOs is very Working with local politicians and administrators useful, especially when local NGOs must work in exile. who can indirectly influence the governments in ques- Making the case in international and regional bod- tion. For instance, members of the U.S. Congress ies, and third countries, to expose wrongdoing and have influenced the U.S. government to act on certain “embarrass” the government in question. Mechanisms, cases in China. In other cases, not the administration such as the UN Human Rights Council and the of a government, but individual parliamentarians, or Subcommittee on Human Rights, are also very impor- even army officials, are in a better position to exert tant because everybody is watching, thus provid- pressure on their counterparts in the government in ing a platform for both legal and moral arguments. question. Such contacts can be particularly useful International NGOs can make presentations that will where countries enjoy alliance relationships and pres- affect state parties’ desire to avoid embarrassment. sure can thus be applied effectively. But alliances are double-edged, since “friends” may be reluctant to Based on pre-existing alliances, states often look criticize or pressure one another, especially publicly. out for one another under the UN umbrella, but once a case has been made loudly by an NGO, it is difficult for Working in exile. If conditions do not allow activists countries with relatively good human rights records to to continue their activity and campaigns effectively ignore it. from inside their country, getting out may be an option. In the Bahraini case, some human rights activists People should be convinced that international pres- even benefited from their international experiences sure works; in fact, the theory that such pressure will because they received training in European countries, worsen things is a myth. The nature of authoritarian made contacts, and increased their professionalism. states is such that (with a few notable exceptions) they generally will not want to darken their names on Mobilizing family members. The involvement of PoC the international scene. family members can make a big difference. People are usually intimidated by guards and state officials, Existing mechanisms, such as the UN Human and assume that if they raise their voices the situ- Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review, are not ation will worsen for the PoC. But family members without problems either. For example, regional gov- should be encouraged to cooperate with international ernments on the Review Committee may end up siding actions and the actions of the prisoners themselves. with the government under review. Members of the Of course, it is always up to the family whether to be Organization of the Islamic Conference asked that the activists or not, and not all families are unified around session regarding Bahrain not be filmed in order to this approach. restrict NGO access to that hearing. In conclusion, there are a number of strategies Attention also might be drawn to PoC cases and used by PoCs themselves, as well as by lawyers and practices under other international treaties, such as activists struggling for their release and struggling conventions on the rights of children and on prohibit- against arbitrary actions of the state. The internation- ing torture. In addition, Special Rapporteurs (e.g., on al human rights community is better organized than it Torture and on Freedom of Religion and Belief) at the was in the past, and opportunities and networks, such UN and regional levels, and others specially appointed as the World Movement for Democracy, give further in this area (e.g., UN Special Representative regarding hope for drawing attention to PoCs. human rights defenders), offer additional avenues to draw attention to PoC cases and issues. Gaining media attention. Media attention is impor- tant for two reasons. First, there should be effective public relations to deal with the disinformation of the

40 Wo r l d Mo v e m e n t for De m o c r a c y | Kyiv, Ukraine, April 6–9, 2008 Making Democracy Work: From Principles to Performance

Building Democracy Networks under Authoritarianism: What’s Possible?

Organizer: Rapporteur: Presenters: People in Need Foundation (Czech Jan Marian – Czech Republic Emad Shahin – Egypt Republic) Hseng Moon – Burma Moderator: Noel Kututwa – Zimbabwe Kristina Prunerová – Czech Republic Anahit Bayandur – Armenia Leyla Yunusova – Azerbaijan Vo Van Ai – Vietnam Liudmila Hraznova – Belarus

This workshop focused on four case studies of author- ing effective. itarian regimes in different regions: Burma, Belarus, › The authoritarian system is actually not fully closed Vietnam and Zimbabwe. Some similarities can be at present, thus providing opportunities being used by identified among these countries regarding the inter- the democratic forces. action between those within the countries’ internal democracy movements and the democracy communi- Vietnam ties in exile as being vital for spreading information Although officially a communist regime, there is a about developments in the country, raising awareness strange mix in the country of an open economy and in the international community, and gathering interna- , but there is no civil society. tional support. › The international community too often sacrifices human rights for business. Challenges and Strategies › There should be greater international solidarity. Burma › It is vital to consolidate a democratic network Strategies to restore the rule of law in Burma include: inside the country and link it to the outside world. › Documenting state violence against women; › There is an efficient system for alerting and inform- ing the international community about political arrests › Exposing the system of impunity and advocating to in Vietnam. restore the rule of law; › Education on human rights and existing interna- › Maintaining the Shan Women’s Action Network; tional agreements, including UN documents agreed to › Exposing practices of the regime through publica- by the Vietnamese government, is being organized by tions; and the democratic forces, but such documents have to › Educating with a view to raising awareness. be distributed as “” (i.e., underground infor- mation). Belarus › Radio Free Asia broadcasting to Vietnam and other Human rights organizations used to compete with countries in the region is enormously important. each other, but they now understand that the only › UNDP and other international organizations often possibility for success is to coordinate their activities support government projects that undermine human while maintaining a certain division of labor. rights. › Scholarships abroad for persecuted students are › There must be increased international pressure on very important for fighting fear. the regime. › Political parties use elections organized by the regime as an opportunity to reach citizens, and there Zimbabwe is greater cooperation among opposition political The NGO Forum established 10 years ago is working to forces during election campaigns. challenge the impunity of the government in the courts › The Internet is crucial for enabling access to objec- and to take human rights cases to international human tive information, and broadcasting from abroad on a rights bodies. new TV channel, which recently began, is also prov- › The NGO Forum has established an international

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office in London to advance advocacy and aware- › The NGO Forum has failed to place Zimbabwe on ness. the agenda of the international community in past › The research unit of the NGO Forum prepares years, but the country is now on the “human rights reports on political violence and maintains a database map of the world.” of human rights violations. › Human rights NGOs are exploiting the opportunity › The names of officials responsible for human rights the government is creating by its effort to project an violations are being collected, but this makes it dif- impression of democracy in the small space that is ficult for the government to hand over power due to available. their fear of transitional justice.

Shanghai Cooperation Organization: What are the Threats to Democrats and What can be Done about Them?

Organizers: Moderator: Presenters: World Uyghur Congress Vitali Silitski – Belarus Elena Ryabinina – Russia Kazakhstan International Bureau for Rapporteur: Dolkun Isa – Xinjiang/East Turkestan Human Rights Louisa Greve – U.S. Yevgeniy Zhovtis – Kazakhstan

Background NGOs), but their post-Orange Revolution “backlash” against the “color ” as well. The “Shanghai Five” countries of Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and China, which first met in › The SCO agreements obligate each government to 1996, became the Shanghai Cooperation Organization accept unreservedly each of the other government’s (SCO) with the addition of Uzbekistan in mid-2001, just definition of who is a “terrorist.” before the September 11 attacks. To the original pur- › There is clear evidence that the security forces pose of settling border issues left over from the dis- of these countries share databases with names of solution of the , the group added coopera- individuals and organizations that allegedly consti- tion in economics and trade, environmental protection, tute security threats, and that they work together to and the security issues of separatism, terrorism, and conduct cross-border kidnappings and extraditions of extremism. The track record shows, however, that the internal critics, in violation of numerous international only operational cooperation has been in combating treaties and agreements to which they are parties. separatism, terrorism, and extremism, as defined by › The SCO’s rhetoric and operations take advantage the authoritarian governments involved. of the genuine issue of radicalization in Central Asian countries, as well as xenophobia among the various Challenges populations. › The SCO is the only international organization in the › Diplomats, academics, and journalists in the demo- world without any democratic members. It is, in fact, cratic world are generally unaware of the grave human a club of authoritarians that is led by two of the five rights violations stemming from SCO cooperation. permanent members of the UN Security Council. Workshop participants agreed that the SCO’s anti- › The only concrete cooperation among the SCO democratic effects are momentous and grave, but governments is in the security sphere. Close analysis have been met with utter silence from governments of the record to date leads to the unmistakable con- and governmental bodies, such as the OSCE. clusion that its main function is mutual cooperation in suppressing domestic dissent. Recommendations › Today, the SCO embodies not only the authoritar- › Establish an SCO Democratic Forum. The work- ians’ response to the post-September 11 war on ter- shop presenters and moderator volunteered to serve rorism (the trend of applying the label of “terrorist col- as an ad hoc organizing committee to form a coalition laborators” to peaceful opposition and human rights of groups concerned about the threats to democrats

42 Wo r l d Mo v e m e n t for De m o c r a c y | Kyiv, Ukraine, April 6–9, 2008 Making Democracy Work: From Principles to Performance

resulting from the SCO governmental cooperation to treaty obligations on human rights. suppress internal dissent. › The SCO Democratic Forum should also undertake › SCO Democracy Watch—Report and Monitoring. ongoing monitoring; assist member organizations The SCO Democratic Forum will identify a competent with issuing joint statements calling attention to SCO operational group, most likely outside the member human rights violations; and encourage assistance states of the SCO, to issue an analytical report ana- initiatives, such as that undertaken by the Russia- lyzing the SCO’s track record, including the recent based Civic Assistance Committee, to help asylum- promulgation of a common definition of “extremism” seekers and all those detained and in danger of secret in national-level legislation, and the hundreds of docu- deportation (refoulement). mented cases of long prison sentences and extra- › In advance of the SCO Democracy Watch report legal extraditions of peaceful dissenters and refugees. recommended above, a handful of concerned NGOs The SCO Democracy Watch report will be used to should prepare a short “FAQ” backgrounder on SCO accomplish the following goals: threats to human rights, which can be used by groups › Raise awareness of SCO threats among diplo- trying to raise awareness of those threats. mats, academics, and journalists; and › The SCO Democracy Watch should issue reports › Urge democratic governments, the OSCE, and and statements in Russian, English, and Chinese. other international organizations to protest the SCO’s blatant violations of member-countries’

How to Strengthen the UN Human Rights Council through Cross-Regional Collaboration?

Organizer: Moderator: Presenters: Democracy Coalition Project (U.S.) Ted Piccone – U.S. Jeremie Smith – Egypt Rapporteur: Anselmo Lee – South Korea Dokhi Fassihian – U.S.

Ted Piccone, of the Democracy Coalition Project at the available seats, alongside Timor Leste, South Korea, time and moderator of the workshop, began by stat- and Japan. ing that the UN Human Rights Council (Council) had In his opening presentation, Jeremie Smith of proven to be a disappointment and that the change in the Cairo Institute of Human Rights emphasized the its size and geographical distribution of its member- importance of participation at the Council by human ship presented a challenge to its effective protection rights organizations from the global South. He noted and promotion of human rights. Mr. Piccone noted, that international cross-regional advocacy should however, that despite these challenges country scru- be strengthened to supplement traditional Geneva- tiny was still continuing both in the Council and in the based advocacy by human rights groups. Mr. Smith UN General Assembly’s Third Committee. He noted discussed the various ways in which NGOs can par- that the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and the new ticipate in their countries’ UPR and the importance of annual elections process were unique features that sharing best practices in this effort. offered continuing opportunities to strengthen the Council. He also briefed participants about the 2008 Anselmo Lee of the Asian Forum for Human Rights Council elections, which were scheduled to take place characterized the UPR mechanism as an important on May 21. He noted that due to de facto clean slates manifestation of the universality of the Universal in Africa and Latin America, competition existed only Declaration of Human Rights. Despite its shortcom- in three regions during this cycle: Western Europe and ings, and the fact that the UPR is a “peer” review Others, Eastern Europe, and Asia. He also noted that a process, Mr. Lee noted that the new mechanism is global coalition of NGOs were working to ensure that comprehensive, inclusive, and offers opportunities the best candidates would be elected in Asia, where for NGOs to participate as stakeholders. Mr. Lee also Sri Lanka, Bahrain, and Pakistan were vying for four noted that the UPR is particularly important in the

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Asian context given the absence of a regional human eration. rights mechanism. › Bilateral and multilateral strategies on Council Dokhi Fassihian of the Democracy Coalition Project issues must be developed and pursued simultaneously. briefed participants on the outcome of the Seventh › A lack of capacity among small, poor states, par- Session of the Council, which ended on March 31. ticularly in sub-Saharan Africa, is a serious problem She outlined key country-specific, institutional, and and should be addressed so countries that wish to thematic decisions taken by the body, including the demonstrate leadership at the Council are capable of emergence of challenges to the mandate on free- doing so. dom of opinion and expression and the controversial › Donors should address the training and funding concept of defamation of religion championed by the needs of southern-based human rights organizations Organization of the Islamic Conference. The mandates on Burma and were extended, but the to enable them to participate consistently and effec- mandate on the Democratic Republic of Congo was tively at the Council. not due to pressure from the Africa group. In addition, › Better domestic and media strategies are needed Ms. Fassihian briefed participants about the efforts of to highlight serious human rights situations and shame a global cross-regional network of organizations work- governments into action. ing together on a wide range of issues at the Council. › Latin American countries, which currently serve as a swing region at the Council, should be encouraged Recommendations to play a more pro-active role on key country-specific issues, not only on thematic ones. As a result of their exchanges on the challenges related to the UN Human Rights Council, the workshop › A core group of organizations in each region should participants made the following recommendations: be established to monitor and advocate at the Council. › The persistence of bloc and cross-regional politics › Human rights organizations from the Middle East at the UN requires NGOs to develop cross-regional and Muslim countries should take the lead in advocat- and regional advocacy strategies that are specific to ing against the problematic concept of defamation of the issue at hand. religion and the effort to equate it with racial or reli- gious discrimination, or restrict the right to freedom of › The UPR presents an important opportunity for opinion and expression. increased national, regional, and international coop- Political Party Building and Elections Workshops Developing and Implementing Norms and Standards for Political Parties

Organizer: Moderator: Presenters: National Democratic Institute-NDI (U.S.) Roel von Meijenfeldt Benjamin Reilly – Australia – The Netherlands Ivan Doherty – Ireland Rapporteur: Ann Linde – Sweden Sef Ashiagbor – U.S.

While the need for party reform is receiving increased In his opening presentation, Ivan Doherty intro- international attention, there have been few efforts duced Minimum Standards for the Democratic to engage political parties in articulating global Functioning of Political Parties, a document that benchmarks for party conduct. During this workshop, outlines norms and principles for party behavior and participants discussed different approaches to devel- internal organization. The guidelines, developed by oping and enforcing standards for political parties and the National Democratic Institute (NDI), are the result formulated recommendations for building upon emerg- of a collaborative effort involving international party ing efforts in this area. groupings and other institutions working in the area

44 Wo r l d Mo v e m e n t for De m o c r a c y | Kyiv, Ukraine, April 6–9, 2008 Making Democracy Work: From Principles to Performance of party development. The document is an attempt the Democratic Functioning of Political Parties can to articulate basic standards towards which political prove very helpful in increasing understanding of how parties can strive. Since the behavior and operations parties should behave and organize themselves inter- of certain parties already far exceed the suggested nally. Attendees called for widespread dissemination norms and principles, the standards do not neces- of the document and additional efforts to secure its sarily reflect best practice. Mr. Doherty emphasized endorsement by groups not initially involved in its the voluntary nature of the document and cautioned development. against its imposition on parties through legal or other However, several participants noted that various similar formal means. The document is available in aspects of the document should be fleshed out further Arabic, English, French, and Spanish on NDI’s Web in follow-up initiatives. These might include efforts to site: http://ndiaction.org/node/316. develop additional tools and resources to achieve the For centuries, political parties have been viewed following: from two contrasting perspectives. The somewhat › Strengthen evaluation of the impact of party-devel- idealist position holds that political parties should be opment programs; internally democratic while performing a wide range › of critical functions in democracies; a perhaps more Help parties improve their operations; realist approach would view parties as self-interested › Inform academic and analytical work on political bodies whose primary goal is to win elections. parties; and Benjamin Reilly noted in his opening presentation that › Inform criteria for interacting with political parties the longstanding tension between these two views, around the world. which forms the backdrop for much party develop- International peer pressure among political parties, ment work, is reflected in the NDI document. He also especially through the party internationals, provides commented on challenges party-strengthening efforts opportunities for improving party behavior and orga- face: First, many party-strengthening programs use nization. Such pressure can be applied both within the mass party as a model when that model is becom- each party family, as well as through cooperation ing increasingly rare. Second, while international sup- across the various ideologically-based associations. port for party development is increasing, there is also While civil society can also play an important role greater realization of the difficulties associated with in raising concerns about parties that fall short of defining and measuring the impact of party develop- expected standards, overly aggressive civic actions ment work. run the risk of putting party groupings on the defen- In her opening presentation, Ann Linde shared the sive and leading them to suspect ulterior motives. experiences of the Socialist International (SI), the Interparty dialogue at the domestic level, used, largest international grouping of like-minded parties, for instance, to draft party law and develop electoral in applying its Ethical Charter to member parties. The codes of conduct, can also be used to promote con- Charter sets requirements for membership conduct in sensus on standards to which all political parties in a the areas of ideological beliefs, respect for pluralistic particular country can subscribe. democracy, commitment to fundamental human rights, and support for peace and disarmament. Using a vari- Participants also recognized that regulation and ety of examples, Ms. Linde described how SI’s Ethics oversight of political parties, while distinct from vol- Committee (on which she sits) uses a combination of untary documents such as the Minimum Standards, quiet diplomacy, investigative initiatives, and other is important. However, there was consensus that the means to ensure implementation of Charter provisions extent and areas of regulation vary from one country among its member parties. Ultimately, members may to another based on domestic contexts. For instance, be suspended from SI for violating the document. She while certain countries, in Africa and Asia for exam- described the challenge of striking a balance between ple, seek to ban ethnic or regionally-based parties to privately calling a member to order when a problem protect national integrity, elsewhere for example, in arises and using more public actions or sanctions that parts of Europe, such parties are often perceived as a can either damage the affected party’s reputation and legitimate way for minority groups to participate more electoral prospects or tarnish the broader image of SI. effectively in political processes. Furthermore, while in certain contexts more extensive regulation might be There was general consensus among participants justified to encourage the development of open, demo- that while voluntary, the NDI Minimum Standards for

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cratic political parties, elsewhere, public access to Finally, participants called for increased interaction information helps create systems that are more or less between civic activists and political practitioners at self-regulating through the voters’ ability to reward or the international level and using forums such as the punish non-performing parties freely. Participants also World Movement for Democracy. While political par- noted that authoritarian regimes can use extensive ties may be part of the problem in many democracies, party regulation to stymie competition. they must also be part of the solution.

Civil Society Strategies for Free and Fair Elections

Organizers: Rapporteur: Presenters: Democratic Initiatives Foundation Festus Okoye – Nigeria Maina Kiai – Kenya (Ukraine) Michael McFaul – U.S. Human Rights Monitor (Nigeria) Kingsley Rodrigo – Sri Lanka Moderators: Rindai Chipfunde-Vava – Zimbabwe Ilko Kucheriv – Ukraine Yevhen Bystrytsky – Ukraine Festus Okoye – Nigeria Grigorij Meseznikov – Slovakia

Participants and presenters in this workshop shared › Use civic and voter education and other outreach their experiences and knowledge implementing differ- activities; ent strategies aimed at ensuring free, fair, and trans- › Conduct research and advocacy on electoral parent elections in their various countries. reforms; › Use alternative media to reach the electorate; Challenges › Use community workshops, billboards, and flyers › Attempts by the government to create divisions urging voters to exercise their franchise; within civil society groups and organizations and/or to › Mobilize ordinary people for massive demonstra- form civil society groups and organizations subservi- tions and resistance activities; ent to its policies and programs; › Monitor media coverage of elections, campaigns, › Attempts at reducing political space by use of and political party platforms; political forces that gained their legitimacy through free and fair elections; › Disseminate targeted information using the Internet and alternative media; › The sponsorship of domestic and international elec- tion monitors and observers by the government; › Extend invitations to international nongovernmental organizations and observers to monitor particular › The sponsorship of exit and parallel polls by the elections; government as a counterforce to those of civil society groups and organizations; › Coordinate and broaden democratic alliances involving broad sections of the populace; › The restrictions imposed by some governments to frustrate foreign observers attempting to monitor elec- › Monitor the use of state resources to influence the vote; tions; and › Form a movement for political accountability; and › Jamming of radio stations by the government. › Conduct coordinated training of electoral manage- ment agencies and civil society groups and organiza- Strategies tions. › Conduct exit polls and parallel counts by indepen- dent consortia of civil society groups and organizations; Lessons Learned › Network with pressure groups and other civil soci- › Civil society organizations must not wait until the ety stakeholders to promote free and fair elections; last minute to prepare for elections. › Form domestic election monitoring and observation › Civil society organizations must start the processes groups; of building broad coalitions and networks of domestic

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election observers early enough to achieve meaning- › Clearly define norms for international election ful results. observation. › Special attention must be paid to the neutrality of › Strengthen and define the level of coordination domestic election observers. between domestic monitors and international observers. › Civil society groups must avoid intense power › Standardize data quality for the conduct and release struggles related to the issue of donor funding and of exit polls, vote tabulation, and the parallel vote. leadership of domestic election monitoring groups. › Reflect on the role and actions of civil society › International nongovernmental organizations should groups after and irregularities have not delay the release of the results of their exit polls been established. on political grounds. › The institutional capacity of election management Suggested Rules of Engagement bodies should be enhanced to enable them to deliver › International monitors should coordinate more with credible elections. domestic observers. › International monitors and observers must conform Recommendations to their code of ethics and standards of international › Civil society groups should standardize the pro- election observation. cesses of vote tabulation, the quick count, and the › It is important to strengthen the electoral manage- exit poll. ment agency and free media as necessary instru- › Clearly define the legal framework of domestic ments for free and fair elections. election observation.

Democracy Research and Education Workshops What Can Democracies Do to Reduce Poverty and Inequality?

Organizers: Moderators: Presenters: Network of Democracy Research Marc Plattner – U.S. Diego Abente – Paraguay Institutes-NDRI Paul Graham – South Africa Emmanuel Gyimah-Boadi – Ghana Institute for Democracy in South Rapporteur: Africa-IDASA Melissa Aten – U.S.

The era of democratic transitions may now be in the recommendations about how democracies can reduce past and many of the Third Wave democracies have inequality and poverty. enjoyed several decades of democracy. However, Two opening presenters, Diego Abente and there is growing popular dissatisfaction with democ- Emmanuel Gyimah-Boadi, provided an overview of the racy in many parts of the world. Democracies must situation in Latin America and Africa, respectively. Dr. therefore do more to address the everyday concerns Abente pointed out that the levels of inequality in Latin of people, including the high levels of inequality and America are higher than in many other parts of the poverty in many societies. While there is no question world and that the poverty rate in 2006 was approxi- that democracy delivers certain political goods, there mately the same as it was in 1980. He stressed, is an expectation on the part of the population that however, that these high levels of inequality and government will deliver social and economic goods poverty in the region are not a result of the market. as well. A democratic regime that fails to provide Indeed, before taxes and redistribution programs, the people with a basic standard of living may not survive Gini coefficient (a statistical measure of a country’s very long, and the threat of a return to non-democratic income or wealth inequality on a scale of 0 to 1) for government is real. Over 40 participants gathered in Latin America (.52) is only slightly higher than it is for this workshop to discuss these issues and to offer

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Europe (.46). The difference between the two regions › Elections: African elections are weak vehicles for becomes sharp only after state distribution programs promoting accountability. Campaigns are based on and taxation are considered (.50 for Latin America ver- personalities, not issues, so there is rarely discussion sus .31 in Europe). The weakness of the state in Latin of social policy programs during campaigns. America is thus the major impediment to reducing lev- › Capacity: most states do not have the institutional els of poverty and inequality. and financial capacity to carry out poverty reduction Therefore, according to Dr. Abente, a major effort programs. along three fronts is needed: first, the tax burden on the wealthy should be increased in developing coun- Recommendations tries to muster the resources to finance anti-poverty › Reduce levels of corruption: if all the state’s programs. Second, spending should be carefully tar- resources are being diverted through corruption, geted to benefit people who are really in need. Finally, there are no resources left to be used for basic infra- a long-term strategic plan for economic development structure, let alone social programs; should be put in place to gradually phase out existing programs and replace them with a vigorous economy › Introduce education campaigns that inform citizens capable of providing decent jobs to all. of their rights and teach them job skills so they do not have to rely on the state (where possible); Dr. Gyimah-Boadi pointed out that in Africa the focus is on poverty more than inequality, and he › Strengthen institutions such as parliaments so they discussed how national governments in Africa have can exercise their oversight roles more effectively; begun to address poverty reduction over the last 10 › Encourage the media and civil society to expose years. Their anti-poverty programs, however, are corruption and educate the public and policy makers predicated on the assumption that these countries are about the socioeconomic conditions of citizens; governed well, when, in fact, voice – that is the ability › Strengthen labor unions to ensure worker rights of the people to speak freely, demonstrate, organize, and fair wages; and influence governmental affairs – and accountabil- ity are severely constrained in most of them. Without › Develop targeted poverty reduction programs, voice and accountability, there is little incentive for including conditional cash-transfer programs to low- the design and implementation of effective social income families of the kind being used in some Latin policy programs. Dr. Gyimah-Boadi discussed three American states; major impediments to voice and accountability (and › Improve taxation policies to redistribute wealth therefore effective poverty reduction campaigns): more effectively and to generate revenue for social › Strong presidents: there are not enough checks on policy programs; presidential power in Africa, allowing presidents to › Strengthen the rule of law to increase accountabil- maintain complete control of natural resources and ity and reduce corruption; and treasuries, which in turn enables them to distribute › Enforce rules that discourage foreign investment in money however they desire, usually to their friends undemocratic countries and reward businesses that and cronies, rather than to social programs. follow fair employment practices.

48 Wo r l d Mo v e m e n t for De m o c r a c y | Kyiv, Ukraine, April 6–9, 2008 Making Democracy Work: From Principles to Performance

Teaching Democracy in Difficult Political and Cultural Environments: What Works?

Organizers: Moderator: Presenters: Education Society of Malopolska Alicja Derkowska – Poland David McQuoid-Mason – South Africa (Poland) Rapporteur: Zafarullah Khan – Pakistan Centre for Civic Education (Pakistan) Julie Boudreaux – Poland Paul Smyth – U.K. Aleksandra Kujawska – Poland

Five opening presenters in this workshop illustrated › Organize protest meetings disguised as academic some of their strategies for teaching democracy. This lectures or “teach-ins.” was followed by a round of questions and smaller In Pakistan, the Islamabad-based Centre for Civic group discussions to allow participants to share their Education faces many challenges. In a country of expertise and experiences in various situations with 160 million, half the nation is illiterate and lives in each other. poverty. Textbooks censure democracy. There is a The Foundation for Education for Democracy (FED) weak civil society with numerous social deficits and was created in Poland to teach democratic values in domination of the public sphere by the authoritarian difficult situations. Its work in Tajikistan, for example, regime. Democracy has been called a “Western” initially targeted teachers and NGOs, 95 percent of import. Within this context, the Centre strives to over- whom are women. Although the participants enjoyed come cultural and religious barriers by showing that the workshops in Tajikistan, they responded that the “good ideas travel without passports.” The Centre seminars were not very useful because they couldn’t uses many hands-on activities to reach all strata of just listen; they wanted to be active. When asked society, tailoring civic education games, forums, and what they needed, they responded that they needed networks to those in small villages who are unable to cows. The FED therefore raised money in Poland to read. More than 30,000 students have participated in buy cows for the participants and distributed them the “Project Citizen Pakistan” in 10 districts during the on the provision that half the milk produced by each last three years. cow must be given to a neighbor. Thus far, 33 cows Northern Ireland often serves as a model for suc- have been purchased and small scale entrepreneur- cessful conflict resolution. The Public Achievement ial endeavors have begun. Seminars continue to be (PA) Program has had great success in working with organized, but on topics of the women’s choosing. youth in contested spaces. This success has led In South Africa during apartheid, the Center for to the internationalization of the PA Program and Socio-Legal Studies in Durban used the Street Law increased efforts to bring together youth workers Program to teach the ways in which law affects all from conflicted regions to figure out what makes them people. It came up with six strategies that enabled active. PA will also be a model for work with youth the Center to work effectively from 1985-1993 in a hos- in the Basque country. WIMPS (Where Is My Public tile environment: Servant?) is designed to change youth perceptions › Be creative! Don’t mention human rights or of politics, politicians’ perception of youth, and youth democracy! perceptions of themselves. › Present your work as a neutral program. The Educational Society for Malopolska’s VILLAGE program is designed to teach democracy to the › Look for strategic allies in the field of law and youngest citizens with a very hands-on approach that education. enables them to actually “live” in a democracy of their › Establish your work as an academic program. Find creation, regardless of whether their country or state is the gaps that enable you to link your work to a univer- a democracy. Using a multitude of practical skills (cre- sity; this protected the partner NGOs during apartheid. ative writing, math, language arts, building and techni- › Project your program as teaching good citizenship, cal skills), these 8-13 year-olds build a real village on a getting citizens to obey the laws of the regime, which scale of 1:25. The “hidden agenda” is a complex situa- then gives you an opportunity to address deeper issues. tion; all the decisions are made by the children as resi-

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dents of this village. They thus learn basic democratic › Make sure that programs are tailored to particular skills of decision making, respect for others, tolerance, constituencies that you are working with by using and social responsibility at a very early age. appropriate examples. › In oppressive societies that have a bill of rights, Recommendations parliamentary representatives can act as use- › Organize study visits and trainings to share experi- ful resource persons to promote the values of the ences, including work with foreign partners. Constitution in various educational institutions. › › Start democracy education as early as possible, but Space should be provided to young people to include parallel work with youth to reach as many age express their views. levels as possible. › Show sensitivity to the origin of trainers and find › Work within positive elements of your society, no neutral venues that enable all participants to feel matter how oppressive it is to find gaps or spaces comfortable and safe to express themselves. where you can operate. › Do a “needs assessment” at the beginning of a › Do not present democracy as a threat when work- workshop and suggest other partners as appropriate. ing with religious or cultural communities, but rather › Value intellectual ammunition. For example, use as something that will enhance those communities. foreign language courses to teach concepts that are › Link democracy to local conditions so it is not seen otherwise taboo. as something foreign that is being imposed. Draw on › Support entrepreneurs in poor countries; their basic people’s own experiences. needs must be met so higher needs can be addressed. › Neutrality and impartiality are crucial, whether › Design democracy education projects so they are working in conflict or post-conflict situations. In both tailored to the needs of illiterate young people, not instances, you must reach out not only to communi- only of the educated. ties, but to authorities as well. › Use creative approaches, such as art, video, and › Mass education, if possible, is efficient, but training role-playing. trainers is often more effective, especially when done › Use NGOs to assist and train educators to promote at all levels (community, district, and national). democratic programs at schools.

Experiential Learning: Democracy and Human Rights Education for Youth

Organizer: Moderator: Presenters: World Youth Movement for Anastasia Nikitina – Russia Andrey Yurov – Russia Democracy Rapporteur: Dyan Aimee Mabunga Rodrigues – Oleksandra Matviychuk – Ukraine The Philippines

The workshop participants shared their experiences approaches to teaching human rights. There is the in teaching human rights and democracy and defined basic emphasis on interactive methods (games, simu- the basic conceptual situations for teaching youth. lations, practice cases, etc.) and then there is the According to Andrey Yurov in his opening presenta- approach based on actual people’s proposals, not just tion, teaching human rights and democracy is a con- games, and this involves variants of real participation tradictory thing. First, despite the fact that a goal of and action. A basic principle is therefore the follow- teaching is to introduce certain values, knowledge, ing: You must give a person the opportunity to do real and skills to young people, they should be encouraged work (for instance, a minimal exercise would be to to draw their own conclusions in an independent way, collect signatures for a petition); this does not change and the role of the teacher is to stimulate this indepen- the situation, but it does influence it, and behind these dence of thought. actions are the real fates of real people. The resulting Second, there is a contradiction related to the feeling of cooperation changes young people’s per-

50 Wo r l d Mo v e m e n t for De m o c r a c y | Kyiv, Ukraine, April 6–9, 2008 Making Democracy Work: From Principles to Performance ception of the world. The second consideration concerns the use of suc- Third, the very combination of human rights and cess stories about young people in other countries, democracy is in tension because even in an advanced that is, the use of examples from actual people with democracy there is the power of the majority, even whom it is possible to interact, request advice, and though there may be limitations on it, while human exchange views. rights reflect the rights of individuals and minorities to Another key issue discussed at the workshop is the confront the majority. To teach both human rights and problem of young people’s indifference to human rights. democracy, we must be aware of this tension. On the In the view of a majority of the workshop participants, one hand, human rights cannot exist without democratic many youth are uninterested in human rights because power structures; on the other hand, democracy (major- they have grown tired of misinformation and lies. The ity rule) can be a threat to certain human rights. Human only effective way to teach in light of this is to demon- rights is thus about the limitations on democracy. strate honesty and readiness to act on behalf of human With this opening presentation, workshop partici- rights. In her presentation, Dyan Aimee Mabunga pants then shared successful experiences in teaching shared her experience in teaching human rights and human rights and democracy. Two important consider- democracy in such situations, where there is general ations were emphasized. The first concerns the rela- disappointment among the youth. There is one thing tionship of the teacher to the material. The individual that should be emphasized, she said: It is important to values and point of view of the teacher can strongly understand that to obtain the change we want in this affect his or her students. After all, teaching democ- world, we must begin by changing ourselves. racy and human rights is, in part, about what is occur- In the remainder of the discussion participants con- ring in the world now, which cannot be found in books. cluded that there are no means for teaching human The teacher is the main instrument, and it is impossible rights and democracy other than to present doubts for the teacher to simply be neutral about the threats to and tensions honestly. This requires the highest skills. human rights; it is necessary to have an active position What is most important is the readiness of teachers to in support of human rights and constantly demonstrate learn in their own classrooms, to be open to listening it. The main criterion for assessing material for a young to others, and to transfer not just values, knowledge, audience is frequently not determining what is correct and practices, but an understanding of relationships or incorrect, but what is honest and dishonest, and the in this world. “You learn so you can be” is one of the teacher must be clear on where he or she stands. main principles.

Regional Networking Africa

Organizer: Rapporteur: Presenters: African Democracy Forum-ADF Tapera Kapuya – Zimbabwe Paul Graham – South Africa Moderators: Hassan Shire Sheik – Somalia Hannah Forster – The Gambia Penda Mbow – Senegal Ayo Obe – Nigeria

Hannah Foster, chairperson of the African Democracy on AU instruments in advocating for democracy Forum (ADF), a network of democrats in Africa, noted legitimates democratic demands, which are often dis- that despite the Africa Union (AU)’s adoption of many missed by detractors as being of Western origin. charters and protocols safeguarding freedom on the The Charter on the Rights of Women, for example, continent, most have not served as advocacy tools could be a useful tool for those working on advancing for African civil society. Most of them have not been equality and freedom for women in societies experi- ratified by African governments, so civil society and encing patriarchal oppression. The AU Constitutive democracy activists must push their governments to Act is more expansive concerning aspirations to ratify and implement them in their countries. Drawing establish democracies that guarantee civil and politi-

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cal rights, and should thus be a key reference tool for ists, identifying journalists as being among the most those engaged in democracy advocacy in Africa. affected, and conveys the long-established principles for Paul Graham, executive director of the Institute for protecting civil society, such as the rights to free expres- Democracy in South Africa (IDASA), discussed the AU sion, assembly, advocacy, and to obtain resources. Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance that Penda Mbow of the University of Cheick Anta Diop was adopted in January 2007. The text of the Charter in Senegal remarked that the report’s definition of was developed during the “romantic” era of the 1990s, civil society was limited too much to NGOs and does when much of Africa was experiencing a renewed not sufficiently appreciate the diverse forms of civic wave of democratization, as a way to encourage space, especially informal groups. Broadening the democratic competition in the political process. The definition of civil society would thus prevent misinter- objectives of the Charter are: pretation. On the critical challenges, Mbow suggested › The promotion of universal democratic values and greater international support for democracy activists principles; and groups operating in closed and repressive societ- ies while defending the gains made in countries that › The promotion of, and adherence to, the rule of law are currently enjoying relative peace and democracy. and the supremacy of the constitutional order; and African civil society is not only facing threats › The promotion of free and fair elections to insti- from governments, but also from civil society itself. tutionalize the legitimate authority of representative Civil society’s failure to be creative in response to government. newer challenges, and its disconnectedness from The Charter places sanctions on the unconstitu- the masses, renders it less effective and liable to be tional overthrow of governments and on the refusal regarded as either a tool of foreign influence or elitist. of an incumbent to hand power over to a legitimately Competition among civil society groups undermines elected successor. The Charter offers the clearest the ability to benefit from potentially helpful synergies. statement of the AU’s commitment to democratic gov- Funding should not undermine the independence and ernance, rule of law, and free and fair elections, and autonomy of NGOs and civic groups, and there is a had it been ratified and functioning earlier, democracy need to promote local material support for democracy movements in countries such as Zimbabwe could work. The private sector in Africa should therefore have appealed to the AU for redress. invest in democracy-building work. The Charter has thus far been signed by 17 coun- Zimbabwean activists in the workshop presented a tries, but none have ratified it. To take effect, it must report on the situation in Zimbabwe, and identified the be ratified by 15 countries, following which the chal- role the ADF and other activists can play. Despite the lenge is incorporating it into national law. It is worth elections on March 29, 2008, the Zimbabwean govern- noting that constitutions in some countries (including ment had yet to announce the results of the presiden- Namibia, Ghana, and South Africa) include provi- tial elections (as of the time of the Assembly when this sions for the automatic incorportation into national report was produced). A clampdown had begun, tar- law. Unfortunately, to this day critical countries, such geting opposition supporters and activists, civic activ- as South Africa and Nigeria, have not yet signed the ists, and journalists. Rural areas were being cordoned Charter. The African Democracy Forum (ADF) and its off by paramilitary groups sympathetic to the incum- member organizations have agreed to campaign for the bent government. The ADF and workshop participants signing and ratification of the Charter; for this purpose, agreed to issue an urgent statement encouraging the they can learn from the experience of the Solidarity for Zimbabwean authorities to release the election results African Women’s Rights Campaign for the ratification and halt the repression. of the AU Charter on Women’s Rights. It was proposed It was strongly suggested that the ADF be more that the ADF write to all African foreign ministries to active in supporting democracy in troubled countries, determine their respective countries’ positions on the such as Sudan and Zimbabwe. Participants also rec- Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance. ommended that the ADF lead and coordinate the advo- An overview of the World Movement’s report on cacy for regional and AU instruments on democracy, Defending Civil Society was presented by Hassan Shire the rule of law, and good governance. Effective infor- Sheikh, executive director of the East and Horn of Africa mation sharing should be a priority to ensure that the Regional Human Rights Defenders Network (EHAHRD- ADF and World Movement participants can be well Net). The report highlights threats to democracy activ- informed about each other’s events and activities.

52 Wo r l d Mo v e m e n t for De m o c r a c y | Kyiv, Ukraine, April 6–9, 2008 Making Democracy Work: From Principles to Performance

Asia – Encouraging Religious Engagement for Democracy

Organizer: Rapporteur: Presenters: World Forum for Democratization in Bo Tedards – U.S. (Taiwan-based) Vo Van Ai – Vietnam (-based) Asia-WFDA The Venerable U Pannya Vamsa – Moderator: Burma (Malaysia-based) Wen-cheng Lin – Taiwan Mufti Makarim Al-Akhlaq – Indonesia Yang Jianli – China (U.S.-based)

The Venerable U Pannya Vamsa of Burma described also noted that religious groups have often inflamed religion as being like fire: it can be a powerful force for tensions in conflict areas. good, but it can also be extremely dangerous. Either From the experience of the participants, the impor- way, it is a major factor in all Asian societies. The Asia tance of religious groups to democratization is greater regional workshop thus raised the question of how to in countries controlled by authoritarian regimes. In channel religion towards democratic outcomes? The such situations religious groups are usually one of the workshop aimed to explore various positive experienc- major elements of civil society—sometimes even the es with religion in Asia and develop mutual learning and only organized element, as in Vietnam today. Religious cooperation opportunities. It also sought to address groups have frequently been able to maintain some the ways in which religious groups and practitioners independence from the regime, and can thus provide a can make contributions to democratization, especially supportive context for democratization movements. in countries with anti-democratic regimes. The role of religious groups in democratization is highly pertinent in However, participants also noted that religious cler- light of recent events in the region, including the lead- gy usually avoid direct participation in politics after a ing role of monks in the “Saffron Revolution” in Burma democratic transition. The experience of Muslim cler- last year and the recent Tibetan uprising. ics in Indonesia demonstrated that such participation can be counterproductive. Religious leaders should Many other historically relevant cases were men- not forget that their primary role as teachers and tioned during the workshop. For example, in Taiwan, providers for the spiritual needs of the people is often the Presbyterian Church played a key role in support- unsuited to day-to-day policy making, for example, in ing the democracy movement during the depths of the the legislative process. martial law era. Similar contributions were made by churches in South Korea, the Catholic Church in The Philippines, and some of the main Muslim organiza- Recommendations tions in Indonesia, notably the Nahdlatul Ulama under › Minimum requirements should be established the leadership of former President Abdurrahman for engagement with any kind of group, including Wahid. In addition to the religious groups active in religious groups; such requirements should include Tibet and Burma, other groups currently acting to respect for, and commitment to, basic human rights. increase democratization in their countries include Groups that do not uphold these principles should not the Unified Buddhist Church of Vietnam and the Falun be considered for engagement. Gong and underground Christian churches in China. › Religious groups must be tolerant of other religions, All major religious traditions have had positive con- as well as secularists. They should not claim absolute tributions at various times and places. At the same authority or violate the basic principle of separation of time, participants recognized that some religious orga- church and state. nizations of various traditions have also held progress › Religious groups should proactively engage in back, or even contributed to human rights abuses, effective dialogue, both with other religious groups in extreme cases committing abuses themselves. and secular civil society, especially human rights Several workshop participants warned of anti-dem- and democracy advocacy groups. This is important ocratic or anti-human rights positions taken by some to avoid conflicts and misunderstandings, which a fundamentalist or extremist groups in many Asian participant from China mentioned have already arisen countries, especially when such groups take absolut- in his country, and to generate effective coalitions to ist positions or try to control state institutions. It was promote democratization.

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One strategy for secular democracy and human has been carried out in Indonesia. This strategy can rights groups is to engage with religious groups and be an effective way to bring civic education to the leaders and educate them about democratic prin- grassroots and can serve as a valuable instrument in ciples so they can transmit them to their followers on preventing religious extremism. the grassroots level. A successful example of this

Central-Eastern Europe and Eurasia

Organizers: Moderator: Presenters: Youth Human Rights Movement Andrey Yurov – Russia Yuri Dzhibladze – Russia (Russia) Rapporteur: Maksym Latsyba – Ukraine Europe XXI Foundation (Ukraine) Anna Dobrovolskaya – Russia Hikmet Hadji-Zada – Azerbaijan Anahit Bayandur – Armenia Center for the Development of Democracy and Human Rights Anastasia Nikitina – Russia (Russia) Dmitri Makarov – Russia

This workshop brought together more than 80 partici- ers and public advocates as enemies posing threats pants from Central-Eastern Europe and Eurasia. The to state stability; opening presentations addressed the following issues: › There is a lack of collaboration among NGOs and › Challenges and threats to the development of civil civic associations within the region, which makes the society within the region; entire civil societies vulnerable to negative influences › What NGOs and civil society activists from different from abroad and within their countries; countries can do together in the region; and › There is a weakness in international and inter- › Successful experiences of international coopera- governmental structures and organizations (such as tion within and outside the region. the OSCE, Council of Europe, regional bodies, and commissions), which is that these institutions have The workshop participants mentioned different col- become dependent on the political manipulation of laborative trends among civil society activists, human governments, which in turn leads to further pres- rights defenders, and democracy leaders in countries sure on civil societies in countries with authoritarian throughout the region. While recognizing some com- regimes; monalities, participants argued that countries in the › region have each gone through transitions in their There is an absence of support for NGOs from the own ways. Because of the differences in these expe- grassroots and a poor opinion of them among the riences and in light of current situations, it is difficult people; and to address the development of solidarity or collabora- › There is a renaissance of new authoritarian regimes tion throughout the region. However, recent mutual and growing popularity of “strong government.” support among Ukraine and other countries, particu- larly neighboring countries facing issues similar to Recommendations those Ukraine faced several years ago, shows that › Using World Movement mechanisms, develop a cooperation is possible and should be encouraged. network for solidarity actions (for example, an inter- national “SOS-Human Rights Group” was proposed Challenges as one instrument for drawing international help and The opening presenters highlighted the following support for NGOs); challenges and threats to civil society and democracy › Exchange information and share experiences and promotion within the region: methodologies of public advocacy and human rights › There is a need for civil society organizations to work; claim their places and roles in the development of › Build a common educational platform for democ- public policies; racy, human rights, and civic education for activists of › There is a negative image of human rights defend- all generations;

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› Initiate joint public campaigns to address human countries in the region. Participants responded posi- rights violations, and undertake elections monitoring tively to the potential of both the Youth Movement and (for example, NGOs can help form a new image of the the Defending Civil Society project to contribute to region than the one presently being formed by govern- intra-regional cooperation, along with proposals in the mental manipulation); and spheres of conflict resolution, advocacy action, civic › Make better use of existing international docu- education, analytical work, and human rights defense ments, along with better collaboration with the and democracy promotion. strongest international NGOs and intergovernmental Participants also divided into several working structures, on behalf of NGOs in the region to foster a groups to continue more practical discussions on community with a unified position and public agenda. human rights, policy centers and think tanks, media The workshop also featured presentations about centers, youth, elections and democracy processes, the World Youth Movement for Democracy, which has civic education, and issues specific to Georgia, its secretariat in the region and can thus be used as Ukraine, Azerbaijan, and Moldova. The reports on a resource for generating collaboration across gen- these discussions reinforced the belief that regional erations, and the World Movement’s Defending Civil collaboration is possible. Society project, which applies in significant ways to

Latin America and the Caribbean

Organizers: Moderator: Presenters: Congreso Visible (Colombia) Elisabeth Ungar – Colombia Marcela Donadio – Argentina Asociación Civil Consorcio Justicia Rapporteurs: Hans Tippenhauer – Haití (Venezuela) Yader Loza Jarquin – Nicaragua Rubén Fernández – Colombia Andrea Sanhueza – Chile Carlos Ponce – Venezuela

After introduction of the participants, the modera- and institutions to respond to their biggest problems tor summarized the latest version of the framework and needs, which has led to citizen mobilization and document on the state of democracy in Latin America organization. entitled, “Recuperating Politics and Reassessing This situation thus demands that the quality of the Public.” The document contained contributions democracy in the Latin America and Caribbean region from the meeting in Panama on February 29 - March be reconsidered with a focus on key actors, such as 1, 2008, at which the Latin America and Caribbean youth, women, indigenous peoples, Afro-descendants, Network for Democracy (LAC Network) was launched. and others who are generally marginalized. In addi- This document is intended to be a working docu- tion, the role of the private sector should be well ment, which incorporates updates from various LAC thought out, because that role has been significant Network members on the state of Democracy in their and coincides with the issue of the rise of corruption. respective countries. The moderator also discussed the need to reconsider The document states, among other things, that the relationship between civil society and govern- for the more than 30 years of the “Third Wave of ment. She spoke of guaranteeing greater security for Democracy,” democracy began to weaken due to citizens and ensuring a discussion to create policies remaining problems, such as poverty, inequality, and programs focused on economic and social devel- exclusion, and insecurity. Paired with this situation, opment. The moderator also explained that one of the crisis of legitimacy and representation underlying the workshop objectives was to create a proposal for political parties, along with citizen dissatisfaction, has action and to pose thematic ideas to strengthen the consequently had negative repercussions on repre- quality of democracy in the region. sentative bodies, such as legislatures, and democratic In her presentation, Marcela Donadio discussed systems and institutions. This is the result of citizens the challenges and perspectives of women in Latin not believing in the capacity of governmental systems

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America. The objective of her presentation, she said, local governments; and was to share her work related to promoting gender › there is enormous weakness in legislative and issues during meetings of the World Movement for judicial powers. Democracy. She mentioned that the idea came from › The weakness of and threats to political opposition. a project that studied women’s participation in the Argentine Armed Forces, and she emphasized that › The existence of corruption, such as groups in discussing women’s participation means discussing power that use state institutions in their personal equal opportunities for a segment of the population interests or those in the legislature that favor the elite. that historically has been marginalized and whose To confront these challenges, Mr. Fernandez con- participation in national political life is part of the mil- cluded with the recommendation to construct a series lennium objectives. of roving workshops on the quality of democracy in Ms. Donadio added that the focus on the partici- the region to facilitate dialogue within civil society and pation of women should deal more with the aspects political parties. The results could then be reported of their security and liberty in the context of exer- at future meetings of the Latin America and Caribbean cising their rights. She said that there have been Network for Democracy. approximately 10 meetings in the region to promote In her presentation, Andrea Sanhuesa spoke about state actions to include women, but everything has civil society’s role in democratization based on her remained only in the form of statements. Today, the own past analysis. She said she observed a weak- challenges she has analyzed are poverty, inequality, ness regarding private-sector participation. She also unemployment, lack of reproductive health, discrimi- found high levels of inequality in countries in the nation, and violence. Despite these challenges, she region. She also stated that not all citizens exercise confirmed that there has been progress on women’s their rights to the fullest because the political elites do access to education in Latin America and the not work for the citizens, but for their own particular Caribbean, particularly as reflected in the quantity of interests, while also not being transparent as nongov- girls enrolled to attend schools. Ms. Donadio men- ernmental organizations demand. Ms. Sanhuesa indi- tioned that there have also been advances regarding cated that in her view this is why the political elites obtaining quotas for political positions for women lose confidence among civil society organizations. despite doubts about the effectiveness of laws pro- In light of this situation, she suggested the need to moting such quotas. She concluded by saying that develop the capacity of civil society to exercise their the discussion must focus on women’s leadership rights to provide input into the formulation of public participation on economic and social issues; the need policies. Similarly, she suggested the need to develop to reconsider women’s participation within civil soci- the capacity of the public and private sectors to do ety; the need to overcome the issue of stereotypes the same, coupled with the need to promote access of women; and the need to promote the inclusion of to public information and accountability of public offi- women in discussions of political matters without cials. She underscored the existence of prejudices excluding men from the debate. against citizen participation, one of them being that The second presentation, by Ruben Fernandez, it creates anarchy. She said this school of thought is focused on governance, democracy, and development false because including civil society demonstrates the in the region. He began by saying that there are five government’s good intention to be inclusive. threats to governance and democracy that he consid- Ms. Sanhuesa concluded her presentation by ers the most critical: emphasizing the importance of building a common › Unfulfilled democracy promises. regional agenda for the Latin America and Caribbean › The authoritative culture within civil society and the Network for Democracy that would be focused on State. the quality of democracy and would seek to improve contact with donors and financial institutions, and › The process of “re-centralization,” which is reflect- to improve relationships among members of the LAC ed by having executive powers without oppositional Network. powers, with the results that: Hans Tippenhauer spoke in his presentation about › presidents have broad powers and there is no the challenges and opportunities in Latin America and one to either confront or challenge them; the Caribbean. He said that there is significant pover- › there are weak transfers of national power to

56 Wo r l d Mo v e m e n t for De m o c r a c y | Kyiv, Ukraine, April 6–9, 2008 Making Democracy Work: From Principles to Performance ty and inequality today, which are products of an indi- corruption, among others, and he proposed the cre- vidualist society. Nevertheless, there is acceptance ation of an institute to combat corruption. of democracy as the best form of government even Carlos Ponce provided in his presentation some though the beneficial changes do not reach everyone. background on the creation of the Latin America and Stressing that it is of utmost importance to improve Caribbean Democracy Network. He said the LAC the basic conditions for the of the population, Network was created as a place for civil society orga- Mr. Tippenhauer stipulated those conditions as an nizations in the region to exchange ideas for promot- organized civil society, on the one hand, and a strong, ing democracy. He said it is essentially a network for fair and efficient state, on the other. While the first is information, and highlighted Elisabeth Ungar’s efforts, the product of proactive individuals, the second con- since the Fourth Assembly, to create the LAC Network. dition is mostly sought by more passive and reactive Mr. Ponce also provided background on the meeting individuals, also known as the silent majority. These in Panama, noted above, where the LAC Network was differences could create a clashing environment launched. Funds were raised for representatives from between them. However, the most important thing is some 80 civil society organizations from the region to to create a convergence of the two. participate. He indicated that as a result of the meet- Mr. Tippenhauer also emphasized the need to cre- ing, activities are being undertaken by people in sub- ate new leadership, such as: networks, which were created at the Panama meeting. › Conscious social leadership that fosters wider, Following the presentations, the workshop par- better, and more responsible citizen participation to ticipants engaged in discussion during which they resolve problems; expressed their perspectives on the issues raised › Conscious economic leadership aimed at, for in the presentations and on the future direction and example, the creation of technical training programs work of the Latin America and Caribbean Democracy for workers; and Network. The discussion on the latter was rich with opinions, analyses, and considerations. While no › Conscious political leadership that can provide consensus emerged on the LAC Network’s existence training for political parties in conducting internal and function, there was the expectation that further primary elections for their choices of candidates for discussion and debate following the Assembly would public office. clarify its objectives. He also attached great importance to securing the Finally, several participants stressed the need to representation of minority groups and the need to improve relations between civil society and political address problems of extreme poverty, ignorance, and parties through better dialogue.

Middle East and North Africa

Organizer: Rapporteur: Presenters: Network of Democrats in the Obaida Fares – Syria Haytham Manna – Syria Arab World Emad Shahin – Egypt Moderator: Mohammad Nassib – Afghanistan Radwan Masmoudi – Tunisia Slaheddine Jourchi – Tunisia Mokhtar Benabdallaoui – Morocco

This regional workshop was attended by democracy Islamic-oriented movements have expanded their and human rights activists from across the region and platforms and political agendas to accommodate fun- the international community. There was a consensus damental democratic values and to take part willingly that the past two years were full of frustrating and in the legal frameworks of their nation-states, such serious setbacks in the region, but that demands for as electoral processes and civil society activities. genuine change and reform are increasing. Furthermore, there are many new local and regional Among the positive trends, NGOs in the Arab World initiatives to support democracy in the Arab world and are becoming more efficient and well organized, and to support democracy movements in Arab and other

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regional countries. The presenters noted that despite many international donors often choose to deal with the overwhelming power of governments in the region, those GONGOs, and this has further weakened civil they are still dysfunctional and ineffective at addressing society in the region. the political or economic problems facing their people. There are, however, many new challenges and dif- Recommendations ficulties that should be recognized and addressed. › Priority should be given to strengthening the rule of Most parliaments in the region are weak, ineffec- law, the independence of the judiciary, and protection tive, and dominated by the ruling political party. The of human rights defenders. majority of the people in the region know what they › want (democracy, freedom of expression, freedom of The participation of women should be encouraged, organization, freedom of assembly, etc.), but they have and women’s rights should be integrated into civil no clear idea about the mechanisms to achieve these society programs. goals. Unfortunately, this applies to the political and › Democracy programs should be sensitive to the intellectual elites as well. In the past few years, cur- cultural environment and respect cultural and reli- rent governments have gained new skills in dealing gious norms. with democratic movements and have begun using › Regardless of electoral outcomes, current electoral more sophisticated techniques to weaken and con- processes should be maintained and consolidated, strain NGOs. Controversies surrounding the war on and domestic and international monitoring of upcom- terror, such as treatment of detainees at Guantanamo ing elections in the region should be supported. Bay, have been used by regimes in the region to justify › There is a need to engage moderate Islamists in their own violations of human rights and rule of law. networks with democrats to advocate civic and plural- In general, the war in Iraq has had a negative effect ist agendas and to strengthen democratic processes. on democratic movements in the region, because Arab governments have used the devastation of the › Cross-border networks of civil society activists war to make people lose faith in democracy. Across working on human rights should be encouraged. the region, youth are losing faith in political life, elec- › Participants in the workshop call upon the interna- tions, and peaceful participation as a way to achieve tional community to reaffirm and increase its support meaningful reform or sustainable development. There for human rights and civil society movements in the is growing concern about the proliferation of govern- region and to investigate state security violations ment-supported NGOs, or GONGOs. Unfortunately, against civil society and democracy networks.

Luso-Forum for Democracy

Organizer: Rapporteur: Presenters: Luso-Forum for Democracy Henrique Burnay – Portugal Daviz Simango – Mozambique Moderator: Fátima Monteiro – Portugal Elizabete Azevedo – Portugal Joao Colaço – Mozambique Jacqueline Pitanguy – Brazil

The Luso-Forum for Democracy is a network of people even if not all the goals of this network have been committed to democracy in eight Lusophone coun- attained to date, the main objective is being achieved: tries: Angola, Mozambique, São Tomé e Príncipe, networking, sharing of information, developing coop- Cape Verde, Guinea Bissau, Brasil, Timor Leste, and erative activities, and launching new projects. Portugal. The Luso-Forum has promoted the inclu- Three issues were raised during the workshop: sion of participants from several of these countries in › the previous three World Movement assemblies, and How to address the need for education and profes- has organized workshops at the assemblies that have sional development in the fields of politics, democ- sought to enhance democracy within this community racy, and good governance; of Portuguese-speaking people. › The importance of a market where fair competition Prior to this workshop, participants agreed that is a reality for enhancing the middle class and entre-

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preneurship in order to help consolidate democratiza- Based on the workshop discussion and a desire tion; and for stronger cooperation, participants decided to › The fact that of the eight Lusophone countries promote an advanced studies program in democracy in the network, only three have shown consistent and good governance that would bring together insti- achievements regarding political and civil liberties. tutions of higher education, civic organizations, and local governments. The program would target young In light of these issues, participants agreed that professionals and academics, as well as democracy the increased development of a network like the practitioners. It was also suggested that the pro- Luso-Forum is very much needed. In fact, the Luso- gram address the concerns of the participants about Forum has invited the Institute of Political Studies the need to enhance political and civil liberties and at the Portuguese Catholic University, which serves the importance of free and fair competition in the as the Luso-Forum secretariat, to reach cooperative economy. At the conclusion of the workshop, the agreements with institutions of higher education in Luso-Forum agreed on efforts to increase the number Mozambique and Cape Verde. of new participants. Functional Networking Network of Democracy Research Institutes: Improving Democratic Governance

Organizers: Moderators: Presenters: Network of Democracy Research Ilko Kucheriv – Ukraine Ahmed Bilal Mehboob – Pakistan Institutes – NDRI Larry Diamond – U.S. Grigorij Mezesnikov – Slovakia Democratic Initiatives Foundation of Rapporteur: Elisabeth Ungar – Colombia Ukraine Diego Abente – Paraguay

In his opening presentation at this workshop, Ahmed According to Mr. Mehboob, PILDAT conducts a Bilal Mehboob of the Pakistan Institute of Legislative wide array of activities aimed at building the capacity Development and Transparency (PILDAT) explained of the Parliament to fulfill its democratic role, including that PILDAT emerged in response to the Pakistani substantive briefings, training sessions, and trips to Parliament’s failure to appropriately perform its countries with consolidated legislative bodies, such as three main functions: representation, legislation, and India, Great Britain, Germany, and the United States. oversight. This parliamentary weakness had as a In his presentation, Grigorij Mezesnikov of the counterpart an excessive concentration of power Institute for Public Affairs remarked that Slovakia in the Executive. For example, in the last five years experienced a similar situation, not so much due to the Parliament passed 50 acts, while the Executive, institutional arrangements, but due to an informal but resorting to decree powers, has put 71 pieces of effective “tyranny of the majority.” This tendency legislation in place. Similarly, the budget, brokered of becoming an illiberal democracy was, ironically, outside the Parliament, was discussed and approved broadened by the space provided by the EU and uti- in 15-17 days, without Parliament having the power lized by populist and neo-authoritarian parties. As a of considering any substantial modifications. Within result, he said, Slovakia is experiencing a worsening the general budget, the military budget is approved situation in terms of corruption, lack of transparency, as a one-line sum of money, which further deprives state intervention, the rise of narrow ethnic agendas, the Parliament of exercising any meaningful control. and the danger of important reforms achieved over the This lack of an appropriate equilibrium between the last decade being reversed. branches of government is compounded by the inex- perience of the legislators. For example, in the 2002 In her presentation, Elisabeth Ungar of Congreso elections, 90 percent of the office holders were new, Visible addressed the case of Colombia, where a simi- because a law had gone into effect that requires MPs lar process of concentrating power in the Executive to hold university degrees. and weakening the Legislature has taken place. The problem in Colombia is compounded by two fac-

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tors: On the one hand, there is a strong link between popular support for illiberal democracy. Roughly one- congressional sectors and paramilitary forces and/ third of Colombians polled see Congress as a nuisance or different drug-trafficking cartels. Twenty percent and prefer that the President ignore or bypass it. of the current members of Congress have been for- A lively discussion following the presentations mally charged with such links, and half of them have addressed the issues raised above, but also empha- their cases pending before the Supreme Court. Only sized the so-called “liberal dimensions,” such as two parties, the left-wing Polo Democratico and the human rights, integrity, transparency, horizontal Christian MIRA, have no members involved in this accountability, checks and balances, the rule of law, scandal. On the other hand, the growing erosion of and the independence of the Judiciary. the legitimacy of the Congress has led to considerable

Democracy Assistance Foundations: Developing an Agenda for Cooperation—What are the Current Priorities?

Organizer: Rapporteur: Presenters: National Endowment for Michael Allen – U.K. Mohsen Marzouk – Tunisia Democracy – NED Kristina Prunerová – Czech Republic Moderator: Roland Rich – Australia David Lowe – U.S. Kenneth Wollack – U.S.

Democracy assistance foundations are proliferat- does), by being appropriately modest in their claims, ing even while a backlash against democracy is and by improving decision-making processes by underway. The UN Democracy Fund’s Roland Rich enhancing transparency and devolving decisions and described this as a “parallel process,” which has seen initiatives to grantees and local activists. According the emergence of foundations like his own and new to Mr. Rich, they should also learn to accept legitimate European, Arab, and Canadian initiatives, while at the criticism gracefully or “cop it sweet” as they say in his same time democracy assistance is under attack. It native Australia. is being assailed by the usual suspects, of course— Mohsen Marzouk called himself a “new kid on authoritarian and dictatorial regimes—but also from the block” as director of the recently formed Arab within the democratic world by academics and jour- Democracy Foundation. Recently appointed to lead nalists who claim democracy promotion is merely a the Foundation, an initiative launched at a meeting of cover for the pursuit of national interests. over 500 Arab democracy activists in Doha last May, The problem, Mr. Rich argued, is that they are part- he is new to the job, but his experience as an activist ly right. Most foundations use public funds (taxpayer and grantee led him to identify some key challenges money), and the politicians who make such funds for the democracy assistance community: available must demonstrate that the expenditures are › There is wasteful “negative competition” for cost effective. They must demonstrate that such work resources. Donors often fund the same groups and is ultimately for the benefit of their citizens at home, so do not even exchange information at the local level. this work can never be entirely altruistic or disinter- In short, unscrupulous grantees often claim differ- ested. ent grants and get paid twice (or more) for the same A related problem is the fact that growing competi- activity. A lack of information-sharing among grant- tion and lobbying for funds has led some politicians ees means they lack knowledge of funding sources. and NGOs to claim credit for democratic transitions › In the Arab world in particular, too many NGOs are and other achievements that rightly belongs to local predatory rather than strategic; in other words, they activists. Academic analysts of transitions also tend shift their focus from, say, women’s rights to “good to overstate the role of external agencies. governance,” depending on the availability of funds, Democracy assistance foundations could learn not on real needs or public demand. There is a grow- from the experience of the development community ing contrast between elitist, well-funded urban NGOs by emphasizing local ownership (as the World Bank that too often have little real impact and more sponta-

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neous, but under-funded, popular or social movements made 25 years ago. “Making democracy work” is a that have genuine support and reflect real needs. key priority: democracies must be able to deliver and › There is a need to “institutionalize good practice” meet people’s real material needs, and in this respect through an “e-network” of democracy foundations. improved partnerships with the development commu- The network could also establish a code of conduct, nity would help. identifying best practices on relations with grantees, Democracies have also been weakened by the transparency, evaluation methodologies, etc., and poor performance of those intermediary agencies foster greater information exchanges and local or between state and civil society—parties, parliaments, regional partnerships. and politicians—that democracy assistance too often Due to their experience with authoritarian rule, overlooks or fails to support adequately. While sup- post-communist states are showing greater enthu- portive of improved information-sharing and coop- siasm for providing democracy assistance than eration among democracy assistance foundations, many long-established democracies, said Kristina Mr. Wollack said he is against coordination that, he Prunerova, program manager of the European believes, means groups can only move at the pace of Partnership for Democracy. The foundation— the slowest member. launched in Brussels in April 2008 at a meeting hosted In a rich and nuanced discussion, workshop par- by former Czech dissident and President Vaclav Havel ticipants focused on the shortcomings and merits of and José Manuel Barroso, president of the European evaluation (great in theory, methodologically limited in Commission—is an initiative of 15 European democ- practice); the issue of “national interest” (problematic racy groups that believe it can improve cooperation, for governments, less so for civil society and smaller, allow for the exchange of lessons and best practices, post-authoritarian states); the need for transparency serve as a funding mechanism, and provide a common (limited to ensure it does not endanger vulnerable front in lobbying or other relationships with EU institu- activists); donor-grantee relations (rather than rely tions and national governments. on donors, grantees should form their own consortia Democracy is a “core European value,” Ms. for evaluating projects); and information-sharing and Prunerova said, but the EU and most member states communications (don’t reinvent the wheel, but use, are too hesitant to promote democracy energetically for example, the Democracy Digest, an information in policy and in practice. Ms. Prunerova hopes the resource of the World Movement for Democracy). new foundation will provide a more flexible and tar- The session concluded with a call to the World geted funding facility than current EU instruments, Movement for Democracy to conduct research for and which are exceedingly bureaucratic and do not allow publish a report addressing some of the substantive for funding unregistered groups (for instance, groups challenges facing democracy assistance foundations. that are denied registration by authoritarian rulers are At a time when the field is the subject of critique and not eligible for funding through EU programs like the reassessment, such a report can survey the field, European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights). assess which approaches to assistance have proven Democracy has become a pejorative word in most effective and which ones less so, and make the some quarters, according to Kenneth Wollack of case for democracy assistance that is serious enough the National Democratic Institute, and polite society to influence key external stakeholders, including seems to prefer good governance or rule of law as policy makers and opinion shapers. The Czech gov- euphemisms for the “D-word.” This is because the ernment will assume the EU presidency in 2009, and mistaken conflation of democracy promotion with the will likely convene a conference to review the field of Iraq war and regime change has not only aided the democracy assistance to which the report can make a autocrats’ propaganda, but has led some “realist” valuable contribution. analysts in the West, citing the aftermath of recent elections in Egypt, Palestinian territories, Iraq, and Lebanon, to suggest it is dangerously idealistic. Mr. Wollack therefore suggested that the democ- racy assistance community should “press the reset button” and outline the case for what we do—for which there is a compelling rationale—just as it was

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Global Network on Local Governance

Organizer: Moderator: Presenters: Institute of Social Sciences (India) George Mathew – India Ash Narain Roy – India – GNLG Secretariat Rapporteur: Rama Naidu – South Africa Jae-chun Won – South Korea Carlos Ponce – Venezuela

This workshop included 60 participants from more › Creating and managing a database of organizations than 20 different countries, and the moderator, George working in the field; Mathew of the Institute of Social Sciences in India, › Publishing a newsletter; which serves as the secretariat of the Global Network › Organizing study tours; and on Local Governance (GNLG), began by providing the background of the network and its basic framework. › Linking with existing local governance networks. The GNLG, he said, seeks to strengthen local democ- Ash Narian Roy, also of the Institute of Social racy by offering a forum at the regional and global lev- Sciences, presented a progress report on the GNLG els to politically empower disadvantaged groups and since its last gathering at the Fourth Assembly in to promote accountable, participative, and transparent Istanbul in 2006. Since that time, the GNLG has local government. The GNLG includes practitioners launched its Web site (www.gnlg.org) and created a of local government, democracy activists, experts, GNLG Newsletter that catalogues not only success research institutions, party members, locally-oriented stories from various parts of the world, but also pro- NGOs, and concerned citizens. vides a platform for practitioners to share their experi- ences. Objectives Rama Naidu of the Democracy Development › To develop an understanding of local governance; Program in South Africa reviewed the activities of the GNLG and shared a strategy to take it forward. He › To provide participants with an interface to network called for convening biennial working conferences and share information; across continents, and strengthening regional and › To promote a culture of good governance; and local chapters. › To build alliances, partnerships, and networks with Carlos Ponce of Asociacion Civil Consorcio Justicia cities, municipalities, academic centers, research in Venezuela shared experiences from Latin America, institutions, and civil society organizations engaged in and pointed out that the backbone of democracy is practices, study, research, and advocacy in the field decentralization and local self-governance. of local democracy. Discussion Themes Strategies › The need to develop youth leadership; › To disseminate information and good practices; › Demands for capacity building of local citizen lead- › To provide support for local governance advocacy; ership; › To document success stories; › The need for funding and support from the global › To provide capacity-building training and programs; community; and › The need for a white paper on local governance; › To encourage active participation of underprivi- › The need for creating a standard and an index for leged sections of society, particularly women and local governance; other marginalized groups. › The question of who provides functional needs (law enforcement, garbage collection, etc.) when govern- Activities ment fails; › Acting as a clearinghouse for information on local › Difficulties caused by having different parties governance; in local governments, on the one hand, and in the

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national government, on the other; Annan, former UN Secretary General, stated that › The importance of training political candidates for no nation is born a democracy, that democracy is a their participation in the political process; and universal right that does not belong to any country or region, and that participatory governance, based › Creating connections between donor organizations on the will of the people, is the best path to freedom, and projects in the field. growth and development. Bottom-up participation and downward accountability will bring back confi- Conclusion dence and trust in democracy. We must press on. We are moving into a world where we need more As Rabindranath Tagore said, sometimes the few are global governance, not a global government. Kofi more than the many.

World Youth Movement for Democracy

Moderator: Rapporteur: Presenters: Anastasia Nikitina, World Youth Konstantin Baranov – Russia Anna Dobrovolskaya – Russia Movement for Democracy – Russia Tapera Kapuya – Zimbabwe Andrey Yurov – Russia

This workshop brought together about 30 partici- their own proposals for making the work of the WYMD pants from democracy groups working with youth more effective and to develop it further as a strong from around the world. Anna Dobrovolskaya, World community of activists worldwide. Youth Movement for Democracy (WYMD) execu- Tapera Kapuya, a Working Group member from tive secretary, began by reviewing the history and Zimbabwe, focused on the role that the Youth current status of the WYMD. She noted that at the Movement can play in the African region. He remind- World Movement’s Third Assembly in Durban in 2004 ed participants that young people make up nearly the WYMD was established as the youth “wing” of two-thirds of the continent’s population and that the World Movement. Until 2007, its secretariat was they encounter many problems ranging from poverty based at the Global Youth Action Network (GYAN) to armed conflict. There is thus an urgent need for Latin American headquarters in São Paulo, Brazil, but wider spaces for youth dialogue focused on solving it was transferred to the International Youth Human such problems, as well as for a solidarity network Rights Movement office in Kyiv, Ukraine. This devel- to respond to existing challenges facing democracy opment was thus seen as an opportunity to develop activists. He stressed that the WYMD does not belong the youth network in Central/Eastern Europe-Eurasia to the secretariat or the Working Group, but to the where it is not yet very strong; the WYMD has about participants who should decide the issues on which 5,000 participants from all over the world, but mainly in the WYMD should focus in the coming years. Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. Andrey Yurov, a Working Group member from The secretariat previously played the role of facili- Russia, outlined what he sees as the key ques- tating communications and exchanges of information tion facing the WYMD: whether it should merely be among WYMD participants and bringing new young an appendage to the “adult” World Movement for people into the democracy movement. According to Democracy (similar to political parties’ youth chapters) recent decisions of the Working Group (the WYMD’s or should create a new generation of activists with steering body), however, the new secretariat staff its own agenda that can be proposed to the World sees its mission as developing the WYMD as a “net- Movement. He also stressed the need for defining work of networks,” both topical and regional, that will the key topics on which activities on the global and help create concrete activities. Therefore, a list of regional levels should focus, as well as for young vol- project ideas that might be developed either globally unteers to build the WYMD rather than waiting for the or regionally was presented to the workshop partici- moment when they can join something already well- pants. structured and strong. If the latter, at the next World The participants were also asked to contribute Movement assembly in two years, only the addition of

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an extra thousand people subscribed to the WYMD newsletter will be evident, with little more to show. The discussion that followed lent support to the idea that the WYMD should have its own agenda, and that as a youth movement it can be more innovative compared to the “adult” one. It should address young people in their own language through appropriate ver- bal and visual means. Participants also urged that the WYMD make use of existing mechanisms on the regional level to advance its work (for example, WYMD participants in Africa might tie their work to the African Democracy Forum, the World Movement’s network in Africa). How can the WYMD help bring young people Moreover, the need to focus on regional-specific into the global democracy movement? topics and activities, in addition to global ones, was emphasized, since generating the commitment of There are three levels of a “pyramid of involvement” young people to the values of democracy may be more that should result in more active participation of youth realistic on the regional level than on the global one. in public life: › Another issue raised by participants is the difficulty Awareness-raising (informational campaigns using of confronting authoritarian youth movements, which social networks, both existing and specially created, are based on very simple messages that appeal to organizing special events around meaningful dates, youth and attract thousands of young people. It was etc.); noted that if the WYMD really wants to oppose all › Democracy education (creating a database of types of fundamentalism (generally understood as methods, providing a virtual library, organizing intern- attempts to propose simple answers to very compli- ships, establishing regional schools on human rights cated challenges in the modern world), then it cannot and democracy and distance-learning courses, etc.); do so by employing its own fundamentalist appeals and and methods. Rather, it must employ a “humanist” › Practical activities (participating in and organizing response by seeking thoughtful responses to new public actions, etc.). challenges and avoiding simple answers. How can support be provided to the WYMD? Recommendations › Provide grants to youth initiatives; Following the introductory discussion, the workshop › Help improve the WYMD Web site; participants divided into working groups to discuss the › Expand the number of those participating in the specific issues related to the strategy of developing WYMD’s essay contests; and the WYMD. The following proposals were offered by the respective groups: › Deepen individual participation in the Youth Movement. What should be the focus of the WYMD? It was proposed in conclusion that the WYMD › Strategic nonviolent civic resistance (with a special launch a campaign for freedom of association in sup- role for women); port of young activists in different countries who face for membership or participation in unreg- › Identifying pro-democracy activists using all tech- istered organizations, and a “Youth for Defending Civil nological means available; Society” initiative, based on the World Movement’s › Transferring knowledge using all technological Defending Civil Society project. In addition, the need means available; for genuine democracy education was emphasized to › Bringing younger people into the WYMD manage- promote the idea that democracy is not a matter just ment; and for politicians, but a lifestyle for every person to fol- › Strengthening democracy. low.

64 Wo r l d Mo v e m e n t for De m o c r a c y | Kyiv, Ukraine, April 6–9, 2008 Making Democracy Work: From Principles to Performance

International Women’s Democracy Network

Organizer: Moderator: Rapporteurs: Women’s Learning Partnership for Jacqueline Pitanguy – Brazil Christina Halstead – U.S. Rights, Development, and Peace – Bunmi Dipo-Salami – Nigeria IWDN Secretariat

The International Women’s Democracy Network women political leaders, is often biased and must be (IWDN) convened its Third General Assembly at the transformed; World Movement’s Fifth Assembly. The workshop was › Alliances should be forged with women and men attended by women and men from 28 countries who who are in positions to influence the cause of women were tasked with arriving at a consensus on concrete to ensure gender justice; strategies for the network to move forward. The ses- › Gender equality must be made a key indicator and sion began with a short history of the IWDN and an a case for it must be made when engaging with other overview of past achievements. Participants then stakeholders; contributed to a discussion on women’s agency in the promotion of democracy. They offered assessments › The capacity of women to monitor international UN on why women must have a role in democracy and instruments must be developed so they are aware of what the participation of women in democracy means mechanisms for their well being and equal citizenship in the context of each participant’s country. (this will enable women to hold their governments accountable); and Key Points › Young people must be involved through mentoring, exposure to issues, skills building in public speaking, › There is no democracy without the participation of and a variety of other strategies. women; The IWDN Secretariat at the Women’s Learning › Women’s issues are central to the issues of democ- Partnership for Rights, Development, and Peace (WLP) racy and citizenship; has created an Online Resource Center at the request › Increasing women’s participation in government of network members, and it was officially launched at is beneficial not only to increase numbers, but, more this workshop. importantly, because they can impact the pedagogical issues in society; Ideas for Online › Biology is not the determining factor—that is, being Resource Center a woman does not necessarily guarantee advocacy › for women’s issues; Strategize ways to include those populations who do not have access to the Internet; › Developing the leadership capacity of women is › essential to improve the quality of leadership and Add information in different languages; to ensure that the practice of leadership embodies › Link to UN covenants and resolutions, such as democratic ideals and values; Resolution 1325 and the International Covenant on › Democracy is inclusive of many different facets, Civil and Political Rights; such as economic empowerment, post-conflict recon- › Add a section, “Unsung Sheros,” to highlight wom- struction, poverty alleviation, and violence against en’s achievements in democracy activism; and women, among others; › Support network members’ campaigns on women › Laws and constitutional guarantees of gender and democracy, and, in particular, send letters of sup- equality must be implemented where they exist, and port to women campaigning for political positions. where they do not, gender parity measures may be necessary (instead of advocating for 33 percent quo- Recommendations for Future Plans tas, it was recommended that women demand 50 per- › Produce a manual on best practices of women’s polit- cent); ical participation, especially in transitional countries; › The portrayal of women in the media, particularly of › Send a message to our World Movement for

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Democracy colleagues that outlines the need for IWDN activities are coordinated at the national full inclusion of women in every workshop at future and regional levels by the six regional focal point assemblies; organizations. The role of a regional focal point orga- › Encourage network members to build solidarity by nization is to act as a liaison to the secretariat and working together around a common project, such as regional organizations. The regional focal points from by implementing skills-building workshops for women the Caucasus and Central Asia (Women’s Network using WLP’s Leading to Choices manual, available “Working Together”), the Middle East (Sisterhood Is in 17 languages, for empowering women to take on Global Institute/Jordan), Africa (BAOBAB for Women’s leadership roles in their families, communities, and at Human Rights), and Eastern Europe (Kharkiv Center political levels; and for Women’s Studies) shared their best practices and achievements over the last two years. Monica › Make regional focal points responsible for dissemi- Hernandez de Phillips volunteered to represent the nating materials from the network to those organiza- Latin America region, as there was previously no tions that do not have access to the Internet. regional focal point for that region.

International Knowledge Network of Women in Politics (iKNOW Politics)

Organizer: Moderator: Presenters: National Democratic Institute-NDI Kristin Haffert – U.S. The Honorable Nursanita Nasution (U.S.) Rapporteur: – Indonesia Meredith Katz – U.S. The Honorable Cvetanka Ivanova – Macedonia The Honorable Awut Deng Acuil – Southern Sudan

This workshop, focused on the International economic rights. They discussed ways in which their Knowledge Network of Women in Politics (iKNOW involvement in politics has allowed them to impact the Politics), opened with a brief demonstration of the development of their countries. In her presentation, iKNOW Politics Web site (www.iKNOWPolitics.org) Minister Awut Deng Acuil of Southern Sudan (where by moderator Kristin Haffert, director of Women’s a has been fought for over two decades, Programs at NDI. The iKNOW Politics initiative resulting in the death of over two million people and is a technology-enabled forum designed to serve the displacement of twice as many), explained how the needs of elected officials, candidates, political she has lobbied for the inclusion of women’s voices in party leaders and members, researchers, students, the transitional government. For example, she lobbied and other practitioners interested in increasing the her party (SPLM) leader to include women ministers participation and effectiveness of women in politi- in his cabinet (in fact, three women ministers—of cal life. The Web site was created in 2007 by NDI, Health, Energy, and Agriculture—were chosen when UNDP, UNIFEM, International IDEA, and the Inter- the transitional government was formed). Minister Parliamentary Union, and is available in French, Acuil and her colleagues have also been able to main- Spanish, and English; it will be available in Arabic stream gender policy in the 2003 drafting of the new in early 2009. The presentation on iKNOW Politics Constitution. She described not only her accomplish- featured the Web site’s resources, such as training ment of helping to establish a constitutional gender materials and reports, ongoing news feeds, forums for quota of 25 percent in Parliament, but talked about mediated discussion, and the sharing of experiences holding the government accountable to this commit- via an extensive expert network. ment. Today, over 150 of Sudan’s MPs are women. Following this introduction, three prominent women At the state level, 17 of the ministries are headed by parliamentarians presented the experiences and women. strategies they have used as legislators and activists The Honorable Nursanita Nasution of Indonesia fighting on behalf of women’s political, social, and noted in her presentation the significant cultural

66 Wo r l d Mo v e m e n t for De m o c r a c y | Kyiv, Ukraine, April 6–9, 2008 Making Democracy Work: From Principles to Performance and structural problems that constrain women from about gender issues and respect the laws and pro- achieving greater political representation. She high- grams dedicated to women. lighted the Indonesian Women’s Caucus (KPPI), a › Including men in the drafting of gender-sensitive multi-party organization of which she was a founder, policy helps to increase their “buy-in” to the process. which has been able to improve gender parity by › The media has a responsibility to advocate for utilizing rule of law to advocate for women’s roles in women’s rights and to promote women candidates; politics. She also stated the importance of networking involving the media in outreach activities by women among women to build key partnerships and to ensure politicians can help achieve this. there are always women supporting women’s issues who can be present in parliamentary meetings. Ms. › It is good for women to create alliances across dif- Nasution emphasized the importance of networking ferent sectors of the population: the media, political with the media to promote women’s issues and talked parties, the citizenry, etc. It is also helpful for women about addressing gender roles within the home to to reach out to women from other regions of the world combat the traditional and religious stereotypes of to share their experiences and to provide inspiration women that impede their full participation in public and advice to one another. It is important for women life. to advocate for each other. A lawyer by training, the Honorable Cvetanka › Gender sensitization can take place in various set- Ivanova of Macedonia discussed how she has used tings. For example, it can be practiced by challenging legislation to bring women’s rights to the forefront of traditional gender roles in the family, in schools, and society and to fight for women’s positive discrimina- in adult training programs. tion. One of her major efforts has been to ensure that › Gender laws must be tailored to each country, election law includes a quota for positive discrimina- depending on the culture, religion, and history, to tion of 30 percent for women in Parliament. Although ensure that these factors are not used to excuse dis- the laws she fought for, such as the quota law, were crimination against women. not always abided, Ms. Ivanova and the women of › It is important to have female members of gov- Macedonia pushed on, guaranteeing that women ernment with diverse portfolios so they are present were included on the ballot and ultimately ensuring across the policy-making spectrum. that seats were granted to women by law. Today, women comprise 37 percent of the Macedonian › Religion is not unfriendly to women; it is just often Parliament. Ms. Ivanova also mentioned how the politicized and used as a tool for discrimination. In formation of a women’s caucus in the Macedonian places where Shari’ a law has been used to contra- Parliament assisted women in their efforts to pass leg- dict empowerment of women, it is important to have islation on women’s issues in her country. In addition a constitution that maintains the equality of women. to the quota, the caucus has worked to pass an equal The rule of law and vibrant constitutions can be used opportunity law for men and women and successfully to ensure the rights of women and to promote their advocated for diverting 1 percent of the gambling tax equality throughout all areas of public policy. revenue to fund a women’s shelter and related pro- › It is important that women understand their right to grams. initiate policy from the grassroots, such as in local or regional referenda. Observations and Recommendations › Women Members of Parliament should ensure that › Every policy issued by law-making bodies of the they are transparent, in regular communication with government should be gender sensitive, and legal their communities, and responsive to the needs of documents should include gender-sensitive language; their constituents. such laws must be monitored to ensure their imple- › International organizations should run training mentation. programs for women to help build their capacity. It › Positive discrimination for women (i.e., quotas) is is possible for women Members of Parliament to help an important tool for achieving gender parity in gover- facilitate these efforts. nance. › Women’s networks should be built to approach › Including men, such as Members of Parliament, in and network informally with community leaders. Ms. gender programs is important so they, too, can learn Nasution provided the example from Indonesia of

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the religious-based groups, called majelis ta’lim, and › Institutions, such as the police force, the army, etc., family- and neighborhood-based communities, called should have at least 25 percent women in their work- arisan, which influence the opinions of the general forces and should be held accountable for upholding population. In reaching out to the leaders of these this percentage. groups, women can present and build support for the In general, there was recognition that iKNOW issues they care about. Politics can be a useful tool for building a network in › Women should hold elected and appointed officials situations where individuals are unable to travel to accountable to women’s issues. For instance, when see one another or where contact between people is a country’s president gives a policy address, women dangerous, difficult, and costly. Many women in the should ensure that every policy addresses women’s workshop expressed interest in joining the Web site concerns. When the president makes appointments, and network as consultants or members to enable women should demand gender equality in the appoint- them to further address many of the issues listed ments. above.

Technologies for Democracy Workshop Using New Technologies for Advancing Democracy

Organizers: Moderator: Presenters: Malaysiakini (Malaysia) Premesh Chandran – Malaysia Rakhee Goyal – India Foundation for Education for Rapproteur: Adam Tolnay – U.S. Democracy (Poland) Grzegorz Zajaczkowski – Poland Manuel Desdin –

This workshop focused on the potential of Internet- The second methodology is to use high-tech related projects to advance democracy and on a new approaches to target particular audiences, including: Web-based portal in Poland for international coopera- › Specialized technical applications to promote coop- tion: www.civicportal.org. The workshop participants eration among various target groups (for example, expressed strong interest in understanding the poten- UK school youth, wimps.org.uk, and the Polish por- tial of new means of electronic communications to tal www.civicportal.org). These Web portals use enhance their activities through the Web. advanced Internet technologies, such as multimedia The workshop’s opening presentations focused on announcement boards, language translation, or a new methods that are available to organizations to tar- combination of the community portal and project man- get various groups. Two ways to reach out to people agement software. around the world were highlighted. One is to use pre- › Technologically advanced portal applications existing instruments, but to maximize their potential to that use informatics along with sociology, psychol- respond to the needs of target groups. These include: ogy, and political science, as demonstrated by the › Using multimedia instruments (for example, projects conducted by the Persuasive Technology YouTube and Flicker) to highlight the activities of vari- Lab at Stanford University. The method of “Mobile ous social groups, especially those that are invisible Persuasion” was also discussed, since it uses the through other types of media; power of TV messages, radio, and a combination of › Building online communities through the use of traditional media and the Internet, as well as methods social networking tools that enable users to find and of persuasion in social networks. Advanced solutions comment on resources (for example, Wordpress and can also be used to support peaceful cooperation and Facebook); understanding between nations by identifying and linking local partners from different countries. For › Other means to enable cooperation, such as Taking example, technologies of persuasion, such as SMS IT Global, Change.org, Witness.org’s Hub, Idealist.org, messaging, are used to increase individual and global etc.).

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health and safety in cooperation with a range of part- the world do not use the Internet, but use other ners, including the Centers for Disease Control and varying means to transfer information that are less Prevention. expensive than satellite transmissions. Participants › Other types of solutions are related to data trans- mentioned that if Internet access was less expensive, mission and electronically secure areas. Participants many countries would rapidly transition to using avail- learned about several high-tech ways of transferring able Web technologies. Participants also recognized data through government blocking. These include the importance of e-training and e-learning, noting the transferring the data by copying the Web portal onto a need for additional Web-based activities. CD-ROM or DVD, or by distributing the data by estab- Finally, the workshop participants agreed to con- lishing centers with printing equipment and providing tinue the discussion by exchanging contacts on the the Web content on paper. Facebook Web site. It was pointed out that many organizations around

Technology Training Sessions Civic Spaces in Cyberspace—Amplifying Our Voices with Blogs and YouTube Videos

Organizer: Facilitators: Women’s Learning Partnership for Usha Venkatachallam of Rights, Development, and Peace Appropriate IT – WLP Ginger Richards of the Democracy Resource Center at the National Endowment for Democracy

This session focused on how democracy activists can impact of their message. use the latest participatory Web 2.0 tools, such as Participants created 10 new blogs to highlight the blogs and YouTube, to share their messages beyond work of their organizations, promote their efforts relat- their constituent bases and on a global scale. The ed to democracy work, and to share their knowledge facilitators, Usha Venkatachallam of Appropriate IT through their social networks. The blogs that were and Ginger Richards of the Democracy Resource created include http://studyofdemocracy.blogspot.com Center at NED, shared with participants some exam- and http://lukaspachta.blogspot.com, among others. ples of how organizations use these free tools to promote human rights (http://polismalaysia.blogspot. By creating these blogs participants recognized com/); to advocate for accountability and transpar- that a variety of technological tools are available ency (http://orangeukraine.squarespace.com/journal/); that can be easily configured to publish and broad- to create video resource platforms (http://youtube. cast their messages to the world without requiring com/user/learningpartnership); and to engage and advanced technical skills. Participants will continue mobilize supporters (http://youtube.com/user/friend- to further develop their blogs. softheearth). Based on exercises from the Women’s Learning Partnership (WLP)’s curriculum, Making IT Our Own: Information and Communication Technology Training of Trainers Manual, each participant walked through the mechanisms for creating a blog and met the facili- tators’ challenge to develop their own blog in under 30 minutes. They located copyright-free images on Flickr and added them to blog postings, and gained skills to embed YouTube videos in their blogs to enhance the

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Virtual Assemblies and Campaigns: Social Networks and ICT Tools for Grassroots and Youth Outreach

Organizer: Facilitators: Women’s Learning Partnership for Usha Venkatachallam of Rights, Development, and Peace Appropriate IT – WLP Ginger Richards of the Democracy Resource Center at the National Endowment for Democracy

Participants in this technology skills-building session › Nature Conservancy—to create awareness about mixed real-world case studies and hands-on activities conservation (www.flickr.com/groups/thenaturecon- to explore the ways in which free social networking servancy) tools can be utilized to create and foster online com- The group discussed such issues as the amount of munities that advocate for democratic change. information that can or should be shared online and Facilitators Usha Venkatachallam of Appropriate how best to maintain privacy and security of online IT and Ginger Richards of the Democracy Resource data. Center at the National Endowment for Democracy Following the discussion and review of tools, par- (NED) used sessions from the Women’s Learning ticipants created their own individual Facebook pro- Partnership (WLP)’s new training curriculum, files and Flickr accounts to enable them to join other Making IT Our Own: Information and Communication organizations’ groups and to create groups for their Technology Training of Trainers Manual, to review two own causes. The discussion made clear that online online social networks – Facebook and Flickr. social networks are an excellent medium for virtual Session participants reviewed Facebook groups assemblies and campaigns. They make it possible created by organizations, such as: to meet new constituencies, connect and strengthen › Burma Watch—to support the monks’ pro- relationships with other activists, recruit those inter- test in Burma (www.facebook.com/group. ested in our issues, coordinate advocacy activities, php?gid=24957770200) and fundraise for campaigns. The possibilities these tools present for democracy activists are therefore › WLP Lebanon/CRTD.A—to advocate for equality immense. As one participant put it, she arrived at the in citizenship laws of Lebanon (www.facebook.com/ training unconvinced that her organization should use group.php?gid=2351659559) social networking tools, but came away a believer in › Flickr photo pools by Oxfam—to petition Starbucks their potential. to pay fair prices to Ethiopian coffee farmers (http:// flickr.com/groups/starbucksphotopetition/pool)

70 Wo r l d Mo v e m e n t for De m o c r a c y | Kyiv, Ukraine, April 6–9, 2008 Making Democracy Work: From Principles to Performance

Openings in Closed Spaces: Effective Email and Web Communication in Restrictive and Non-Restrictive Environments

Organizer: Facilitators: Women’s Learning Partnership for Usha Venkatachallam of Rights, Development, and Peace Appropriate IT – WLP Ginger Richards of the Democracy Resource Center at the National Endowment for Democracy

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) tect sensitive communications. present a host of possibilities for democracy activ- Participants used Skype’s VoIP and conferencing ism. At the same time, authoritarian governments capabilities to communicate and collaborate, while recognize their potential and are therefore increas- also gaining awareness of how peer-to-peer technolo- ingly restricting access and activities in cyberspace. gies provide greater privacy and security than other The challenges posed by these limitations and ways Internet chat programs. The session reviewed email to overcome them were the subject of this technology encryption tools (HushMail - http://www.hushmail. training session. com/); proxy servers that anonymize Web traffic Three lessons from the Women’s Learning (Anonymouse - http://anonymouse.org/); relay net- Partnership (WLP)’s training curriculum, Making IT works for hiding Web site access history (Tor - http:// Our Own: Information and Communication Technology www.torproject.org/); and best practices, such as Training of Trainers Manual, provided the core of using Internet browsing centers away from one’s loca- activities during the session, which was facilitated by tion or creating one-time use Web emails to send sen- Usha Venkatachallam of Appropriate IT and Ginger sitive email messages. Richards of Democracy Resource Center at the Participants were provided with additional learning National Endowment for Democracy (NED): resources to explore, and from which they can select, › Digital Footprints Everywhere; the methods best suited to their situations and con- › Cleaning Up Your Digital Footprints; and texts. These resources included: › › Hiding Your Digital Footprints. Digital Security and Privacy for Human Rights Defenders The session provided a combination of knowledge- http://www.frontlinedefenders.org/manual/en/esec- and skills-building exercises for participants, including man/ an overview of how restrictions (such as blocking, filtering, and censoring) work; the use of anonymiz- › Anonymous Blogging with Wordpress and Tor ing services to access restricted information; practi- http://advocacy.globalvoicesonline.org/tools/guide cal tips on how to remove traces of usage at public › Practical Privacy Tools Internet centers; and ways to encrypt emails to pro- http://epic.org/privacy/tools.html

www.wmd.org 71 Making Democracy Work: From Principles to Performance Participants

emocracy activists, practitioners, and scholars from every Festus Okoye Sebestian Kopulande Human Rights Monitor Zambia Center for region of the world gathered to discuss practical solutions Inter-party Dialogue Dto a wide range of challenges to democracy. Senegal In the following pages, participants are listed according to Penda Mbow Zimbabwe region, country, and then alphabetically by last name. Those Université Cheick Anta Clever Bere Diop de Dakar Zimbabwe National who attended are but a small fraction of the thousands of activ- Students Union ists around the world, so many of whom could not be included Sierra Leone in this Assembly. However, they are as much participants in the Harriett Turay Rindai Chipfunde 50/50 Group Zimbabwe Elections World Movement as those who attended. Many of the participants Support Network took great personal risks to attend the Assembly and some cannot Somalia be listed here for that reason. We wish to thank both those who Tapera Kapuya Omar Faruk Osman World Youth Movement attended and those who were not able to attend for their support, National Union of for Democracy-Africa dedication, and commitment. Somali Journalists Noel Kututwa Hassan Shire Sheikh Zimbabwe Human East and Horn of Africa Rights NGO Forum Ghana Mali Regional Human Rights Africa Defenders Network Johnson Asiedu Oumar Makalou Burani Ncube Cameroon Nketiah Centre d’Etudes et Bulawayo Residents Somaliland Dieudonne Zognong National Democratic Council de Rescherche pour Association Africa Governance Alert la Democratie et le Asmahan Abdelsalam Emmanuel Developpment Nagaad Cape Verde Gyimah-Boadi Ghana Center for Mauritania South Africa Asia/Pacific Fatima Monteiro Democratic Development Institute for Political Aminetou Mint El Paul Graham Mokhtar Institute for Democracy Australia Studies, Catholic Kim Bettcher University of Portugal Kenya Associations des Femmes in South Africa Maina Kiai Chefs de Famille Center for International Private Enterprise Cote d’Ivoire National Commission David McQuoid-Mason on Human Rights Mozambique Centre for Socio- Tessy Bakary Michael Danby Joao Colaco Legal Studies/Street Freedom House House of Representatives Beatrice Kuria Member of the Law South Africa Kenya Human Rights National Assembly Democratic Republic Commission Rama Naidu Clare Doube of Congo CIVICUS: World Alliance Eng Daviz Simango Democracy Development for Citizen Participation Francesca Bomboko Jane Nyaboke Masta Câmara da Beira Programme Bureau d’Etudes, Confederation of Trade de Recherche et de Unions - Kenya Sudan Ben Reilly Consulting International Niger Centre for Democratic Khalid Ikhiri Awut Deng Acuil Susan Njoki Ndungu Institutions Association Nigerien des Ministry of Labour, Public Kitenge Dismas Kenyan National Assembly Droits de l’Homme Service, and Human Group Lotus Resource Development Roland Rich Liberia United Nations Nigeria Democracy Fund Franck Kamunga Uganda Cibangu Theodosia Clark-Wah Olisa Agbakoba Liberian Business African Democracy Forum HURILAWS Livingstone Association Sewanyana Bangladesh Foundation for Human Selima Ahmad Bunmi Dipo-Salami Ethiopia Cecil Griffiths Rights Initiative Bangladesh Women’s Women’s Learning Desta Gebre-Eyesus Liberia National Law Chamber of Commerce Partnership for Rights, Bright Africa Youth Enforcement Association Zambia and Industry Association Development, and Peace Sylvia Chalikosa Bhutan Elizabeth Nelson Rosalie Gould Central Committee in The Gambia National Elections Kinley Dorji BAOBAB for Women’s charge of Commerce Commission Journalist Hannah Forster Human Rights African Centre for Horrance Chilando Democracy and Human Lily Wangchuck Ayo Obe Zambian Center for Rights Studies People’s Democratic Party Steering Committee of Inter-party Dialogue the World Movement for Democracy

72 Wo r l d Mo v e m e n t for De m o c r a c y | Kyiv, Ukraine, April 6–9, 2008 72 Wo r l d Mo v e m e n t for De m o c r a c y | Kyiv, Ukraine, April 6–9, 2008 Making Democracy Work: From Principles to Performance

Burma Indonesia Philippines Somchai Homlaor Vladimir Rimskiy Maureen Aung-Thwin Mufti Makarim Roby Alampay Asian Institute for INDEM Foundation Open Society Institute Al-Akhlaq Southeast Asian Human Rights Institute for Defense, Press Alliance Vitali Silitski U Uttara Security, and Peace Studies Supinya Klangnarong Belarusian Institute for Sasana Ramsi Vihara Teresita Deles Campaign for Popular Strategic Studies Chrysanti Hasibuan INCITEGov Media Reform U Pannya Vamsa Indonesia Business Links Bosnia and Herzegovina International Burmese Jose Luis Martin Vietnam Igor Blazevic Monks Organization Inc. Nursanita Nasution Gascon Vo Van Ai People in Need Foundation Member of Parliament LIBERTAS - Lawyers’ Que Me: Action for Cambodia League for Liberty Democracy in Vietnam Tanja Kremenovic Theary Seng Wahyu Susilo National Democratic Institute Center for Social International NGO Forum on Dyan Aimee Rodriguez Xinjiang/East Turkestan - Bosnia and Herzegovina Development Indonesian Development Office of Representaive Dolkun Isa Teofisto Guingona III World Uyghur Congress Drazen Simic China Japan Association for Promoting Daisuke Iizawa Henry Sabile Rojas Alim Seytoff Transparency in BiH Economy Cai Chongguo Center for Migrant Advocacy China Labour Bulletin Persuasive Technology Uyghur American Association Lab, Stanford University Inc/Migrant Forum in Asia Aleksandar Trifunovic Center for Informative Han Dongfang Singapore Decontamination of Youth China Labour Bulletin Ryota Jonen World Movement Siok Chin Chee Central and for Democracy Alliance for Reform and Omir Tufo Sharon Hom Democracy in Asia Eastern Civil Society Human Rights in China Malaysia Europe Promotion Center Balasubramaniam South Korea Xiaorong Li and Eurasia Bulgaria Institute for Philosophy Alagu Anselmo and Public Policy, Malaysian Trade Seonghoon Lee Armenia Sevdalina Ilevska - University of Maryland Union Congress Asian Forum For Human Anait Bayandur Voynova Rights And Development Armenian National National Democratic Institute - Bulgaria Liu Junning Zainah Anwar Committee of the Helsinki Institute for Chinese Studies Sisters in Islam Jae-chun Won Citizens Assembly - Independent Scholar Handong International Ivan Krastev Premesh Chandran Law School Mikayel Danielyan Center for Liberal Strategies Wu Qing Malaysiakini Helsinki Association Beijing Foreign Sri Lanka Svetlana Lomeva Studies University Swee Seng Yap Kingsley Rodrigo Azerbaijan Bulgarian School of Politics Suara Rakyat Malaysia People’s Action for Free Shahin Abbasov Yang Jianli & Fair Elections IREX Azerbaijan Czech Republic Foundation for China Nepal Olga Hajflerova in the 21st Century Madhu Acharya Taiwan Intigam Aliyev Ministry of Foreign Affairs Antenna Foundation Nepal Yu-hsuan Chang Legal Education Society Hong Kong Taiwan Foundation Jana Hybaskova Joseph Yu-shek Cheng Prakash Bhattarai for Democracy Hikmet Haji-zada Member of European Civic Party Youth Action Nepal Center for Political and Parliament Tun-jen Cheng Economic Research Elizabeth Tang Pakistan College of William and Mary Jan Marian Civic Belarus Hong Kong Confederation Zafarullah Khan Emin Huseynov of Trade Unions Centre for Civic Education Anne Hsiao Institute for Reporter National Chengchi University Freedom and Safety Lukáš Pachta India Office of MEP Jana Ahmed Bilial Mehboob Hybaskova Rakhee Goyal Pakistan Institute of Wenying Hsu Ilgar Mammadov Women’s Learning Legislative Development Taiwan Foundation COALA Partnership for Rights, and Transparency for Democracy Kristina Prunerová Development, and Peace Asim Mollazada People In Need Foundation Syed Muhammad Shah Wen-cheng Lin Democratic Reforms Party/ George Mathew Bar Association of Lahore Taiwan Foundation Euro-Atlantic Center Helena Stohanzlova Institute of Social Sciences for Democracy Ministry of Foreign Affairs Zerxes Spencer Leyla Yunusova Vandita Mishra Reagan-Fascell Fellowship Thailand Institute of Peace Lubos Vesely Indian Express Program, National Thawilwadee and Democracy Association for Endowment for Democracy Bureekul International Affairs Ash Narain Roy King Prajadhipok Institute Belarus Institute of Social Sciences Mohammad Waseem Ludmila Bertosh Georgia Interactive Resource Center Kavi Chongkittavorn Belarusian Institute for David Darchiashvili Usha Venkatachallam The Nation Strategic Studies Open Society Georgia Appropriate IT Foundation

www.wmd.org 73 Making Democracy Work: From Principles to Performance

Julia Kharashvili Moldova Ilona Mihaies Andrey Yurov Yevhen Bystrytsky The Internally Displaced Igor Botan Euroregional Centre Youth Human Rights International Renaissance Persons Women’s Association for Participatory for Democracy Movement Foundation Association Democracy (ADEPT) Livia Melinda Muresan Serbia Aleksander Davy Khechinashvili Ion Manole Association of Andrej Nosov Chekmyshev Partnership for Promo Lex Businesswomen and Youth Initiative for Equal Access Committee Social Initiatives Top Managers Human Rights Svetlana Popel Svitlana Franchuk Maya Melikidze Eco-tiras Russia Slovakia Freedom House - Ukraine Young Republican Institute Konstantin Baranov Nora Benáková Roman Horbyk Montenegro World Youth Movement People in Peril Nino Saakashvili for Democracy World Movement Horizonti Foundation Vanja Calovic for Democracy Network for the Affirmation Martin Butora of NGO Sector - MANS Sergei Belyaev Institute for Public Affairs Kazakhstan UralProfCenter Myroslava Gongadze Gongadze Foundation Raushan Nauryzbayeva Srdjan Darmanovic Balazs Jarábik Development of Civil Society Center for Democracy Nina Belyaeva Foundation for International Lyubomyr Grytsak and Human Rights We, Citizens Relations and External Young Rukh Merkhat Sharibzhanov Dialogue (FRIDE) Radio Free Europe/ Poland Anna Dobrovolskaya Radio Liberty World Youth Movement Grigorij Meseznikov Andriy Gyzhko Julie Boudreaux Vinnitsa Regional Committee for Democracy Institute for Public Affairs Education Society of Youth Organizations Yevgeniy Zhovtis of Malopolska Kazakhstan International Yuri Dzhibladze Lenka Surotchak Olexiy Haran Bureau for Human Rights Center for Development Pontis Foundation Alicja Derkowska of Democracy and Kyiv-Mohila Academy Education Society Human Rights Kosovo of Malopolska Tajikistan Sarah Maliqi Natalya Ivanova Dmitri Makarov Nodira Abdulloeva Free Choice of Luhanshchyna Kosovo Initiative for Agnieszka Gratkiewicz Khudjand Center for Human Rights Moscow Helsinik Group Lech Walesa Institute Human Rights Denis Kobzin Muhamet Mustafa Karinna Moskalenko Kharkiv Institute for Pawel Kazanecki Center for International Nigina Bakhrieva Social Research Riinvest Institute for Eastern European Republican Bureau Developmental Research Protection, Moscow Democracy Centre on Human Rights Andrij Kohut and Rule of Law Anastasia Nikitina Civil Network OPORA Jeta Xharra Aleksandra Kujawska Balkan Investigative World Youth Movement Education for Democracy for Democracy Farrukh Tyurayev Igor Kohut Reporting Network Kosovo Foundation Association of Scientific & Laboratory for Technical Intelligentsia Legislative Initiatives Kyrgyzstan Nikolay Petrov Dorota Mitrus Moscow Carnegie Center Nadira Eshmatova European Institute Turkey Anatoliy Korol Youth Human Rights Group for Democracy Vitaly Ponomarev Murat Belge Ukrainian Trade Memorial Human Helsinki Citizens Assembly Union Federation Valentina Gritsenko Jan Pieklo Rights Center Jalal-Abad Regional Polish-Ukrainian Yilmuz Ensaroglu Tania Kovalenko Human Rights Organization Cooperation Initiative Organisation for Human Solidarity Center - Ukraine Spravedlivost Vera Pronkina Center for Development Rights and Solidarity Agnieszka Pomaska of Local Self-Government for Oppressed People Lilia Kovalyk-Vasiuta Civic Education Tolekan Ismailova and Parliamentary Ukrainian Catholic University Teaching Transparency: Development Center Sanem Guner Citizen Awareness and Elena Ryabinina Turkish Economic and Ilko Kucheriv Anti-Corruption Vladimir Shkolnikov Civic Assistance Committee Social Studies Foundation Democratic Initiatives OSCE - Office for Foundation Lithuania Democratic Institutions Ukraine and Human Rights Yulia Sereda Jolanta Blazaite Ryazan Memorial Society Anatoly Akimochkin Lyudmyla Kudina Community Change Center and Karta Human Rights Grzegorz Zajaczkowski Confederation of Free Youth Alternative Trade Unions of Ukraine Macedonia Education for Democracy Foundation Nina Tagankina Kostyantyn Kvurt Daniela Dimitrievska Moscow Helsinki Group Irina Bekeshkina Internews Ukraine Macedonia Women’s Lobby Democratic Initiatives Romania Alexander Verkhovsky Foundation Maksym Latsyba Cvetanka Ivanova Camelia Bulat Information and Analytical Ukrainian Center Assembly of Republic Regional Center for Center (SOVA) Tetyana Boyko for Independent of Macedonia Organization Management Civil Network OPORA Political Research

Emil Kirjas Luciana Grosu Liberal International World Youth Movement for Democracy

74 Wo r l d Mo v e m e n t for De m o c r a c y | Kyiv, Ukraine, April 6–9, 2008 Making Democracy Work: From Principles to Performance

Nelya Lavrynenko Volodymyr Shahida Tulaganova Rosa Ines Ospina Guillermo Gonzales Ukrainian Youth Shcherbachenko Uzbekistan Initiative London Transparencia por Colombia Arica Association of Ukraine Total Action for the Support Global Center for of Human Rights and Elisabeth Ungar Development and Democracy Nadia Leleka Democracy in Ukraine Congreso Visible Confederation of Free Latin Lozada Valdarrama Trade Unions of Ukraine Andriy Sokolov America/ Costa Rica Agents of Change Confederation of Free Trade Unions of Ukraine Caribbean Jaime Ordóñez Natalya Ligachova Centro Estudios Javier Portocarrero Public Organization Para el Futuro Consorcio de Investigacion Telekritika Viktoria Syumar Argentina Economica y Social Institute of Mass Information Eduardo Bertoni Cuba Yuriy Lukanov Due Process of Law Alejandro Toledo Foundation Journalist Alla Tjutjunnik Joel Brito Former President of Peru Kherson Grupo International Global Center of Antonio Cicioni para la Responsibilidad Development and Democracy Dmytro Lyapin Social en Cuba Institute for Competitive Denys Tkachenko Centro de Implementación Society Committee of Voters de Políticas Públicas para la Surinam of Ukraine Equidad y el Crecimiento Manuel Desdin Asociación Encuentro Johannes Breeveld Ksenia Lyapina de la Cultura Cubana Anton de Kom Universiteit Institute for Competitive Serhiy Tkachenko Marcela Donadío SER 2000 Society Committee of Voters Venezuela of Ukraine Anna Isabelle Rodríguez Fredery Calderon Oleksandra Viviana Krsticevic Center for Justice and Asociación Encuentro Por la Posible Matviychuk Halyna Tryakina de la Cultura Cubana International Youth “European Choice” International Law Centre “Human Rights Business Club Miriam Kornblith and Democracy” Roberto Saba John Suarez National Endowment Directorio for Democracy Yulia Tyshchenko Asociacion por los Daniil Mescheryakov Ukrainian Center Derechos Civiles Center for Civil Liberties for Independent Ecuador Xiomara Leon Political Research Bolivia Orazio Bellettini A.C. Uniandes Andrij Nechyporuk Rene Joaquino Grupo Faro Lion Society/Tovarystvo Leva Galina Usatenko Cabrera Heidy Pino de Alter Europe XXI Foundation Mayor of Potosi Monica Hernandez Group Social CESAP Olena Nikolayenko Fundacion Alternativa Stanford University Andrij Vitrenko Luz Maria Calvo Carlos Ponce Our Ukraine People’s Union Instituto Socioambiental Haiti Asociacion Civil Consorcio Justicia Oksana Parashchuk Hans Tippenhauer Europe XXI Foundation Mikhail Volynets Fabiola Cordova Fondation Espoir Confederation of Free National Endowment Naibet Soto Para for Democracy Liderazgo y Vision Svyatoslav Pavliuk Trade Unions of Ukraine Mexico Polish-Ukrainian Oscar de la Parra Francisco Javier Cooperation Initiative Iryna Wells Acuna Llamas Fundacion para el Apoyo IREX - Ukraine Federal Judiciary Branch Middle Inna Pidluska Parlamentario y la Participacion Ciudadana Europe XXI Foundation Natalya Yasko Mayela Garcia East/North Ukrainian Center for Guido Riveros Franck de Investigación Africa Yevhen Poberezhny International Integration Desarrollo y Educación Fundacion Boliviana para la Committee of Voters Entre Mujeres Afghanistan Democracia Multipartidaria of Ukraine Volodymyr Yavorsky Mohammad Nassib Ukrainian Helsinki Nicaragua Welfare Association for the Dmytro Potekhin Human Rights Union Brazil Yader Loza Jarquin Development of Afghanistan ZNAYU Jacqueline Pitanguy Hagamos Democracia Kateryna Yushchenko Cidadania, Estudo, Pesquisa, Sakena Yacoobi Alex Primostko First Lady of Ukraine Informação e Ação Paraguay Afghan Institute of International Republican Learning International Institute - Ukraine Yevhen Zakharov Chile Diego Abente Kharkiv Human Rights Group Andrea Sanhueza National Endowment for Democracy Bahrain Oleksandra Rudneva Participa Wajeeha Al-Baharna Legiteam; Kharkiv Center Uzbekistan Bahrain Women Society for Women’s Studies Vasila Inoyatova Colombia Peru Rodolfo Alban Ezgulik Rubén Fernández Abdulhadi Alkhawaja Comision Andina de Juristas Oxana Shevchuk Corporación Región Bahrain Center for Confederation of Free Marfua Human Rights Trade Unions of Ukraine Tokhtakhodjaeva Jose Ernesto Martinez Cecilia Blondet Women’s Resource Tarquino Montero PROETICA Rostyslav A. Semkiv Center of Tashkent Mayor of Soacha Smoloskyp

www.wmd.org 75 Making Democracy Work: From Principles to Performance

Egypt Morocco United States Juhani Grossman Miriam Lanskoy Saad Eddin Ibrahim Mokhtar Enrique Allen PACE - Ukraine National Endowment Ibn Khaldoun Center for Benabdallaoui Persuasive Technology for Democracy Development Studies Center for Humanities Lab, Stanford University Kristin Haffert Studies and Research National Democratic Institute Ellie Larson Afaf Mahfouz Cecilia H. Andersen Solidarity Center Independent Consultant Yamina Lemrini World Movement Barbara Haig Elouahhabi for Democracy National Endowment Shannon McLeod Emad Eldin Shahin Asociaciation Democratique for Democracy Lederer Harvard University Des Femine du Maroc Sef Ashiagbor American Federation National Democratic Institute Christina Halstead of Teachers Iran Palestine Women’s Learning Muhammad Abu Diab Melissa Aten Partnership for Rights, Jeff Lovitt Mahnaz Afkhami Development, and Peace PANOS Women’s Learning Civic Forum Institute International Forum for Partnership for Rights, Democratic Studies, National Development, and Peace Maha Abu Shousheh Endowment for Democracy Mark Hankin David Lowe Business Women’s Forum Solidarity Center National Endowment for Democracy Ali Afshari Leonard Benardo Research Institute for Saudi Arabia Open Society Institute Curt Harris International Victoria Marchenko Contemporary Iran Jafar Alshayeb Cole Buerger Republican Institute United States Agency for Qatif Municipal Council International Development Fariba Davoodi International Republican Institute Nancy Herzog Academy for Educational Syria Development National Endowment Jessica Martin Obaida Fares Joseph Cooper, Jr. for Democracy Reagan-Fascell Fellowship Network of Democrats Program, National Iraq National Endowment in the Arab World for Democracy Jane Riley Jacobsen Endowment for Democracy Rahman Al Jebouri National Endowment National Endowment Haytham Manna Timothy Cooper for Democracy Michael McFaul for Democracy Arab Commission for World-Rights Hoover Institution, Human Rights John Johnson Stanford University Salah Aziz John Crist National Democratic Institute American Society for Kurds Radwan Ziadeh Syracuse University Brian Mefford Damascus Center for Brian Joseph International Laith Kubba Human Rights Studies Republican Institute Larry Diamond National Endowment National Endowment Hoover Institution, for Democracy for Democracy Tunisia Stanford University Drusilla Menaker Slaheddine Jourchi Meredith Katz International Research and Exchanges Board Jordan Tunisian Human Nadia Diuk National Democratic Institute Eman Basheer Rights League National Endowment Mohammad AL for Democracy Art Kaufman Robert Miller Hussein Mohsen Marzouk World Movement Hurford Foundation International Republican Arab Foundation David Dorn for Democracy Institute - Jordan for Democracy American Federation Neha Misra of Teachers Andrea Keerbs Solidarity Center Shareefa Mohammad Radwan Masmoudi International Al Qatarneh Center for the Study of Republican Institute Kerry Monagahan Solidarity Center - Jordan Esther Dyson Islam and Democracy Edventure Holdings United States Agency for Rebecca Kinsey International Development Sameer Jarrah Yemen United States Agency for Arab World Centre for Jonathan Farrar Rahma Hugaira U.S. Department of State International Development David Moore Democratic Development International Center for Yemeni Female Media Forum Not-for-Profit Law Georges Fauriol John Knaus Asma Khader National Endowment Sisterhood is Global International Republican Institute for Democracy Maria Theresa Institute/Jordan North Nogales International Dokhi Fassihian Marta Kolomayets Lebanon America Republican Institute Democracy Coalition Project National Democractic Hoda Chalak Canada Institute - Ukraine Civil Society Initiative Robert Pajkovski Julie Burch Sue Folger Solidarity Center - Ukraine Centre for the Study Internews - Ukraine Noah Krystel Hikmet Faour U.S. Department of State of Democracy Theodore Piccone Development of People Carl Gershman and Nature Association Democracy Coalition Project Alex Romaniuc National Endowment Jayne Kurzman for Democracy Hurford Foundation Westminster Foundation Marc Plattner Fadlallah Hassouna for Democracy Journal of Democracy/ Development of People Louisa Greve Robert LaGamma and Nature Association International Forum for National Endowment Council for a Community of Democracies Democratic Studies, National for Democracy Endowment for Democracy

76 Wo r l d Mo v e m e n t for De m o c r a c y | Kyiv, Ukraine, April 6–9, 2008 Making Democracy Work: From Principles to Performance

Rodger Potocki Adam Tolnay Ireland United Kingdom National Endowment Persuasive Technology Ivan Doherty Mike Allen for Democracy Lab, Stanford University National Democratic Institute National Endowment for Democracy Ginger Richards Sarah Topol Helga Pender Democracy Resource Center, World Movement Delegation of the European Tina Fahm National Endowment for Democracy Commission to Ukraine Westminster Foundation for Democracy for Democracy Cate Urban Italy Jean Rogers World Movement Penelope Jane Center for International for Democracy Anna Maria Cervone United Nations Faulkner Private Enterprise Que Me: Action for George Vickers Democracy in Vietnam Richard Rowson Open Society Institute Netherlands Council for a Community Maarten van den Berg Jadranka Foster of Democracies Karen Widess Netherlands Institute for Independent Consultant International Development Multiparty Democracy Douglas Rutzen Law Organization Ken Jones International Center for Roel von Meijenfeldt Westminster Foundation Not-for-Profit Law Peter Wiebler Netherlands Institute for for Democracy United States Agency for Multiparty Democracy Katya Ryabiko International Development Edward McMillan- United States Agency for Norway Scott International Development Andrew Wilson Maria Dahle Member of European Center for International Human Rights House Parliament Paula Schriefer Private Enterprise Foundation Freedom House Dina Melham Kenneth Wollack Therese Jebsen Westminster Foundation Kimber Shearer National Democratic Institute Rafto Human Rights House for Democracy International Republican Institute Andriy Yuzvenko Tor-Hugne Olsen Marina Narnor National Endowment Zimbabwe Human Westminster Foundation Judy Shelton for Democracy Rights NGO Forum for Democracy Board of Directors, National Endowment for Democracy Jeremy B. Zucker Anja Riiser Leza O’Flaherty Freedom Now Norwegian Centre for Westminster Foundation Sarah Siegel Democracy Support for Democracy Center for International Private Enterprise Western Portugal Paul Smyth Elisabete Azevedo Public Achievement Sabina Silkworth Europe African Legislatures Project, National Endowment University of Cape Town David Thirlby for Democracy Austria Westminster Foundation Martin Schieder Henrique Burnay for Democracy Jeremie Smith Delegation of the European Institute for Political Cairo Institute for Commission to Ukraine Studies, Catholic James Valentine Human Rights Studies University of Portugal Labour Party Belgium John Squier Roberta Bonazzi Mario David National Endowment Member of European for Democracy European Partnership for Democracy Parliament John Sullivan Germany Joao Carlos Espada Center for International Institute for Political Private Enterprise Stefan Chrobot Studies, Catholic Friedrich Ebert Stiftung University of Portugal Marguerite Sullivan Center for International Sabine Donner Sweden Media Assistance, National Bertelsmann Stiftung Endowment for Democracy Ulrika Eklund Hauke Hartmann Centre Party International Foundation C. Holland Taylor Bertelsmann Stiftung Libforall Foundation Lennart Karlsson Jens Jungblut Centre Party International William Tedards World Movement Foundation Taiwan Foundation for Democracy for Democracy Ann Linde Miklos Marschall Social Democratic Party Transparency International

www.wmd.org 77 Press

78 Wo r l d Mo v e m e n t for De m o c r a c y | Kyiv, Ukraine, April 6–9, 2008 Making Democracy Work: From Principles to Performance

www.wmd.org 79 Special thanks to Roman Horbyk, Local Coordinator, and Sarah Topol, Consultant, both of whom provided invaluable contributions to the success of the Fifth Assembly. World Movement for Democracy Tel: 202-378-9700 National Endowment for Democracy Fax: 202-378-9889 1025 F Street, N.W., Suite 800 Email: [email protected] Washington, D.C. 20004 USA

w w w .w m d .o r g

“... the time has come for democrats throughout the world to develop new forms of cooperation to promote the development of democracy. Such cooperation is needed to strengthen democracy where it is weak, to reform and invigorate democracy even where it is longstanding, and to bolster pro- democracy groups in countries that have not yet entered into a process of democratic transition.”

— from the Founding Statement of the World Movement for Democracy