Contents

Message from the Steering Committee ...... 2

“Democracy as a Starting Point” Excerpts from the Keynote Address by Fernando Henrique Cardoso, President of Brazil...... 4

Greetings from Around the World...... 6

Democracy Courage Tributes ...... 8

Workshop Reports ...... 10

Topical Workshops...... 11 Regional Workshops...... 41 Functional Workshops ...... 50

Participants ...... 59

Press...... 64

Assembly Support...... Inside back cover Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21

This report on the Second Assembly of the World Movement for Democracy was prepared by the Washington, DC-based National Endowment for Democracy, which currently serves as the Secretariat of the World Movement. It is based on the proceedings of the Assembly and on the reports of the workshop rapporteurs. The National Endowment for Democracy does not necessarily endorse the recommendations or policy statements contained herein. © 2001 National

Endowment for Democracy. st Century

WWW.WMD.ORG 1 Message from the Steering Committee

Since the World Movement first met in 1999, important breakthroughs have occurred that demonstrate the continuing momentum of the global democratic struggle. Nonetheless, the obsta- cles to further democratic progress and the poten- tial for reversals are still great. The theme of the Second Assembly in São Paulo, “Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in the 21st Century,” was thus intended to reflect both the difficulties that lie ahead and the determination to overcome them. The technological and communications revolu- tion offers the exciting possibility that previously disadvantaged and excluded groups can develop Democrats from 93 countries gathered in São new techniques of advocacy and political net- Paulo, Brazil, on November 12–15, 2000, for the working. Indeed, such empowerment is a princi- Second Assembly of the World Movement for pal goal of the World Movement for Democracy. Democracy. The Assembly brought together a By adapting our strategy and work to new global richly diverse group of participants representing conditions, we hope to make it possible for all every region of the world to continue the work people to benefit from economic development, to begun at the Inaugural Assembly in New Delhi, participate in shaping their political future, and to India, in February 1999. Despite their differences preserve their cultural and religious identities. in background and culture, they came together in the spirit of shared democratic values, and with a recognition of the importance of building a world- wide network committed to mutual support, exchange, and cooperation. The World Movement for Democracy has emerged as an important initiative to strengthen democratic interaction by fostering new linkages, support networks, and voluntary collaboration among like-minded democrats, while emphasizing concrete initiatives and activities. In addition to

Century facilitating common action within global regions, st it provides a forum for exchange and collabora- tion among democrats working in distinct but complementary areas of advancing democracy: leaders of political parties and civil society organi- zations, trade unionists and members of business associations, human rights activists and journal- But new technology alone is insufficient, particu- ists, academics and civic educators, parliamentari- larly in those areas where access remains a distant, ans and anti-corruption specialists, and practition- if promising, means to advance democratic goals. ers supporting local government and encouraging The biennial assemblies of the World Movement greater civic participation. are thus indispensable for building solidarity Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 Confronting

2 WORLD MOVEMENT for DEMOCRACY | São Paulo, Brazil, November 12–15, 2000 the Assembly in São Paulo and the networking undertaken since, the World Movement has brought a multiplicity of individuals and organizations into the fold, and many more activists, practitioners, and thinkers are now participating in the World Movement. Over the next two years, those engaged in democracy work will solidify their ties with each other through their Web sites and e-mail communica- tions, and through their collaborative projects, look- ing ahead to the next assembly in 2003. This report records the observations, recommen- dations, and proposed initiatives resulting from the topical, regional, and functional workshops of the among World Movement participants and for shar- Second Assembly. It also contains a list of the more ing their knowledge, information, and experiences. than 400 participants who took part. The work- The Inaugural Assembly of the World shop reports contained herein are also available on Movement was intended to test the proposition the World Movement Web site (www.wmd.org), that sufficient need and interest exist in the global along with regularly updated links and other infor- pro-democracy community for the establishment mation on follow-up work related to the various of an informal, but effective “network of net- recommendations and initiatives. The Web site works” around the world focused on the advance- also contains links to a number of regional and ment of democracy. The result was reflected in the functional networks undertaking activities to Founding Statement adopted by consensus at the advance democracy. We encourage you to visit the conclusion of that Assembly: Web site for these and other resources. . . . the time has come for democrats throughout We wish to thank all of our Brazilian friends for the world to develop new forms of cooperation to helping to make the Second Assembly of the World promote the development of democracy. Such Movement for Democracy a reality. Our thanks go cooperation is needed to strengthen democracy especially to President Fernando Henrique where it is weak, to reform and invigorate democ- Cardoso, a great friend of democracy; to Fábio racy even where it is longstanding, and to bolster Magalhães, Director-President, Latin American pro-democracy groups in countries that have not Memorial; Deputy Ney Lopes, the Vice-President of yet entered into a process of democratic transition. the Latin American Parliament; and to our fellow The statement further described the new World Committee member, Bolivar Lamounier, and Ms. Movement as a “proactive network of democrats that Cristina de Miranda Costa, the Local Coordinator, will meet not less than every two years to exchange both of whom worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 ideas and experiences and to foster collaboration Most of all, however, we want to thank the many among democratic forces around the world.” The activists from all over the world who traveled great New Delhi Assembly thus served to inaugurate the distances to join us, and to express our solidarity World Movement and to set the parameters of its with those who were prevented from attending. work. In so doing, it answered the proposition placed The success of the World Movement for before it—whether sufficient interest and need exist Democracy will be measured not only by the for such a global network—with a resounding “yes.” number of concrete initiatives to enhance demo- The primary purpose of the Second Assembly in cratic cooperation, but also by the extent to which November 2000, the basis for this report, was to lay it grows into a self-sustained means for democracy the foundation for the creation of the various func- activists, scholars, and practitioners to draw upon tional and regional networks that would work toward each other’s strengths. Through this work, the

the goals stipulated in the Founding Statement. As a World Movement will truly emerge as the global st Century result, through the nearly 40 workshops organized at democracy network envisioned at its inception.

WWW.WMD.ORG 3 Keynote Address by Fernando Henrique Cardoso, President, Brazil EXCERPTS Democracy as a Starting Point It is a very special pleasure for me to welcome the participants in the Second Assembly of the World Movement for Democracy. Those who are gathered here today are working for a common ideal: the ideal of a political system rooted in the imperatives of free- dom and equality, in the values of pluralism and soli- darity, and in dialogue as a mechanism for overcom- ing differences. The country that is your host today bears in its recent political memory the marks of its struggle to regain its democracy after some 20 years of authoritar- ian rule. This was a process through which political will make it possible for society to improve its over- freedoms and citizenship rights were restored. It was sight of the government and the services that gov- also a process through which society became organ- ernment provides. ized and gained its own voice, which created the con- Yet making all these services available would be ditions of legitimacy necessary for the country to be useless if the government did not, at the same time, able to meet its historic tasks in the areas of develop- try to promote access to the Internet. Here in the ment, social justice, and the reduction of inequality. state of São Paulo, for example, we are placing com- puters in public schools, along with teachers to Revitalizing Political Institutions instruct people in how to use computers and how to We are engaged in improving the performance of our connect to the Web. democracy at the institutional level. The idea of political reform aimed at consolidating the mecha- The Growing Consensus About Democracy nisms of representation, strengthening political par- If we consider what is happening not only in Brazil, ties, and eliminating distortions is high on the but throughout the world, we are pleased to see that national agenda. This is an inherently difficult task, today democracy has a worldwide reach that proba- but we will accomplish it through dialogue, persua- bly has not been equaled at any other moment in the

Century sion, and above all, through a search for what is best history of mankind. st for Brazilian democracy. Today in Latin America, the principles of democra- It is said that the revitalization of institutions of cy and the rule of law widely prevail. Yet there are political expression and representation constitutes still problems that must be overcome, and it is one of the most serious challenges facing the con- imperative that we keep on improving. There can be temporary world. The goal is to use the Internet and no going back. That is why, at the South American other new technologies to strengthen democratic presidents’ meeting that took place in Brasilia not values, transparency, and communication between long ago, we adopted a “democracy clause.” Its mes- the government and its citizens. With “electronic sage is clear: In our region, there is no room for government,” citizens will have access to an extraor- authoritarian adventures or for disruptions of the dinary amount of information and public services rule of law. The South American countries showed on-line. This will not only reduce bureaucracy, but their readiness to act together in solidarity in order Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 Confronting

4 WORLD MOVEMENT for DEMOCRACY | São Paulo, Brazil, November 12–15, 2000 to preserve and consolidate democracy. At the same time, we cannot lose sight of the nega- It is important that the promotion of democracy tive effect that extreme inequalities and rigid social should be pursued without arrogance or an attempt stratification have on the performance of free institu- to impose one’s own will. Democracy should not be tions. Democracy is rooted in equality and, for it to confused with the political system of any particular be fully realized, it is essential that each citizen be country. It does not have a pre-established model, a able to identify the possibilities for improving his sit- recipe to be copied by all nations. Yet democracy uation and that of his family. does have a set of values that are fundamental and which may not be negotiated away. And it is appro- Toward Global Citizenship priate that those fundamental values should allow Today civil society is undergoing a great transforma- each people to follow, in complete freedom, their tion, and as a result the boundary between the state own history according to their own decisions, learn- and society is becoming more fluid. Just take a look ing from their own mistakes, bringing to maturity at the weight of nongovernmental organizations and perfecting their institutions and strengthening (NGOs) in the decision-making process, both in this the various forms of expression of citizenship. country and elsewhere, and consider the develop- It is important that there is now widespread agree- ment of organizations, such as the ones assembled ment as to the need for a minimum set of guarantees here, that transcend national borders. and rights without which the idea of democracy loses Therefore we must consider that we are living on all meaning. This includes concepts such as periodic the threshold of a new era, in which democracy is and clean elections, without fraud and within the even stronger because it is imbued not only with framework of a secure legal system; concepts such as classic values but with new values that go beyond the individual rights and freedom of expression, associa- limits of the nation-state. Today democracy embraces tion, and participation, as well as equality before the global citizenship as well as general and universal law and the rule of law. This entails pluralism of opin- values. It is important for us to know how to use the ions and beliefs, as well as the protection of minorities. tools of democracy to guarantee that the public At the same time, we know that democracy is not dimension be precisely that: res publica, something limited to this formal framework, but must continu- that is not subject to private appropriation. That is ally open itself up to effective citizen participation, to the reason why reform of the state is so important for the expression of social demands, and to the vibrant the progress of our democracy. presence of an active civil society, mobilized and organized to oversee the government and to claim its The Brazilian Experience rights at every moment. This year Brazil is celebrating the 500th anniversary of its discovery. During these five centuries, we have con- Justice, Equality, and Democracy solidated a tradition of different races and social groups.

It is absolutely essential to understand that democra- We have learned that this diversity is an element that Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 cy is not the finish line, but rather a starting point. enriches our experience as a people and a nation. For Securing democratic freedoms does not guarantee an this reason, it seems to me very fitting that Brazil is host- immediate solution to the problems that afflict the ing this meeting of democrats from the entire world. population, such as poverty, disease, and social Inspired by the name of the entity that is assem- inequalities. Democracy does not put an end to bling here—the World Movement for Democracy— injustice, but it does establish the conditions that I would like to conclude by saying that if the twenti- allow us to aspire to achieve effective justice as a eth century was marked by wars and episodes of seri- value present in the everyday life of citizens. Thanks ous human rights violations, we have the opportuni- to transparency, a free press, and widespread partici- ty to contribute to making the twenty-first century pation, democracy gives voice and power to majori- the century of democracy. Brazil will do its part. ties. In a democracy, injustice will not prevail. That is

why the existence of a free press is so important for Full text available in the January 2000 issue of the st Century democratic values. Journal of Democracy.

WWW.WMD.ORG 5 Greetings from Around the World

Tony Blair Vaclav Havel Prime Minister, United Kingdom President, Czech Republic The World Movement for Democracy is an ini- I am glad that democracy and democratic val- tiative that truly meets the challenges of the ues have become the most important elements new Millennium... By bringing together schol- of this global twentieth century, and I believe ars and activists, along with parliamentarians that they will also become an inseparable part and government officials, the Movement under- of the century to come... It is our common lines the popular participation in governance responsibility to engage in strengthening that lies at the heart of true democracy. democracy everywhere there is the need.

Chen Shui-bian Ricardo Lagos President, Taiwan President, Chile As we cherish the fruits of our nation’s political You are reuniting in São Paulo at a special time accomplishments, we must also affirm our for democracy in this region. Dictatorships and commitment to the promotion of human rights authoritarian processes are left behind. We are and democracy around the world. Therefore, I winning democracy, we have presidents and would also like to take this unique opportunity democratically elected governments. But, with- to announce my intention to found a democra- out question, there is still much to be realized: cy support foundation in Taiwan. This is out of how to strengthen political parties, how to pro- recognition of the significance of all the inter- vide space for non governmental organizations, national democracy activists and institutions how to achieve the participation of civil society. that have extended unwavering support to Taiwan’s democratic movement over the years.

Century Bill Clinton st Former President, United States Many of you have come from nations that have felt the pain of conflict and economic distress. Yet you, too, have never stopped working for accountable government. You teach us that democracy is not a luxury we can afford only when times are good, but a necessity we must cherish especially when times are hard. Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 Confronting

6 WORLD MOVEMENT for DEMOCRACY | São Paulo, Brazil, November 12–15, 2000 Kim Dae-Jung John Winston Howard President, Republic of Korea Prime Minister, Australia Democracy is a universal value that cannot be In considering measures to meet the challenges compared with anything else... There are still to democracy in the 21st Century, those of you people in many countries without basic human gathered in São Paulo are undertaking an rights, political freedom, access to information, invaluable task. Your discussion recognizes that and freedom of expression... We need to contin- a transition to democracy is much more than ue helping developing countries until they are an overnight phenomenon and that democracy able to take part in the era of technology and should never be taken for granted. information.

Olusegun Obasanjo Miguel Angel Rodríguez Echeverria President, Nigeria President, Costa Rica In order to consolidate nascent democracies Nothing strengthens the democratic system such as ours, much effort is still required to more than a single individual committing him- develop democratic awareness at the grassroots or herself to making democracy an absolute, level. It is this awareness that will ultimately indispensable, and natural part of the daily life protect the society against any tendency of a community. towards bad governance.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Jan Weijers Tibet Secretary General, Liberal International Modern democracy is based on the principle, Democracy is a universal, inalienable right. that all human beings are essentially equal, that There is no excuse not to grant people their each of us has an equal right to life, liberty, and political and civil rights. Neither desire for eco- happiness. Irrespective of the superficial differ- nomic development nor for stability can be an ences between us, each of us is just a human excuse for oppression. being like everyone else... Let us take steps now

to ensure that this century will be characterized Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 by non-violence and dialogue, the precondi- tions of peaceful coexistence. Rt. Hon. William Hague Chairman, International Democrat Union In our countries, political activists play an important role in civil society... Our activists bring civic pride and a sense of responsibility. They want their institutions to be open and responsive. They are one of the key ingredients for a successful and stable state. st Century

WWW.WMD.ORG 7 Democracy Courage Tributes

The World Movement for Democracy honored five cratic hope alive, in the face of threats both to them- groups who have shown exceptional courage in their selves and their families, has been an inspiration not work for freedom and democracy at a program held only to their constituents but also to people through- during the Second Assembly. The more than 400 par- out the region and the world. ticipants sent a message of solidarity and support to The Civil Society Movement of the Democratic their fellow democrats who often struggle in near Republic of Congo, composed of thousands of faith- anonymity and isolation against some of the most based organizations, human rights groups, and mem- difficult challenges to democracy and human rights bers of the independent press, continues to be a bea- around the world. “Democracy Courage Tributes” con of hope in a country enmeshed in one of the were presented to the following groups by leading world’s largest and most destructive wars. After strug- figures in the World Movement during a moving and gling valiantly during the early 1990s to move the often emotional ceremony held at the American country from dictatorship to democracy, the Civil Chamber of Commerce, São Paulo. Society Movement continues to represent the non- The Colombian Democratic Mayors have demon- violent option for change in the Congo, as it advo- strated not only a high level of commitment to cates for an end to the current war, respect for human democracy but also extraordinary courage under the rights, and greater dialogue among all Congolese in cruelest of conditions. Colombia’s mayors have paid defining the political future of the country. the ultimate price to govern and defend democracy Iran’s Pro-Democracy Student Movement has spear- in their towns and cities. Over the past three years, headed the Iranian people’s struggle for basic free- 32 mayors have been assassinated, including 20 can- doms, including the rights of free assembly and free- didates for the mayoral elections held October 2000. dom of expression. Despite the fact that the move- Their unwavering commitment to keep the demo- ment has followed a peaceful course, voicing the Century st

Colombian mayors accept their Democracy Courage Tribute. Steering Committee Member Irena Lasota looks on as Zulekikhan Bagalova accepts the Democracy Courage Tribute for the Chechen NGO, LAM. Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 Confronting

8 WORLD MOVEMENT for DEMOCRACY | São Paulo, Brazil, November 12–15, 2000 Steering Committee Member Ayo Obe (at podium) applauds leaders of the Civil Society Movement of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Steering Committee Member Mahnaz Afkhami accepts the tribute on behalf of Iran’s Pro-Democracy Student Movement.

(“mountain”) broadened that role to assist refugees, provide informa- tion to relief organizations, dissemi- nate bulletins about rights abuses to the outside world and bring Chechens from across the political spectrum together to develop plans for ending the war and for post-war reconstruction. Despite the brutal conditions under which it operates, LAM continues to organize demo- cratic education programs in schools and in refugee camps. The Tiananmen Mothers Network has played a crucial role in advanc- ing the idea of accountability for

human rights abuses in China. Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 Steering Committee Member Xiao Qiang accepts the tribute Founded in the aftermath of the on behalf of the Tiananmen Mothers. June 4, 1989 massacre in Beijing, the network has made extraordinary efforts to establish a true picture of what happened by documenting the cases of people people’s grievances within the framework of the rules who were killed or wounded. It has provided moral imposed by the authorities, they have been routinely support for the victims’ families, and pursued unprece- subjected to governmental abuse, including unrea- dented legal action. The network’s founder, Ding Zilin, sonable search and seizure, flogging, incarceration, the mother of a victim of the massacre, has suffered denial of legal representation, excessive prison terms, enormous persecution for her insistence on speaking and torture. the truth and calling for an end to impunity. LAM, a Chechen NGO, was founded in 1996 to We wish to thank the American Chamber of

promote education and human values. With the out- Commerce, São Paulo, Brazil, for generously hosting st Century break of the second war in September 1999, LAM this important event.

WWW.WMD.ORG 9 Workshop Reports

To help ensure that it would be as focused as possi- ble on the practical ways that democrats around the world can advance their work and mutually support each other, the Second Assembly was composed almost entirely of smaller topical, regional, and func- tional workshops to maximize opportunities for par- ticipation. Naturally, the success of the Second Assembly will be measured by the effectiveness of the various initiatives and activities resulting from those workshop discussions. The following reports, which page 52 The functional workshops enabled partici- appear in the order in which the workshops took pants in a variety of categories, e.g., parlia- place, thus form the action agenda that emerged from mentarians, public policy institutes, local the Assembly. government practitioners, democracy assistance foundations, advocates of the The workshop reports were initially presented in ple- enhanced democratic participation of nary sessions during the Assembly and generally women, civic educators, and others to contain the participants’ observations on the chal- come together to develop strategies for lenges to democracy as well as their recommenda- networking and outreach. tions on how best to address them. In some cases, the workshops resulted in wide-ranging policy rec- ommendations to the international community; in These workshop reports are also posted on the other cases, they resulted in practical recommenda- World Movement Web site (www.wmd.org) along tions to nongovernmental organizations; and in still with updated information on follow-up activities. other cases, they resulted in recommendations to the If you wish to submit information on your work World Movement for Democracy itself. for posting, please send it to the World Movement for Democracy secretariat by e-mail page 11 The topical workshops explored the chal- ([email protected]) or fax (+202-223-6042). lenges faced by democrats across countries and regions. They included such practical

Century needs as how to fight corruption, promote st the rule of law, assist democrats in closed societies, promote democracy in semi- authoritarian countries, and use innovative ideas to strengthen democratic institutions.

page 42 The regional workshops offered an oppor- tunity for those from different functional groups in each region, including parties and NGOs, to develop regional democra- cy-related agendas. Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 Confronting

10 WORLD MOVEMENT for DEMOCRACY | São Paulo, Brazil, November 12–15, 2000 Topical Workshop Reports What Can be Done to Assist Democrats in Closed Societies?

Organizer: Moderators: Human Rights in China (Hong Kong/U.S.) Mab Huang (Taiwan) Soochow University Rapporteurs: Xiao Qiang (China/U.S.-based) Mahnaz Afkhami (Iran/U.S.-based) Human Rights in China Women’s Learning Partnership for Rights, Development, and Peace Presenters: Louisa Coan Greve (U.S.) Mahnaz Afkhami (Iran/U.S.-based) National Endowment for Democracy Zbigniew Romaszewski (Poland) Human Rights and Rule of Law Committee, Polish Senate Vo Van Ai (Vietnam/France-based) Que Me: Action for Democracy in Vietnam

General Recommendations: ensure a stronger presence on behalf of democratic • Pressure governments to make business and forces in closed societies. financial agreements conditional on improvements in human rights and ratification of UN conventions, Recommendations to World Movement for Democracy: and monitor implementation. • The World Movement should take up campaigns on • Pressure governments to avoid legitimization of the behalf of key democracy struggles around the world, governments of closed societies by visits and intervening in the name of the World Movement. exchanges that glamorize authoritarian regimes. • The World Movement should circulate or post • Maintain close communication with democrats and information, perhaps on its Web site, that can be activists inside closed societies, both to help strength- used to assist democrats. Such information would en their efforts and to accumulate information. include: • Organize conferences and seminars as a means of information about solidarity campaigns educating international public opinion and showcas- a list of techniques for promoting democracy in ing oppressive measures. closed societies • Break down boundaries between democrats by a list of links to training opportunities for activists strengthening trans-regional and regional solidarity full-text library materials or links to documents networks to expand contact that allows democrats on democratic values and on the experiences of

to support one another and to provide protection for countries that have completed successful demo- Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 those working within closed societies. cratic transitions • Keep the memory of dictatorships alive in newly a kind of “yellow pages” or directory of activists liberated countries, both to safeguard those new working on democracy. democracies and to bolster the struggle to liberate The World Movement should facilitate a kind of closed societies. match-making function to enable activists working on closed societies to find partners in open soci- • Encourage democracy foundations and other eties who can lobby their own governments and donor agencies to help build capacity for democra- who can provide concrete assistance, such as trav- cy NGOs, including access to information and com- eling inside the country to meet isolated dissidents. munication technologies. The World Movement Web site features a • Support workers’ rights, especially rights of asso- searchable, online Database of World Movement ciation, through international trade and financial Participants to help facilitate collaborative institutions such as WTO and the World Bank. activities. st Century • Coordinate advocacy activities at UN bodies to

WWW.WMD.ORG 11 Topical Workshop Reports Barriers to Participation: The Informal Sector in Emerging Democracies

Organizer: Presenters: Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE, U.S.) Lee K. Benham (U.S.) Washington University Rapporteur: Roberto Cavalho (Brazil) Catherine Kuchta-Helbling (U.S.) Instituto Atlantico Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE, U.S.) Chris Darroll (South Africa) Moderators: Small Business Project Laszlo Kallay (Hungary) Petar Ivanovic (Montenegro) Institute for Small Business Development Center for Entrepreneurship John Sullivan (U.S.) Ozdem Sanberk (Turkey) Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE, U.S.) Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation

The recent trend toward democratization and mar- democracy and market-based economic activity that ket-based systems has improved the lives of millions levels the playing field for all citizens. worldwide. Many countries have increased political participation, achieved macro-economic stabilization Policy Recommendations: and restored growth. Despite these achievements, • The degree of public participation and transparen- millions of people in emerging democracies are cy in the policy-making and legislative processes excluded from the political and economic system and should be increased by instituting transparent, inclu- live in poverty. A glaring symptom of this exclusion sive decision-making procedures and by providing is the growing number of entrepreneurs who are regular opportunities for the public to comment on engaged in low-income, low-growth business activi- existing and proposed laws and regulations. ties outside the formal sector. These entrepreneurs, referred to as the “informal sector,” produce legiti- • Legal and regulatory codes should be clarified and mate products without proper permits or legal status streamlined by eliminating duplicative, superfluous because they lack the resources to comply with bur- laws that increase the cost of doing business and densome and excessive rules and regulations, which that invite corruption. is necessary to become part of the formal economy. • Private property rights should be accessible to all Hence, they operate outside of it. citizens, clearly defined, and strongly enforced. The underlying reason why many citizens in emerging democratic, market-based systems do not • Requirements to obtain business permits and participate in the formal political and economic sys- licenses should be simplified and made inexpensive tem is that the institutional structures or “rules of the so that becoming “formal” is within reach of the game” are badly designed and decision making to cre- entrepreneur of modest means. ate them is undemocratic. This contributes to prohib-

Century itively expensive costs of doing business and erects • Taxation systems should be reformed so that they st barriers to participation that exist despite democratic are easy to comply with and encourage profitable elections for public offices. Holding free and fair elec- economic activity. tions is the first essential step towards a participatory • Labor laws should be reformed to allow for more political system. The next step is to remove the obsta- flexibility. cles that prevent citizens from routinely participating in national and local decision making. Such obstacles • Concerted efforts should be made to reform eco- foster unresponsive policies, such as exorbitantly high nomic systems to create open markets in place of costs of doing business, and politically and economi- crony capitalist systems through improved corpo- cally disenfranchise citizens, jeopardize the consolida- rate governance legislation. Such reform should tion of political and economic reform, and threaten institute internationally accepted accounting princi- exclusion from global markets. What is needed is a ples, standards of disclosure, anti-conflict-of-inter- well designed, clearly delineated, and stable set of est laws, anti-trust laws, prohibition of insider trad- political and economic institutions that fosters ing, and sensible bankruptcy laws. Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 Confronting

12 WORLD MOVEMENT for DEMOCRACY | São Paulo, Brazil, November 12–15, 2000 Topical Workshop Reports

• Excessively bureaucratic government agencies guages and posted on the CIPE Web site in a section should be reformed in order to strengthen their devoted to the informal sector and the cost of doing administrative and enforcement capacities so that business. The paper should be used as an advocacy laws and regulations are administered and enforced tool to raise awareness about the informal sector efficiently, effectively, and inexpensively. and to devise strategies to reduce barriers to politi- cal and economic participation. The Web site section • It is essential that relevant business-related infor- should contain useful examples of CIPE-sponsored mation and training, such as how to obtain a license projects that have been instrumental in lowering the or permit; how to start a business; how to form com- costs of doing business in the formal sector, relevant mercial entities, such as joint ventures and incorpo- articles and case studies; it should also provide an rated companies; and how to run a business, are opportunity for entrepreneurs to share information readily available to all citizens. and best practices proven to reduce the cost of • High-quality, efficient, and cost-effective infrastruc- doing business, and should have links to Web sites ture (such as telecommunications and transportation of other associations, think tanks, and concerned systems) is essential for a democratic, market-based institutions involved in reducing barriers to formality. system and should be provided so that entrepre- The CIPE Web site (www.cipe.org) includes a section neurs can benefit from becoming formal. on the “Informal Sector.” • Labor and other NGOs should work to increase the Recommended Initiatives: supply of micro-credit and business consulting serv- • Members of business associations and reform-ori- ices to the informal sector. ented think tanks should develop a national busi- ness agenda that uniformly articulates the concerns • CIPE and other organizations should work with of entrepreneurs, and disseminate this agenda to informal sector experts and with members of CIPE’s the public, policy makers, and legislators. This will business association networks to develop a “trans- contribute to informed, responsive policy making, action costs index” that can be used to measure the thereby strengthening democracy and creating effi- costs of doing business in different countries. The cient laws and regulations for market-based activity. index would be used to identify sources of high transaction costs and to develop projects that will • A revised version of the CIPE workshop back- reduce them. ground paper should be translated into different lan-

Improving Governance through Federalism: Decentralization, Devolution, and other Approaches

Organizers: Moderator:

Foundation for Administrative Development (Brazil) Pedro Luiz Silva (Brazil) Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 Forum of Federations (Canada) Foundation for Administrative Development (Brazil)

Rapporteur: Presenter: Isawa Elaigwu (Nigeria) Christina Murray (South Africa) Institute of Governance and Social Research University of Cape Town

Through its pyramidical structure, federalism provides ticipation at sub-national levels, both state (provincial) for decentralization, especially devolution of powers, and local. A federal government like Germany’s, for to sub-national units. Decentralization in a federal example, provides for an integrated form of decentral- context can be constitutional and/or administrative ization, while one like Canada’s provides for a more concerning techniques of governance, which does not compartmentalized form. In these contexts, sub- include groups. A federal system provides more of an national autonomy becomes very important as it pro- st opportunity than does a unitary system for more par- vides for more participation by the people and oppor- Century

WWW.WMD.ORG 13 Topical Workshop Reports

tunities for controlling their own destiny. • Greater capacity at each institutional level of gov- While there may be variants of decentralization ernment must be developed to enhance efficiency in and federations, therefore, the quality of governance the delivery of services to the people; this enhances can be improved greatly through the opportunities good governance. that decentralization and federalism provide for par- ticipation and autonomy. However, there are prob- • To make a federal government more responsive to lems in adopting federal models. It must be borne in the people, a network of intergovernmental relations mind that a federal government presupposes greater should be established. These can be formal and/or complexity, a heightened need for coordination, and informal, constitutional and/or statutory, and/or ad higher expense. hoc. A network of intergovernmental institutions helps in coordinating the activities and policies of Challenges: the various levels of government and facilitates • Federalism is financially expensive, with structures greater cooperation among the tiers. at each tier of government that must be financed. • The pattern of fiscal federalism should take into • Federalism is institutionally complex and may consideration the functions of each level of govern- demand greater administrative bureaucratic capaci- ment and its corresponding tax powers. The ty at each level than is available at any point in time. demands of fiscal equalization, to give all units of Capacity at each level has serious implications for the federation a sense of participation, cannot be the formulation and execution of social policies and, over emphasized. ultimately, good governance. • In the context of a changing global situation and • Federalism demands a relatively high level of demands for greater autonomy of federative units, cooperation and active intergovernmental relations. there should be a shift from federal control functions to federal interventionist functions. A federal gov- ernment should seek to intervene to correct inade- Recommendations: quacies at the sub-national levels, rather than seek • Federalism, with all its complexity, should provide to control them. autonomy for each level of government in a demo- cratic context to enable local people to set priorities • Democratic institutional arrangements and and use resources to achieve them. processes are important to strengthening federa- tions and enhancing good governance. • Federal systems must extract greater resources for effective financing of the structures of governance at each level of autonomy. Century st Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 Confronting

14 WORLD MOVEMENT for DEMOCRACY | São Paulo, Brazil, November 12–15, 2000 Topical Workshop Reports Conflict Resolution, Pluralism, and Democracy: The Promise and the Challenge

Organizer: Presenters: Center for the Research of Societal Problems (Turkey) Katherine Clerides (Cyprus) Goals for Americans Foundation (U.S.) Member of Parliament Dog˘ u Ergil (Turkey) Rapporteur: Center for the Research of Societal Problems Steve McDonald (U.S.) Goals for Americans Foundation Mari Fitzduff (UK) INCORE Moderator: Jerome Sachane (South Africa) Mohammed Abu-Nimer (Israel/Palestine, U.S.-based) ACCORD American University

Conflict resolution and peace building are and should table conflict resolutions that help ensure democrat- be an integral part of the democratization process. ic transitions. The international community should Transitions to democracy go through three phases: support both peace processes and democratic tran- transactional (negotiation, mediation, etc.); structural sitions, but external influences must be balanced by (capacity building and civil society building, includ- local control. International involvement, whether ing media, NGOs, rule-of-law institutions, human through aid or political intervention, should seek to rights, etc.); and transformational (dialogue, confi- right social injustices in a society in order to promote dence building, rapprochement, reconciliation, and a democratic outcome. A country’s selective involve- peace education). Conflict resolution is critical to ment or non-involvement often mirrors its national each of these phases and at all levels of society. interests and can thus exacerbate local conflicts. Specifically, conflict resolution projects, particularly those involving marginalized groups in society, such • Addressing the root causes of conflict must be as women, youth, children, and ethnic or religious inherent in the conflict-resolution process. When minorities, contribute to sustaining a culture of the causes of a conflict are not addressed, the democracy. Democracy in today’s changing world potential of its reemergence is great. A culture of means pluralism; identity and geography are no tolerance, respect for diversity, inclusiveness, and longer synonymous, and “majority rule” must give reconciliation must therefore be paired with an way to power sharing in societies with a multiplicity understanding of the points of disagreement that of ethnic, religious, racial, and socio-economic spur the conflict, such as disputes over resources, groups. Conflict resolution addresses the needs of land, ethnic identity, gender, and religion. pluralism; it can be a slow process, but it helps ensure • Justice and accountability must both be pursued in equal rights, a fundamental principle of democracy. the resolution process. Issues of justice, lack of

accountability, and immunity to punishment are very Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 General Recommendations: real to the victims of conflict. • Ensure inclusiveness in peace making and democ- ratization. To be successful, a transition to democra- • International and local actors, at all levels, must cy requires local civil society actors who are understand that peace building and democracy involved in both conflict resolution and the demo- should proceed hand in hand. Humanitarian action cratic transition. Local history, culture, relationships is not a substitute for political action. Citizen diplo- among key players, etc. must be understood, and macy or building communal bridges, both of which the principle of inclusiveness underlies both conflict are conflict resolution activities, are integral to for- resolution and democratization; it must therefore mal transactional (“Track I”) activities. In fact, they extend to obvious civil society actors, as well as to often precede, and always support and help sustain, political parties and militaries. Women, in particular, negotiated settlements. Conflict resolution and must be brought into the decision-making process peace building are the “glue” of political settlement. and should not be viewed only as victims. Conflict resolution rests on the principle of non-vio- lence, but protagonists often believe that a stable

• The international community, including business st

order, even a democratic one, can be obtained Century interests that often support the status quo and aid through violent means; more often, they simply donors, must understand the need for fair and equi-

WWW.WMD.ORG 15 Topical Workshop Reports

reject non-violent approaches out of hand. olution and how the peace process has helped dem- ocratic transitions. • Conflict resolution and democracy activists must commit themselves to the long-term investment in • Identify commercial and government media activi- changing perceptions and stereotypes, teaching tol- ties that exacerbate or escalate conflicts through erance, and establishing the principle of inclusive- inequitable and incomplete coverage or by actual ness. Civil society and international community pres- “hate” reporting. This can be accomplished by high- sures must work to generate a commitment on the lighting Web sites and publications that demonstrate part of militaries, recalcitrant governments, or particularly destructive reporting and by reporting on armed factional leaders to that goal. Conflict resolu- conflicts not receiving international media attention. tion adherents are often seen as traitors, agitators, or sell-outs to the other side, and are thus excluded • Create an index of tools and resources, both from the process or victimized. Only in a democracy human and financial, which can be accessed by is violence ruled out as a legitimate means of gover- democracy advocates facing challenges of conflict nance or control. resolution. The index should include resumes of trainers and experts, their contact information, avail- • The media should be a pillar of democracy and able training courses, and funding sources for sup- report equitably, completely, and without bias. port of conflict resolution and peace building. Media coverage often undermines conflict resolu- tion and democracy through “hate” reporting that • Include references to, or modules on, conflict res- fans the flames of conflict, selective coverage that olution and peace building in all World Movement omits certain conflicts, or coverage that is incom- materials on democracy building, support activities, plete or biased. and future conferences and workshops. • Since women are integral to conflict resolution, Recommendations to World Movement for Democracy: peace building, and democratization, the World • Integrate into the World Movement’s informational Movement should strengthen their role in its deci- network an exchange of experiences in conflict res- sion-making processes.

Corruption in Party Financing and Election Campaigns: What Can Civil Society Do Against it?

Organizers: Presenters: Ethos Institute (Brazil) Tunku Abdul Aziz (Malaysia) Transparency International Transparency International Malaysia Christian Gruenberg (Argentina) Rapporteur: Poder Ciudadano Paul Flather (U.K.) Europaeum Kumbirayi Hodzi (Zimbabwe) Transparency International Zimbabwe

Century Moderators: Marcin Walecki (Poland) st Miklos Marschall (Hungary) National Democratic Institute/Transparency Transparency International International Michael Pinto-Duschinsky (U.K.) Brunel University

The key question taken up by participants in this best to enforce them—which is not always appropri- workshop was: How can civil society, and NGOs in ate in single-party dominant states, since they are particular, combat corruption in the financing of open to abuse against opposition parties—instilling political parties in democratic systems? Following value commitments, publicizing data, and creating presentations on Argentina, Central Europe, disincentives to help keep parties and companies Zimbabwe, and Thailand, the participants discussed from engaging in corrupt practices. the issues at the heart of creating good laws and how Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 Confronting

16 WORLD MOVEMENT for DEMOCRACY | São Paulo, Brazil, November 12–15, 2000 Topical Workshop Reports

Recommendations: information drawn from the source books of • Set up a network of participants on this topic and Transparency International; and devote a section of the World Movement Web site to . . . information on successful experiments and serve as an information source by linking mem- experiences in monitoring party financing and the bers and giving them a space to post their ideas behavior of party officials and parliamentarians. and information about their experiences in this • Campaign for, or at least consider supporting, the area of work; following general international reforms:

provide a monthly bulletin, to be produced by provide appropriate forms of public funding of Transparency International, and research reports parties in those countries where this does not and information circulated by the Corruption already exist; Working Group of the International Political Science Association; offer free access to the media, particularly to TV (a necessity today for high quality democratic allow subgroups to develop, for instance, schol- functioning), in countries where this is not already ars engaged in research and data collection in the done; field or activists helping each other with their work, drawing on other support mechanisms and support an international convention condemning resources. corruption in party financing, in particular the cur- rent campaign of Transparency International to • Develop the tools needed by activists to fight party extend the OECD convention against corruption to corruption, including: include specific measures outlawing contributions a database of “best practices” on the develop- to party officers and officials. ment of party and finance laws and enforcement;

Using the Internet and Other Media to Promote Democracy

Organizer: Moderator: Democracy Resource Center, National Endowment Nina Hachigian (U.S.) for Democracy (U.S.) Institute for Technology and Governance Institute for Technology and Governance (U.S.) Aymen Khalifa (Egypt) Presenters: Steven Gan (Malaysia) Rapporteur: Malaysiakini.com Jonna Chen (Taiwan) Orlando Gutiérrez-Boronat (Cuba, U.S.-based) Independent Consultant on Civil Society Cuban Revolutionary Democratic Directorate Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 Sasa Mirkovic (Serbia) Association of Independent Electronic Media/B-92

Workshop participants discussed the use of technolo- their disposal that is effective at communicating gy in promoting democracy, with presentations on their message: music, graffiti, posters, bicycle race experiences in Malaysia, Cuba, and Serbia. campaigns, radio, telephones, fax, video, TV and, Democrats from every global region participated in most recently, the Internet. They have often used the conversation. very creative combinations of media, such as in Sudan, where individuals obtain information on the Observations: Internet and then photocopy it for distribution, or, as • Information flow within government, between citi- in Serbia, where sound files were transmitted via zens and government, and also among citizens and the Internet to European countries so that reports civil society is critical to a healthy democracy. could be broadcast back into the country by radio.

Many found that the Internet can be effective in st • Democrats have used whatever media has been at Century avoiding government media controls. As one partic-

WWW.WMD.ORG 17 Topical Workshop Reports

ipant put it, “with the Internet, governments cannot • Content and languages. There is a serious lack of lie.” At the same time, participants noted that all content on the Web in languages other than English. technologies, including the Internet, are just tools, Similarly, content geared toward poorer communi- and cannot on their own change a political system. ties is inadequate. • Democrats have used technology for a wide vari- ety of purposes, including: Recommendations: • Begin an e-mail “listserv” so participants can to communicate news about events inside and advise each other on how to solve problems, and to outside a country to people inside; share experiences, software, technology, and tech- to communicate about events inside a country to nology talent. people outside; • Promote technology training for NGOs and work to alert the population to the goals of an opposi- with the private sector to direct technology tion movement; resources to NGOs. to encourage and support a persecuted population; • Create and maintain a database of technology to build support communities among the diaspo- resources available to NGOs. ras; and • Support democrats working under government to communicate with the government. restrictions on use of the Internet.

Challenges: • Develop or locate a record of countries whose • Access. The cost of technology, especially the governments restrict access to the Internet. Internet, is prohibitive for most people in the world. Adequate telecommunications infrastructure is lack- • Work with other international groups to pressure ing in most countries, especially in rural areas. governments to develop better telecommunications infrastructure and Internet policies. • Government controls. Many governments attempt to control the Internet by limiting access (Cuba, • Develop, through the World Movement for Syria, Saudi Arabia); blocking access to specific Democracy, software or electronic education mate- Web sites (Cuba, China); keeping track of users (or rials for NGOs that can be tailored to individual appearing to); or promoting self-censorship and countries. non-competitive telecommunications policy. As a result of this workshop, a Democracy However, some governments wish to encourage the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Internet for economic purposes and do not censor it Group has been established, including an e-mail (Malaysia, Ukraine). The Estonian government has listserv, and the World Movement Secretariat has embraced technology, making many laws and poli- helped establish a Web site for the Group located at: cies available online. http://www.wmd.org/dict/index.html. • Lack of NGO resources and training. Many NGOs The Serbian ITAG will consider holding Internet do not have adequate technology resources. Even conferences on the issues of this workshop. NGOs that have Internet access and a Web site do not have the resources or training to make the best use of them. Century st Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 Confronting

18 WORLD MOVEMENT for DEMOCRACY | São Paulo, Brazil, November 12–15, 2000 Topical Workshop Reports Strengthening Democratic Institutions: Generating and Sharing Innovative Solutions to Problems of Transition

Organizer: Elizabeth Spiro Clark (U.S.) National Democratic Institute for International National Democratic Institute for International Affairs Affairs (U.S.) Presenters: Fernando Carrillo-Florez (Colombia) Rapporteurs: Inter-American Development Bank Ann Colville Murphy (U.S.) National Democratic Institute for International Affairs Grace Coleman (Ghana) Member of Parliament Heba El Shazli (Egypt) National Democratic Institute for International Affairs Mohammad Mohsin (Nepal) (Lebanon office) National Assembly Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada (Bolivia) Moderators: Former President of Bolivia Les Campbell (U.S.) Nezha Skalli (Morocco) National Democratic Institute for International Affairs Democratic Association of Moroccan Women

Two sections of this workshop were held and partici- • Given the importance of outside attention, a pants agreed that it was useful to participate in meet- democracy/social audit process, based on a set of ings like the World Movement Assembly in order to criteria and standards on which to judge democratic share strategies. Democratization cannot and will not behavior, should be developed. take place in a vacuum. Influence can be obtained when nongovernmental organizations from a variety • With respect to debt relief, the international com- of transitional democracies can come together to share munity should avoid actions that help to sustain cor- their information, experiences, and achievements. rupt power holders, and special attention should be given to the effectiveness of democracy assistance. • Social development programs of international Challenges and Recommendations: financial institutions should encourage extensive Challenge: How to support new democratic institu- participatory processes. tions? Are they working? How can we overcome obstacles to making them effective? Challenge: How to make governments more accountable? Recommendations to the International Community: Recommendations to Emerging, Transitional, and • The international community should sustain its atten- Less-Established Democracies: tion to democratic transitions, recognizing that a tran- sition to democracy is not linear and that supposedly

• Consider laws to strengthen transparency of politi- Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 established democracies can quickly fall backward. cal parties. • Donors should not pull out of countries once an ini- • Institute codes of conduct for parliamentarians tial election is undertaken. The international commu- and civil servants. nity should be present well before and well after elections, and should utilize monitors from countries • Use trained domestic election monitors for new with similar cultures and systems. tasks to promote transparency, such as monitoring parliaments. • Regional-level groups should be utilized more con- sistently on elections questions. Challenge: How to strengthen political parties? • International development banks should contribute Recommendation to International Community: in a more active way to the entrenchment of demo- • Following elections, international organizations cratic institutions and should be encouraged to should stay on to support and strengthen political develop standards for assessing democratic as well

parties and NGOs. st

as economic progress. Century

WWW.WMD.ORG 19 Topical Workshop Reports

Challenge: How to increase broad-based participa- practical law courses for secondary schools and the tion in the political process? general population and legal clinics within law schools to represent poor clients. Recommendations: • Local power holders should be elected, and demo- • Institute new measures to promote women’s par- cratic decision-making methods should be better ticipation, including electoral system reform and integrated into local and community traditions; sup- more support for women in government. port grass-roots mobilization of power. • Emphasize the electoral process; the strength of • Integrate NGOs into government decision-making democracy lies in how elections are conducted, processes; create permanent civil society liaisons how clear, free, and fair the process is. throughout the executive branch, thereby establish- • Mobilize illiterate populations and recognize that ing a partnership between government and civil they too can provide a pool of effective leadership. society based on good communications, transparen- cy, and trust. • Inculcate democratic values in the broad popula- tion; utilize civil society through such programs as • Organize.

Transitional Justice: Overcoming the Obstacles to Information Collection and the Documentation of Human Rights Abuses

Organizer: Presenters: Central and Eastern European Law Initiative Wendy Betts (U.S.) (U.S.) Central and Eastern European Law Initiative Randy Clarke (U.S.) Rapporteur: Central and Eastern European Law Initiative Kathleen McGowan (U.S.) Central and Eastern European Law Initiative (formerly) Kassie Neou (Cambodia) Cambodian Institute of Human Rights (CIHR) Moderator: Scott Carlson (U.S.) Central and Eastern European Law Initiative

Representatives of organizations working on human • Physical and conceptual barriers (such as closed rights issues in Burma, Cambodia, Kosovo, Lebanon, borders, security issues, and fear) sometimes limit and Somalia participated in this workshop and dis- documentation of human rights violations. cussed collaboration and the use of technology in documenting human rights abuses. Among the • The policies of funding organizations sometimes Century have the unintended effect of discouraging collabo- st observations made in the workshop is that collabora- tion among nongovernmental organizations in col- ration among NGOs. lecting information on human rights abuses increases the amount of data collected, which in turn allows Recommendations: for a greater depth of analysis. In addition, technolo- • NGOs should engage each other in dialogue, even gy can assist NGOs in both collecting and analyzing informally, and make sincere commitments to each information. other early in the collaborative process. Workshop participants discussed the difficulties they have encountered in trying to collaborate with • NGOs should educate other NGOs, local govern- other NGOs, and identified possible solutions. ments, and international forces (such as UN peace- keepers) about their potential roles in creating a Challenges: safe and receptive environment for reporting human • It is sometimes difficult to create a climate of open- rights violations. ness and trust among like-minded organizations. Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 Confronting

20 WORLD MOVEMENT for DEMOCRACY | São Paulo, Brazil, November 12–15, 2000 Topical Workshop Reports

• NGOs should educate funding organizations (and locally and internationally; other NGOs) about the benefits of collaboration and before technology is used to document human encourage them to incorporate collaboration into rights abuses, concerns about the security of the their policies. data should be addressed, and a needs assess- • NGOs should focus on the following issues over ment focusing on training and infrastructure the next two years to advance the application of should be conducted; technology in collaborative projects: minimum standards on human rights reporting should be developed. technology should be used to spread informa- tion to stimulate human rights advocacy both

Critical Breakthrough Elections as Opportunities for Democracy Promotion: What are the Best Strategies?

Organizer: Moderator: International Republican Institute (U.S.) John Anelli (U.S.) International Republican Institute Rapporteur: Jiri Pehe (Czech Republic) Presenters: New York University–Prague Slobodan Homen (Serbia) Otpor Martin Lengyel (Slovakia) TA3 Television

The workshop heard from democracy activists from • Actively engage the international community and Slovakia, Serbia, and Croatia, where breakthrough regional neighbors in sustaining democratic gains. elections recently took place, as well as from activists from Zimbabwe, where the democratic opposition • Sustain the coalitions that were created before the came close to defeating the Mugabe regime but did elections to oppose the authoritarian regime. not succeed. Participants agreed both on some basic • With the help of NGOs, keep popular expectations pre-election strategies for changing an authoritarian in perspective about the pace of progress. regime to a democratic one and on some post-elec- tion strategies to help ensure the irreversibility of • Achieve acceptance by the public of the legitimacy those transitions. of electoral reforms.

Recommendations of Pre-Election Strategies: Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 • Unite all opposition forces into a coalition that not General Recommendations to NGOs: only fights for replacing authoritarian rule, but also • Foster inter-regional participation of NGOs in moni- has an issue-oriented, positive program. toring democratic gains. • Get a voice in the media. • Facilitate exchanges among election-monitoring organizations, including sharing experiences in • Establish a broad front of civic organizations opposing non-democratic regimes and in voter (NGOs) that mobilizes the public against the regime education. and promotes voter participation. • Initiate means, perhaps using the Internet, to share • Put in place an effective election monitoring sys- the stories of successful transitions to democracy. tem and an independent vote count. • NGOs in new democracies should support aware- ness of democratic movements in authoritarian Recommendations on Post-Election Strategies: countries. st

• Build viable political parties and help sustain civic Century organizations. • NGOs in new democracies should lobby their own

WWW.WMD.ORG 21 Topical Workshop Reports

governments to demonstrate solidarity with demo- • The World Movement should consider creating cratic forces elsewhere. mobile advisory groups that would visit authoritarian countries, sharing with local activists their own transition-to-democracy experiences. Recommendations to the World Movement for Democracy: • The World Movement (and other organizations and • The World Movement participants should be vocal forums) should continue to support civic organiza- in opposition to authoritarian regimes and politicians tions and democratic political parties after victori- long before break-through elections. This advocacy ous breakthrough elections. should include clearly identifying authoritarian politi- cians, in effect, producing a “most-wanted list” of authoritarian rulers.

Workers, Democracy, and Markets in a Globalizing Economy: The Role of Non-Market Institutions

Organizer: Presenters: American Center for International Labor Solidarity Saadia Benejama (Morocco) (U.S.) Union Morocian du Travail Jeff Faux (U.S.) Rapporteur: Economic Policy Institute Marc Bayard (U.S.) American Center for International Labor Solidarity John Fernandes (Belgium) ICFTU Moderator: Kjeld Jakobsen (Brazil) Harry Kamberis (U.S.) CUT American Center for International Labor Solidarity Sergio Mendonça (Brazil) DIEESE David Smith (U.S.) AFL-CIO

Observations: • Economic development and democratic gover- • Millions of workers and their families have benefit- nance are mutually reinforcing. The enforcement of ed from globalization, yet millions more have been International Labor Organization (ILO) standards, marginalized in an ever increasingly integrated including the right of workers to organize and bar- world. In many emerging democracies, income dis- gain collectively, encourages more rapid and equi- parities and unemployment are on the rise. table economic growth. Equitable growth, in turn,

Century underpins and reinforces respect for democratic st • As developing countries implement the economic norms and practices. Trade unions support demo- and political reforms necessary for them to compete cratic economic development, and economic effectively in the global marketplace, the changes democracy is essential to the development and sus- they have initiated have created new problems, tainability of a democratic society. including weakened social safety nets and a grow- ing informal sector. If left unchecked, these condi- • The number of multinational corporations with tions can lead to political instability and threaten the enormous economic clout has increased and they nascent and fragile democratic structures that are operate in a largely unregulated global economy. beginning to develop. In a growing number of Many governments in emerging market economies emerging democracies, there has been some “back- hesitate to enforce their own labor codes as they sliding” in response to domestic pressures from citi- compete for investments from foreign capital mar- zens who have either not benefited from globaliza- kets and multinational corporations. At the same tion or for whom living and working conditions have time, unregulated capitol flows have created cycli- worsened. cal economic crises in which workers bear the Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 Confronting

22 WORLD MOVEMENT for DEMOCRACY | São Paulo, Brazil, November 12–15, 2000 Topical Workshop Reports

brunt of retrenchments and declining living and • Trade unions and their civil society partners should working conditions. initiate a global challenge to the legal theory that nations can create and impose standards regarding • The ILO, a tripartite body of labor, business, and the products they import, but cannot impose stan- government, has stated that labor rights are human dards on how they are made. rights. The principles embodied in its 1998 Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at • Trade unions should facilitate a dialogue between Work include: north and south to create a global compromise on labor rights and trade. (Nations in the south, or the freedom of association and the effective recog- developing world, need access to capital and nition of the right to collective bargaining; northern markets while nations in the north seek the elimination of all forms of forced or compul- protection from the erosion of worker rights and sory labor; living standards.) the effective abolition of child labor; • Export processing zones are an important econom- the elimination of discrimination in employment ic development strategy in many countries, but the and occupation. laws that regulate them should be based on interna- • Workshop participants recognized that effectively tional ILO labor rights standards and national laws. enforcing the ILO’s core labor rights principles in all If not properly regulated, these zones can under- countries would address many of the major con- mine democratic norms and create double stan- cerns voiced by workers in developed and emerging dards within countries. market economies and would contribute to sustain- • Ultimately, governments are accountable for cre- able economic growth. Adherence also contributes ating the global architecture and enforcing demo- to strengthening democratic practices and the rule cratic rights and practices. Trade unions and their of law in nascent democracies and emerging market civil society partners must seek effective ways in economies. which to participate with their governments in pub- • While governments are ultimately responsible for lic policy making. their public policies, international financial institu- • Given the fact that over 50 percent of the world’s tions (IFIs) also play an important role because they workers are women, all trade union organizations influence government policies that in some cases and their civil society partners should review their undermine democratic norms and practices. gender policies in the context of the Beijing Conference, and take pro-active measures to Recommendations of Best Practices, Strategies, and increase the number of women in leadership posi- Initiatives: tions in their organizations. Trade unions should also • In cooperation with other civil society organiza- advocate more forcefully for equal pay for equal tions, trade unions should promote the principle that work for women workers. labor rights are human rights and are fundamental • Trade unions and their civil society partners should to a sustainable market economy and democratic advocate for the inclusion of ILO core labor stan- governance. There is thus a need to strengthen the dards in international trade agreements.

relationships among unions, NGOs, and civil society Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 organizations, since workers are citizens of the • Because of the influence of international finan- global economy, and an injury to any worker is an cial institutions (IFIs) on national policies, civil injury to democracy. society should be more involved in overseeing IFI policies and activities at both the national and • There should be greater publicity of sweatshops and international levels. child labor to expose the general public to worker abuses and to increase the pressure on bad actors. st Century

WWW.WMD.ORG 23 Topical Workshop Reports Countering the Corrosive Effects of Narcotics Trafficking and Organized Crime on Democratic Development: How Broader Civil Society Forces Can Help

Organizer: Presenters: Colombian Federation of Municipalities (Colombia) Juan Gomez (Colombia) Mayor, Medellín Rapporteur: Alexandra Houston Benham (U.S.) Efren Hernández Díaz (Colombia) Ronald Coase Institute Mayor, Yopal Casanare Jorge Salazar (Peru) Moderator: Press and Society Institute Christopher Sabatini (U.S.) Gilberto Toro (Colombia) National Endowment for Democracy Colombian Federation of Municipalities

Observations: • Civil society should assume a more deliberate role There are different types of illegal conduct that in the fight against narco-trafficking and its nega- directly threaten democracies, and narco-trafficking tive effects, bringing together different organiza- is one of them. It mostly affects democracy through tions that seek to mitigate the harmful effects of blackmail, corruption, and the use of violence, and it drugs, especially on children and youth. Among works against the institutions of the state, by under- other efforts, nongovernmental organizations repre- mining public authorities and agencies, and also senting mothers should be constituted and profes- against the electoral process. Its intimidating effects sional associations should denounce their corrupt gravely influence those in different sectors of civil colleagues. society, especially journalists who investigate the problem. To the degree that narco-trafficking spreads • Develop new economic alternatives to illegal drug to different countries, the growth of corruption and cultivation, which provides profits at least equal to violence around the world threatens to debilitate the legal cultivations and thus tends to undermine the spread and growth of democracy. Big profit margins process of bringing the business of narco-traffick- resulting from the process of drug production and ing to justice. distribution are invested in arms to meet the • Summon international democratic solidarity in sup- demands of terrorists, organized crime, or armed port of judicial processes that investigate important groups that seek to seize power through violence. cases of narco-trafficking corruption to stop its intimidating effects. This solidarity must be massive to be effective against narco-traffickers and their Recommendations: agents, and should be reflected both in civil society • Establish a network to enable civil society organi- and investigative journalism. zations and government offices fighting narco-traf- ficking to exchange information on their work. • Present serious cases of narco-trafficking corrup- tion, abuses of human rights, and other attempts to • Political parties in countries suffering the effects of undermine democracy to the international courts,

Century narco-trafficking, especially those that produce

st not only when such activity affects a particular drugs, should be strengthened to prevent the infil- country but also when it affects international rela- tration of the traffickers into decision-making and tions and democratic agreements among different especially into the electoral process. Accounts of countries. electoral expenditures should be made transparent, especially to identify the origins of contributions. • Create a permanent group within the World Movement for Democracy to coordinate and evalu- • Every country should have an office that investi- ate activities to counter the efforts of narco-traffick- gates corruption undermining democracy, and par- ers to violate the exercise of democratic rights in ticularly the electoral process. These offices should different countries. In this way, the solidarity of dif- have databases of information to which journalists ferent sectors of civil society can be summoned to and nongovernmental organizations should have work together in strategic and effective ways. access. The experience of investigative journalism in Peru can serve as a model for this purpose. Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 Confronting

24 WORLD MOVEMENT for DEMOCRACY | São Paulo, Brazil, November 12–15, 2000 Topical Workshop Reports Ethnic Conflict Management: Federalism and Alternative Models for the Regulation of Conflict

Organizer: Moderator: Forum of Federations (Canada) George Mathew (India) Institute of Social Sciences Rapporteur: Christina Murray (South Africa) Presenters: University of Cape Town Isawa Elaigwu (Nigeria) Institute for Social Research and Governance Anand Singh (Fiji) Fiji Trade Union Congress

This workshop responded to an increasing interna- adopting the model of decentralization. Negotiation tional tendency to look to forms of regionalism or and reform making cannot be left to political elites. federalism in response to ethnic conflict. Individuals from more than 15 countries (with • This, of course, is the democratic point, and the particularly strong representation from Nigeria) participants stressed the need for democracy both participated in the workshop, which focused on in crafting constitutional structures to address possible responses to ethnic conflict in countries problems and in implementing regionalism. as diverse as Sudan, Burma, Fiji and India. Devolution of power is not acceptable if that power Proposed models ranged from secession to a is exercised in an undemocratic way by the regions rights-based, rather than a territorially-based, to which power is devolved. approach to ethnic conflict. • Disagreement in the workshop emerged on the degree of autonomy, or “democracy and recogni- tion,” as some participants described it, to which Observations: ethnic groups are entitled. While there seemed to Despite the wide range of problems raised by the be relatively broad agreement that some situations examples discussed in the workshop, and despite might demand secession, many participants would the very specific limitations and possibilities that generally demand a balance between the rights of each different social, economic, and political con- the central government and those of the sub- text creates, there were three main points of national units. agreement:

• Federalism or “regionalization” is not a solution to Recommendation: all ethnic conflicts. Rather, federal models provide • Workshops like this one should continue to be a medium that may allow for the management of held with two related goals:

some conflicts. Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 to provide opportunities for the exchange of • A fair and effective distribution of resources is ideas; and essential to effective decentralization. to ensure that federal or regional approaches to • A federal solution to ethnic conflict is highly ethnic conflict do not lose sight of democracy as unlikely to be successful if the people of a country the proper basis for any system of government. are not themselves involved in developing or st Century

WWW.WMD.ORG 25 Topical Workshop Reports From Laws to Reality: Diminishing the Gap between Human Rights Laws and their Implementation

Organizers: Presenters: Citizenship, Studies, Information, Action (CEPIA, Mahnaz Afkhami (Iran, U.S.-based) Brazil) Women’s Learning Partnership for Rights, Civil Liberties Organisation (Nigeria) Development, and Peace Leila Linhares Barsted (Brazil) Rapporteur: Citizenship, Studies, Information, Action Ayo Obe (Nigeria) Civil Liberties Organisation Hedio Silva, Jr. (Brazil) Relações de Trabalho e Desigualdades Moderator: Jacqueline Pitanguy (Brazil) Citizenship, Studies, Information, Action

Recommendations: cates citizens’ understanding of legislation that pro- • Ratify international human rights treaties. Democrats tects and upholds their human rights. should identify those countries that have and have not ratified international human rights treaties; in addition, • Create awareness of international human rights they should also distinguish those countries that have treaties among lawyers, activists, and those in law ratified such treaties but clearly fail to honor their pro- enforcement. Democrats should use all methods visions, such as countries that have ratified the available, including citation of such treaties, when Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of presenting arguments in court. Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) but deny • Implement special methods of law enforcement, women their basic rights. Reservations to internation- where necessary or appropriate, to ensure that citizens al human rights treaties should also be identified, par- are able to enjoy their rights under the laws in their ticularly where such reservations make near non- countries. For example, “all-women” police stations sense of any “ratification.” can be created for victims of domestic violence or • Incorporate international human rights treaties into abuse who seek assistance, protection, and redress. local legislation and harmonize local laws and prac- • Provide educational programs for judges on inter- tices. In cases in which countries have ratified those national human rights treaties. Judges should also treaties, democrats should ensure that they are enact- be encouraged to refer to such treaties when writ- ed into local legislation since it is clear that officials in ing judgments and rulings. many countries ratify treaties without much thought, without consultation, and without any necessary fol- • As an institution, the media should play a crucial low-up. For example, many developing countries have role in the dissemination of knowledge and aware- ratified treaties like the WTO without consulting their ness of human rights legislation. business communities; similar situations arise with respect to international human rights treaties. • Build solidarity across disciplines. When pressing Century for the actualization of human rights legislation st Democrats should also examine existing local laws to ensure their conformity with international human rights lawyers should not act only with other lawyers, and treaties, and where necessary propose amendments when examining the effects of such legislation polit- to bring them into line with such standards. ical and social scientists should not work only with each other. Rather, those in as many disciplines as • Use the international courts. It is particularly may be relevant should interact with each other to important for countries to ratify treaties giving draw on their respective strengths. access to international courts, and democrats should press to ensure that any country’s reserva- • Similarly, tackling human rights issues should not tions limiting such access be removed and neces- be confined within national boundaries. Rather, sary legislation enacted. assistance should be actively sought from democ- rats in other countries within and across regions. • Demystify the law. Once laws are enacted they should be available and easily accessible to all; this • Social and economic rights must be the basis for means that lawyers should avoid jargon that compli- civil and political rights. There must be some answer Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 Confronting

26 WORLD MOVEMENT for DEMOCRACY | São Paulo, Brazil, November 12–15, 2000 Topical Workshop Reports

to the argument that people “cannot eat democra- Recommendations to the World Movement: cy,” which is partly the result of recognizing that • The World Movement Web site should provide social and economic rights are as important as civil links to Web sites that describe international human and political ones and that the “democracy divi- rights treaties and that list country ratifications and dend” must be a specific goal for democrats. reservations. • Examine proposed budgets. Democrats should use • The World Movement Web site should also facili- available legislation and access to help ensure that tate the sharing of resources and information on budgetary proposals reflect internationally recom- human rights and some mechanism, such as a chat mended percentages for expenditures in such areas room, where those with knowledge can provide as education, healthcare, or defense, and, if not, updated information to others. they should lobby for changes.

Strategies for Civil Society, NGOs, Parties, and Other Actors to Promote Democracy in Semi-Authoritarian Countries

Organizers: Presenters: Caucasian Institute for Peace, Democracy, and Balghis Badri (Sudan) Development (Georgia) Babiker Badri Scientific Samuel Kofi Woods (Liberia) Association for Women’s Studies Leiden University Sasa Mirkovic (Serbia) Association of Independent Electronic Media/B-92 Rapporteur: E. Gyimah-Boadi (Ghana) Alexei Siminov (Russia) Ghana Center for Democratic Glasnost Defense Foundation Development (CDD-Ghana) Margaret Dongo (Zimbabwe) Zimbabwe Union of Democrats Moderators: In Vuthy (Cambodia) Maina Kiai (Kenya, UK-based) Cambodian Human Rights Task Force Amnesty International Ghia Nodia (Georgia) Caucasian Institute for Peace, Democracy, and Development

Observations: • Donor and international community ambiguity • Semi-authoritarian countries have the following towards semi-authoritarian governments and

features in common: domestic oppositions, civil society, and NGOs. Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21

formal democratic structures, but authoritarian • Executive arrogance and impunity. political culture and practices; elections, but with severe flaws; Recommended Strategies: residual authoritarian laws, even when there is Recognizing that appropriate strategies depend on a new democratic constitution; local contexts (for instance, whether the case is a mild or harsh version of semi-authoritarianism and executive dominance or presidentialism. whether the country is moving from democracy to semi-authoritarianism or from semi-authoritarianism Challenges: to democracy), the following strategies were recom- • Limitations on the constitutional, legal, and political mended for promoting democracy in semi-authoritar- space for civil society, NGOs, and opposition politi- ian countries: cal party activism.

• Engage constructively with the semi-authoritarian st

• Serious resource constraints. Century government, or at least branches of the government

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and constitutional bodies, through a combination of • Develop linkages between leading NGOs and civil pressure (for instance, street demonstrations) and society organizations, on the one hand, and grass- persuasion (collaboration and cooperation). roots, informal sector, and weaker counterparts, on the other. • Establish linkages and collaboration between civil society, NGOs, and political parties, on the one • Build networks and coalitions at the local, regional, hand, and the media, especially independent media, and international levels. on the other. • Make networks independent and open to make • Build alliances between NGOs and civil society, on them stronger and more resistant to infiltration and the one hand, and artists, writers, and popular fig- cooptation by government. ures and society icons, on the other. • International democratic activists should visit local • Work to expand the constitutional, legal, and politi- semi-authoritarian situations to gather factual evi- cal space for democratic activism and development. dence and provide solidarity with beleaguered NGOs, civil society, and opposition groups. • Work on concrete institutional reforms (for exam- ple, establishing or strengthening an independent • Target multi-national corporations and other exter- electoral commission). nal economic interests (such as oil companies and mining firms) that benefit from authoritarian rule. • Engage in public interest litigation to promote respect for human rights, official accountability, and • Pressure government to comply with international other democratic goals. commitments and obligations to democracy and rel- evant international conventions. • Pursue networking among pro-democratic NGOs, civil society groups, and political parties, while • Use the tools of the Internet for advocacy and insisting on shared values as the basis for coopera- information sharing. tion and collaboration.

How Can NGOs help Overcome Obstacles and Reduce Human Costs in Difficult Transitions?

Organizer: Moderator: Panorama Center (Palestine) Riad Malki (Palestine) Panorama Center Rapporteur: Heba F. El-Shazli (Egypt) Presenter: National Democratic Institute for International Affairs Slobodan Djinovic (Serbia) (Lebanon office) Otpor

Century This workshop focused on four case studies: Serbia, • Coordinate with political parties whenever possible. st Algeria, Palestine, and Romania. • Focus on increasing membership by organizing cit- General Recommendations: izens at the grassroots, including all ethnic and • Establish the credibility of NGOs through the dis- minority groups; make it an inclusive movement. semination of accurate information. • Conduct training and education workshops to • Create a large (popular) public movement that is teach the nation the concepts and issues of the inclusive, but with a parallel hidden structure as a campaign. form of protection from the tyranny of non-demo- • Be prepared for action and respond to attacks on cratic forces (as in the case of Serbia). NGOs and their members using non-violent means; • Organize public media campaigns with innovative expose the violent behavior to public opinion both slogans, messages, and symbols; be creative, even internally and externally. by using humor. Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 Confronting

28 WORLD MOVEMENT for DEMOCRACY | São Paulo, Brazil, November 12–15, 2000 Topical Workshop Reports

• Use information technology to spread the mes- conflict resolution sage, to inform, to report election results, and to • NGOs should play an important crisis prevention take opinion polls. role. Since they work in the field and at the grass- • Be a watchdog over politicians’ actions. roots level, they can feel the pulse of the people and detect problems before they simmer and explode. • Create a new generation of politicians through However, there has to be political will to take action. education, training, and contact with NGOs. • NGOs should play a role in networking to help • Provide humanitarian relief and assistance; “NGOs solve problems across borders, within regions, and can be successful when the government gives up.” internationally. • Create a true partnership between civil • NGOs should contribute to the policy-making society/NGOs and the government, which requires process by providing research reports and by under- transparency, good communication skills, and trust. taking public opinion polls and analysis. • NGOs should train government officials and politi- • NGOs in difficult transition periods can make a dif- cians in “good life skills,” which are important to ference! They must base their activities on reality to have in public work. Such skills include: achieve results. To implement a well-developed pub- lic campaign, they should use information technolo- good communication gy and the media to make their work transparent strategic planning and credible. The goal is to voice the real needs of goal-oriented planning and action the people.

Democracy Education in Challenging Political and Cultural Environments

Organizer: Presenters: Foundation for Education for Democracy (Poland) Joseph Davis (U.S.) CIVITAS American Federation of Teachers Mubarak Tashpulatova (Uzbekistan) Rapporteur: Tashkent Public Education Center Joseph Davis (U.S.) American Federation of Teachers Nimi Walson-Jack (Nigeria) Centre for Responsive Politics Moderator: Krzysztof Stanowski (Poland)

Foundation for Education for Democracy Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21

Recommendations: • Collect and share information on unique and cre- Participants suggested creating a group on civic edu- ative approaches to democracy education, including cation within the World Movement for Democracy to the use of music, theater, and art as media for pursue the following recommendations: teaching democracy.

• Establish a special fund to support civic education • Establish an international school and regional cen- initiatives and projects. ters for democracy training using trainers drawn from World Movement participants as faculty. • Develop and share information on funding sources for democracy education. • Work with national and international media and broadcasting networks to provide education about • Create an international forum for civic educators to democracy. share strategies, teaching methods, materials and • Support the development of formal civic education st information. Century curricula for schools.

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• Provide conferences and seminars for training • Create a group of democracy education experts young democrats. that can be drawn on as consultants. • Develop a clearinghouse on democracy education • Protect, defend, and support democracy educators “case studies” for World Movement participants. facing persecution and other dangers. • Organize regional meetings of civic education insti- tutions for exchanging experiences and information.

Political Reform and Economic Development: The Role of Political and Civil Society Organizations

Organizers: Presenters: International IDEA (Sweden) Rolando Franco (Chile) State and Civil Society Division, Inter-American Economic Commission for Latin America Development Bank (IDB) Horacio Serpa Uribe (Colombia) Partido Liberal Colombiano Rapporteur: Ivo Hernandez (Germany) Commentators: University of Heidelberg Mercedes de Freitas (Venezuela) Fundación Momento de la Gente Moderator: Fernando Carrillo-Florez (Colombia) Daniel Zovatto (Costa Rica) State and Civil Society Division, IDB International IDEA

Challenge: se imply the good health of a democratic system. • What kind of specific actions can be exerted by Attention must be paid to periodic examinations of public entities and civil societies in active support of institutional and political systems. democracy? • Without democracy and real democratic participation promoted by representative parties there is no guaran- Recommendations: tee of stability, rule of law, and civic participation. • The state is necessary. Emphasizing the political factor within the state implies clear objectives that • Civil society and political parties should be com- help it function, so that it acknowledges the most plementary concepts that lead towards effective important common problems and effectively acts and tangible social results. upon them. Several speakers and participants who • Development should always be sustainable devel- made this point focused on the need for an arbiter opment, not only on environmental or economic between the power of the market and civil society. Century grounds, but also on social and political grounds. st • Politics is a comparative exercise between ideas The mistake of the economic reforms of the 1980s and policy programs. Political parties should be and the institutional improvements of the 1990s may promoted so that they represent not only themselves have been to forget this point. and patterns of isolated ideological interests, but • Without clear accountability, social balance, and a also diverse sectors of the civil society. fair distribution of wealth, people may tend to under- • Multiparty administration helps ensure good gover- value the usefulness of democracy. nance and the fight against corruption. Some partic- • Politicians and political parties should look forward ipants agreed that an electoral system that guaran- to diminishing the gap between electoral promises tees pluralist participation would also most likely and reality. help “porosity” between society and the govern- mental machine. • Development depends on the quality of institutions, the quality of services, and thus on the quality of politics. • The regular occurrence of elections does not per Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 Confronting

30 WORLD MOVEMENT for DEMOCRACY | São Paulo, Brazil, November 12–15, 2000 Topical Workshop Reports

• Anti-political and anti-party discourse leads to civil society working groups or as political parties. authoritarianism in society. • Techniques should be developed to strengthen the • The pattern of relations between civil society and mechanisms of accountability at all levels of power. political parties should be redefined so the latter may be better able to articulate the demands and • A new and active concept of citizenry should be aspirations of civil society organizations. developed that considers people not only as elec- tors, but also as citizens who go beyond electoral • Maintain the important boundaries between public formalities and engage in participative and real rep- and private (or corporate) interests. resentative democracy, including the protection of social and economic rights. • Provide opportunities for political participation to those who will be affected by public policies. • Employment should be generated to integrate large majorities into productive economies. • In the relationship between state and civil society, the dominant perspective has inclined to consider • Democracy is a necessary condition for develop- the state as the only actor promoting development. ment, and the political factor plays a key role in fos- It is thus necessary to sharpen the political picture tering economic growth, a better distribution of of organized civil society. wealth, and real results in the battle against eco- nomic inequality and poverty. • Emerging or formerly excluded social sectors should be helped to organize themselves either as

Strengthening Democracy at the Grassroots: Local Government and Civil Society

Organizers: Moderator: Institute of Social Sciences (India) George Mathew (India) Celina Souza (University of Bahia, Brazil) Institute of Social Sciences

Rapporteur: Presenter: Steve Utterwulghe (Belgium , Angola-based) Celina Souza (Brazil) Centre for Common Ground University of Bahia

Challenges: • How to address the quality of service delivery at • What to do when local government officials are the local level? inaccessible or unapproachable? • How to increase the awareness of democratic val- Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 • What to do when local government officials are ues at the local level? corrupt? • If media is important in denouncing bad practices • How to strengthen local civil society, which is usu- at the local government level, how can that be done ally weak? when there are no independent media? • How to address the lack of resources for local bodies? Recommendations: • Distribute fiscal resources equally for effective • When local communities, councils, or communes decentralization. have been created by citizens, how do you bring the issues raised at this social level to the political • International groups and NGOs should support level? local civil society. • How to achieve effective decentralization in an • The admonition that “democracy requires democ- st

authoritarian country? rats” should be complemented by the admonition that Century “democracy requires citizens.” Citizens need the

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necessary skills and training to create democracy. • Civil society can help in the election of “good” local political candidates who respect strict demo- • In the absence of independent media, programs cratic principles. should be broadcast that raise issues in a non- adversarial way. • Local bodies can help in addressing corruption. • Experiences with local government in established • Opportunities should be given to local citizens to democracies should be shared. assess the efficiency of local governments and the quality of their service delivery. • Decentralization should not be an end in itself but a means to achieve improvement. Recommendation to the World Movement for • Local communities should be included in local Democracy: decision-making processes. • Create a forum to enable the exchange of experi- • Public spaces at the local level should be created ences on the decentralization process. where grassroots organizations can meet with local Note: See functional workshop report on “Building a business leaders and local authorities. Global Network on Local Government” beginning on page 52. • Using local languages at the local level can be a key factor in decentralization.

Building Conditions to Eliminate Discrimination and/or Racism

Organizers: Moderator: INSPIR (Brazil) Christopher Landsberg (South Africa) Christopher Landsberg (South Africa) University of the Witwatersrand University of the Witwatersrand Presenters: Rapporteur: Neide Fonseca (Brazil) Francis Kornegay (South Africa) INSPIR University of the Witwatersrand Clayton Lillenfeldt (South Africa) Mediation and Transformation Practice

Observations: issue of racism that must be confronted in fashioning • There is a tendency for racial tensions to persist a conversation about eliminating racism. in transitions to democracy where a political or leg- islative transition to racial equality is not accompa- • An assertion was made during the workshop that nied by an economic transition that benefits former- racism should be approached from an individualistic perspective that focuses on “equal opportunity” Century ly oppressed and disadvantaged racial groups. st rather than from a perspective of “an equality of • A closely related concern is the persistence of outcomes.” This generated lively debate, with an racial tensions where de jure/legal remedies, be opposing observation voiced that race and racism they constitutional or legislative, are not accompa- are associated with historically-grounded collective nied by more substantive strategies of redress to identities and experiences. create a level playing field between formerly advan- taged and disadvantaged racial groups. • The “racial equation” within multiracial societies tends to expose the limits of formal democracy, the • From the standpoint of formerly disadvantaged quality of which is contingent on the balance of racial groups, there is also the tendency for the issue power within a given society, a situation that is of race and racism to be swept aside or ignored, or dynamic and subject to change. Thus, in the case of for an encoded discourse about race to develop that the U.S. during post-Reconstruction, political tyran- reinforces stalemate and misunderstanding. There is ny based on race could still exist within an other- thus a very profound psychological dimension to the wise democratic system. Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 Confronting

32 WORLD MOVEMENT for DEMOCRACY | São Paulo, Brazil, November 12–15, 2000 Topical Workshop Reports

• Similarly, in the case of Brazil, former slaves Recommendations: became marginalized after slavery was abolished in • The World Movement should explore structuring an 1888 as the government and political and intellectual ongoing international forum on race and racism, the elites set in train a process to transform Brazil into a purpose of which would be to advance a constructive- “white” country. This was followed by a process of ly critical discourse on race and to facilitate monitor- forming the national identity around the notion of ing of racial tensions and conflicts on a global basis. “racial democracy” that belied the fact of a black population that continued to be marginalized and • The issue of discrimination in countries that have a where poverty coincided with those of African origin. policy of not keeping social statistics based on the In this regard, three societies — Brazil, South Africa, rationale that there is no race discrimination and that and the U.S. — can be seen to share in the common the government opposes it should be addressed. coincidence of race, poverty, and marginalization. • The international community should respond to • Important references were made to other cases of racial persecution and exclusion on Fiji in the same group discrimination and oppression based on cul- way that it did in the case of South Africa. ture, religion, and ethnicity, as well as race. In one • The World Movement should explore the feasibility Persian Gulf country, for example, various forms of and means of supporting the development of racial discrimination and persecution have been allowed conflict resolution methodologies and strategies because the government, under the cover of not aimed at promoting racial justice and interracial allowing discrimination of any kind, has failed to reconciliation (which could include examining South gather social statistics that might be useful in moni- African experiences in monitoring the impact of leg- toring discrimination. Cases of black-on-black racial islation and racial conflict management). and/or ethnic oppression and discrimination were discussed in the cases of the Sudan and Fiji. • Governments should be made accountable for implementing the International Labor Organization (ILO) convention on combating racism.

Elections and the International Community: Do’s and Don’ts

Organizer: Presenters: National Democratic Institute for International Affairs Jamal Adimi (Yemen) (U.S.) Forum for Civil Society Margaret Dongo (Zimbabwe) Rapporteurs: Zimbabwe Union of Democrats Ann Colville (U.S.) National Democratic Institute for International Affairs Eduardo Fernandez (Venezuela)

Fundación Popular Iberoamericana Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 Suzana Jasic (Croatia) Citizens Organized to Monitor Elections (GONG) Patricio Gajardo (U.S.) International Foundation for Election Systems Moderator: Maina Kiai (Kenya, UK-based) Patrick Merloe (U.S.) Amnesty International National Democratic Institute for International Affairs Robin Ludwig (U.S.) United Nations Electoral Assistance Bureau Elizabeth Spehar (Canada) Organization of American States

The first portion of the workshop focused on the with government entities, domestic and other inter- role of international elections observers — when national observer groups, and local nongovernmen- they should arrive and depart the country, what tal organizations. Particular consideration was given st they should observe, how they should observe, and to the perspective of political party leaders on how Century the relationships that can and should be established the international community supports election

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monitoring. The second portion of the workshop ence for observing elections? focused more on the role of domestic observers, the function of impartial nongovernmental organiza- Recommendation: The answer depends on the politi- tions, and the relationship between these actors and cal situation in the country. For example, if there is a international observers. threat of violence and an international presence could mitigate the threat without placing observers Challenges and Recommendations: at too great a risk, there should be a large number of Challenge: International observers often arrive too international observers. In situations where electoral late and depart too soon (immediately after election violence is a strong possibility, the mobility of inter- day and often before election results are official); national observers can be particularly important. In issuing an objective and accurate statement on an another example, if there are significant numbers of election requires observation of all aspects of the political party poll watchers and/or independent electoral process and its political environment. domestic NGO observers, but they are not well estab- lished or are operating under threats, a relatively Recommendation: Elections cannot be divorced from smaller number of international observers may be the broader political processes that are central to a able to give them support and amplify observation country’s democratic development. Genuine elections findings, both domestically and internationally. are a fundamental human right, and to realize them International observers should advocate forcefully for requires the free exercise of a number of other civil the accreditation of domestic observers, should coor- and political rights. International observers should dinate activities with domestic observers, and should therefore observe the entire election process from the ensure to the highest degree possible that the issuing beginning through the resolution of complaints and of statements by international delegations does not the legitimate winners take office. overshadow reports of domestic observers.

There are three different moments in elections: the Challenge: Should the international community apply pre-election period, election day, and the post-elec- the same standards for elections to all countries? tion period. Observers should focus on election legis- lation, voter lists, ballot access, media access and Recommendation: The same standards should be coverage, intimidation and bribery of voters, freedom applied to all countries. At the same time, the elec- of the parties to campaign, misuse of government tions should be considered within each country’s his- resources for electoral advantage, sources and uses of torical, cultural, and political context. It is also campaign financing, the entire election day, including important to determine whether a country is making the process of counting and tabulation of votes. progress on the path towards democracy or whether Observers should closely monitor the entire period it has stalled or is moving backwards. between election day and the announcement of offi- cial results, being receptive to complaints and allega- Challenge: Should international observers be tions, and they should observe the transition process impartial? of the elected government. International observers should also monitor how governments conduct post- Recommendation: As observers they should be impar- election “lessons learned” activities and implement tial, but they should seek to influence electoral legis- needed political and electoral reforms. lation and make other recommendations to ensure that democratic values and standards are met. Challenge: International observers often lack relevant International observers should follow up periodically Century

st knowledge of the observed country and its election to determine whether their recommendations have process. This can cause them to make statements been acted upon and whether effective electoral that have unintended consequences, which can legit- reform or improvements are being implemented. imize an improper process. Decision makers at international organizations and multilateral financing organizations should consider Recommendation: International observers should the state of democratic election processes as criteria agree to standard methodologies, including a code of for their assistance. conduct. Given their great responsibility and poten- tial impact on the election process, the observers should be objective and professional. They should Additional Recommendations: educate themselves about the election law and the International observers should not supplant domestic situation in the country. observers and the international community should provide domestic observers with technical and finan- Challenge: What is an adequate international pres- cial support. It should also provide technical and Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 Confronting

34 WORLD MOVEMENT for DEMOCRACY | São Paulo, Brazil, November 12–15, 2000 Topical Workshop Reports financial support to political parties (so that they can international community informed about the situa- protect the integrity of the election process by tions in those countries in which elections are to be deploying poll watchers and using legal complaint observed and should demonstrate support for advanc- mechanisms) and encourage domestic groups within ing democracy in those countries. With the increase the same region to share experiences. in globalization, the role of global public opinion also Given the competition that often exists among increases and international election observation can international observer groups, serious efforts should be key to forming that public opinion. be made to encourage cooperation to ensure coordi- The most important thing is that the international nation. There should also be cooperation and open community should be involved in the long-term communication between international and domestic processes of political, economic, and social develop- observer groups. ment, and observers should witness several election International observation groups should keep the cycles.

Cross-Border Democracy Assistance: What Is the Role of New Democracies and NGOs in their Regions?

Organizer: Presenters: Institute for Democracy in Eastern Europe Heba El-Shazli (Egypt) (Poland/U.S.) National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (Lebanon office) Rapporteur: Ivlian Khaindrava (Georgia) Eric Chenoweth (U.S.) Center for Development and Cooperation Institute for Democracy in Eastern Europe Malgorzata Naimska (Poland) Moderator: Institute for Democracy in Eastern Europe Irena Lasota (U.S.) Alexander Podrabinek (Russia) Institute for Democracy in Eastern Europe Express Chronicle

This workshop was a microcosm of the whole which are organized in over 20 countries in Central Second Assembly. Fifty people from 21 countries and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. attended, representing diverse religions, nations, eth- nicities, and political circumstances. The president • Ivlian Haindrava, Malgorzata Naimska, and of IDEE, Irena Lasota, noted that one of the main Alexander Podrabinek pointed to the dynamic reasons for organizing the workshop—and at the interaction among NGOs from different countries heart of IDEE’s objectives as an organization—was to as a means of promoting democracy, disseminat- demonstrate the falseness of Samuel Huntington’s ing information, defending human rights, broaden- Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 now-famous thesis that there is today a clash of civi- ing understanding of democratic values, and build- lizations. The only clash that exists, she argued, is ing civic society and democratic institutions. Each that between democratic and non-democratic sys- noted especially the benefits of cross-border tems, between dictatorial and free countries, between assistance among the countries of Central and authoritarian and liberal societies. That democracy is Eastern Europe, which have seen greater demo- a universal value crossing civilizations has been cratic development than those of the former Soviet demonstrated time and again in the last decades and Union, where democracy has taken a much weak- can be shown by the cross-border and even trans- er hold. regional activities of the organizations represented in the workshop—and by the enormous desire for • Heba El-Shazli, presented the great benefits of organizing such activities. trans-regional cooperation in programs she has organized in the Middle East and North Africa using Observations: Eastern European colleagues as trainers. She noted A number of examples of, and proposals for, cross- that following one workshop with Solidarity repre-

sentatives, the participants created a completely st border assistance, cooperation, and activity were Century offered by members of the Centers for Pluralism, new women’s trade union program in Algeria that

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immediately improved women’s trade union organi- • Exempt democracy-promotion programs from the zation in the country. vicissitudes of political, diplomatic, or other pres- sures and ensure that a buffer exists between gov- • Participants from Somalia, Romania, Iraq, Burma, ernments and publicly funded agencies promoting South Korea, Egypt, Azerbaijan, Malaysia, Taiwan, democracy. Cuba, and Belarus, among others, pointed to the importance of building or expanding regional and • Support cross-border and trans-regional training trans-regional assistance programs. of democratic activists in dictatorships, including through third-country workshops, internships, exchanges, study tours, and other means. Recommendations: Organize teams of cross-border and trans-regional • Look for commonality among countries in transition election observers of elections held in dictator- to democracy that are trying to overcome similar ships and emerging democracies, as well as teams systems of dictatorship, and among countries that of trainers for use in general democracy and civil have reached stages of transition and those still society promotion. struggling against similar systems of dictatorship. For example, it is important to note the often forgot- • Establish a directory of resources on democracy ten commonalities among post-communist countries promotion for new democratic organizations. in Eastern Europe and those in the Horn of Africa, as well as among other countries formerly dominated • Given the often greater effectiveness of new and by the Soviet Union or that had adopted a system of emerging democracies in assisting democracy communist dictatorship. movements in dictatorships, donors from the estab- lished, wealthy democracies should cooperate with • In transitional regimes, civil society and democrat- and support NGOs in new democracies that organ- ic activists should insist on investigations into ize cross-border assistance to those movements. human rights violations and the establishment of accountability for crimes committed under dictator- • Under no circumstances should donors impose ship. That information should then be shared across their programs on democracy movements; rather, borders among democrats in countries in similar sit- they should respond to the needs of democracy uations. This insistence on accountability and the activists — as the activists themselves express sharing of information will allow for a smoother tran- those needs — in challenging repressive regimes. sition to democracy by establishing human rights as Donors should also listen to the advice of democra- its first principle. cy activists in new democracies who have had recent experience in removing dictatorships. • Strengthen democratic civic education programs among the Kurdish people, who live in a variety of countries, including Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and Syria, Recommendations to the World Movement for most of which are non-democracies. This will help Democracy: take advantage of the great potential of the Kurdish • Build an effective and immediate international soli- people to serve as a bridge for, and a carrier of, darity network among members of the World democratic values in the region. Movement to alert people to cases requiring urgent action. For example, Marcos Lorrenzo Torres, a • Organize international campaigns against “emer- Cuban democracy activist, was imprisoned a few gency laws and regulations” of dictatorial regimes, days prior to the Second Assembly in part for being

Century since they pose extreme burdens on democracy invited to participate in it; such a network might be st activists. effective in pressuring the Cuban authorities to release him. • Pressure governments not to put obstacles in the way of democrats who seek to assist their col- • The World Movement should consider establishing leagues in dictatorships (for example, by preventing a press agency reporting on human rights abuses meetings outside the borders of a dictatorship, as under dictatorships and on democratic develop- Chinese and South Korean authorities have done ments in countries in transition from dictatorship. concerning attempted meetings with North Korean refugees in China). Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 Confronting

36 WORLD MOVEMENT for DEMOCRACY | São Paulo, Brazil, November 12–15, 2000 Topical Workshop Reports How Can Parliaments Strengthen Accountability in the Fight against Corruption?

Organizer: Presenters: Parliamentary Centre (Canada) Son Chhay (Cambodia) World Bank Institute (Multinational) Member of Parliament Augustine Ruzindana (Uganda) Rapporteurs: Member of Parliament Jeannie Wynne-Edwards (Canada) Erin Davidge (Canada) Anand Singh (Fiji) Parliamentary Centre Fiji Trade Union Congress Ignacio Walker (Chile) Moderator: Camara de Diputados Rick Stapenhurst (U.S.) John Williams (Canada) World Bank Member of Parliament

This workshop brought together parliamentarians, • The international community should support oppo- representatives of civil society, and global organiza- sition parties since they are often weak. tions from various regions of the world. It was designed to identify the issues and priorities associat- • The experience of Cambodia, where national rev- ed with strengthening parliamentary systems of enue is concentrated on aid and loans, demon- accountability to fight corruption, and to propose strates that the most effective method of pressuring practical actions that should be undertaken by parlia- governments to be accountable is through the inter- ments and parliamentarians. national community. • International organizations, such as the World John Williams, MP, via video presentation, introduced Bank and regional development banks, should con- the broad principles and mechanisms of accountabili- sider the issue of corruption in parliament and the ty in the congressional and Westminster systems. important role of opposition parties before approving His recommendations included: loans to governments.

• Public accounts committees of parliaments should Ignacio Walker, MP, spoke about the Chilean experi- publish timely and accurate reviews of auditor gen- ence. He highlighted some of the important legisla- eral reports that can be understood by parliamentar- tion passed in Chile aimed at increasing parliamen- ians and the public. This helps parliaments to ensure tary accountability and curbing corruption: transparency, accountability, and government responsiveness to citizens. • In April 1994, the National Commission of Public Ethics consulted the highest authorities of both state • The rule of law should be respected. Codes of con- and civil society and issued a report detailing proac- duct for government should be applied and inde- tive steps to deal with corruption. This led to a law Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 pendence of the judiciary ensured. on administrative transparency established in • Parliamentarians should determine how they can December 1999. improve themselves and their understanding of • The Inter-American Convention on Corruption was accountability and transparency. In short, parlia- ratified in1999 to prevent and punish acts of corruption. mentarians must be driven to serve society rather than themselves. • The Law on the Freedom of the Press was passed in Chile after five years of discussion; it strength- Son Chhay, MP, focused on the importance of the ened the legal status of press freedom and removed opposition party in promoting accountability in gov- the obstacles to it. ernment. Among his observations and recommenda- tions were: Augustin Ruzindana, MP, provided an account of the Ugandan experience in addressing corruption, and • Opposition parties provide legitimacy to parlia- identified several constructive ways in which the st

ments since they help ensure that parliaments hold Parliament of Uganda is reacting to corruption and Century governments to account. working towards increased accountability:

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• Legislation was passed stipulating that the should be independent from the executive. appointment of high-level public servants and minis- ters must be approved by the Parliament, which can • Parliamentarians should reform their image. In remove them if they act in an inappropriate manner most countries, they are perceived as being inher- against the interests of the public. In fact, over the ently corrupt, which affects their legitimacy as cor- past four years, four ministers have been removed in ruption fighters and undermines parliaments’ ability this manner. to curb corruption. As institutions, parliaments are respected, but members of parliament often are not. • The Auditor General reports to the Parliament Parliamentarians should educate constituents about annually. The reports are reviewed and scrutinized their legitimate roles. by the Public Accounts Committee, thereby allowing the Parliament to oversee government spending. • Oppositions should be strengthened since they play important roles in promoting good governance • The Ugandan Parliament has seventeen different by ensuring that governments are accountable to committees to focus on important issue areas. They the population and transparent in their actions. bring together members of the government and opposition. • Codes of conduct are important. They should be established or strengthened as mechanisms for • The use of “motions” to request that the monitoring and regulating the conduct of members Parliament debate particular issues of public con- of parliament and the executive. cern promotes accountability and good governance. They can often be used to amend or terminate gov- • Corrupt activities must have legal consequences. ernment policies. Uganda has also emplaced an offi- A Hungarian MP noted the importance of parlia- cial anti-corruption act. mentarians taking the lead in developing these codes. Open and transparent application of codes Anand Singh provided a brief political history of of conduct not only clearly establish guidelines for Fiji, focusing primarily on the legal accomplish- parliamentarians and the executive, but also edu- ments of the Fijian government to combat corrup- cate constituents on the responsibilities of their tion. He detailed several constitutional amendments representatives. to increase the accountability of government. Among them: • Freedom of information is essential to hold govern- ment to account. Free media is key to making any • A code of conduct was initiated in Parliament, stip- misspending or corrupt activity public knowledge. ulating that parliamentarians declare all their assets New information technology provides more efficient prior to an election, and again following their terms ways to increase access to information and “e-gov- in office, as well as all gifts. ernance” would permit government decisions and activities to be documented instantaneously on the • Judicial mechanisms were created to hold the Internet. judiciary to account. • The electoral process has become a major area of corruption. Regulations of campaign finance should General Recommendations: be seriously reviewed and revised, therefore, to • International organizations should recognize the maintain the integrity of the electoral process and to importance of parliaments in curbing corruption, and provide balance in electoral races. their capacity-building programs should focus on Century

st parliaments, rather than on the executive as they • International financial institutions (IFIs) should cre- currently do. ate a set of international standards to help curb cor- ruption. In most cases, acts of corruption by the • Members of parliament need support since legisla- government are not taken into consideration when tors and committees without sufficient competent IFIs approve loans. This can be attributed largely to staff are at the mercy of the executive. the idea that IFI’s are captive of their shareholders, the governments of the loan recipient countries. • Oversight functions of parliament should be Generally, IFIs focus on the government in question strengthened. Public accounts committees should when providing support, not on the concerns of the carefully scrutinize all Auditor general reports and opposition party, for instance, which represents a hold executives to account for discrepancies. Public sizeable portion of society. Certain IFIs are now accounts committees should also make these adopting loan practices to include anti-corruption reports accessible to all parliamentarians, members strategies. A new convention on international bank- of civil society, and the media. Auditors general ing transparency is also needed to regulate govern- Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 Confronting

38 WORLD MOVEMENT for DEMOCRACY | São Paulo, Brazil, November 12–15, 2000 Topical Workshop Reports

ment transfers of public funds to private, foreign national network of parliamentarians, organized on a bank accounts. regional basis, to fight corruption and promote good governance. • Members of parliament need to work together. Participants agreed that a Global Organization of Note: See functional workshop report on “Establishing Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC) should a Global Network of Parliamentarians Against be established. GOPAC would aim to build an inter- Corruption” beginning on page 55.

The Role of Ombudsmen in Securing Transitional Justice

Organizer: Moderator: Forum of Federations (Canada) Celine Auclair (Canada) Forum of Federations Rapporteur: Shane Levesque (Canada) Presenters: Forum of Federations Shin Dae-kyun (South Korea) Citizens’ Coalition for Better Government Sergei A. Kovalev (Russia) State Duma of Russia

Observations: the workshop was to discuss the important role that The term “ombudsman” originated in Scandinavia. It ombudsmen can play in the specific context of tran- described a man who held special status in the com- sitional states. It is sometimes the case that the main- munity with the capacity to serve as a citizen’s rights stream mechanisms of the judiciary are either inef- advocate for those members of society whose rights fective or nonexistent, due either to corruption or to were infringed upon by the community’s leaders. the collapse of democratic processes as the result of Today, the traditional, or narrow, interpretation of conflict. The workshop participants discussed the ombudsmanship adheres very closely to this original potential role of an ombudsman as a quasi-judicial concept. The ombudsman’s authority is strictly a authority who can play an important role in securing function of the moral authority of his or her office, transitional justice. which is inherent in his or her status in the commu- nity; this is determined, in turn, by the decisions and Recommendations: recommendations the ombudsman makes. • Civil society ought to play a greater role in bringing A broader definition of ombudsmanship also pressure to bear on governments and sectoral exists, in which the authority of the ombudsman is organizations to allow for and encourage the estab- Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 mandated by law. In this case, the decisions and rec- lishment of ombudsmen. The active participation of ommendations of the ombudsman can carry the civil society in this effort would help to ensure that weight of law, in addition to having a certain moral the protection of civil and human rights remains the authority. This point is important because it is not focus of the ombudsmen’s work, thereby enhancing sufficient for an ombudsman to be supported only by the moral authority underpinning his or her office. the rule of law in the technical sense; even under the • Citizen and human rights groups should work dili- broader definition, an ombudsman must be strength- gently to ensure that ombudsmen offices are estab- ened and supported by the righteousness of his or lished autonomously, owing no allegiance to any her office. other organizations or authorities than citizenries. The workshop did not seek to make recommenda- Furthermore, ombudsmen offices should be estab- tions endorsing either one of these models of lished in non-profit or charity-based contexts that ombudsmanship as the most legitimate or appropri- allow them to be financially self-sustaining. An ate. Like most other matters of democratic gover- ombudsman can only represent the people in a gen- nance, only the citizens, within the context of their

uinely autonomous manner if he or she owes noth- st unique political situation, can decide the ideal form Century ing to the government or any societal sector that he of ombudsmanship for their polity. The objective of

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or she is intended to monitor. functions and competencies relative to those of offi- cers of the mainstream judiciary. • Citizen and human rights groups should work to ensure that nominations of ombudsmen are not • Civil society at large, and ombudsmen in particu- achieved through political compromise since this lar, should work to establish an association of would undermine their autonomy. ombudsmen within each country where they exist. This would facilitate the sharing of best practices • Efforts should be made to ensure that ombudsmen pertaining to the unique character of their work. are established at all levels of government and soci- Domestic and international networks of ombuds- ety. This is particularly applicable in diverse soci- men associations should also be established to eties and decentralized political systems, and will facilitate the sharing of best practices on a much enhance citizens’ ability to ensure that their rights broader scale. are protected against unfair government policies and decisions. The establishment of ombudsmen at all levels of society means sector-specific ombuds- Recommendation to World Movement for Democracy: men, such as those in labor unions, education, and • The World Movement should establish a commit- law enforcement, among others. tee to assist civil society organizations in their efforts to promote and strengthen the “ombudsman- • Prior to passing legislation creating an ombuds- ship movement” as an important means of securing man office, it is necessary to define its specific justice in transitional states. Century st Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 Confronting

40 WORLD MOVEMENT for DEMOCRACY | São Paulo, Brazil, November 12–15, 2000 Regional Workshop Reports Asia

Organizer: Moderators: Alliance for Reform and Democracy in Asia (ARDA) Sam Rainsy (Cambodia) Member of Parliament Rapporteur: Chee Soon Juan (Singapore) Debbie Stothard (Malaysia, Thailand-based) Open Singapore Centre Alternative ASEAN Network on Burma Presenter: Nurul Izzah Anwar (Malaysia) Institute for Policy Research

Nearly 60 people attended this workshop and about Recommendations: half of them spoke from the floor. The participants • Establish an Asian center for democracy came from Bhutan, Burma, Cambodia, China, Fiji, resources. Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, The Asia-Pacific Affairs Forum (Taiwan) and the Mongolia, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, South Alliance for Reform and Democracy in Asia (ARDA) Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tibet, United Kingdom, agreed to work together on the creation of such a United States, and Vietnam. resource center.

Observations: • Share conflict resolution strategies within the region. When the financial crisis hit Asia in 1997, many coun- tries had been enjoying unprecedented economic • Establish networks, such as the Alliance for growth; there was enough wealth to support corrupt Reform and Democracy in Asia, that help democrats institutions and keep the middle class happy. Like the in the region to organize themselves. ocean tide going out and exposing all the rubbish on the beach, when the financial crisis hit the tide of The Secretariat of the World Movement has assisted in money was pulled back to reveal a weak and unjust the re-design of the ARDA Web site (www.asiademocra- system supported by corrupt and oppressive practices. cy.org), and has provided links on the World Movement While the human impacts of the crisis were (and Web site (www.wmd.org) to a variety of networks in Asia, continue to be) disastrous, the upheaval provided organizations participating in the World Movement in the opportunities for democrats to campaign for reform. region, as well as information on potential funding Some of the closed economic systems were less affect- sources and research. ed by the crisis, although it exposed some of the fun- damental weaknesses within them. Some pro-reform • Launch programs to encourage young democrats leaders have triumphed (for example, in Indonesia and true democrats (those who maintain support for and Taiwan), while others have been persecuted (for their democratic colleagues after they gain power). Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 example, Anwar Ibrahim in Malaysia and Aung San • Create an Asian forum to engage and educate the Suu Kyi in Burma). Regardless of the situation of business community about democratic values. these and other democrats, the region remains in a critical situation of flux and/or transition. • Engage in confidence building to encourage lead- Three elements contributed to the lack of regional ers to allow reforms. efforts to advance reform processes: • Provide technical assistance for governments to • the assertion of “Asian Values,” with the impli- implement or comply with international human rights cation that Asians are less deserving or less treaties. desirous of protection of their human rights. • Coordinate preparation to allow democrats’ input • the policy of “non-interference” that allows at key UN and other international meetings on unjust situations to deteriorate and spread. democracy and related issues. • the tendency to be governed by the rule by law

• Create educational programs in all sectors to st instead of by the rule of law. broaden understanding of democracy and human Century

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rights within the context of people’s daily lives and where democrats are under threat. work (that is, within school systems, the civil serv- ice, law enforcement, and the judiciary). • Give priority to the work of communities at the grass-roots level (for example, women, the disabled, • Pressure governments and international organiza- and indigenous groups) who tend to use resources tions to promote democratic values, human rights, very effectively and whose work can be used as and people-to-people relationships through their examples of best practices. international aid programs. • Work to abolish national security laws. • Help protect refugee and exiled democrats; employ an “urgent response” mechanism for democrats • “Adopt” one country at a time to focus efforts of who are persecuted; and use delegations and fact- all democrats. (Interestingly, a Cambodian MP pro- finding teams to monitor and report on situations posed Burma, while a Burmese participant pro- posed China).

Latin America and the Caribbean

Organizer: Presenters: Citizens Network for Democracy in the Americas Sergio Aguayo (Mexico) FUNDAR Rapporteur: Genaro Arriagada (Chile) Elisabeth Ungar (Colombia) Former Ambassador of Chile to the U.S. Universidad de Los Andes Fernando Carrillo-Florez (Colombia) Moderator: State and Civil Society Division, Inter-American Bolívar Lamounier (Brazil) Development Bank Institute for Economic, Political and Social Studies of São Paulo (IDESP)

Observations: presence of armed actors and other forces, such as This is a very paradoxical time for Latin America, narcotraffickers, who have demonstrated their strong disturbing and interesting, positive and negative, all destabilizing impact. at once. While in some countries in the region it is The participants agreed that the inability of demo- evident that advances have been made in the consol- cratic institutions to respond effectively and efficient- idation of democratic institutions and practices, in ly to the social, economic, and political demands of others there are indications of offensives that pose citizens has been the determining factor presently serious threats to democratic regimes. Among the troubling the region. The problem is primarily politi- latter, the countries of the Andean region stand out. cal. As a result, the strengthening of institutions,

Century Even within those countries, there are areas in mechanisms of participation and political representa- st which there have been significant advances, such as tion, systems of checks and balances among the improvements in the quality of electoral systems, branches of public power, as well as the generation respect for human rights, and the emergence of of a democratic political culture (to include the rede- independent, solid, and rigorous judicial systems. finition of civil-military relations), are a priority. However, in the most fragile democracies there are reasons for concern: weak civil control over the mil- Challenges and Recommendations: itary; a growing centralization of power in the exec- Recognizing the specific conditions, characteristics, utive branch and a consequent weakening of the and complexities of each of the diverse countries in other branches of power; human rights violations; the region, as well as the different visions of how to concentration of the media in the hands of the few; contribute to and construct and consolidate true weak political institutions; disintegration of civil democratic processes in Latin America, the partici- society; and alarming increases in poverty and eco- pants identified a number of common challenges and nomic inequality. This has all taken place in the recommendations, as follows. Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 Confronting

42 WORLD MOVEMENT for DEMOCRACY | São Paulo, Brazil, November 12–15, 2000 Regional Workshop Reports

Challenge: The strengthening of political parties is an parties and movements and efficient and effective indispensable condition for the survival and consoli- collegiate bodies and parliaments. dation of democracy in Latin America. Challenge: While it is true that in the last decade Recommendations: there has been no major economic crisis in the • Overcome the obstacles that have impeded the region, and that the majority of the countries in the appropriate political representation of the elected. region have gone through a period of stability and macroeconomic growth, poverty and socioeconomic • Adapt organizational structures (both internal and inequality continue to increase. international) to new and changing social and eco- nomic conditions. Recommendation: • The goals of political democracy and economic • Promote internal democracy in decision-making democracy cannot be separated. and the choice of candidates, and improve the defi- nition of programs. General Recommendations: • Convert parties into efficient channels of political • In light both of the foregoing and the report of the participation. regional meeting in Cuernavaca, Mexico, on • Strengthen mechanisms for interaction between October 21, 2000 (in preparation for the World the state and civil society organizations. Movement’s Second Assembly), a network should be created for political parties, academics, • Develop parties that are more open, that are of the activists, business leaders, media persons, and civil people, and that are as little bureaucratic and clien- society organizations to meet, discuss, critique, and tilistic as possible. exchange ideas and proposals. This network should be representative, pluralist, participative, and inclu- Challenge: Civil society should be a central actor in sive. Its mission should be to increase the value cit- construction and reconstruction processes and in the izens and institutions place on democratic politics strengthening of democratic systems. However, civil and to improve its quality. society organizations cannot act alone or in isolation from the larger political context, as often occurs in • Going beyond analysis, the network should focus many countries in the region. In spite of new initia- on the implementation of concrete actions that tives each day to achieve a more democratic politics, contribute to the achievement of this objective; dis- they remain limited by the difficulty of transforming seminate “best practices”; attain a “critical mass” them into political decisions. to take decisive and effective actions when democ- racy in a particular country appears to be threat- Recommendations: ened; and serve as an interlocutor with other coun- • One way to overcome the crisis of representation tries and national and international organizations that affects some Latin American countries and that are interested in promoting democracy in the weakens the exercise of democracy is to establish hemisphere. new areas of communication between civil society groups and political parties. • Initially, the network should center on particular themes, such as democratic governance, political • Encouraging communication between civil society education and democratic values, relations between Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 groups and political parties, referred to above, political parties and civil society, electoral systems should be viewed within a broader objective, the and campaign finances, vigilance in accountability recuperation and “dignification” of politics and the regarding public policies and resources, and trans- public sphere. This must go hand-in-hand with a new parency in the production and dissemination of conception of citizenship and political activity based information. on the principles of accountability and public ethics. All of these themes should incorporate challenges Challenge: The search for better representation, more specifically faced by women. effective mechanisms for citizen control, and greater civic participation that will not put good governance • To advance the network, a Steering Committee was at risk remains a challenge. chosen composed of the following individuals: Sergio Aguayo (Mexico), Genaro Arriagada (Chile), Recommendation: Mercedes de Freitas (Venezuela), Orlando Gutiérrez (Cuba, U.S.-based), Bolívar Lamounier (Brazil),

• Unlike those who raise the flags of “anti-politics,” st participants in the workshop recommended strong Christopher Sabatini (U.S.), Elizabeth Spehar Century

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(Canada); Elisabeth Ungar (Colombia); and Daniel launched in March 2001 with a Web site organized Zovatto (Argentina). The committee was charged with around nearly 20 themes. It provides information about the mandate of launching the network, giving it struc- organizations participating in the network, funding ture, and establishing a work plan that allows for the sources focused on the region, citations of recent effective and efficient attainment of its objectives. research, sources of “best practices,” and a forum for sharing information and building collaborative strate- With assistance from the World Movement for gies. It also includes the report on the preparatory Democracy Secretariat, the Citizens Network for meeting held in Cuernavaca, Mexico, in October 2000. Democracy in the Americas (www.wmd.org/lan) was

Middle East and North Africa

Organizer: Moderator: Panorama Center (Palestine) Riad Malki (Palestine) Panorama Center Rapporteur: Heba El-Shazli (Egypt) Presenter: National Democratic Institute for International Affairs Antoine Nasri Messarra (Lebanon) (Lebanon office) Lebanese Foundation for Permanent Civil Peace

The workshop participants discussed at length the in the region, the general context of this process, crisis in the Middle East and the implications of the the elements of democracy, and the priorities for Palestinian struggle for the entire region. They also the next two to three years in the region. acknowledged the difficulties of democratization in the region, but also the great inspiration they have Recommendation to the World Movement for received from the remarkable determination and sac- Democracy: rifices of the region’s democrats to see democracy • The participants recommended, and agreed to grow and flourish. establish, an informal network to promote democra- cy, including the following: Observations: • Palestinian NGOs have to carry on their democra- a database of civil society organizations in the cy projects under severe conditions, including con- region and available human resources and expertise; stant closures and curfews; restrictions on move- a clear mission statement with which to reach out ment; lack of normal services, such as schools, hos- to other NGOs committed to democracy in the region; pitals, etc.; and often as victims of collective punish- ment measures and economic embargoes. various activities to improve cooperation among NGOs to address the central issues in the region; • The workshop participants urged fellow democrats an Internet Web site to activate the network.

Century to join the Palestinian voices calling for the right of st self-determination, independence, and international • A committee was chosen, including Riad Malki protection. (Palestine), Heba El Shazli (Egypt), and Antoine Messara (Lebanon), to guide the network. • Forward movement towards democratization in the Middle East/North Africa region is strongly impeded The World Movement has established a section of its by the non-resolution of the Palestine issue. The Web site (www.wmd.org) for the Middle East/North workshop participants discussed the following items Africa that includes participating organizations and with a view to better cooperation and networking networks, information about democracy projects in the among NGOs to promote democracy in the region: region, and other resources.

the proceedings of the pre-Assembly preparatory Other Recommendations: meeting held in Istanbul, Turkey, in September 2000. • NGOs should grow, flourish, and work in every neighborhood, village, town, city, and country, and the development of a comprehensive back- they should develop better advocacy skills. ground paper on the process of democratization Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 Confronting

44 WORLD MOVEMENT for DEMOCRACY | São Paulo, Brazil, November 12–15, 2000 Regional Workshop Reports

• Promote freedom of speech, religion, and associa- • Promote civic education, democratic culture, and tion (a space for universities, journalists, trade gender perspective training with an emphasis on unions, women’s organizations, etc.). human rights. • Press for regular elections and electoral process- • Promote tolerance among religious and ethnic groups. es that are free and fair as a source of legitimate rule in every country in the region. • Promote equality among men and women.

Africa

Organizer: Presenters: Africa Democracy Forum Zainab Bangura (Sierra Leone) Campaign for Good Governance Rapporteur: Immaculee Birhaheka (Democratic Republic of Hannah Forster (The Gambia) Congo) African Center for Democracy and Promotion et Appui aux Initiatives Feminines Human Rights Studies Lucie Coulibaly (Ivory Coast) Moderator: Ligue Ivoirien des Droits de l’Homme Ayo Obe (Nigeria) Suah S. Deddeh (Liberia) Civil Liberties Organisation Press Union of Liberia Steven Friedman (South Africa) Centre for Policy Studies Emmanuel Gyimah-Boadi (Ghana) Ghana Center for Democratic Development Livingstone Sewanyana (Uganda) Foundation for Human Rights Initiative

Over 60 participants from more than 25 countries in tify to the role women can play. Africa south of the Sahara attended this regional workshop. Prior to the Assembly, the Africa • Participants recognized the diversity of democratic Democracy Forum held a preparatory meeting on experiences in the Africa region, and the need to October 3-4, 2000, organized by the Civil Liberties take the special features of individual situations into Organisation (CLO) in collaboration with Human account when addressing democracy in Africa.

Rights Law Service (HURILAWS). The resolutions • The emergence of dictators and coup makers in Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 from that meeting were circulated to all present at the least expected countries has continued to the workshop for consideration. plague the continent, the latest example being the Ivory Coast. These people are enemies of democra- Observations: cy and should be treated as such. • Elections are conflict prone and continue to divide communities, particularly in Sierra Leone. More empha- • Military leaders should be restricted to military sis should be placed on addressing the conflicts rather roles and should not occupy civilian positions. than on their consequences, as is usually the case. • While globalization has some adverse conse- • Women are continually marginalized, especially in quences, such as, among others, eroding national the peace process. Participants emphasized the sovereignty and increasing the technological divide, need for civil society to ensure women’s participa- there are also positive aspects that cannot be tion in the democratic and human rights agenda, ignored, such as greater respect for human rights particularly in conflict resolution and management. and gender equality. Its economic consequences, st

Successful experiences in Burundi and Somalia tes- however, also need to be reviewed. Century

WWW.WMD.ORG 45 Regional Workshop Reports

Recommendation to World Movement for Democracy: nent, and to organize regional meetings. • The Africa-wide network, Africa Democracy Forum, launched in Abuja, Nigeria, in October 2000, should Other Recommendations: be strengthened. Networking is necessary for the • Dictators and coup makers should be isolated and consolidation of democracy and as a means for the regional and international communities should bridging the gap between the grassroots and the support local efforts to achieve this objective. elite. A strong, viable network in Africa is thus cru- cial. A regional democracy network of African civil • Concerning globalization and democracy, emphasis society organizations within the World Movement for should be given to activities that encourage the Democracy, with the main objective of promoting and accountability of local and national governments, protecting democracy in Africa, will provide opportu- which should be compelled to carry out only genuine nities for democrats to speak with one voice as well mandates derived through democratic processes. as a platform for mutual support and the sharing of resources. Fostering collaboration and solidarity • There is a need to engage trade unions in the among democratic groups, the network would be review of economic policies, concentrating more on focused in particular on countries at various points of domestic fronts and highlighting those global poli- transition to democracy. The need to work with gov- cies that exploit national values. ernments and intergovernmental institutions was also • Globalization is impeding democratic progress, emphasized. Sharing information and documenting particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo. experiences in various countries can be useful in The international community should therefore assist bringing pressure to bear on repressive regimes. in the reconstruction process in that country to enable it to evolve into a democratic society. Proposed activities of the Africa Democracy Forum • The “culture of impunity,” which curtails speech should include: and press freedoms and the right to one’s opinions, monitoring democracy is incompatible with democratic principles. working to protect democrats Therefore, all perpetrators should be held account- providing support for the development of infor- able for the violations they commit. mation technology in Africa • The international community should support and sharing advocacy skills assist in the establishment of truth commissions, training network members criminal courts and/or tribunals to dispense justice. establishing and maintaining dialogue with state • Civil society should empower people with respect to leaders and empowering people at the grass-roots. their rights and should urge the international communi- Civil society in countries of conflict should use ty to support efforts to bring rights violators to justice. the Africa Democracy Forum to seek support, • Since resisting oppression and the desire to bring especially in repressive regimes. about change has resulted in many conflicts, the international community should support the empow- A committee to consult widely and to guide the Africa erment of civil society groups to enable them to con- Democracy Forum was chosen, as follows: front the challenges of empowering and organizing Carine Bapita-Buyangandu (Democratic citizens at the grassroots. Republic of Congo) Century

st • Given that all levels of society should be involved Helder de Barros (São Tome) in creating a democratic environment in any given Margaret Dongo (Zimbabwe) country, the press, judiciary, political parties, and Ayesha Imam (Nigeria) NGOs should be empowered to work together con- tinually to maintain the checks and balances neces- Livingstone Sewanyana (Uganda) sary in a democracy. Agostinho Zacarias (Mozambique) • The participants proposed that the World Movement for Democracy hold its next Assembly in Africa. These committee members will work closely with the African members of the World Movement The Steering Committee of the World Movement has Steering Committee, Ayo Obe (Nigeria) and announced that the next Assembly will take place in Christopher Landsberg (South Africa), to coordinate Durban, South Africa, in 2003. strategies for promoting democracy on the conti- Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 Confronting

46 WORLD MOVEMENT for DEMOCRACY | São Paulo, Brazil, November 12–15, 2000 Regional Workshop Reports

Central and Eastern Europe

Organizer: Presenters: National Endowment for Democracy (U.S.) Slobodan Djinovic (Serbia) Otpor Rapporteur: Tin Gazivoda (Croatia) Thomas W. Skladony (U.S.) Croatian Helsinki Committee International Forum for Democratic Studies, National Endowment for Democracy Slobodan Homen (Serbia) Otpor Moderators: Suzana Jasic (Croatia) Paul McCarthy (U.S.) Citizens Organized to Monitor Elections (GONG) National Endowment for Democracy Marek Kapusta (Slovakia) Rodger Potocki (U.S.) Nadacia pre Obciansku Spolocnost National Endowment for Democracy Alexandra-Luminita Petrescu (Romania) Advisor to former President Emil Constantinescu

This workshop addressed two key challenges of par- who had recently been through the process said ticular importance to the post-communist world and that this would have been impossible; during the elsewhere. campaign, all energy is spent on winning.

Challenge: What must civil society NGOs do in the Challenge: What must NGOs do in the post-election pre-election period to win a breakthrough election? period to develop and sustain democracy and to pre- vent a “backsliding” election? Recommendations: • Organize, organize, organize. NGOs must coordi- Recommendations: nate activities of a large number of diverse organi- • Get over the euphoria and get down to work. zations. They must work with political parties, trade • Switch from a “search-and-destroy” to a “build- unions, and others, but they must also maintain offi- and-improve” mode of thinking. cial nonpartisanship and independence. The partici- pants pointed to an important lesson based on expe- • Learn to appreciate the important differences riences in Serbia, Slovakia, and, to a lesser extent, between NGOs and government. NGO leaders are Croatia: When foreign donors coordinate their activ- moralistic and idealistic; government officials are ities, it helps local NGOs to do likewise. more pragmatic and willing to compromise (“In poli- tics, it is immoral to lose!”). Participants pointed to • Develop affiliates with local leadership and repre- the following lessons based on experience: sentatives; it is better to have many little-known lead- Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 ers than a single well-known, but irreplaceable, one. NGO leaders who go into government are often dis- appointed or even repulsed by what goes on there. • Develop a common theme and logo that all mem- ber groups can use and incorporate into their own Government leaders, for their part, are disap- campaigns. pointed when their former allies who helped elect them are now critical of their government work. • Keep the message simple, repeat it often, and use Both the NGO community and the government as many methods as possible to communicate it to should appreciate the distinct role that each plays voters. in a democratic society. • Be flexible and creative. Use humor and a light- • NGOs need to organize and coordinate their efforts hearted approach where you can. Always be ready as much after a breakthrough election as before. to respond to what your opponents are doing. The need for foreign donors to maintain their sup- port also remains as great. • Several participants also recommended that NGOs st

and other democrats develop concrete plans for • NGOs have a major responsibility after the break- Century what they would do after the election, but others through election to educate citizens about the true

WWW.WMD.ORG 47 Regional Workshop Reports

conditions of the country and the realistic prospects the sharing of these experiences with NGO activists for reform. and other democrats facing similar challenges, both before and after a breakthrough election. • NGOs will always have a role in promoting the val- ues of a civil society, in working to consolidate dem- • The World Movement should work with donors to ocratic gains, and in serving as a watchdog. develop long-term strategies that continue after breakthrough elections. In this connection, the par- ticipants also strongly recommended that donors Recommendations to the World Movement for Democracy: should not reduce or withdraw funding immediately after a democratic breakthrough. • The workshop revealed that while some break- through election experiences are unique to the The World Movement Secretariat has created a section region, or to post-communist transitions, other expe- of its Web site (www.wmd.org) to provide information riences are more universal. The World Movement on organizations working to promote democracy in this should therefore develop mechanisms to promote region, as well as on research and funding sources.

New Independent States

Organizer: Presenters: National Endowment for Democracy (U.S.) Andrei Blinushov (Russia) Ryazan Regional Branch of Memorial Society Rapporteur: Alexei Simonov (Russia) Ghia Nodia (Georgia) Glasnost Defense Foundation Caucasian Institute for Peace, Democracy and Development Marcin Walecki (Poland) National Democratic Institute/Transparency Moderator: International - Poland Nadia Diuk (U.S.) Evgeny Zhovtis (Kazakhstan) National Endowment for Democracy Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law

Observations: made a clear choice in favor of democracy anyway, and Whether the New Independent States of the former that this probably applies to other post-Soviet countries Soviet Union (NIS) may still be considered a single as well. In recent years, governments in the NIS region region—and, if so, of what exactly it is composed— have in fact tended to become more authoritarian, with was itself an issue at this workshop. For instance, the less free-and-fair elections, infringed media freedoms, participants from Belarus and some Georgians chose and harassment of democratic activists. One explana- to attend the Central and East Europe regional work- tion that was proposed is President Vladimir Putin’s

Century shop. An Azerbaijani participant remarked that his ascension to power in Russia, which rulers of other st organization preferred to network with southern and countries in the region have perceived as a signal to central European, rather than Russian, NGOs become more authoritarian. Remaining under some because they wanted to learn from successful exam- degree of Russian influence is another feature that all ples, while a Russian participant said bluntly that of these countries have in common. unifying the NIS countries meant reviving the past. Participants found it difficult to identify a com- On the other hand, a Mongolian participant attended mon denominator concerning the specific challenges this workshop saying that she believed that the prob- civil societies confront. For instance, when a Polish lems in her country made it more similar to NIS presenter urged NGOs in the region to cooperate countries than to other Asian countries. closely with political parties, participants from Participants identified one feature that most if not Azerbaijan responded by saying that in their country all post-Soviet countries have in common: recent expe- some parties and NGOs are almost the same, and rience of “backsliding” regarding democratic reforms. that they already cooperate closely. An Uzbek partici- A Russian participant said that his country had never pant said that her organization would love to cooper- Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 Confronting

48 WORLD MOVEMENT for DEMOCRACY | São Paulo, Brazil, November 12–15, 2000 Regional Workshop Reports ate with parties if any were in existence, while some Recommendations: Russians remarked that NGOs should steer clear of NGOs should . . . political parties to keep their reputation clean. • recognize the current weakness of political parties and promote the idea that they are necessary for democracy; Challenges and Recommendations: • help political parties with research and (since Challenge: Building coalitions in the face of authori- NGOs can influence party agendas) help them draft tarian “backsliding.” With some self-criticism, partic- program documents; ipants said that the efforts of the NGO sector in gen- • serve as an “interface” to promote cooperation eral are uncoordinated, that organizations do not between political parties, on the one hand, and trade know about each other’s work, and that attempts at unions and business organizations, on the other; coalition building had thus far been unsuccessful. One of the reasons cited is the competition for grants • help parties by educating their rank-and-file members; among NGOs struggling for survival. • encourage women’s participation in politics; Recommendations: • promote reform of laws on political parties in • Set up broad but soft coalitions of democracy-pro- Russia where there is no legal distinction between motion NGOs to resist authoritarian backsliding by parties and public associations; making assessments of government actions and publicizing them. • exploit the interest of parties in NGOs during pre- election periods to promote the NGO agenda; and • Create more targeted and professional coalitions around very specific tasks and agendas. • cooperate with political parties on educational projects since education is an objective that both • Use the Internet more broadly for facilitating coop- NGOs and parties have in common; such coopera- eration and networking among NGOs. tion will thus attract greater attention from political The World Movement Secretariat has created a section parties to NGOs. of its Web site (www.wmd.org) to provide information on organizations working to promote democracy in this Challenge: Developing ties between NGOs and local region, as well as on research and funding sources. business as an additional opportunity for coalition build- ing. Though this subject did not receive a great deal of Challenge: Developing donors’ funding patterns to attention during the workshop, some participants noted encourage greater nongovernmental coordination. that there are prospects for such cooperation in Russia.

Recommendations: Challenge: Strengthening civic education as a priority Donors should . . . of the NGO community.

• coordinate their efforts with each other; Recommendations: • give preference to cooperative projects; NGOs should . . . • concentrate on educating a new generation; • give priority to developing the NGO infrastructure rather than to individual projects; • concentrate on the grass-roots; raise awareness Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 of legislation, human rights, and the tools of civil • organize NGO conferences to discuss common society activism in small localities; problems; and • concentrate on using the Internet as a tool for • discourage networking just for the sake of networking. building awareness in the population since the mainstream media is, for the most part, owned by Challenge: Developing cooperation between NGOs political and economic interests; and and political parties. Those who favored such cooper- ation argued that political parties are a necessary con- • devote efforts to voter education and education dition of democratic order and that it is in the best against corruption. interests of NGOs to strengthen them. Under current circumstances, NGOs cannot afford to stay out of pol- Other Recommendations: itics, and they should therefore actively promote spe- • Promote cross-border cooperation among local NGOs. cific legislation and institutional reforms; this is diffi- cult to do without cooperating with political parties. st • Create a list of Internet resources that provide truth- Century ful information about situations in NIS countries.

WWW.WMD.ORG 49 Functional Workshop Reports Building the Network of Democracy Research Institutes

Organizers: Marc Plattner (U.S.) International Forum for Democratic Studies, National International Forum for Democratic Studies, National Endowment for Democracy (U.S.) Endowment for Democracy São Paulo Institute of Economic, Social, and Political Presenters: Studies (Brazil) Srdjan Darmanovic (Montenegro) Center for Democracy and Human Rights Rapporteur: Lourdes Sola (Brazil) Helena Hofbauer (Mexico) São Paulo Institute of Economic, Social, and Political FUNDAR Studies Ghia Nodia (Georgia) Caucasian Institute for Peace, Democracy and Moderators: Development Larry Diamond (U.S.) Borwornsak Uwanno (Thailand) International Forum for Democratic Studies, National King Prajadhipok’s Institute Endowment for Democracy

The workshop focused primarily on the achieve- short-term issues or immediate crises and, as a ments of, as well as the difficulties faced by, democ- result, their policy prescriptions suffer from a lack of racy research institutes. This served as a basis for long-term focus. making recommendations and for providing guide- lines for future work. Recommendations: Objective: • The Network should try to find ways to bridge two To consolidate and improve the Network of related gaps: between research institutions and Democracy Research Institutes, so that it can more activists, on the one hand, and between research effectively serve the needs of its members and pro- institutions and policy makers, on the other. The par- mote their work among the wider community of per- ticipants recommended improving the interactions sons with an interest in research on contemporary and dialogue among these actors through the cre- democracy. ation of new channels for sharing their respective experiences on a regular basis. Challenges: • The Network should also create incentives to • Many institutions face difficulties in securing ade- increase focus on the following: quate financial support for conducting and dissemi- nating their research. comparative studies • Many institutions need to improve the interactions longer-term prospects for democracy Century st among research and academic institutions, civil cross-country analysis society activists, and policy makers. At present, • Recognizing the need to improve the sharing of important research often does not reach the rele- research findings and interaction among research vant consumers, while research activities and pro- institutions, the participants recommended that the grams do not benefit from feedback based on the Network of Democracy Research Institutes create experiences of activists and policy makers. or expand the following: • Independent research institutions need to improve an electronic newsletter highlighting publica- their relationships with research centers affiliated tions, conferences, and member activities; with political parties, labor unions, and other organi- zations, while also maintaining the distinctive identi- an exchange visitors program among the mem- ties of each type of institution. ber institutions; regular exchanges not only of publications but • Many institutions produce research focusing on of research methods, project ideas, and opportu- Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 Confronting

50 WORLD MOVEMENT for DEMOCRACY | São Paulo, Brazil, November 12–15, 2000 Functional Workshop Reports

nities for cross-regional cooperation; will be successful only if member institutions partici- the use of electronic means to disseminate pub- pate actively and share their ideas and research lications, project information, research opportuni- with each other on a regular basis. ties, and project links; A section of the World Movement Web site the translation of selected publications and pub- (www.wmd.org) is now devoted to the Network of lication abstracts into the local languages of Democracy Research Institutes. It contains profiles of member institutions. member institutions and a calendar for posting events. Additional material is being added on a regular basis. • The Network of Democracy Research Institutes

Strengthening Networks to Increase Women’s Participation in Politics

Organizer: Moderator: Women’s Learning Partnership for Rights, Mahnaz Afkhami (Iran, U.S.-based) Development and Peace (U.S.) Women’s Learning Partnership for Rights, Development and Peace Rapporteur: Ayesha Imam (Nigeria) Presenters: BAOBAB for Women’s Human Rights Ayesha Imam (Nigeria) BAOBAB for Women’s Human Rights Jacqueline Pitanguy (Brazil) Citizenship Studies Information Action Olexandra Rudneva (Ukraine) Kharkiv Center for Women’s Studies

Given that women are the majority of the people in aid, facilitate information exchanges, and provide the world, having only 13 percent of decision-making practical support. positions is a matter of grave concern for at least two reasons. First, there is the issue of fairness and the • Networks need to be horizontally based so that the lack of representation in decision-making that affects loss of one focal point does not mean that others women. Second, decisions regarding democratic, sus- lose contact. tainable, and equitable development cannot be made without the full and equal participation of women. General Recommendations:

Workshop presentations and discussion reviewed • Recognizing that they are of concern not only to Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 international networks and meetings. For instance, women, gender issues should be discussed and the 1993 Vienna conference recognized, as a result of taken seriously in all democratic forums by all who the international women’s rights campaign over the claim to be democrats. At the same time, a women’s previous two to three years, that women’s rights are movement of and for women is still necessary. human rights. This changed the discourse on human rights to reflect not only state violations, but also pri- • The status of women, along with that of all groups vate violations, namely, domestic violence. or minorities that face discrimination, should be Regional and sectoral network experiences were one of the key and crucial indices of any democra- also discussed, such as the Women Living Under cy audit, whether of countries, regions, internation- Muslim Laws network, the Asia and Pacific Women’s al bodies, or nongovernmental and democracy Political Network, and national networks and move- movements. ments in such diverse countries as Brazil, Nigeria, • To support women’s rights and their ability to con- Burma, Lebanon, Egypt, and Sierra Leone. tribute to democratic processes, national democrat-

ic movements should employ the Convention on the st Observations Century • Networks can be used to build solidarity, attract Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against

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Women (CEDAW), as well as its Optional Protocol as • Like the movement for democracy in general, an important part of their strategies. The Convention women’s organizations should encourage the devel- should be ratified, any reservations to it should be opment of practices that incorporate the removed, and its provisions should be implemented. autonomous rights and activities of women and girls Democratic movements should also employ the pro- in diverse situations (rural, domestic workers, cedure for reporting to the CEDAW committee. minorities, etc.). • Women’s organizations should be trained in coalition building and advocacy to press for quotas and thus Recommendations to the World Movement for obtain more decision-making positions for women. Democracy: Funds should be identified to support such training. • Undertake a gender analysis of the Second Assembly and use the results to move towards gen- • Young women (especially refugees and those who der parity and democracy for the next assembly. The are internally displaced) should be encouraged to analysis should examine the numbers of women at become active in movements for women’s human all levels, the representation of gender issues in rights and democracy through basic education. workshop presentations and reports, and the “mas- Such encouragement would help them relate princi- culinist” organization of the program. ples of women’s and general human rights to their own daily lives. • Link women’s networks to the World Movement Web site. • Democratic movements should press for means, such as affirmative action or quotas, to enable women • Encourage donors to support women’s networks to gain access to political power and decision-making with resources. positions on the basis of parity with men. These poli- cies, practices, and provisions must go beyond the • Encourage NED’s Journal of Democracy to merely formal, to include structural changes. increase its attention to gender and democracy issues. • Male leaders (and others) should be educated to see that the issue of rights is not a zero-sum game. • Encourage and support training for women in the That women have a greater capacity to exercise use of information technology as a tool for political their human rights does not mean that there are participation. fewer human rights for men. • Provide citations on the World Movement Web site • International solidarity campaigns should be of literature about quotas and other means for pro- launched in support of women political prisoners tecting and promoting the rights of women and other and against violations of women’s rights in territo- groups facing discrimination. Provide a forum on the ries under occupation or that are the scenes of Web site for discussion and assessment of different armed conflict. countries’ experiences.

Building a Global Network on Local Government Century st Organizers: Rapporteur: Institute of Social Sciences (India) Celina Souza (Brazil) Celina Souza (Brazil) University of Bahia University of Bahia Moderator: George Mathew (India) Institute of Social Sciences

Nine countries were represented at this workshop: Recommendations: South Africa, Peru, Brazil, Russia, India, Sri-Lanka, The participants committed themselves to creating a Yemen, and Bahrain. The discussion followed upon an Global Network on Local Government in the form of earlier topical workshop on “Strengthening democracy an umbrella organization, as follows: at the grassroots: Local government and civil society.” Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 Confronting

52 WORLD MOVEMENT for DEMOCRACY | São Paulo, Brazil, November 12–15, 2000 Functional Workshop Reports

• The network should include elected officials, such a professional center as mayors and city councilors; researchers and a program to bring together policy makers research institutions; concerned citizens; experts and specialists in the field; and NGOs working with an exchange visitor program local bodies. Efforts should also be made to include a program of meetings and conferences at the several existing networks. international, regional, national, and local levels. • To join the network, an individual or organization • The language of the network should be English. should be engaged in one or more of the following • A special fund and an international committee should areas of work: be established to support and guide the network. democracy gender equality • A publication, translated into several important languages, should be initiated to disseminate net- inclusion of excluded communities work information. transparent governance The Institute of Social Sciences, based in India, citizen empowerment agreed to be the body in charge of coordination. local self-government Recommendation to the World Movement for • The network should feature: Democracy: a database and clearinghouse of information, • The World Movement should help facilitate the innovative programs, and events creation of the network.

Democracy Assistance Foundations: Programmatic Challenges

Organizers: Presenters: Centre for Democratic Institutions (Australia) Barbara Haig (U.S.) Institute for National Policy Research (Taiwan) National Endowment for Democracy National Endowment for Democracy (U.S.) Michael Kau (Taiwan) Taiwan Foundation for Democracy Rapporteur: David Lowe (U.S.) Axel Queval (France) National Endowment for Democracy Jean Jaures Foundation Roland Rich (Australia) Moderator: Centre for Democratic Institutions Carl Gershman (U.S.) Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 National Endowment for Democracy

The democracy assistance foundations — defined ing creation of a new democracy assistance founda- generally as nongovernmental, publicly supported tion there. institutions that provide technical and material sup- At the workshop in São Paulo, in keeping with the port for democratic initiatives–have met several times theme of the Assembly, the focus shifted to the pro- during the past decade. At the Inaugural Assembly of grammatic challenges democracy assistance founda- the World Movement in New Delhi in 1999, a work- tions face. There was an extraordinarily wide range shop on democracy assistance focused on how to of experience represented at the workshop, including expand this network. In fact, as emphasized during individuals affiliated with an array of democracy-sup- the workshop at the Second Assembly in São Paulo, port institutions: some grant-making, others more several new institutions have been established since operational; some oriented toward NGOs, others the New Delhi Assembly. In addition, in a videotaped more party-oriented; some relatively new, others st message to the São Paulo Assembly, Taiwanese more established. The participants reflected a diversi- Century President Chen Shui-bian announced the forthcom- ty of cultures and nationalities. Most importantly for

WWW.WMD.ORG 53 Functional Workshop Reports

a discussion of this nature, there was a good mixture • Be aware of the fact that there is no single model of grant-makers and recipients. At the workshop in of democracy. Be sensitive to cultural differences New Delhi in 1999, the point was made that it is not without abandoning the idea that democracy is a enough for donors to talk among themselves; rather, universal value; recognize that standards cannot be they must be sensitized to the needs of recipients. lowered without patronizing recipients and sending This was, in fact, one of the main themes of the them the wrong message. workshop in São Paulo. • Do not neglect the critical work of political parties. Programmatic Challenges While helping parties build their capabilities, do not • How can democracy assistance foundations more isolate them from civil society; their ties to grass- effectively consider the needs of recipients? roots groups that can strengthen their legitimacy and accountability, for instance, is a necessity. • How can foundations avoid “triumphalism” in their Similarly, civil society depends upon strong political work? parties, since only parties can channel citizen par- ticipation and demands into effective policies. • How can foundations insure that the groups they fund are sustainable, that they have local roots, and • Helping NGOs to become self-sufficient should be that they are not entirely dependent on the support a priority in providing assistance. of outside foundations? • Do not exclude new donors from the network of • How do we insure that those with whom we are assistance foundations that may not conform entire- working are truly democratic? ly to the model of nongovernmental, publicly funded organizations. • How can foundations increase the total number of democrats? • Develop training programs for those who can offer technical assistance. • How can foundations increase the skills of those who are already committed to democracy? • Develop ways to bring experiences from the devel- oping world into the pool of ideas about how best to • How can foundations make effective programmatic offer assistance. choices with limited resources? • Apply the model of East-to-East programs devel- • How can foundations help grassroots democrats oped in Central and Eastern Europe to other regions cope with the twin challenges of poverty and global- of the world, such as South-to-South cooperation. ization? • Share our ideas and information with one another • How can foundations develop a sufficient supply of on an ongoing basis by . . . experts who are prepared to provide effective sup- port in the field? organizing the information on our respective Web sites to make it usable for all (for instance, • How do we make the most of our previous success by region); in expanding the network of democracy assistance foundations? developing a compendium of what has and has not worked programmatically and post it on a Web site; Recommended Strategies choosing specific countries, perhaps one in

Century • Develop true partnerships between grant-makers st and those receiving assistance. each region, where foundations might cooperate and develop joint programs. • Ensure that the work of democracy assistance foun- dations is totally transparent, including being forth- The Secretariat of the World Movement has created a right with grantees about the assistance process. section of its Web site (www.wmd.org) for the Network of Democracy Assistance Foundations. Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 Confronting

54 WORLD MOVEMENT for DEMOCRACY | São Paulo, Brazil, November 12–15, 2000 Functional Workshop Reports Establishing a Global Network of Parliamentarians against Corruption

Organizers: Rick Stapenhurst (U.S.) Parliamentary Centre (Canada) World Bank Institute World Bank Institute Presenters: Rapporteur: Son Chhay (Cambodia) Erin Davidge (Canada) Member of Parliament Parliamentary Centre Augustine Ruzindana (Uganda) Member of Parliament Moderators: Augustine Ruzindana (Uganda) Rick Stapenhurst (U.S.) Member of Parliament World Bank Institute John Williams (Canada)—by video Member of Parliament

The workshop provided a forum for a more in-depth the African Parliamentarians Network against discussion of issues and recommendations emerging Corruption (APNAC), with a focus on its creation, from an earlier workshop on “How can parliaments evolution, and the problems it has encountered. strengthen accountability in the fight against corrup- Launched in Uganda in February 1999, APNAC tion?” The workshop also marked the official launch emerged from a regional seminar on “Parliament and of the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Good Governance: Towards a New Agenda for Against Corruption (GOPAC). Controlling Corruption in Africa.” The 30 African parliamentarians who gathered for the seminar estab- Objectives: lished the network to facilitate communications • To discuss and examine practical parliamentary about corruption both locally and across national actions to curb corruption borders. Since its launch, APNAC has recruited new mem- • To facilitate and encourage networking among par- bers, produced newsletters, organized national work- liamentarians in curbing corruption shops, and participated in various anti-corruption Rick Stapenhurst began the discussion by empha- conferences with support from the World Bank sizing the importance of networking among parlia- Institute and the Parliamentary Centre. Ruzindana mentarians as an important means for fighting cor- also noted that APNAC now has a constitution and a ruption. By sharing information and lessons learned permanent secretariat housed in the Parliament of on efforts to combat corruption, parliamentarians Uganda. can draw upon the experience and ideas of neighbor- Ruzindana also identified some of the key prob- ing countries and thereby avoid the pitfalls that oth- lems confronting the network: resources are scarce; ers had encountered. This is even more important in there is a high turnover of APNAC members as the Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 the context of globalization, where the need to share result of parliamentary elections (due to which information and cooperate across borders has APNAC’s constitution was amended to extend mem- increased in many ways. Corruption is no longer a bership to former members of parliament); lack of purely national matter. information technology in many of the member While governments have long been networking countries, which inhibits the ability of the network with each other, parliaments are new to the concept, to communicate. with respect in particular to issue-based networking. Ruzindana stressed the importance of cooperating Building active, effective, and sustainable networks is with organizations of civil society, and Miklos a challenge, but the chances of success are increased Marschall (Transparency International) also stressed by having a clear focus, practical approaches, and a the importance of networks being aware of each high level of leadership. The use of information tech- other, drawing on each other, and sharing resources. nology will become an essential tool in sustaining parliamentary networks by facilitating communica- Recommendations:

Participants agreed that the Global Organization of st

tion and stretching scarce resources. Century Augustine Ruzindana provided an introduction to Parliamentarians against Corruption (GOPAC)

WWW.WMD.ORG 55 Functional Workshop Reports

should seek to build an international network of par- • Conducting research, monitoring progress, and liamentarians organized, on a regional basis, to fight identifying “best practices.” corruption and promote good governance. GOPAC would serve as a global point of contact, connecting • Establishing an Interim Coordinating Committee and supporting the work of regional groups of parlia- until a formal Board of Directors is elected. mentarians promoting good governance and fighting The Parliamentary Centre in Ottawa, Canada, agreed corruption. to act as the Interim Secretariat of GOPAC and John Williams (MP, Canada) agreed to serve as Chair of the GOPAC activities should include: Interim Coordinating Committee.

• Supporting the establishment and activities of Son Chhay and Sam Rainsy (MPs, Cambodia) agreed to regional networks within GOPAC. lead the GOPAC initiative in Southeast Asia. N.D. Tiwari, Member of Lok Sabha (India) and Chair of • Information sharing through the development and the Public Accounts Committee, agreed through a use of a Web site and e-mail. written statement to work on the establishment of a • Sponsoring of anti-corruption workshops and a regional body of GOPAC on the Indian sub-continent. global conference. Michael Gorny (Russia) and Nwe Aung (Burma) agreed • Cooperating with other international organizations to pursue the GOPAC initiative in their respective with mutual interests. regions.

Networking Young Democracy Activists

Organizers: Moderators: Jordan Branch (U.S.) Jordan Branch (U.S.) Cristina de Miranda Costa (Brazil) Cristina de Miranda Costa (Brazil) Marek Kapusta (Slovak Republic) Sybille Reinke de Buitrago (Germany, U.S.-based) Rapporteurs: National Endowment for Democracy Jordan Branch (U.S.) National Endowment for Democracy Presenters: Hakim Addad (Algeria) Fernanda Papa (Brazil) Rally for Youth Action Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Nurul Izzah Anwar (Malaysia) Institute for Policy Research Marek Kapusta (Slovak Republic) Nadacia pre Obciansku Spolocnost Century st The workshop brought together more than 35 partic- The workshop was very productive in developing a ipants, including both young and more experienced better understanding of the different problems young activists. Marek Kapusta, Hakim Addad, and Nurul democracy activists face around the world. For Izzah Anwar described their experiences in the strug- example, many of the participants confront an gle for democracy in their countries. For instance, assumption of inexperience in their work due to Marek Kapusta reviewed innovative ways to “get out their youth, and thus also a presumed lack of legiti- the vote”; Hakim Addad detailed his work in youth macy. There are also difficulties in reaching out to education; and Nurul Izzah Anwar related her expe- others and securing support. Participants exchanged rience in youth activism. ideas for action and for learning from one another’s The discussion focused on how youth participa- experiences and ideas. tion in democracies can be promoted, on examples of young activist involvement in democracy promotion, Recommendations: and on specific activities to follow up the workshop. • Create a Global Network of Young Democracy Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 Confronting

56 WORLD MOVEMENT for DEMOCRACY | São Paulo, Brazil, November 12–15, 2000 Functional Workshop Reports

Activists along with regional subcommittees to around the world about issues of concern to young undertake tasks of importance to young people and people and young democracy activists and young activists. encourage them to give heightened attention to those issues. • Establish contact with youth organizations world- wide and facilitate networking among them. • Launch a program to “adopt” young persons cur- rently persecuted and initiate letter-writing and • Establish a “chat channel” and utilize the Internet other campaigns to support them. in other ways to facilitate networking. • Publish articles and reports on youth issues in • Exchange resources and announce conferences journals and encourage journalists to do the same. and events for youth through a regular newsletter. • Facilitate and/or conduct training in cross-border • Act as a voice for those young activists who were assistance as well as in using new information and not able to attend the Assembly. communication technology in democracy promo- • Draw on the work of the Network of Democracy tion work. Assistance Foundations to attract support for • Facilitate the representation of young activists at young activists. international conferences to highlight the needs of • Provide information to the public and leaders youth around the world.

Education for Democracy—Democracy for Education

Organizer: Presenters: Civitas International Balazs Hidveghi (Hungary) Civitas International Rapporteur: Krzysztof Stanowski (Poland) Nimi Walson-Jack (Nigeria) Foundation for Education for Democracy Centre for Responsive Politics Member, Steering Committee Muborak Tashpulatova (Uzbekistan) Civitas International Tashkent Public Education Center Nimi Walson-Jack (Nigeria) Moderator: Centre for Responsive Politics Joseph Davis (U.S.) American Federation of Teachers Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 Twenty-seven participants from 14 countries attend- around the world. ed this workshop, which was conducted by Civitas International, the global network of civic educators • Democracy education is a necessity for both stu- with headquarters in France. Participants included dents and adult citizens. It should be made available civic educators, NGO leaders, government officials, to politicians, civic leaders, traditional rulers, NGOs, and representatives of funding organizations. They journalists, judicial officials, and individuals at the exchanged ideas and experiences on their work grassroots. teaching democracy. • Civic education requires long-term commitments and yields long-term effects, but it can also produce Observations: immediate benefits, even in crisis situations. Most • Civic education is important in both emerging and societies have educational systems that reach into a established democracies. wide range of communities and involve a large sec- • Civic education through schools and in the class- tor of society (students, parents, teachers, and local officials). When education for democracy is intro- st room remains the most effective and long-term Century strategy to building and sustaining democracies duced into these schools there is great ferment in

WWW.WMD.ORG 57 Functional Workshop Reports

these communities and a sense of cultural change is address traditional areas of democracy work, such in the air. as rule of law, economic reform, building effective democratic institutions, and elections. • How democracy education is carried out (i.e., the methodology) is as important as the content of • The participants recognized that low pay and poor instruction. While it is important that students devel- conditions of work are obstacles to teacher partici- op the knowledge, skills, values, attitudes, and dis- pation in civic education programs, which in some position to motivate and inspire their citizenship, it is cases impose an extra workload on teachers. also important that the schools themselves be dem- Therefore, teachers’ work conditions should be ocratic. Students learn by emulating their teachers improved, but democracy education programs and other adults; if their classrooms are not demo- should also incorporate teacher exchange compo- cratic, the students are not likely to become demo- nents, both within particular countries and interna- cratic either. tionally, as an incentive to teachers who would par- ticipate in such exchanges and as an attraction to others to join the profession. Moreover, projects and Recommendations: activities that offer the benefit of professional • Assistance strategists often put off educational ini- advancement should be made part of democracy tiatives with the argument that economic assistance education programs. should take priority, but communities that are not culturally prepared for democracy see this econom- • A database and Web site for trainers in civic edu- ic aid as either wasted or stolen. Therefore, cultural cation should be established. In addition to other and economic assistance must proceed side-by- information and resources it would provide, the Web side as a two-track strategy. site could be used to advertise jobs and consultant vacancies available in the area of civic education. • To advance such a two-track strategy, an institu- tional foundation for addressing the cultural issues Civitas International has offered its Web site, and transformation that come with democracy edu- “CIVNET,” (www.civnet.org) for this purpose. cation should be created. Philanthropic and multi- cultural organizations should be encouraged to • Educational institutions for the teaching of democ- invest in this effort in addition to their efforts to racy should be established. Century st Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 Confronting

58 WORLD MOVEMENT for DEMOCRACY | São Paulo, Brazil, November 12–15, 2000 Participants

Bennedict Sannoh Benhamin Olatunji Center for Law and Oloruntimehim Participants Human Rights Education Development Policy Centre Liberia Nigeria More than 400 participants from over 80 countries in all regions Samuel Kofi Woods Abdul Oroh of the world met at the Second Assembly of the World Leiden University Civil Liberties Organization Liberia (Netherlands-based) Nigeria Movement for Democracy. Working in NGO’s, trade unions, Lourenco Jossias Beko Ransome-Kuti research institutes, political parties, civic education organiza- Mediafax Centre for Constitutional tions, democracy support foundations, parliaments, and govern- Mozambique Governance Nigeria ments, they are all actively engaged in the promotion of democ- Brazao Mazula Universidade Eduardo Rebecca Sako-John racy in their countries, regions, or even globally. Mondlane League of Democratic Mozambique Women Many of them took great personal risks to attend the Nigeria Belmiro Rodolfo Assembly; several cannot even be listed here for that reason. Centro de Estudos Nimisoere Walson-Jack Some activists could not attend at all because their governments Estrategicos Internacioais Centre for Responsive Mozambique Politics did not permit them to leave their countries or because the risk Nigeria Eulalia Tembe of leaving was simply too great. Moreover, those several hun- WLSA Helder de Barros dred who did attend are but a small fraction of the thousands of Mozambique Foundation XXI Sao Tome/Angola activists around the world who, by sheer numbers alone, could Zelma Vasconcelos Renamo Zainab Bangura not be included in this one event; they are, however, as much Mozambique Campaign for Good Governance participants in the World Movement for Democracy as those Agustinho Zacarias Sierra Leone UNDP who attended. We wish to thank them all — both those who Mozambique Mariam Hussein were able to attend and those who were not — for their contin- Mohamed Gremah Boukar Dr. Ismail Juma’le Human uing dedication and commitment. Radio Anfani Rights Organization Niger The participants are listed according to region, country, and Somalia (Kenya-based) Khalid Ikhiri then alphabetically by last name. A database of all participants Dr. Hassan Shire Sheikh Association Nigerienne Ismail JumBle Center for will soon be available on the World Movement Web site at pour la Defense des Droits Human Rights de l’Homme Somalia www.wmd.org. Niger Chris Darroll Olisa Agbakoba Small Business Project Afronet South Africa Nigeria AFRICA Carine Kabasele Bapita- Hannah Forster Naidoo Dhanpalan Buyangandu African Center for Ysawa Elaigwu Devaraj Simao Katundu Femmes et Enfants pour Democracy and Human Institute of Social Port Shepstone Grupo Angolano para a les Droits de l’Homme Rights Studies Research and Governance Local Council Promocao do Cultural de Paz Democratic Republic of Congo Gambia Nigeria South Africa Angola Floribert Chebeya Grace Coleman Emma Ezeazu Steven Friedman Halidou Ouedraogo Voix des Sans Voix Member of Parliament Community Action for Center for Policy Studies Mouvement Burkinabe des Democratic Republic of Congo Ghana Popular Participation South Africa Droits de l’Homme et de Nigeria Peuples Collette Kitoga Emmanuel Gyimah- Paul Malcolm Graham Centre “Mater Boadi Ayesha Imam Burkina Faso IDASA Misericordiae” de Bukavu Center for Democracy and BAOBAB for Women’s South Africa Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 Corsino Fortes Democratic Republic of Congo Development Human Rights Fundacao Amilcar Cabral Ghana Nigeria Clayton Lillenfeldt Ernest Mpararo Cape Verde Mediation Transformation Comite d’Action pour le Charles Y. Mensah Ledum Mitee Practice Ngonde Fundu Amigo Developpement Integral Institute of Movement for the Survival South Africa Association Africaine des Democratic Republic of Congo Economic Affairs of the Ogoni People Droits de l’Homme (Norway-based) Ghana Nigeria Chris Landsberg Democratic Republic of Congo University of Modeste Mutinga Lucie Coulibaly Anyakwee S. Nsirimovu Witwatersrand Immaculee Birhaheka Medias pour la Paix Ligue Ivoirien des Droits Institute of Human Rights South Africa Promotion et Appui aux Democratic Republic of Congo de l’Homme and Humanitarian Law Initiatives Feminines Ivory Coast Nigeria Christina Murray Olivier Kungwa Democratic Republic of Congo University of Cape Town Murhandikire Maina Kiai Clement Nwankwo South Africa Ambroise Bulambo Voix des Sans Voix Amnesty International Constitutional Katambu Democratic Republic of Congo Kenya (UK-based) Rights Project Jerome Sachane CADDHOM Nigeria ACCORD Paul Nsapu Suah S. Deddeh Democratic Republic of Congo South Africa Ligue des Electeurs Press Union of Liberia Ayo Obe Batabiha Bushoki Democratic Republic of Congo Liberia Civil Liberties Organization Derek Uya Alfred Campagne pour la Paix Nigeria Kwoto Popular Theater Group st Democratic Republic of Congo Century Festus Okoye Sudan Human Rights Monitor Nigeria

WWW.WMD.ORG 59 Participants

Balghis Badri Son Chhay Nurul Izzah Anwar Cho Hyuk Jiri Pehe Babiker Badri Scientific Member of Parliament Institute for Policy Network for North Korean New York University – Association for Women’s Cambodia Research Democracy and Human Prague Studies Malaysia Rights (NKNet) Czech Republic Sudan Kassie Neou South Korea Cambodian Institute of Mohammad Azmi bin Laszlo Kallay Bona Malwal Human Rights (CIHR) Yahaya Sohn Bong-scuk Institute for Small Sudan Democratic Gazette Cambodia Pertunuhan Kebajikan Center for Korean Business Development Sudan (UK-based) BUDI Malaysia Women and Politics Hungary Sam Rainsy Malaysia South Korea Livingstone Sewanyana Member of Parliament Jozsef Szafer Foundation for Human Cambodia Tunku Abdul Aziz Shin Dae-kyun Member of Parliament Rights Initiative Transparency International Citizens’ Coalition for Hungary Uganda In Vuthy Malaysia Better Government Cambodian Human Malaysia South Korea Hajrullah Gorani Augustine Ruzindana Rights Task Force Independent Trade Member of Parliament Cambodia Steven Gan Soh Kung-suk Unions of Kosovo Uganda Malaysiakini.com Korea Council of Kosovo Sambun Yany Malaysia Citizens’ Movements Abdel Fatau Khmer Institute of South Korea Ylber Hysa Mohammed Musah Democracy Cynthia Gabriel Kosova Action for Centre for Democracy and Cambodia Suaram Antony Lodwick Civic Initiatives Development Malaysia All Ceylon Federation of Kosovo UK Jian-li Yang Free Trade Unions Foundation for China in Kamar Ainiah Sri Lanka Dragan Djuric Innocent Chagonda the 21st Century Kamaruzaman Independent Trade Union Movement for China (USA-based) Pertubuhan Kebajikan Jonna Chen of Montenegro Democratic change BUDI Malaysia Independent NGO Worker Montenegro Zimbabwe Liu Junning Malaysia Taiwan Independent Scholar Srdjan Darmanovic Margaret Dongo China Ibrahim Suffian Mab Huang Center for Democracy and Zimbabwe Union of CIDA office Soochow University Human Rights Democrats Xiao Qiang Malaysia Taiwan Montenegro Zimbabwe Human Rights in China China (USA-based) Debbie Stothard Chou Shin-hsiung Petar Ivanovic Kumbirayi Hodzi Alternative ASEAN Institute for National Center for Transparency International Felix Anthony Network on Burma Policy Research Entrepreneurship Zimbabwe Fiji Trade Union Congress Malaysia (Thailand-based) Taiwan Montenegro Zimbabwe Fiji Undral Gombodorj Michael Kau Urszula Doroszewska Paul Themba Nyathi Anand Singh Center for Citizenship Taiwan Foundation for Institute for Democracy in Movement for Fiji Trade Union Congress Education Democracy Eastern Europe Democratic Change Fiji Mongolia Taiwan Poland Zimbabwe Chongguo Cai Nyamosor Tuya Tim Wu Pawel Kazanecki Masipule Sithole China Labour Bulletin Mongolian National Asia-Pacific Affairs Forum IDEE Foundation Public Opinion Institute China (France-based) Democratic Party Taiwan Poland Zimbabwe Mongolia Yuk Kai Law Borwornsak Uwanno Malgorzata Naimska Hong Kong Human Subya King Gusung King Prajadhipok’s Institute for Democracy in Rights Monitor Parliament Secretariat Institute Eastern Europe ASIA/PACIFIC Hong Kong Mongolia Thailand Poland Roland Rich Gautam Adhikari Mohammad Mohsin Gedun Rabsal Tomasz Pisula Centre for Democratic National Endowment for National Assembly Tibet Times Center for the Defense of Institutions Democracy Nepal Tibet (India-based) Human Rights Australia India (USA-based) Poland Zahoor Awan Choekyong Wangchuk Narad Adhikari George Mathew All Pakistan Federation of Tibetan Youth Congress Zbigniew Romaszewski National Movement for Institute for Social Science Labor Tibet (India-based) Human Rights and Rule of Democracy in Bhutan India Pakistan Law Committee, Polish Senate Bhutan (India-based) Vo Van Ai Poland Muhaimin Iskandar I.A. Rehman Que Me: Action for Nwe Aung Member of Parliament Human Rights Commission Democracy in Vietnam Krzysztof Stanowski

Century National Coalition Indonesia Pakistan Vietnam (France-based) Foundation for Education st Government of the Union for Democracy Susaningtyas Kertopati Zoilo De La Cruz of Burma Member of Parliament Poland Burma (USA-based) Trade Union Congress of Indonesia the Philippines (TUCP) EAST/CENTRAL EUROPE Marcin Walecki Thin Thin Aung Akihisa Matsuno Philippines National Democratic Women’s Rights and Tin Gazivoda Institute/Transparency Osaka University for Chee Soon Juan Welfare Association Foreign Studies Croatian Helsinki International Burma (India-based) Open Singapore Centre Poland Japan Committee Singapore Croatia Ye Htut Ion Anton Keiko Nishigaki Young Howard Burma Lawyers’ Council Takarazuka Afghanistan Suzana Jasic International Center for Burma (Thailand-based) Network for North Korean Citizens Organized to Entrepreneurial Studies Friendship Association Democracy and Human Japan Monitor Elections (GONG) Romania U Bo Hla Tint Rights (NKNet) Croatia National Coalition Schu Sugawara South Korea Liana Ganea Government of the Union Worldview Rights Ana Knezevic Academia Catavencu of Burma Japan Union of Autonomous Romania Burma (USA-based) Trace Unions of Croatia Croatia Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 Confronting

60 WORLD MOVEMENT for DEMOCRACY | São Paulo, Brazil, November 12–15, 2000 Participants

Alexandra-Luminita Cristina de Neissan Monadjem Ignacio Walker Diosmel Rodréguez Petrescu Miranda Costa Transparency Camara de Diputados Committee in Support of Advisor to President Emil World Movement for International/Brasil Chile Independent Farmer’s Constantinescu Democracy Brazil Cooperative Romania Brazil Fernado Carrillo-Florez Cuba (USA-based) Elinete Wanderley Paes Inter-American Ancuta Vamesu Antonio Daim Igreja Presbiteriana Development Bank Jaime Vintimilla Civil Society Instituto Tucredo Neves Unida do Brasil Colombia (USA-based) Centro Sobre Derecho y Promotion Center Brazil Brazil Sociedad Romania Miguel Ceballos Ecuador Neide Aprecida Fonseca Fernanda Papa Pontificia Universidad Slobodan Djinovic Instituto Sindical Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Javeriana Maria del Carmen Acena Otpor Interamericano Pela Brazil Colombia (USA-based) National Economic Serbia Igualdade Racial Research Center Brazil Alberto Pfeifer Ruben Fernández Guatemala Slobodan Homen Consejo Empresario de Corporación Regi\n Otpor Carlos Henrique Cardim America Latina Colombia Sergio Aguayo Serbia Ministry of Science and Brazil FUNDAR Technology Armando Novoa Garcia Mexico Sasa Mirkovic Brazil Jacqueline Pitanguy PLURAL-Corporacion Association of CEPIA-Citizenship Studies Centro de Estudios Silvia Alonso Independent Electronic Roberto Carvalho Information Action Constitucionales Civic Alliance Media/B-92 Instituto Atlantico Brazil Colombia Mexico Serbia Brazil Donald F. Occhiuzzo Juan Gomez Myriam Arabian Pal Csaky Jose Arthur Giannotti Associacao Alumni Alcald\a Municipal de Cottolenco Government Brazilian Center for Brazil Medellín Coordinadora Ciudadana Slovakia Analysis and Planning Colombia Mexico Brazil Cesare Florio Marek Kapusta de la Rocca Efren Hernández DRaz Luz Rosales Esteva Nadacia pre Obciansku Ericson Crivelli Projecto Axe Alcaldóa Municipal de Movimiento Ciudadano Spolocnost Crivelli Advogados Associa Brazil Yopal Casanare por la Democracia Slovakia Brazil Colombia Mexico Rubens Romano Martin Lengyel Luiz Antonio Eumaraes Forca Sindical Aura Zulma Ospitia Helena Hofbauer TA3 Television Ministerio Publico do Brazil Alcaldía Municipal de FUNDAR Slovakia Estado de São Paulo Alpujarra, Tolima Mexico Brazil Maria Tereza Sadek Colombia IDESP Fredo Arias-King Kjeld Jacobsen Brazil Fabio Villa Rodriguez National Action Party LATIN AMERICA/ CUT Federación Nacional de Mexico CARIBBEAN Brazil Hedio Silva, Jr. Concejales RelaHtes de Trabalho e Colombia Patricia Mercado Christian Gruenberg Bolivar Lamounier Desigualdades Equidad de Genero Poder Ciudadano IDESP Brazil Horacio Serpa Uribe Mexico Argentina Brazil Partido Liberal Pedro Luiz Silva Colombiano Arturo E. Pimentel Salas Noemi Ruiz Maria Ednalva Foundation for Colombia Frente Indigena Women’s Dept., CGT-RA Bezerra de Lima Administrative OaxaqueZa Binacional Argentina CUT Development Gilberto Toro Mexico Brazil Brazil Federación Colombiana Rául Velasco Araoz de Municipios Gabriel Sánchez Díaz Cámara de Diputados Paulo Lustosa Henry I. Sobel Colombia Alternativa Ciudadana 21 Bolivia Fundação Ulysses CongregaHno Mexico Guimarães Israelita Paulista Elisabeth Ungar Gonzalo Sanchez de Brazil Brazil Universidad de Los Andes Richard Ferreira Lozada Colombia Sindicato de Periodistas Former President Neuralice Cesar Maina Celina Souza del Paraguay Bolivia Forca Sindical Federal University of Bahia Daniel Zovatto Paraguay Brazil Brazil International IDEA Rui de Britto Alvares Camilo Soares

Costa Rica Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 Affonso Luiz Antonio Marrey Gustavo Ungaro Instituto de Defensa Legal FUNDAP Providor de JustiHa Secretaria de JustiHa e Luis Israel Abreu Paraguay Brazil Brazil Defensa de Cidadno Movimiento Brazil Revolucionario 30 de Carlos Basombrio Maria Ines Barreto Luciana Doll Martinelli Noviembre “Frank País” Instituto de Defensa Legal FUNDAP Cidadania Jovem Andre Urani Cuba (USA-based) Peru Brazil Brazil Secretary of Labor Brazil Ricardo Bofill Javier Ciurlizza Leila Linhares Barsted Sergio Mendonca Cuban Committee for Andean Commission CEPIA-Citizenship Studies DIEESE Genaro Arriagada Human Rights of Jurists Information Action Brazil Former Ambassador of Cuba (USA-based) Peru Brazil Chile to the U.S. Valisiro Mendes Chile Orlando Gutiérrez Enrique Obando Amelia Cohn University of Campinos Cuban Revolutionary Political and Strategic Center for Contemporary Brazil Rolando Franco Democratic Directorate Studies Institute Cultural Studies Economic Commission Cuba (USA-based) Peru Brazil Rachel Meneguello for Latin America UNICAMP Chile Jannet Rivero Fernando Romero Antonio Cortizo Brazil Cuban Revolutionary Bolanos Confederacao Geral Dos Julia Requena Rural Education Service Denis Mizne Democratic Directorate Trabalhadores Women’s Cuba (USA-based) Peru Brazil Instituto Sou da Paz Department, CGT st Century Brazil Chile

WWW.WMD.ORG 61 Participants

Cecilia Barbieri Quino Hafez Abu Seada Mohamed Al- Mikhail Gorny EUROPE Defensoría del Pueblo Egyptian Organization for Mutawakkil St. Petersburg Humanity Peru Human Rights Yemeni Organization for and Political Science John Fernandes Egypt Defense for Human Rights Center “Strategy” ICFTU Jorge Salazar and Democratic Freedom Russia Belgium Instituto Prensa y Hussein Sinjari Yemen Sociedad Iraq Institute Sergei A. Kovalev Steve Utterwulghe Peru Iraq State Duma of Russia Centre for Common Russia Ground Eduardo Fernandes Mohammed Abu-Nimer NEW INDEPENDENT Belgium (Angola-based) PIT-CNT American University STATES Lyudmila Mihailovna Uruguay Israel/Palestine (USA-based) Churkina Katherine Clerides Novella Jafarova Human Rights Academy Member of Parliament Aurelio Concheso Fathallah Abdel Hamid Women’s Rights Russia Cyprus FEDECAMARAS Al-Omrani Azerbaijan Venezuela General Federal Jordanian Alexander Podrabinek Balazs Hidveghi Trade Union Asim Mollazade Express Chronicle Civitas International Eduardo Fernandez Jordan Azerbaijan Foundation for Russia France Fundación Popular Development of Democracy Iberoamericana Iqbal Doughan Azerbaijan Pyotr Polozhevets Axel Queval Venezuela Working Women Teachers Newspaper Jean Jaures Foundation League in Lebanon Djeikoun Mollazade Russia France Hugo Fonseca Lebanon US-Azerbaijan Council CEDICE Azerbaijan Victor N. Pronkin Peter Eigen Venezuela Rana Abdul St. Petersburg Law School Transparency International Razzak Doughan Ales Mikhalevich Russia Germany Mercedes de Freitas Working Women Youth Information Center Fundación Momento League in Lebanon Belarus Yekaterina Rozina Ivo Hernandez de la Gente Lebanon Ural Foundation for University of Heidelberg Venezuela Jaroslav Romanchuk Social Innovations Germany Raghid El-Solh United Civil Party Russia Carlos Eduardo Project for Democratic Belarus Miklos Marschall Ponce Silen Studies in the Arabic Julia Sereda Transparency International Consorcio Justicia Countries – Oxford Janus Reisner Karta Germany Asociación Civil University Prop Patria Union Russia Venezuela Estonia Bernard Gbikpi Lebanon (UK-based) Lev Shlosberg European University Elena Block Rincones Antoine Nasri Messarra Levan Berdzenishvili Center for Social Institute Fundación Popular Lebanese Foundation for Civic Development- Projecting Italy Iberoamericana Permanent Civil Peace International Center “Vozrozhdeniye” Venezuela Georgia Russia Armando Lebanon Eugenio Tarullo Ricardo Sucre Youssef Mouawad Ivlian Khaindrava Alexi Simonov Fondazione Alcide Universidad Central de Rene Moawad Foundation Center for Development Glasnost Defense DeGasperi Venezuela Lebanon and Cooperation Foundation Italy Venezuela Georgia Russia Saadia Benejama Eduardo Nolla Blanco Union Morocian du Travail Ghia Nodia Victor Yakovlevitch Conovas del Castillo Morocco Caucasian Institute for Ternopol Spain MIDDLE EAST/ Peace, Democracy and Oskolskiv Electro-metallur- NORTH AFRICA Nezha Skalli Development gical Integrated Plant Carlos Malamud Democratic Association of Georgia Russia Instituto Universitario Hakim Addad Moroccan Women Ortega y Gasset Rally for Youth Action Morocco Alexandrovich Lyudmyla Kudina Spain Algeria Evgeny Zhovtis Youth Alternative Said Essoulami Kazakhstan International Ukraine Maria Joao Mostefa Bouchachi Center for Media Freedom Bureau for Human Rights Vargas Muniz Avocat a la Cour Agree Morocco (UK-based) and Rule of Law Andriy Nechyporuk Portuguese Catholic Pres La Cour Supreme Kazakhstan Lion Society University Algeria Aref Jaffal Ukraine Portugal Civic Forum Institute Zuleikhan Bagalova Mansour al-Jamri Palestine LAM/Center for Complex Olexandra Rudneva Penelope Faulkner Islam 21 Research and Popularization Kharkiv Center for Que Me: Action for Bahrain (UK-based) Riad Malki of Chechen Culture Women’s Studies Democracy in Vietnam Century Panorama Center Ukraine UK (France-based)

st Russia Hayder Ibrahim Ali Palestine Sudanese Studies Center Sergey Ivanovitch Rostyslav Andriyovych Mari Fitzduff Egypt Murat Belge Belyaev Semkiv INCORE Helsinki Citizens Assembly Social Union “Sutyazhnik” Smoloskyp UK Nehad Abu-Khomsan Turkey Ukraine Egyptian Center for Russia Richard Normington Women’s Rights Dogu Ergil Andrei Blinushov Mubarak Tashpulatova Conservative Party Egypt Foundation for Research Ryazan Regional Branch of Tashkent Public UK on Societal Problems Memorial Society Education Center Bahey El Din Hassan Turkey Uzbekistan Michael Pinto- Cairo Institute for Human Russia Duschinsky Rights Ozdem Sanberk Viktor Shmyrov Brunel University Egypt Turkish Economic and Memorial Museum of UK Social Studies Foundation Political Repression and Heba el Shazli Turkey Paul Flather American Center for Totalitarianism Europaeum International Labor Jamal Adimi Russia UK Solidarity Forum for Civil Society Egypt Yemen Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 Confronting

62 WORLD MOVEMENT for DEMOCRACY | São Paulo, Brazil, November 12–15, 2000 Participants

Abbey Rosemont Wendy Betts Traci Fenton Irena Lasota Sybille Reinke Conservative Party Central and East European World Dynamics Institute for Democracy in de Buitrago UK Law Initiative USA Eastern Europe National Endowment for USA USA Democracy Stanley Gacek Germany (USA-based) John Brademas AFL-CLO Gerardo Le Chevallier NORTH AMERICA New York University USA National Democratic Chris Sabatini USA Institute National Endowment for Iris Almeida Particio F. Gajardo USA Democracy International Center for Jordan Branch International Foundation USA Human Rights and National Endowment for for Election Systems Kristina Lively Democratic Development Democracy USA National Endowment for Tom Skladony Canada USA Democracy International Forum for Carl Gershman USA Democratic Studies Celine Auclair Les Campbell National Endowment for USA Forum of Federations National Democratic Democracy David Lowe Canada Institute USA National Endowment for David Smith USA Democracy AFL-CIO Erin Davidge Louisa Coan Greve USA USA Parliamentary Centre Scott Carlson National Endowment for Canada Central and East European Democracy Robin Ludwig John Squier Law Initiative USA United Nations Electoral National Endowment for Shane Levesque USA Assistance Bureau Democracy Forum of Federations Nina Hachigian USA USA Canada Milton Charlton Institute for Technology Office of the U.S. Consul and Governance Paul McCarthy Rick Stapenhurst Elizabeth Spehar General, São Paulo USA National Endowment for World Bank Organization of USA (Brazil-based) Democracy USA American States Barbara Haig USA Canada Eric Chenoweth National Endowment for John Sullivan Institute for Democracy in Democracy Steve McDonald Center for International Jeannie Wynne-Edwards Eastern Europe USA Goals for Americans Private Enterprise Parliamentary Centre USA Foundation USA Canada Catherine USA Elizabeth Spiro Clark Kuchta-Helbling Karen Widess Laura Abrahams National Democratic Center for International Kathleen McGowan National Endowment for National Endowment for Institute Private Enterprise Office of U.S. Senator Democracy Democracy USA USA Daniel Patrick Moynihan USA USA USA Randy Clarke Ryota Jonen Theresa Williamson Mahnaz Afkhami Central and East European National Endowment for Patrick Merloe Catalytic Communities, Women’s Learning Law Initiative Democracy National Democratic Brazil Partnership for Rights, USA Japan (USA-based) Institute USA Development, and Peace USA USA Veronna H. Clemons Brian Joseph Elizabeth Winger American Center for National Endowment for Charlotte Morgan National Endowment for John Anelli International Labor Democracy Fulbright Program Democracy International Republican Solidarity USA USA USA Institute USA USA Harry Kamberis Allen Overland John Anthony Zemko John Connerly American Center for National Endowment for Center for International Taryn Barkman Office of the U.S. Consul International Labor Democracy Private Enterprise National Endowment for General, São Paulo Solidarity USA USA Democracy USA (Brazil-based) USA USA Anthony A. Pahigian Michael Zarin Ann Colville Art Kaufman US Department of State International Harry Barnes National Democratic National Endowment for USA Republican Institute The Asia Society Institute Democracy USA USA USA USA Dave Peterson National Endowment for Marc Bayard

Joseph Davis Carolyn Kazdin Democracy Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 American Center for American Federation of American Center for USA International Labor Teachers International Labor Solidarity USA Solidarity Maria B. Pica USA USA (Brazil-based) U.S. Department of State Learned Dees USA Justin Bender National Endowment for Penn Kemble National Democratic Democracy U.S. Department of State Juliana Pilon Institute USA USA International Foundation USA for Election Systems Larry Diamond Francis Kornegay USA Alexander Houston International Forum for South African Institute of Benham Democratic Studies International Affairs Marc Plattner Ronald Coase Institute USA USA (South Africa-based) International Forum for USA Democratic Studies Nadia Diuk Laith Kubba USA Paul Albert N. Emoungu National Endowment for National Endowment for US Agency for Democracy Democracy Rodger Potocki International Development USA USA National Endowment for USA (Kenya-based) Democracy Jeff Faux Mark Lagon USA Lee K. Benham Economic Policy Institute Committee on Foreign Washington University Amina A. Rage st

USA Relations Century USA USA Verizon USA

WWW.WMD.ORG 63 Press Century st Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in 21 Confronting

64 WORLD MOVEMENT for DEMOCRACY | São Paulo, Brazil, November 12–15, 2000