A CALL FOR ASIAN DEMOCRATS TO FOSTER UNITY THROUGH PROMOTING AND DEFENDING DEMOCRACY TOGETHER
Dakar, 9 May 2018 The Asia Democracy Network (ADN) expresses concern for the regression of democracy in the region. ADN calls for democratic unity of all democracy advocates to defend democracy in their home countries and offer solidarity to those countries in democracy crisis. Taking part in the Ninth Global Assembly of the World Movement for Democracy held in Dakar, Senegal from 6-9 May 2018 attended by over 400 democracy advocates under the theme of “building strategic partnerships for democratic renewal”, the ADN makes a joint call in solidarity with global democracy advocates that a strategy is needed through partnerships to progress democratic renewal.
With the increase of authoritarian governments, enactment of undemocratic laws to restrict fundamental freedoms, civil liberty and reduced political participation, the Asia region is witnessing threats to democracy. Countries that at one time championed democracy, like Indonesia and India, has had their democracy index rank fall significantly. Intolerance and violent extremism have become more prevalent in Asia dismantling the movement and placing democracy, human rights activists and citizens at risk. “It is time for us (democratic advocates) to uphold the democracy commitment and use our liberty to help those in need; this would be the future of democracy through unity,” says Ichal Supriadi, Secretary General of the Asia Democracy Network.
The Asia Democracy Network reiterates its commitment to promoting and defending democracy together and calls all democracy actors in the region to work together to foster unity in the pushback of democracy. The ADN recognizes the importance of unity and involvement of all stakeholders including civil societies, democratic government institutions, inter-faith, youth, and informal/business sectors. Therefore, it is vital that we come together through inclusive inter-sector dialogue to defend democracy at home and in countries of democratic crisis.
Asia Democracy Network
