Seoul Democracy Declaration
Adopted: 22 Oct. 2013
We participants, democracy advocates and human rights defenders from various Asian countries, in the Founding Assembly of the Asia Democracy Network on the occasion of the 3rd Seoul Democracy Forum held in Seoul, Korea on 21 and 22 October 2013,
1) Paying tribute to those who preceded us in the fight for democracy and human rights and consolidating their legacy,
2) Recalling the sacrifices of democracy advocates who shed their blood for defending and promoting democratic values and principles in different countries in Asia,
3) Reaffirming our commitment to build a just, equitable and peaceful community of democratic societies in Asia,
4) Recognizing the urgent need to create a network of democracy advocates and human rights defenders in Asia,
5) Expressing our deep solidarity with all democracy advocates who struggle for the realization of democracy and human rights in Asia and beyond,
6) Emphasizing the essential role and contribution of citizens and civil society organizations to advance democracy in Asia,
7) Appreciating the efforts and work of all organizers including members of the Korea Democracy Network to host the Founding Assembly of the Asia Democracy Network,
8) Welcoming the launching of the Asia Democracy Network as a common platform for action and reflection among democracy advocates and human rights defenders in Asia,
Hereby adopt the Charter of Principles as guiding principles for the Asia Democracy Network
