Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School

Call for the May 18 Academy 2016: The May 18 Memorial Foundation Gwangju-Korea

noreply@blogger.com (May Eighteen 1980) — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 07:42:00 +0000

Period of Application Submission: 1, June – 17, June, 2016

The May 18 Academy is an education/training program for domestic/international civil society activists working for human rights, democracy and peace. The May 18 Academy provides special lectures based on the May spirit and a valuable opportunity to share experiences among activists in solidarity.

The May 18 Academy 2 began in 2004. The aim of the May 18 Academy is to introduce participants to Korean history and a variety of democratic movements in Korea including the May 18 Democratization Movement in 1980, through both theoretical and practical experiences.

Participants in the Academy engage with Korean modern history of human rights and democracy through a 2 week program of guided field trips to places of significance in Korean modern history, visits with Korean organizations, as well as expert lectures and workshops.

The May 18 Academy 2 strives to contribute to the development of democracy and human rights throughout Asia by hosting 20 invitees from all over the world-but more focusing on Asia-who have been working for human rights and peace organizations in their respective countries. The emphasis is on organizational partnership, so applicants endorsed by their organization will be given priority in the participant selection procedure.

Applicants' organizations should support their staff's successful completion of the course from the May 18 Academy by providing expenses for issuing of the travel visa and internal travel expenses in their home country aside from the round trip airfare, Korean domestic expenses and accommodation which are provided by the Foundation for him/her.

The May 18 Academy 2 will be held for 2 weeks: from 26 August to 10 September, 2016

The May 18 Academy 2 will select 20 participants

* Note

ü Applicants are advised to read the guidelines carefully. The Foundation will only consider applicants who successfully comply with the guidelines and rules.

ü Incomplete applications will not be considered (See the application form for more details).

ü Applicants should ensure that they have no potential visa problems. If an applicant is denied entry to Korea because of his/her personal matters which are not known to the Foundation, the Foundation does not take any responsibilities for the problems he/she faces.

ü If an applicant decides not to participate in the May 18 Academy after being selected as a participant, the Foundation will not accept any applications from his/her organization for 3 years.

The May 18 Memorial Foundation will cover the following expenses during the program:

Ø Round trip airfare

Ø Transportation expenses in Korea

Ø Accommodation and food

The following expenses will NOT be covered:

Ø Internal transportation, including domestic flights in your home country (for example, to/from the airport or to the embassy)

Ø Visa fee and any other special taxes.

About the May 18 Memorial Foundation

The May 18 Memorial Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 1994 to commemorate the 1980 Gwangju Uprising by continuing the Uprising’s spirit of struggle and solidarity and working towards peace and human rights throughout the world. The Foundation carries out numerous projects in various fields, including organizing memorial events, establishing scholarships, fostering research, publishing materials, dispensing funds, building international solidarity, and awarding the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights.

Application deadline: June 17 2016

How to apply:

All applicants must submit the completed application form as well as all the accompanying documents. Application forms can be downloaded from the May 18 Memorial Foundation website http://eng.518.org/index.es?sid=a5 / or by contacting directly by email,may18academy@gmail.com Please send your completed application to may18academy@gmail.com

From:

Shahnawaz Khan

International Intern 2016

The May 18 Memorial Foundation

Gwangju -Republic of Korea

Testimonials from the Participants of the 2011 Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School

noreply@blogger.com (May Eighteen 1980) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 05:17:00 +0000

Dear friends,

After a couple of weeks have passed since my return to Italy, memories and impression have settled down and it is possible to give a clearer opinion on the Human Rights Folk School.

For me it has been a precious occasion to learn a lot about Korea, a country that seldom occupies the headlines in western European nespapers/TV's/Radio programs. It has been impressive and dramatic to learn of the massive blooshed which repeatedly happened in this country, even during the decades after the end of the Korean war.

The struggle for democracy has never been easy in any country. The material we got and saw and heard (texts, films, documentaries, presentations by various scholars), have reconfirmed this impression.

The work the May 18 Foundation is doing in order to broaden to other countries the knowledge of Korean history, in particular with regard to the struggle for democracy, is very useful and worthwhile, especially for those people who live in their own nations similar problems, in terms of dictatorial or repressive regimes, lack of civil freedoms, etc. People who attend the course develop an understanding that with hard work, determination, courage, positive changes are possible.

I have been particularly impressed by the quality of the particupants to the Folk School, especially the young ones. The May 18 Foundation has done an outstranding job of selecting people who are involved in positive work in their respective fields. The interaction with other participants has thus resulted in a fruitful, stimulating and creative experience, rare to be found elsewhere.

If a few minor critical notes have to be made, in order to improve future editions of this initiative, here they are. There was some difficulty in interacting with those lecturers characterized by a scarce mastering of the English language. Also some more time for discussion with lecturers would have in general been important. The final reports by the working groups could have been more focused on some subjects of importance, determined together by the participants and the Folk School management, rather than leaving total freedom of choice.

Apart from these critical considerations, it remains an undisputable fact that the Folk School has been a remarkable success and a great experience for all those who attended it. Sincere congratulations to the organizers and the numerous people that actively cooperated in making it possible.

Best regards to all.

Mirco Elena Isodarco (Intern. School on Disarmament and Research on Conflicts)
Italy
elena@science.unitn.it

_______________________________________________________________________
Being a refugee, it is always difficulty to travel abroad. And my trip to South Korea was no exception with Korean embassy refusing to issue me visa as they fear that I might seek another refugee status in Korea. However, at the end of three weeks folk school in South Korea, I am glad that I made the effort to attend it.

All the moments and experiences that we encounter in our life are extraordinary and memorable in their own ways. The Gwangju human rights folk school has been a life long experience for me professionally and personally.

As expected, the folk school acted as a very important platform for me to learn about the human rights issues, history and democratic process in South Korea and the institutionalization of democracy. It is an inspiration to see how the Korean people and government have cherished and institutionalized the democracy and human rights that many of their fellow country men and women have fought with tears and blood.

Since the folk school included participants from different nations and professions, this provides opportunity for me to know and learn about the human rights and democratic issues in different nations and from different perspectives.

I am glad that during the folk school I was able to share and discuss many issues facing my people and nation which most of the time remain unspoken and I am thankful for my co-participants for their interest and sympathy in our issues.

One special feature which made the folk school an interesting forum for learning is the learning by seeing, in the sense that all the lectures and field trip took place simultaneously. This not only made the learning more interesting for us but also provide the opportunity for us to interact and build network with the concerned organizations and staff.

Field trips to many important places like the North and South Korean border, Gwangju National cemetery and many other museums had been very educational and memorable.

Another feature of the folk school which I personally felt very special is the homestay program. Though it was just for a night, but for me it was my first home experience- to see how parents and children live as a family. This homestay program not only made me to experience way of living and family structure of Korean society but also feel the hospitality of the Korean people.

Being away from my family members, friends means the world to me and I am grateful the fold school that it brought many new friends in my life. The friendship and network that I formed with my co-participants and staff of the May Memorial Foundation will last forever.

I am grateful to the May Memorial Foundation for the wonderful opportunity and memorable experiences in South Korea and thank you all for making extra effort to get me there.

Tsomo (United Nation European Union & Human Rights)
Tibet
yetso8@gmail.com
______________________________________________________________________

The Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School: A Brilliant Idea for solidarity

I am feeling very lucky and happy that I got the opportunity to attend the 2011 Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School from August 8 to August 26, 2011. I want to congratulate The May 18 Memorial Foundation for arranging such a pleasant and constructive event with a successful blending of learning and entertainment. This visit was a great chance for me to enhance my knowledge and experience as well as to improve some personal skills. All these were my objectives and aims when I applied there and I think all of them have been fulfilled by the foundation by their great effort to complete another successful event this year.

Regarding knowledge, firstly, I can have the knowledge of Korean history- both political and social. I came to know about the democratic uprising of 1980, the massive bloodsheds for achieving democracy and their consequences. It is very interesting and encouraging that though after facing a lot of hurdles, South Korea could turn around and could prove itself as one of the developed and powerful countries. Secondly, through the lectures of the honorable lecturers and senior participants, I gained a vast knowledge on the different aspects of Human Rights, democracy and development issues. Thirdly, as the foundation chose different country’s participants, from them I can have an idea about their own respective countries- not only political situations but also the social norms, language and cultures. And also, I could relate their socio-political and human rights conditions with my own country which is very important to me. Also, I could represent my own country to others as well.

Regarding experience, it was an awesome feeling to visit a new country especially when it is a very beautiful and systematic country like South Korea. And I am really impressed by the Korean people’s generous and helpful attitude towards the foreigners. All the staffs and volunteers of the foundation are excellent and very amiable both as organizers and persons. For their assiduous effort, along with the classes we had also the chance to visit many places and institutes as our learning part. Among these places the most striking places to me were the May 18 National Cemetery and the Panmunjom. I really loved the Naganeupseong folk village and want to thank the foundation for having it in their schedule. The home stay programme is an innovative and interesting invention of the foundation. I am glad to have the opportunity of the home stay with an amazing native family. It’s a great experience as it could help me to see the Korean life style and family very closely. And by this, it’s become easier for us to build a cross cultural friendship or networking. And the solidarity night is another significant step to understand and enjoy each other’s culture.

Moreover, through this folk school initiative The May 18 Memorial Foundation has built a platform to create networks among persons, organizations and countries. I hope the foundation will continue this brilliant activity and wish its more and more success in future.

Sadia Shabnam (Democracy Watch)
Bangladesh
sadia445@yahoo.com
___________________________________________________________________

It was my great pleasure to be a participant in the Folk School of The May 18 Memorial Foundation. The program provided the lectures which were well-structured and organized. They offer participants the opportunity to explore and develop an insightful knowledge and skills of human rights and democracy related through class discussions among experienced participants and scholars. Significantly, the history of the May 18th Democratic Uprising Movement and the history of the Korean Democracy Movement were presented to the participants.

Moreover, we had many field trips to different places, included Korea Democracy Foundation; Panmunjeom; Kim Dae Jung Memorial Library; People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy; Sung Kong Hoe University, the May 18 Memorial Cemetery and other May 18th Memorial sites; it offered us even a more practical knowledge, experience and/or historical movements of South Korea.

More interestingly, I studied in class consisting of students who come from diversified cultural, educational, religious and working backgrounds including India, Nepal, Taiwan, Philippine, Pakistan, Jordan, Afghanistan etc., The class with students from different nationalities means that we have enough chance to discuss and share our different opinions and perception, which greatly help us to have a broader understanding of the globe.

Last but not least, one thing that I recognized for my life in Korea is the friendly and helpful Korea people, especially the staff; volunteers of the program and my home stay family.

Chhay Bun (Human Rights Vigilance of Cambodia)
Cambodia
bun_chhay123@yahoo.com

Calling for the International Internship 2011

noreply@blogger.com (518interns) — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 04:24:00 +0000

Greetings from the May 18 Memorial Foundation!

Now we are in the middle of recruiting 2 international interns form 2011. More details are as follows:

About International Internship Programme

The International Internship Programme strives to contribute to the development of democracy and human rights throughout our international network by recruiting 2 Interns from overseas, who have been working for human rights, democracy, and peace building organizations in their countries, and by giving them an opportunity to experience and learn the history and development process of human rights and democracy in South Korea, particularly the 1980 Gwangju Democratic Uprising. Interns will have the chance to exchange and network with Korean civil society groups. They can also choose or will be assigned research during the course of their internship. As interns, they will be assigned particular duties and responsibilities as part of the International Cooperation Project.

Goals of the Internship Programme

The annual internship programme is an imperative part of the Foundation’s mandate to promote international solidarity and further the promotion of human rights across the world through the internship programme.
The Foundation aims:1) to build concrete solidarity through the exchange of human resources2) to nurture outstanding individuals to lead global civil society.

Main Policy of International Internship

The May 18 Memorial Foundation believes that the International Internship Programme is a part of our international networking efforts with international civil communities. It is not only a programme for individuals to build their career but also a cooperative programme between network organizations allowing the sharing of ideas and mutual prosperity for a better future.

In this sense, we are not just seeking those who want to have good qualifications for ones’ own personal gain. Applicants should be supported by their organizations and are required to go back to their organizations after finishing the internship.
We require a recommendation letter from the representative of the organizations in which applicants are involved.

This is a co-parntership programme, so organizations are also encouraged to select staff who are interested in applying for this internship programme.

Eligibility

Applicants should be a working member of an organization: applicants cannot apply as individuals without the knowledge/support/recommendation of their current organization or network.

Applicants who have minimum of 3 years NGO or social development work experience, though not necessarily in the field of human rights, are encouraged to apply.

Applicants needed to have received a proper education. Preference will be given to those with degrees in human rights-related subjects such as social sciences and communication, and to those who have specialized in human rights issues within these disciplines.

Applicants must be computer literate (email/internet, web page, lay-out/design, etc) and proficient in English; working knowledge of Korean is an advantage.

Time Frame

2 Interns accepted for this programme will participate for 10 months, for the period March 2011 to December 2011.

Conditions of Service

The relationship between the Foundation and the intern is one of mutual benefit. Interns are assigned to a unit of the Foundation according to the needs of the office and their own areas of interest. They are involved, inter alia, in managing workshops, preparing for the Human Rights Folk School, conducting their own research, working on human rights issues, drafting analytical papers and reports, providing substantive and technical service, depending on the needs of the Office. At the same time, the programme purposes to increase the intern's understanding of current human rights issues at the international level.
Interns are assigned to work with a supervisor who is responsible for providing them with an orientation of duties and a work plan. Upon completion of the internship, the interns are required to complete their final reports describing what was attained during the internship. Additionally, every intern is demanded to complete an evaluation questionnaire on his/her assignment and to submit it to the May 18 Memorial Foundation.
Interns must fulfill their duties and abide by the rules and regulations of the programme.

In case of illness or other circumstances that might prevent the completion of the internship, interns will inform their supervisors.
There is no expectancy of employment at the end of the internship and interns cannot apply for any jobs or pursue a higher degree until the termination of the internship.
Interns are supposed to work from 9 AM to 6PM Monday through Friday and to carry out the duties assigned to them.
They receive summer holiday and special holiday on December. They are compelled by the same duties and obligations as regular staff members; in particular, all confidential and unpublished information obtained during the internship may not be used by interns.

Sojourn Expenses

Travel costs, airfare and living expenses are provided by the Foundation. Housing will be provided but utilities (telephone/internet, electricity, and gas) will be paid by interns. Public health insurance will be given to cover accidents/illness incurred during an internship.

Requirements

Applicants should submit the following documentation:
· Completed, dated and signed internship application form
· Curriculum Vitae
· A scanned copy of valid and not expired passport
· A write-up detailing your expectations, objectives, and interest in the May 18 internship programme (not more than two pages).
· An official endorsement letter from your superior or head of your organization.
· An endorsement/Referral Letter from any Alumni/Contact/Network of the Foundation in your country or abroad. (Please check our website links at
http://eng.518.org/eng/html/main.html?TM18MF=06010000
· An attestation of conscription in undergraduate studies and a list of courses taken, transcripts of grades or diplomas; a written sample of research work or an abstract of academic papers (3-10 pages maximum), if undertaken.

Application Deadline

December 17, 2010 until January 20, 2011

Notification

Selected candidates are normally informed around the last week of January 2011. Unsuccessful candidates will be notified by email and are encouraged to apply again the following year.

Contact

Culture and Solidarity TeamThe May 18 Memorial Foundation
Postcode 502-260 Sangchon-dong 1268 5.18 Memorial Culture Centre Seo-Gu, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
Phone: +82 62 457 0518
Fax: +82 62 456 0519
Email: 518interns@gmail.com
Please send all the documentations listed above with the application form as scanned documents either in PDF format or as WORD attachments.
Please visit our website for the latest announcements at
http://eng.518.org/eng

You can download guidelines and application form here: http://www.518.org/eng/

KNU Statement Condemning Election-Related Violence in Burma’s Border Areas

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 09:05:00 +0000

KNU Statement Condemning Election-Related Violence in Burma’s Border Areasby Karen National Union on Wednesday, November 10, 2010 at 9:16pm

KNU Statement Condemning Election-Related Violence in Burma’s Border Areas
10th November 2010

We, the Karen National Union (KNU), strongly condemn recent attacks by Burma’s military regime, the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), on Myawaddy Town and several other locations in Burma’s border areas, where at least 3 civilians were killed, and more injured. These latest attacks are part of the SPDC’s systematic violence against Burma’s ethnic peoples.

The conflict in Myawaddy began on 7 November, the day of Burma’s first elections in 20 years, when civilians complained of being threatened and intimidated to vote for the junta-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), rather than the local Karen party which was their preference. Brigade-5 of the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) led by Colonel Saw Lah Bwe – who refused to transform to the Border Guard Force under the control of SPDC Army – took control of Myawaddy to protect these people, without using weapons. Col Saw Lah Bwe had said that he expected the SPDC Army to enter into negotiation to resolve the situation.

However, on Monday, the 8th of November 2010, at 9 a.m., the SPDC Army responded with machine guns and rocket propelled grenades, despite the presence of many civilians in the town. As a result, more than 25,000 civilians fled across the border into Thailand. This is in addition to the estimated 500,000 people already displaced internally due to SPDC Army attacks. These attacks are all part of the SPDC’s policy of eliminating ethnic opposition, including ceasefire groups that have refused to be under its direct control as a Border Guard Force, as required by their 2008 Constitution.

The SPDC has accused the KNU of carrying out these attacks. However, the KNU and DKBA Brigade-5 share the same policy not to hurt civilians but to protect them. The KNU supports the DKBA’s actions as they were taken in resistance to the SPDC’s elections that do not represent any progress towards creating a democratic federal union in which the ethnic people’s fundamental human rights would be protected. Instead, the regime’s elections have created more conflicts, instability and caused further suffering of our ethnic peoples.

We have repeatedly warned that these elections will not solve the human rights and humanitarian crises in Burma, but instead result in continued or increased repression and instability, and attacks on ethnic peoples will continue.

We, the KNU, earnestly urge the United Nations, the EU, and other international communities to reject the result of Burma’s sham elections and apply real pressure on the regime to stop the attacks on ethnic civilians, and follow the demands of the United Nations to engage with all stake holders in tripartite dialogue for the resolution of all political problems.

Supreme Headquarters

Karen national Union

Posted by:
--------
Anna Malindog
Founder/Executive Director
Peoples Partner for Development and Democracy (PPDD)
Mobile No.: +66 (0) 84 330 8550 (Thailand)
Mobile No.: +63 920 2255 161 (Philippines)
Website: http://armalindog.blogspot.com

G20: A Threat to Peoples’ Economic and Political Rights!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 13:30:00 +0000

8 November 2010

COLLECTIVE STATEMENT OF THE PEOPLES’ACTION ON THE G20-PHILIPPINES

G20: A Threat to Peoples’ Economic and Political Rights!

The G20 and its global economic agenda are an affront and a threat to people’s rights and welfare.

The detention and deportation of Filipino activists from Seoul and the harassment and intimidation of a number of other activists at the hands of Korean immigration authorities are manifestations of the undemocratic and anti-people nature of the G20 and further exposed the illegitimacy of this group of self-proclaimed caretakers of the global economy.

The protests and mobilizations in Korea of tens of thousands of people in clear defiance of the Korean governments security measures, is an indication of a clear disconnect between the agenda of the governments of the G20 countries and the interests and aspirations of their people.

The G20 Summit in Korea was supposed to address the issue of the growing gap between the rich and the poor in the wake of the global economic crisis. The G20’s prescriptions for economic recovery and development, however, anchored on the perpetuation of a flawed corporate driven, export-oriented development model would further exacerbate poverty and inequality and undermine social cohesion across the world.

The whole point of the Peoples Conference in Korea, and the reason why the deported Filipino activists came to Korea, is to articulate the peoples’ opposition and resistance to the G20 and to collectively discuss and put forward alternatives to the failed model of development that the G20 is so desperately trying to preserve.

We say NO to the G20 and the policies that continue to threaten jobs and peoples livelihoods, and erode workers’ rights and welfare;

We say NO to the G20 and policies that cause the expulsion and repatriation of migrants in the name of restrictive and Draconian migration policies and rules;

We say NO to the G20 and the policies that use women as safety nets in crisis, and is blind to the differential decision-making powers in the household and economy in general;

We speak out against the free trade agenda and the push of the G20 governments for more ambitious and comprehensive free trade agreements disguised as economic partnerships but are really instruments of economic domination and control by the rich over the poor within and across countries and regions;

We speak out against the development agenda of the G20 which threatens peoples’ right to food, destroys the environment, and perpetuates unequal access and control over natural resources in support of the profit-driven motives of corporations;

We say NO to the G20. It does not represent the interests of the peoples of the world and it cannot speak on our behalf.

We call on the peoples of the world to come together against the G20 and to intensify the struggle for a better and more just and peaceful world.

Alliance of Progressive Labor (APL)
Aniban mga Manggagawa sa Agrikultura
Coalition Against Trafficking in Women – Asia Pacific (CATW-AP)
Peoples Partner for Development and Democracy (PPDD)
Focus on the Global South
Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC)
Jubilee South – APMDD
Kilusang Mangingisda
Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center (LRC-Friends of the Earth-Phils.)
Migrants Forum for Asia (MFA)
Task Force Food Sovereignty (TFFS)
World March of Women - Pilipinas
Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ)
Action for Economic Reforms (AER)
Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM)
---------
Posted by:
Anna Malindog
Founder/Executive Director
Peoples Partner for Development and Democracy (PPDD)
Mobile No.: +66 (0) 84 330 8550 (Thailand)
Mobile No.: +63 920 2255 161 (Philippines)

Statement of Condemnation of the South Korean Government’s detention and deportation of 6 Filipino Activists by Rep. Walden Bello

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 12:33:00 +0000

PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
7 November 2010

Statement of Condemnation of the South Korean Government’s detention and deportation of 6 Filipino Activists

Rep. Walden Bello, Akbayan (Citizens Action Party)

This representation condemns in the strongest terms the South Korean Government’s baseless decision to prohibit six Filipino activists, namely Josua Mata of Alliance of Progressive Labor, Joseph Purugganan of Focus on the Global South, Maria Lorena Macabuag of Migrant Forum Asia, musician/poet and Asian Public Intellectual Fellow Jess Santiago, Rogelio Soluta of the Kilusang Mayo Uno and Paul Quinto of Ibon Philippines, from entering South Korea and participating in the Seoul International People’s Conference organized by Put People First! Korean People’s G20 Response Action network.

Despite the fact that the said activists carried visas and other necessary documents to gain entry into South Korea, they were detained at the immigration office without any clear reason, and were refused the right to be represented by an officer from the Philippine Embassy in Korea. They had also been forcibly taken from the detention area to be deported back to the Philippines. Without providing any more reason for the detention and deportation, than saying the said activists were blacklisted, clearly, the government of South Korea’s use of force is unwarranted and excessive.

It is despicable for the South Korean government to bar Filipino civil society advocates from participating in the people’s summit on the G20. These activists came to South Korea with the intention of forwarding the real interest of the peoples from the developing world, interests that are often neglected in closed-door negotiations of the technocrats in the G20. More than the finance and banking officials at the G20 summit, these activists are the real representatives of the peoples of developing nations, the real representatives of the peoples from the grassroots whose lives and livelihood are most vulnerable to the G20’s economic decision-making. By suppressing the voices of the peoples from the global south, the South Korean government clearly proves that it does not represent the interests and welfare of the peoples of developing nations.

We cannot turn a blind eye to the South Korean government’s act of repression against Filipino nationals. This arbitrary act manifests a lack of respect for the Philippine government and the Filipino nation.

This representation thus urges the Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo to formally file a diplomatic protest against the South Korean government and demand an explanation for the use of unwarranted force against the six Filipino activists.

We also urge the Bureau of Immigration and Deportation to ban the entry of Korean citizens into the Philippines until the Korean government apologizes and allows the banned activists to enter Korea.

--------
Anna Malindog
Founder/Executive Director
Peoples Partner for Development and Democracy (PPDD)
Mobile No.: +66 (0) 84 330 8550 (Thailand)
Mobile No.: +63 920 2255 161 (Philippines)

Testimonials from the Participants of the 2010 Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School

noreply@blogger.com (518 folkschool) — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 02:19:00 +0000

Testimonials from the Participants of the 2010 Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School

I’m very delightful to give my testimonial on Human Asian rights folk school, 2010.
Firstly, the organizer committee was successfully managed the very prestige program and achieved its goal where all participants were active and satisfy. The program involved 20 participants from 14 different countries for three weeks which is available period for experiencing and learning new knowledge and experiences on the development of Democracy, human rights, and establishing perspective network.

In terms of inputs and outputs, the participants were given the chances to share their knowledge, skills and experiences through individual and group presentations. On the other hand, the participants attended several lectures from different high dedication professors of Universities like Chonnam National University, Korea University, Yongsei University, SungKong Hoe University, From them we got various academic views, opinion and shared experiences on how to work together standing side by side to defend and promote human rights in our society, country, regional and over the world in order to prevent human rights violation in the future where the rights of people are respect to enjoy the life with dignity as human being.
We also visited various NGOs those who work on human rights, democracy, environmental and investigation case on human rights violation in the past and then we heard curiously what really happened in the last decades of Korean History where the cost many people‘re sacrificed in the name of Democracy and human rights.

We had also chance to learn Democracy revolution songs, it seems like we went back to 1980s and fighting for freedom, and democracy movement, the meaning of those songs highly boosted to our morale.

In terms of international network, we visited many organizations like the May 18 Memorial Foundation, PSPD, NANCHEN, Gwangju NGO Center, Truth and Reconciliation Commission and some universities. During our visiting to those organizations, we learned what they‘re doing and their experiences too.

After three weeks program end, almost every participant went back their home with tears because we are going to apart to do our jobs in our respective countries. At that time, I saw many participants were crying even tough me. The program was not giving only professional knowledge and links between participants but also mental relationship for future cooperation.

“I am speaking from my heart; I love Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School and program is excellent for human rights worker.

Kyaw Thu Lwin -United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Myanmar

For me, Gwangju Human Rights Folk School gave me its own experience. Before, I never feel different atmosphere works environment. As a reporter, I cannot imagine about human rights defender what is looked like. But the GHRFS experienced me the best knowledge about the faith of Human rights. It opened my mind and the history of GHRFS brought me to the way to come up how to promote and protect human rights in my Country. Let's spread the spirit, and don't stop this noble assembly; because peace, love and rights‘re something that God promised for us.

Cheta Nilawaty Prasetyaningrum- Reporter, Tempo Intimedia (Tempo Magazine), Indonesia

Our journey with GAHRFS 2010 went on during 18 days. And I can say it was satisfaction and excellent program. We learned about the history of Democracy movement and its present developments of South Korea; has had terrible history and prominent victory. And we also shared human right conditions from other participants from different countries.
The Gwangju Human Right forum is a very encouraged program to the value of human rights development in the developing and underdeveloped countries. The people I met were pleasant and polite. The hospitality was admirable. I am proud to be a part of GAHRFS 2010 and I will gladly accept any chance to join any program that is offered by South Korea and work for the rights of human with dignity and integrity.

Parvin Akhter: Assistant Program Coordinator-Bangladesh Journalist Rights Forum (BJRF), Bangladesh.

The Asian Human Rights Folks School organized by the May 18 Foundation, has given me a totally different perception of South Korea. Little did I know that South Korea has had its own painful and bloody history towards the respect of human rights and the achievement of the Democracy.
The field trip, the DMZ symbol is a realistic image of how the world is today – that despite the bloody, long and protracted struggles of the peoples of the world to attain peace and democracy. We still live in a world that is blazing with wars, deaths, tortures, bombs, guns, nuclear weapons, political and social unrest. The world remains to be a conundrum in the realization of universal peace.

The numerous lectures on the history of human rights and democratization of South Korea were so comprehensive and magnanimous. The visit to the memorial cemetery for the May 18 heroes and martyrs were a culminating event. It was a very emotional and moving experience for all the participants. We all felt the eeriness of the place and felt one with the struggles of the thousands whose lives were unduly sacrificed in the name of peace, human rights and democracy. All of the participants later on admitted that they were all in tears as we walked around the cemetery. I am sure that even after we left and went back to our countries, there are still tears in our eyes every time we remember the visit to the cemetery.

The Folks School is a noble activity where one learns about the democratization movement of South Korea, a knowledge which I admitted, is not taught in the schools or portrayed in the different media of the countries where we come from. It was also a good venue to learn about the human rights situations in the countries represented by the participants.

Mary Ann Bayang- Cordillera Indigenous People Legal Center (DINTEG), Philippines

The Paper Persentation, Lecturing and Group Reporting of Participants of Folk School, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (518 folkschool) — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 02:06:00 +0000

Free Media: Peace, Democracy and Human Rights

Akhter Parvin: Assistant Program Coordinator of
Bangladesh Journalist Rights Forum (BJRF), Bangladesh

About BJRF
Bangladesh Journalist Rights Forum – BJRF was established in 2002 with the support and active participation of journalist and professional organizations in Bangladesh. The aims of BJRF are to help to strengthening the journalists organizational movement and to brighten there image as a social partner in the development of Bangladesh.

The vision of BJRF is to take necessary steps for the development of a democratically functioning journalist’s movement and leading towards the improvement of common strategies and building unity and creating an environment for the tripartite discussions in the society.
Freedom of Expression

Freedom of expression is therefore an internationally recognized right, which is declared as essential in Article 19 the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The freedom of Expression has a new dimension today as the wave of democracy is sweeping the world.
Press freedom cannot, generally speaking, be achieved in isolation.
It requires the combined and collaborative efforts of multiple actors:
Journalists and their organizations, media owners, political power-holders,community leaders and Ordinary people.

Cross-border alliances and exchanges of ideas are equally significant in shaping broader ideas about the meaning of press freedom and its value in promoting and reflecting democratic processes that benefit all people. Even where there is no prior restraint on the:
Exercise of the right to free speech,
A hostile environment often compels the media to engage in self-censorship rather than risk retribution.

Access to information also ensures individual rights and personal dignity. The Right to information is the key to all others rights. It is among the most important instruments to effectively empower those to whom power should belong to democracy- the people.

The newly elected Government of Bangladesh adopted the Right of Information Act in the first session of the 9th parliament on May 29, 2009. Marking a significant step toward a fulfilling the constitutional pledge of The State of Bangladesh.
Those who possess information are powerful those who don’t have access information are powerless. By enforcing people’s Right to information and can be brought closer to powerless. Through sharing and disclosing information, The RTI Act gives the citizen the right to ask for information from the government, non-government and other institutions.

Role of Media in Democracy
The role of the media in democracy can only be performed in a free society without any overt and covert influences, both external and internal.
This role is to disseminate needed information to the people, so that they may be well-informed and equipped to discharge their obligations in a democratic society.

Monopoly of the media, either by the government or private individuals or institutions, is considered a threat to democracy.
The people, being the rulers in democracy, should be the masters of information of both private and public activities.

For free media to operate, a secured atmosphere for its free play is needed which is not guaranteed alone by the laws of the country.

To concentrate on South Asia
Human rights problems in each country have usually been treated as an internal matter.
However, it takes only a quick survey of the South Asian region to see that there are many human rights issues that would benefit from mutual engagement and agreement.

Apart from other serious human rights problems, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka are also dealing with situations related to armed conflicts and insurgencies.
Nepal, with its numerous human rights problems, has only just emerged from a violent conflict that claimed over 13,000 lives,Bangladesh has witnessed increased militancy and the caretaker government has detained tens of thousands, often ignoring basic due process, in its efforts to combat corruption and crime.

Bhutan continues to discriminate against citizens of Nepali origin. In the Maldives, there are serious curbs on political freedom.
Regional security and economic progress cannot be achieved unless every citizen is provided with a secure environment to enjoy their civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights.

This is especially true for groups historically discriminated against, like women and children. Half of the world’s poor live in this region.
Policies and laws to help them will be useless unless effectively implemented.
The outcomes
All barrier is the ways of freedom and democracy are appropriately broken in such Environment people urge for freedom is greater people are always expecting more freedom of press, freedom of movement, freedom of religions ,and cultural freedom all over the world.

The new democratic environment has created an opportunity to reassert Media’s Right and Freedom but that must be within certain ethics and responsibilities.
It is true that the press is not full free because beside the black laws that are so many restriction in our society that have been infringing freedom of the press.

Freedom of Press right to know, freedom of speech and access to the information are the hallmark of an undiluted democracy. Needing freedom, democracy and good governance are as undiluted as the human rights. So a free Media is essential for building a society with moral, ethical and democratic values that impact of society.

The information is general and the Media is particular, can also be decisive by tipping the social and political palace on issues of authoritarianism and democracy. Autocracy and theocracy, development and parasitic consumption war and peace. Conflict prevention, conflict resolution and reconciliation are post conflict situation.

If the media can function freely in democratic atmosphere, the society is benefited and civilization a boost from such freedom with all human rights.
By Akther Parvin –Junior Participant of Folk School, 2010

UNAMA Mission in Afghanistan

Hassan Beigi: Assistance & Public Relation of UNAMA, Afghanistan
Organizational Information
UNAMA
• UNAMA – United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan
• First established on 28 March 2002 by Security Council Resolution 1401 to support the Bonn Agreement achieved in December 2001.
• The initial mandate was adjusted over the years to new needs, now UNAMA serves under SC Resolution 1917.
• SC Resolution adopted by the Security Council on 22 March 2010
• Underlines the central and impartial co-ordination role of the UN in leading the efforts of the International Community (IC) to promote, jointly with the Government of Afghanistan (GoA) and the Afghan people, peace and stability in Afghanistan.
• UNAMA assists the GoA and provides support in the areas of: Security, Governance and economic development, Regional Co-operation and Implementation commitments from London Conference Jan 2010.

UNAMA Structure has two Pillars
Pillar 1
Political Affairs
Governance
Police advisory
Rule of Law
Human Rights
Election support

Pillar 2
Development
Humanitarian
UN Country/regional coordination
Aid Effectiveness
Counter-narcotics

Afghanistan -Human Rights, Peace & Democracy
•I am working with UNAMA Central Highland region office as a field assistant in relief recovery & reconstruction (RRR) section for more than 3 years. From my organization I am the focal point for social protection sartorial working group in both Bamyan and Dai Kundi provinces, also Gender focal point in Relief Recovery Reconstruction section, as worked about 2 years before UNAMA with Japanese International Cooperation Agency as a project officer for women’s projects and to supporting Department of Women’s Affairs.
•To support line department to have balance and better planning in provincial level with consideration of gender equality.
•To support department of women’s affair in Bamyan and Dai Kundi province to have a provincial plan for women and share it with other sectors for reflecting in their plans.
•And to support provincial department in;
•puts people first and promotes human-centered development
•stresses liberty, equality and empowerment
•recognizes the inherent dignity of every human being without distinction
•recognizes and promotes equality between women and men, between minority and majority
•promotes equal opportunities and choices for all so that everyone can develop their unique potential and have a chance to contribute to development and society
•After fall of Taliban human rights in Afghanistan has improved rigorously, but still violation of human rights continue to occur in different parts of Afghanistan. Still racial discrimination, discrimination based on sex, language, and religion is on going. Women can’t enjoy their rights freely, their right to education, right to access to justice, right to movement, right to health, right to take part in public affairs, right to property... are broadly violated in Afghanistan.
•Gross Human Rights violators (including warlords, ex-Taliban...) are in the power. They continue to commit violation to suppress the voices of victims wanting justice.
•Everyday civilians are targeted by Insurant and, IM force and Afghanistan security forces. In this context, impunity is pervasive.
•Corruption hampers the right to have access to justice. The judiciary in Afghanistan is corrupt and cases are not deal in due process of law. Nepotism in the recruitment process is another problem which affects the rights of Afghans to work.

Media Situation
•Afghanistan Media has always been under pressure of government in Afghanistan. Media inn Afghanistan refers to the print, broadcast, press and online media. The media was tightly controlled under the Taliban and other periods in the history of Afghanistan media.
•After the fall of the Taliban in 2001, the press restrictions in Afghanistan were gradually relaxed and private media grew rapidly. However, press freedom is threatened by the continuing war in Afghanistan with kidnappings and death threats of journalists. Freedom of Expression and the press has developed in 2004 Afghanistan constitution, though defaming individuals or producing material contrary to the principles of Islam is severely prohibited.

At present, Afghanistan media has significantly developed and millions of dollars have been invested in radio and television in Afghanistan. Despite existence of 12 TV channels people are still investing to install new private TV stations in the country and several private TV channels have been registered in ministry of Information and Culture.
By Hassan Beigi –Junior Participant of Folk School, 2010.

IMPARSIAL AND HUMAN RIGHTS IN INDONESIA
Junaidi – Imparsial, Indonesia
Who We are..
 Was established in June 2002 by 18 of Indonesia’s most prominent human rights activists who shared the same concern: the power of the state showed an increasing tendency to assert itself to the detriment of civil society. They agreed that the time had came for the establishment of a new human rights protection organization to work for the following goals:
a.to formulate a standardized approach to reporting and documenting human rights protection matters;
b.to prepare and campaign for an alternative human rights policy; and
c.to work as a partner of the National Commission on Human Rights.
d.Was taken from the word ‘impartiality’ to denote the organizations commitment to upholding the fundamental equality of this rights possessed by all human beings, with special concern given to promoting the rights of the less fortunate. The organization ‘impartiality’ also denotes its commitment to helping victims of human rights abuse regardless of their social origins, gender, ethnicity, political or religious beliefs.
e.In the characteristic of Imparsial that it strives to amalgamate a number of important endeavours: to formulate alternative human rights policies, establish a standardized documentation system of human rights protection matters in order to advocate legal remedies, and to institute a comprehensive system to protect human rights defenders.

Work Ethic
In its work, Imparsial is committed to supporting the important role played by human rights defenders at all levels of society –local, national, regional and international– in advocating changes to national human rights policy and conducting disciplined research and documentation of related matters.

Main Program
Human Rights Monitoring and Research
Output of this program is become as urgent action call that monitors human rights violations in Indonesia, e.g. press conference. Then research team will make another output become Annual Human Rights Report, documentation systems with based on HURIDOC’S and campaigning it. Stakeholders are international community and Indonesian widely. Our strategies used are by campaigning and insemination of the products.

Protection of Human Rights Defenders and Increasing their Capacity
This program is Imparsial main characteristic, that focus on building the systems for protecting human rights defenders in Indonesia and arrange systematic effort how to increase their capacity to do their work as well as before that held by some trainings how to investigate, make document, archiving and make report of human rights violations.

Critics on State Policy based on Human Rights Perspective
Concepts of critics are consisting of analysis, critical review, and recommendation for state policy products. The critics focus on comprehensive human rights analysis for state policies in Indonesia transition. Output of this program are briefing paper, critical review paper, working paper, publishing book, writing article in newspaper, that used for lobby to parliament and government; organizing seminar, Colloquium, and focus group discussion (FGD).

Current Issues (2004-now)
1.Human Rights Defenders Program
Workshop, public discussion, FGD, research, advocacy, lobby and campaigning of Protection of Human Rights Defenders  goal is Human Rights Defenders Protection Law (We notified that in 2004, at least 165 HRDs became the victims of human rights abuses’, including two women were killed and 15 others were arrested. In 2005, unidentified person shot two women HRD in Aceh when they voluntarily help people to recover from tsunami. The methods of abuse started from persecuted, criminalized, tortured, kidnapped, and killed.)

2.Research as Alternative Policy Studies
Research and critical review as alternative policy on security sector reform in Indonesia based on human rights and democracy analysis and perspective
3.Talk Show on Security Issues Based on Human Rights
Organizing talk show on TV and radio for the issue of security sector (2010) in some places in Indonesia –reform of intellegence, police and military.

4.Death Penalty Program
Research, advocacy and campaigning to abolish death penalty in Indonesia
Public discussion, talk show on radio, lobby to government and members of parliament, urgent action call (press release), publishing book, etc.

 International campaign
Imparsial Book on Death Penalty
5.Publishing Bulletin Quarterly
Publishing bulletin of HURIDOC’S quarterly, named ‘MONITOR’. This bulletin covered issues of recent human rights issues that consist of article, daily monitoring of human rights abuses and other activities of Imparsial.

By Junaidi –Middle Manager participant of Folk School, 2010
For furthermore information, please visit www.imparsial.org

Grassroots NGO Management

Rejieli Tupou Letila Vere: Director of Pacific Concerns Resource Centre, Fiji.

Features of Grassroots NGOs:
•Local based
•Focused on a specific interest(s)
•Organized along ethnic, religious, special interests
•Community development
•Advocacy
•Network

Critical components of NGO Management
•Identifying needs to meet individual and household interests;
•Identifying strategic interests;
•Who makes up the membership?
•Deciding the kind of decision-making structure – collective or a network or a hierarchical organization;
•Principles and values of Human Rights adhered to;
Key components
•Internal communication and decision-making processes –
•Administrative procedures – filing, personnel, volunteers;
•Fiscal management;
•Strategic planning, programming and budget cycle;
•Monitoring and evaluation
•Network partnerships;
•Donor partnerships;

Experiences & Lessons Learnt
•Personal level – e.g. language ability, ability to listen, sensitivity to cultural and religious differences
•Organizational level – e.g. perception, differences in strategies, tall poppy syndrome or a “sacred cow” in the group, funding constraints

Case: Nuclear Free and Independent Pacific (NFIP) movement and PCRC
•1972–A.T.O.M. (Against Testing on Moruroa) formed in Fiji by the Fiji YWCA (Amelia Rokotuivuna, Ruth Lechte with support from church leaders, union leaders and students of seminary, university and SCM members…Pacific Peoples’ Action Front;
•1975 – First NFIP Conference was held in Suva and setting up of the NFIP movement.

NFIP Movement:
•1980 – secretariat was set up in Hawaii – PCRC;
•1984 – PCRC moved to Auckland
•1993 – PCRC moved to Fiji
•Organized as a network, secretariat – position papers, Pacific News Bulletin newsletters, lobby on issues identified in the triennial Conferences, awareness raising;
•Disarmament, Decolonization, Human rights – Indigenous peoples, women’s rights and CEDAW, Environment and Sustainable Human Devt – trade justice.
•2009: Core budget and programme support difficulties;
•Lessons learnt: support for work of national advocacy partners – core budget support needed too;
•Practical projects on the ground at community level;
•Strategic visioning – a real challenge with activists who do not want be donor driven

Lessons Learned
•Lack of support from NGO partners in donor countries;
•Network – area is too wide;
•New strategy is needed – organisationally: incremental - focus on Pacific island countries and territories, small is beautiful – Decolonisation/Disarmament/Human Rights – three sub-regional networks and then strategic partnership with organisations in Australia, NZ and Asia.
•Monitoring evaluation –ongoing;
•Movement building
•New media
•Support network at national level where the secretariat is located: Secretary and Advisory group of representatives from women’s CSOs, theological schools and seminaries.

BY Rejieli Tupou Letila Vere–Senior Participant of Folk School, 2010
For furthermore information, please visit tupou.pcrc@gmail.com or pcrc.secretariat@gmail.com

Developments in Rehabilitation Techniques for Torture Victims

Nishahar Clarence Gregory: Manager Administration/ Financial Advisor- Programme Manager-Commission for Justice Peace Human Development Human Rights Secretariat, Sri Lanka

Trauma is an extremely a painful experience, which however may vary from person to person depending on their past experience, level of suffering inflicted, personal dispositions and the prevailing general atmosphere. In general, trauma occurs when you experience excessive stress that overwhelms your emotional or physical ability to cope. While emotional trauma can result in the absence of any physical trauma, many times the two go hand-in-hand. While the wounds from torture can be healed, the psychological, emotional impact can persist and cause severe harm to the mental dispositions of the individual.

How Torture Affects an Individual
Here it is important for us to understand how a person is affected by torture. Severe torture affects an individual in many ways. They can be physical, emotional and social.
It is important to understand these aspects since the process of healing has to comprise of approaches that address all these aspects.

Physical
In most of the cases of torture in our country, severe bodily harm occurs. The forms of torture used by persons representing the state, particularly the police and the military is extremely brutal and painful. The injuries sustained are quite severe and require treatment by a qualified doctor who understands a bit of -PTSD.
In most of the cases, a victim of torture is taken to a doctor by the torturers themselves and the treatment is done in their presence which in fact causes further pain. It could also occur that the victims are chained to the bed even if they are warded in a hospital as they are considered detainees. Thus, it is important that the treatment is effected in an environment free from the torturers and conditions of severe stresses.

Emotional
Trauma affects the emotions, thinking and the behavior of a person. It starts with the destruction of a set of traditionally held values. Police is considered a place where one feels safe and secure. However, when confronted with severe torture in the police station, the set of values of the individual tend to crumble down. Respect and credibility is replaced by distrust and fear and eventually of distaste. This crumbling down of the system of values need to be addressed in healing.
Then there is a physical dimension in the experience of torture as for instance how certain parts of the brain under severe stress finds difficult to cope with it and then succumb to it. This aspect can easily be studied with the help of experts or the trauma counselors.

Then there are the repercussions of the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders PSTD. Inability to conduct normal social relations, getting angry, nightmares, inability to have normal sexual relations with the wife, distrust and unusual fears happen to be some of them. These aspects perhaps are the severest aspects that need to be addressed.

Social
The incidents that lead for instance in a place of torture/police station, to create distrust in persons generally trusted and respected has far reaching repercussions on the behavior of the person. This experience can contribute to disrupt the level of credibility in persons and institutions religious or otherwise.
Thus in the treatment this aspect also needs to be given the necessary consideration so that the person is able to renew and continue relationships with the members of the family, relatives, friends, etc.
Since the members of the family, relatives and friends also find it hard to understand the 'unusual' behavior of the victim, it is necessary that the family members who in the most circumstances also suffer trauma be also counseled with the victim.

While the above is a brief description of the aspects to be addressed in the treatment of a person subjected to torture, which I hope to develop further, the methods of treatment are too technical and are generally handled by our counselors. The methods used include, testimonial therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), or simple trauma counseling which can include relaxing exercises.

All these are too technical and in fact the persons and institutions that have developed these techniques do not authorize public discussions and are to be under their supervision, with their approval and only on victims of torture. If it is for pure information, they can be accessed through the internet.
BY Nishahar Clarence Gregory – Senior Participant of Folk School, 2010.

Liberation War Museum ‘Archives of Memory’
“A collection of eyewitness testimony of Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971”
Satyajit Roy Majumder: a Manager –Development, Education & Publication-Liberation War Museum, Bangladesh

Why eyewitness is important?
 What is eyewitness?
Eyewitness account is a testimony of an event by a person who physically observed the happening
This is important, because-It unfolds the truth about an event; creates opportunity for cross-checking of other events It is a powerful justice tool

Bangladesh: History of struggle
1947: The Indian sub-continent divided into India and Pakistan
1952: Fight for the freedom of language
1947-1971: West Pakistan ruled a 1609 km distant state East Pakistan (Bangladesh) for 23 years
1971 : Bangladesh became independent after a 9-month blood-shed war
Bangladesh: Liberation War
The worst genocide in history
25 March 1971 : Pakistani Army brutally attacked the common people
26 March : Bangladesh declared independence Pakistani Army- murdered: 3 Million people i.e. over 11,000 people per day raped: 0.2 Million (two hundred thousand) women
16 December 1971: Bangladesh earned the victory

Liberation War Museum (LWM)
Established : 1996
Trustees : 8 well-recognized philanthropists of the country

Two key Programs:
Museum: A significant amount of artifacts and memorial collection open for public display 6 days a week
Education: people’s education on liberation war
Outreach: A mobile museum (a big bus converted into a museum filled with war memorials) runs to the remote schools and colleges across the country to build awareness on our independence in 1971.

Library, Research center; and Publications
Audio-visual center
LWM: Gallery Display - Educating the Generation
1.Students wait in a queue to the museum
2.A Trustee (Board Member) describes some war facts to the young children
3.School children engaged in mindful watching of the war memorials.

LWM: The Mobile Museum
The mobile museum containing war artifacts and memorials goes to the school doors to create a positive impact on the young minds.
LWM: Outreach Programs

Objective:
Build better consciousness among the young people of the liberation war of Bangladesh.
Accumulate significant amount of eyewitness testimonies to use them as evidence of ‘Crime against Humanity’ during the war in 1971.

LWM: ‘Archives of Memory’
With the effort of six years, LWM has created an ‘Archives of Memory’ with 15620 testimonies (‘Oral History’ described by an eyewitness and collected by the students)Until now, we have covered-196 sub-districts in 30 districts (Bangladesh constitutes of 64 districts)1080 schools and colleges331717 (0.33 M) students (50:50 Boy-Girl ratio)

Sharing Experience: 15000th Oral History
Arati Debnath of Hobigonj district shares her experience during Liberation War with her granddaughter.
This is our 15000th official record – a milestone; and officially received by the LWM trustees and an international guest to LWM.
By Satyajit Roy Majumder- Senior Participant of Folks School, 2010.
https://www.google.com/accounts/VE?service=blogger&c=CKG294eY6-OH1QEQ_ojtv9HHkK0z&hl=en

Group Reporting
Group Name “Unity in Diversity”
“Environmental Justice in Asia”

Why we chose Environmental Justice?
Over the past several decades growing public awareness of threats to the environment informed by warnings of scientists & activist, has led to demands that “ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE” to protect the natural surroundings on which human well-being depends to uphold the Democracy, Human Rights & Peace.

Searching…
What does the environment have to do with human rights?
Why is an environmental group protecting and demanding human rights?
What do concepts like environmental rights and environmental justice mean?

Introduction
Governments began to demonstrate concern over the general state of the environment during the 1960s and introduced legislation to combat pollution of inland waters, ocean, and air, and to safeguard certain cities or areas.

Simultaneously, they established special administrative organs, ministries or environmental agencies, to preserve more effectively the quality of life of their citizens.

Objective
This Power point presentation attempts to provide an outline of the historical progress & struggles in Asia on the protection of environment through political, social & legal framework & also raise few questions in the era of o called Globalizations?

Environmental problems stem from two main categories of human activities
1) Use of resources at unsustainable levels,
2) Contamination of the environment through pollution and waste at levels beyond the capacity of the environment to absorb them or render them harmless.

Resulting Ecological Damage Seen Around the World
• Biodiversity loss
• Pollution of water and consequent public health problems
• Air pollution and resulting increase in respiratory diseases, deterioration of buildings and monuments
• Loss of soil fertility, desertification and famine
• Depletion of fishing resources
• Increase in skin cancers and eye diseases in certain areas due to ozone depletion
• New diseases and more widespread disease vectors
• Damage to future generations

Meaning of Environment & Environmental Justice
'Environment' includes:
• Natural resources both biotic and abiotic, such as air, water, soil, fauna and flora and the interactions between the same factors;
• Property which forms part of the cultural heritage;
• The characteristics aspects of landscape.
•Convention on Civil Liability for Damage Resulting from Activities Dangerous to the Environment (June 21, 1993)

Environmental Justice
Environmental justice proponents generally view the environment as encompassing "where we live, work, and play" (sometimes "pray" and "learn" are also included) and seek to redress inequitable distributions of environmental burdens (pollution, industrial facilities, crime, etc).

Root causes of environmental injustices include "institutionalized racism; the co-modification of land, water, energy and air; unresponsive, unaccountable government policies and regulations; and lack of resources and power in affected communities.

Foundations of Environmental Protection
Religious Traditions
Traditional Communities

The Sources of Environmental Law
Domestic laws
International Laws

Domestic laws
Constitutional law –like Nepal
Environmental Legislation
Administrative Regulations
Criminalizing Environmental Misconduct
Tort and Other Forms of Civil Liability –like UK
Industry Standards and Codes of Conduct –EA

International Laws
Convention or Treaty
Custom
General principles of law
Judicial Decisions and Doctrine
Non-binding International Instruments

International Environmental Law Perspective
First Phase: From Early Treaties and Other Trends (Prior to 1945)
Second Phase: The Establishment of United Nations to Stockholm (1945-72)
Third Phase: Post Stockholm Conference to RIO
Fourth Phase: The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development and The Treads Beyond UNCED and Later Development of Environmental Law
 The Trends Beyond UNCED and Later Development of Environment Law: Post RIO
Leading Summit’s
 Earth Summit (Rio+5)
 The Millennium Summit
• Green Account
•Climate Change
•Ecosystem Assessment

 Earth Summit (Rio+ 10)
 Kyoto Protocol

Principles of Kyoto Protocol:
The five principle concepts of the Kyoto Protocol are:
Commitments — the heart of the Protocol lies in establishing commitments for the reduction of greenhouse gases that are legally binding for Annex I countries, as well as general commitments for all member countries.
Implementation — to meet the Protocol objectives, Annex I countries must prepare policies and measures that reduce greenhouse gases. In addition, they must increase absorption of these gases and use all mechanisms available—such as joint implementation, clean development mechanism and emissions trading—to be rewarded with credits that allow more greenhouse gas emissions at home.

Principles of Kyoto Protocol:
Minimizing Impacts on Developing Countries by establishing an adaptation fund for climate change
Accounting, Reporting and Review to ensure the integrity of the Protocol
Compliance — Establish a Compliance Committee to enforce compliance with the commitments under the Protocol.

Emergence of Environmental Law through Legal Principles
Earth Jurisprudence
Prevention Principle
Intergenerational Equity Principle
Precaution Principle
Polluter Pays Principle
Environmental Justice & Equity Principles
Public Trust Principle
Sustainable Development

Development and Sources of Environmental Justice in Asia
Customs and Practices
Declaration & agreements
Statutory Laws Relating Protection of Environment
Specific Laws on Environment

Burning issue in Asia

Burning issues regarding International level
The Mekong Issue
•Dams built in China
•Impacts on lower stream (Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam)
- Transportation
- Ecosystem
- Agriculture
- Way of life
- Folk cultures
Burning issues regarding International level
The Brahmabutra
•Runs through Tibet, China, India and Bangladesh
•China’s attempt to divert the Brahmaputra to Gobi desert
Copenhagen Climate Change Conference In 2012 the Kyoto Protocol to prevent climate changes and global warming runs out.
The so-called Copenhagen accord "recognizes" the scientific case for keeping temperature rises to no more than 2C
It lacked independent verification of emission reductions by developing countries (China, India, Brazil and South Africa) that the US and others demanded.

 Failure!
Copenhagen Climate Change Conference
European leaders negotiate with President Obama while aides listen in during the final night of the UN Climate Change Summit in Copenhagen.
Activists demonstrate outside the Bella Center in Copenhagen at the end of the COP15 UN Climate Change Conference, 19 Dec 2009

Crisis, Movement & Struggles in Asia
Taiwan; Overdevelopment & No waste of nuclear
Srilanka & Myanmar; Deforestation
South Korea; South Korea's Four Rivers Dam Construction Rolls Over Opposition
& Pakistan; Flooding
Bangladesh; Rising sea level in Bangladesh & Threat to Seeds is Threat to Peoples’ Sovereignty
Cambodia; Homes are sinking into Boeng Kak Lake as it is being filled with sand to prepare for one
Thailand; Northeastern part of Thailand are facing drought.
Maldives; Protest-too young to die & Cabinet meeting under the sea
The Philippines; a trash-covered creek in Manila, Philippines, where slums often adjoin rubbish dumps
India; Seeds of suicide & Green Revolution
Nepal; Cabinet meeting up the Himalaya & Wildlife crisis in Afghanistan
Indonesia; Burning land forest to clear land for oil palm tree

Remedies & Enforcement
Injunctions
Damages & compensation
Sanctions
Penalties
Enforcement of Judicial Decisions 3R’s (Restitution, Remediation, Reinstitutions

Questions at the end…
Why have so many environmentalist call for protection of environment even has they remind misanthropic & ignored the right of humans?
How did environmentalist come to recognize problems of environmental justice?
What are the characteristics of environmental injustice?
What are some key example of environmental injustice both in developed & in developing nations?
Why do some people deny EJ problems & how defensible are their denials?
Why do critics of EJ movement tend to reject various solutions in EJ problems and are their rejections reasonable?
After evaluating each questions then go for action!
Further research may also help explain the effect of democracy on different types of environmental degradation …

Afterthoughts
In case of Asia many Laws can be identified as valid Laws prevailing endeavors to international principle like precautionary principle, polluter pay principle (compensatory provision for violation), principle of sustainable development.

But as Law developed only for non-enforcement makes failure or fruitless to enact these Laws in major circumstances. Because lack of awareness among people (scientific & sound management of natural resources, ignorance of laws), non-accountable administration, laws conflict with traditional rights and practices, complicated procedure, technical approach of the bench and bar, limited ambiguous interpretation of laws, lack of monitory mechanism, often fails the goal of these enactment.

Act Now!!!

BY- Participant of Folk School, 2010
Juthamanee Khotchasarnmanee-Tahiland
Junaidi -Indonesia
Yang Kai-Ju-Taiwan
Rezaur Rahman Lenin-Bangladesh

KINGDOM OF “THIS ROOM OF A UNIVERSE”
NO YOU CANNOT! - Kingdom’s motto

Repression Simulation
The repression simulation confronts you with situations that can take place when a repressive regime comes to power in your country. The simulation provides you with alternative courses of action. Every player has certain resources at his or her disposal – please check if you have 2 Income, Freedom, Wellbeing and Health Cards each. Depending on your choices in each situation some of these can be lost.
In each situation you are asked to choose the action which most nearly approximates what you think you might do under the circumstances. It is realised that some people might wish to make choices that are not included, but in order to play the game only the options given can be chosen.

Please keep your options sheet covered and only reveal the options for the respective situation. When I will have read out the first situation, I will tell you to “Act Now”. Then have a look at the four options for that situation and make your choice. Circle the option you have chosen on your answer page.
When everybody had made their choice, We will read out the consequences your chosen course of action has. You then might have to forfeit some of your resource cards. The soldiers will collect these from you.
If you are requested to forfeit a resource card you no longer possess, you must pay instead with a card or cards of sufficient point value to cover that originally asked for.

If you have insufficient cards to pay for forfeit, your personal resources are obviously exhausted and you die. You then retire from the game – and please remain silent.
The simulation continues with each situation being read out, acted on and the results made known.
At the completion of the simulation, all those still playing are considered to have survived. Remember, however, that this is designed to simulate choice that people have had to make in real life.
Do you have any question? Are the instructions clear for everybody?
Before I start to read out the first situation, I would like to remind you of the overall aim of the simulation:
The aim is to remain faithful to your beliefs and also to survive if you can.

Situation 1
Your country is experiencing a time of difficulty. There is a high level of unemployment, increasing inflation, a widening gap between the rich and poor. There is general dissatisfaction with the economy.
Repression Simulation 1
A)You are all right for the moment.
B)You are all right for the moment.
C)You are all right for the moment.
D)You are all right for the moment.

Situation 2
There is growing dissatisfaction. Food shortages have occurred in some regions of the country, unemployment is affecting all levels of society and the cost of living continues to rise steeply. Rallies and protests, some of which are attacked by police are now frequent. Crimes against people and property have increased enormously. The Government declares that the maintaining of law and order is the most important issue facing the country. The Public Order Act is passed which bans all public demonstrations and provides expansion of police powers. The police, the security service and the army are expanded. Welfare programmes are cut back to make this possible.

Repression Simulation 2
A)You are becoming increasingly worried! You lose 1 Wellbeing Card.
B)You are arrested at the rally. Lose 1 Freedom Card.
C)Your employer becomes aware of your activities and you lose your job. Lose 1 Income card
D)You are all right for the moment.

Situation 3
Laws allowing electronic surveillance of all telecommunications are passed and political groups increasingly targeted by police harassment. A sudden election is called and after an election based on national security issues, the ruling party is returned with a huge majority. The few international monitors present are unable to confirm any irregularities with the poll results.

Repression Simulation 3
A)And B) You receive numerous phone calls making death threats against you and your family. You suspect that your home and work phone are tapped. Lose 1 Wellbeing card.
C)You are all right for the moment.
D)You are arrested and imprisoned and you lose your job. Lose 1 income Card and 1 Freedom Card.

Situation 4
The appointment of judges appears to be becoming political. One High Court judge of longstanding speaks out condemning this trend. Shortly afterwards legislation is passed which makes all judicial appointments renewable every two years. It soon becomes apparent that any member of the judiciary who fails to support government policy will not be reappointed.

Repression Simulation 4
A)And B) You are all right for the moment.
C)Lose 1 Wellbeing Card.
D)You are arrested and fined. Lose 1 income Card.

Situation 5
The Trade Union movement is seen by the government as encouraging dissatisfaction, strikes and anti-government activities. You have always been a committed member of your union which has become increasingly critical of government activities.

Repression Simulation 5
A)You are all right for the moment.
B)You are arrested for taking part in a peaceful picket. Lose 1 Freedom card.
C)You are very worried by the turn of events. You lose 1 Wellbeing Card.
D)You are all right for the moment.

Situation 6
The government declares a State of Emergency and legislates that all other political parties are illegal. You have always belonged to one of the opposition parties.

Repression Simulation 6
A)The local chief of security knows of your previous membership and demands a substantial amount of money not to tell your employer of your previous party membership. Lose 1 income card.
B)You stayed faithful to your beliefs and feel relieved and empowered. Take back 1 Wellbeing card.
C)And D) you are all right for the moment. BUT you are very worried. Lose 1 Wellbeing Card.

Situation 7
The government announces only faith communities that are registered will be allowed to function in the future. To be registered means that the government will control the selection of spiritual leaders. Your faith community refuses to allow this to happen and as a result becomes an illegal organisation.

Repression Simulation 7
A)You are all right for the present.
B)You are all right for the moment.
C)The police arrive and violently break up one of your services. You and a number of others are injured. Lose 1 health card.
D)You are arrested, interrogated and detained and put under surveillance so you have to report to a police station. Lose 1 health Card and 1 Wellbeing Card.

Situation 8
A prominent religious leaders who has been very critical of the direction in which the country is moving is found shot dead in the sandhills of a city beach. Six weeks later an important trade unionist and a university economist, both of whom have expressed strong criticism of the government, are also murdered in very similar killings. No arrests are made.

Repression Simulation 8
A)You are all right for the moment.
B)You are alright for the moment.
C)Your petition is refused and no inquiry is held. Lose 1 Wellbeing card.
D)Witnesses to the shooting are very reluctant to speak out. Your group believes they have been threatened to keep them silent but you are not able to establish any concrete evidence for this. Lose 2 Wellbeing cards.

Situation 9
Reports are circulating of ill-treatment of prisoners in the custody of the National Security police. Emergency regulations are enforced. These both censor the media and make it possible for people to be detained for indefinite periods without trial. A well-known outspoken critic of the government dies while in detention. Many people believe he was murdered.

Repression Simulation 9
A)The police arrest all those associated with either project. After several hours of questioning you are released. Lose 1 Wellbeing Card.
B)You are all right for the moment.
C)Same as letter A
D)You are encouraged and empowered. Gain 1 Wellbeing Card.

Situation 10
You are working as a teacher in a local school. A new set of social studies textbooks is brought out to replace the books you were currently using. The new textbooks are really thinly disguised government propaganda designed to indoctrinate children.

Repression Simulation 10
A)It is discovered you are not using the books and your employment is terminated at the end of the school term. Lose 1 Income Card.
B)Your employment is terminated immediately and your teacher’s accreditation certificate is cancelled. Lose 1 Wellbeing card and 1 Income card.
C)You are all right for the moment.
D)You are all right for the moment.

Hope
With much fanfare the President grants a National Independence Day amnesty to some political prisoners. You are allowed to pick up 1 Freedom Card provided you have no more than 2 Freedom Cards.

Situation 11
The faith community you belong to has started working with the families of political prisoners and produces an underground newspaper, which highlights the suffering of these people. You are asked to store the printing press equipment in your garage.
Repression Simulation 11
A)You are shocked as you feel your own decisions were quite wrong in the light of events. Lose 2 Wellbeing cards.
B)And C)Your venture remains undetected but you are very worried. Lose 1 Wellbeing Card.
D)The same as letter A.
Situation 12
A Para-military physical fitness-type organisation, called the State Cadets, is started by the government for young people. It is almost compulsory for all teenagers between the ages of 11 and 16 years to belong. You do not like the attitudes and values the organisation teaches, yet you do have children within these age groups.

Repression Simulation 12
A)And B) The children join the State Cadets and quickly become enthusiastic about the organization. You are horrified! Lose 1 Wellbeing Card.
C)You are arrested and imprisoned without charge or trial for nearly one year. Lose 1 Freedom card.
D)Your application is refused. The local security police visit you and tell you that for a long time you have been viewed with suspicion. Lose 2 Wellbeing cards.
Situation 13
The security police break into your house and say they are taking away your sixteen year old son for questioning.

Repression Simulation 13
A)When you arrive at police headquarters, you are also put under arrest. Lose 1 Freedom card.
B)The lawyer is denied to your son. Lose 1 Wellbeing card.
C)Your ploy is discovered and you are arrested. The police also assume that you are part of the underground militant group to which your son belongs. You are tortured with cigarette burns to give information about this group. Lose 1 Freedom and 1 Wellbeing Card
D)You are all right for the moment.

Repression Simulation 13
C)Your ploy is discovered and you are arrested. The police also assume that you are part of the underground militant group to which your son belongs. You are tortured with cigarette burns to give information about this group. Lose 1 Freedom and 1 Wellbeing Card
D)You are arrested immediately. At the security police headquarters you are ill-treated and only released after a few days. Lose 1 Freedom Card and 1 Health Card.

Situation 14
You are working in your garage late at night when you see your next door neighbour being forced into a car by four men. Your neighbour appears to be bleeding from several wounds to the face and body. He shouts to you for help.

Repression Simulation 14
A)And B) You are very worried you have done more to help. Lose 1 Wellbeing cards.
B)To your surprise dozens of neighbors come out of their houses yelling and banging pots and pans loudly. More and more people come on to the streets. The men leave immediately and the neighbor is saved. The neighborhood celebrates and feels empowered by the night. Gain 1 Wellbeing Card.

Repression Simulation 14
D)You are alright for the moment. Amnesty International will investigate and help your neighbor if he has been unlawfully detained by the security police.

Situation 15
There are now small groups of armed fighters based in rural areas endeavouring to overthrow the government by force. You have extensive medical training and one night a man from one of the armed groups is brought to you with severe wounds. You know that any action of your part other than immediate notification to the authorities is considered a major offence.

Repression Simulation 15
A)The police arrive and a gun battle breaks out with the armed insurgents. You are shot in the leg by mistake and all the insurgents are killed, though none of the police are hurt. Lose 1 Health card.
B)You feel afterwards that your actions were not appropriate. Lose 1 Wellbeing card.
Repression Simulation 15
D)Your action is discovered by the police who presume you are a member of the armed militants. You are imprisoned and repeatedly tortured with Tasers to give information you do not possess. Lose 1 Freedom and 2 Health Cards.

LONG LIVE INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY!!!

BY- Participant of Folk School, 2010
Breasley Adam John-Australia
May Ann Bayang-Philipine
Cheta Nilawaty Prasetyaningrum-Indonesia
Chor Chanyhyda_Cambodia

2010 Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 06:00:00 +0000

Notification

noreply@blogger.com (518 folkschool) — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 08:46:00 +0000

Dear all, Greetings from May 18 Memorial Foundation. I would like to inform you that if you receive any video clip from May 18's email address, do not open. We did not sent you any video.

Thank you for your consideration.

Folk school:2010

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 01:08:00 +0000

Folk school:
The Gwangju Human Rights Folk School will take as its model the Folk School System, an informal schooling concept, which first began in Denmark in 1844 through the efforts of the poet and educator Nikolai F.S. Grundtvig, which to this day continues to operate in several northern European countries.

Aims of Gwangju Human Rights Folk School:
The aim of the Gwangju Human Rights Folk School is to introduce the participants to Korean History in general and to various movements in the struggle for democracy, including the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, through both theoretical and practical experiences such as seminars, discussions, presentation, workshop and field trips to the sites of democratization movements in Korea and Asia.

Gwangju Human Rights Folk School, 2010:
The Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School 2010 will strive to contribute to the development of democracy and human Rights through out Asia by-
l Hosting 20 human rights and peace activists from all over Asia
Junior Staff- 8 (with 2-5 years experience)
Middle Management/Advisory- 8 (with 5-15 years experience)
Senior/ Director- 4 (with more than 15 years experience)
l Giving them opportunity to learn and experience the history and development process of human rights and democracy in Republic of Korea.
l Serve an opportunity for participants to exchange and network with other human rights activists.
l For the last 3 years the foundation has been supporting scholars at Sungkonghoe University for their Masters of Arts in Inter-Asia NGO Studies (MAINS). They were chosen and selected by Folk school committee based on their active participation and performance during the folk school.

Topics of the Folk School, 2010:
l Grassroots NGO Management
l Minority and Harijan
l Disappearance and impunity in Asia
l Media Management and public relationship

Testimony of 2009 Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School participants

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 16 May 2010 08:12:00 +0000

Aye Le Tun, Burma/ Junior Staff/ Early Recovery Project, UNDP. She 'as got a lot of valuable learning & experiences from May 18 programme. By reviewing the democracy movement in South Korea, she is getting to be aware of what and how she has to do to protect human right violation in Myanmar. When she got back her country, she ‘as shared her learning’s experiences to her colleagues and Myanmar Freedom Journalists as well.

Gil da Costa /Timor Leste/ Middle Manager/Transition Justice Program
Participating for Human Rights Folks School in Gwangju was a great opportunity for him to share experiences with other human rights activists especially on East Timorese case to other world. Human rights maybe easier to discuss but the implementation is a different story which can lead you prison or death. As human right activist he has approved himself that to defend the rights of voiceless people is not easy task but you have to sacrifice yourself for this goal.

Folk school was great and he gained a lot of experiences from different countries who have similar situation and it ‘as good that we‘re same fight for common purpose and we are going to put our hands together for every each of human beings who need our voices. He is really sure that we won't sleep well when people still under pressure, intimidation by the leaders who are trying to bury the voice of human rights activists. Let’s say "freedom is coming tomorrow" it means we have to fight right now and get our freedom tomorrow otherwise freedom will never come liberate our voiceless people.

Yuda Dimas Pratama (Indonesia/ Junior Staff, the Institute for Defense, Security and Peace Studies (IDSPS).
Attending Gwangju Human Rights Folk School would never be boring and futile, because he could learn many things inside and outside class. He met many friends from many countries with different personality, cultural background and experiences. Gwangju Human Rights Folk School is great mission and excellent education method in where people aspire to devote their whole living to deal on human rights or calls human rights defender. Many thanks to the May 18 Memorial Foundation which usually appreciates the program to the people behave of the spirit of Gwangju uprising, greeting Solidarity.

Phy, Sonaren, Cambodia / Junior staff / Tuul Sleng Genocide Museum.

The May-18 is very familiar to me and I was not only a Folk school student but also a participant in 29^th Gwangju Peace Forum. Yes, it is great ceremony and an important event to instill the history of inhumanity regime on our heart, the young generation will never forget. This is compulsory to everybody to promote the Democracy and Human Rights throughout the world! I do believe that this scenery of event can give space for peace to happen.

Announcement for 2010 Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 01:24:00 +0000

The Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School started in 2004. Till now, 127 people from 22 countries have participated. The aim of the Folk school is to introduce the participants to Korean History and various democratic movements, including the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, through both theoretical and practical experiences.

The Folk School strives to contribute to the development of democracy and human rights through out Asia by hosting 20 invitees from all over Asia who have been working for human rights and peace organizations in their own countries. The emphasis is on organizational partnership, so applicants endorsed by their organization will be given priority.

Junior Staff - 8 (with 2-5 years experience)

Middle Management/Advisory- 8 (with 5-15 years experience)

Senior/Director- 4 (with more than 15 years experience)

One of the perks of attending the Folk School is the opportunity to be endorsed for a scholarship at Sungkonghoe University’s Master of Arts in Inter-Asia NGO Studies (MAINS). Students will be chosen and selected by the folk school committee based on their active participation and performance during the folk school.

Applicants are advised to read the guidelines carefully. The foundation will only accept and consider applicants who will properly comply with the set guidelines and rules.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

See Application forms for more details.

Useful Information

Applicants should ensure that they have no potential visa problems. If an applicant is denied entry to Korea because of personal history which they did not disclose to the May 18 Memorial Foundation, the foundation will absolutely not cover their travel expenses. This is the applicant’s responsibility.

If an applicant later decides not to come to the folk school (cancels their application) after they have accepted a place, the May Memorial Foundation will not accept any applications from their organization for three years.

The May 18 Memorial Foundation will cover the following expenses during the programme:

l Visa fees

l International airfare to Korea

l Transportation in Korea

l Accommodation

The following expenses will NOT be covered:

l Internal transportation, including internal flights, in your country (for example, to the airport or to the embassy)

l Official fees other than visa fees (for example, travel tax)

Please send your application to

518folkschool@gmail.com

Application deadline May 31, 2010.

Period of event: August 09 – August 27, 2010

Call for nominations for Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Award 2010.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 05:43:00 +0000

Call for nominations for Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Award 2010.
Each year, the May 18 Memorial Foundation announces this award in a spirit of solidarity with those working towards democracy. The award goes to one individual or organization who has contributed to the promotion and advancement of human rights, democracy and peace in their work.

Candidates eligible for the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights are nominated by other individuals or organizations. An individual cannot nominate himself or herself.

Core criteria:
1) A person or group who is actively involved in the promotion of Peace and Human Rights and the development of Democracy.
OR
2) A person or group working for the reunification of Korea.
Nominations will be taken from November to the first week of May. Preliminary and final reviews of nominees take place from May to April, and the winner of the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Award will be announced in the last week of April.
November 2009
Announcement and nomination forms are sent out. The Committee sends out invitation letters containing forms to persons who may be interested in making a nomination.

01 March 2010
Deadline for submission of the form and related documents. The Committee assesses the candidates' work and prepares a shortlist.

April 2010
The committee reviews the shortlist and consults advisers as to their knowledge of chosen candidates. The advisers do not directly evaluate nominations nor give explicit recommendations. On April 23, 2010, committee members will choose a winner and the next day a public announcement and press conference will be held to announce the winner.

18 May 2010
Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Award Ceremony. The prizewinner receives the award.
The Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Award will be presented to the laureate at a ceremony in Gwangju, Republic of Korea on May 18, which is the 30th Anniversary of the Gwangju Uprising. The Award consists of a gold medal, a certificate and a 50 Million Korean Won (KRW 50,000,000.00) grant to support the ongoing work of the laureate.
The annual Gwangju Prize for Human Rights has the following aims:1) To enhance the spirit of the May 18 Democratic Uprising by recognizing individuals, groups and institutions who have contributed to protecting the human rights of the excluded, impoverished and disempowered at the grassroots level.2) To reward individuals, groups and institutions for promoting the goals of the May 18 Democratic Uprising as a movement toward peace, unification and cooperation.
Application Form (Download)
The application deadline is 01 March 2010.
Email: gwangjuprize@gmail.com
Website:htp://518.org/eng

APPLY NOW! 2009 Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:50:00 +0000

Application Form 2009 Folk School

Deadline: EXTENDED UNTIL 3rd of July 2009
http://www.scribd.com/share/upload/13218417/1bxkevigutmauzq3geer

The May 18 Memorial Foundation Accepts Application for
2009 Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School

“I recognized that the power of small individuals could forge and unite in solidarity to bring about the constructive change to the world. Eventually, Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School (GAHRFS) was a true moral blessing and encouragement to me” a reflection made by Ms. Ratchada Arpornsilp, participant from Thailand 2007.

The May 18 Memorial Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2009 Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School. This year, the application is being made more competitive to screen the number of applications. The emphasis is organizational partnership, so applicants endorsed by their organization will be given priority. Since the foundation will not be able to provide multiple translations, English language will be the medium for exchange.

The GAHRFS aims to contribute to the development of democracy and human rights throughout Asia. Twenty (20) participants will be selected from among applicants from all over Asia who have been working for human rights, peace and democracy. They will be given an opportunity to learn and experience the history and development process of human rights and democracy in Korea(S). The folk school will also serve as an opportunity for participants to exchange and network with other human rights activists.

One of the perks of attending the Folk School is the opportunity to be endorsed for a scholarship. For the last 3 years the foundation has been supporting scholars at Sungkonghoe University studying for their Master of Arts in Inter-Asia NGO Studies (MAINS). They were chosen and selected by the folk school committee based on their active participation and performance during the folk school.

Interested applicants should download the form : http://518.org/eng/html/main.html?act=dtl&TM18MF=05010000&idx=428&page=1&key=&keyword=. Applicants are advised to read carefully the guidelines and the rules in order for their application to be considered. The foundation will only accept and consider applicants who will properly comply with the set guidelines and rules.

Useful Information

Period: August 30 – September 19, 2009

This year the foundation will accept 20 applicants:

Junior Staff 8 (with 2-5 years experience)

Middle Management/Advisory 8 (with 5-15 years experience)

Senior/Director 4 (with more than 15 years experience)

Applicants should ensure that they have no potential visa problems. If an applicant is denied entry to Korea because of personal history which they did not disclose to the May 18 Memorial Foundation, the foundation will absolutely not cover their travel expenses. This is the applicant’s responsibility.

If an applicant later decides not to come to the folk school (cancels their application) after they have been selected, the May Memorial Foundation will not accept any applications from their organization for three years.

The May 18 Memorial Foundation will cover the following expenses:

Visa fees

International airfare to Korea

Transportation in Korea

NOTE: Internal airfares (in your country) will be covered if you can prove that the flight is necessary

The following expenses will NOT be covered:

Internal transportation in your country (for example, to the airport or to the embassy)

Official fees other than visa fees (for example, travel tax)

The selection committee may change your status if they believe you have entered under the wrong category (for example, if you apply as a senior but have less than 15 years experience).

We look forward to your application!

Kind regards

Subash Adhikari
Chloe Simons

International Officers
Culture and Solidarity Team

Addresses:
The May 18 Memorial Foundation
5.18 Memorial Culture Hall
Seo-Gu, Sangmudong 1268
Postcode 502-260
Gwangju, Republic of Korea
Phone: +82 62 456 0518
Fax. +82 62 456 0519
Email: 518org@gmail.com
Website : 518.org/eng

Check link here - http://518.org/eng/html/main.html?act=dtl&TM18MF=05010000&idx=428&page=1&key=&keyword=

518 Accepts Nominations for the 2009 Gwangju Prize for Human Rights

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 04:55:00 +0000

“We feel vindicated that our struggle has borne some fruit and we expect that the democratic forces shall forever close the door to military intervention in the body politic by strengthening all the institutions of the state to perform the functions assigned to them under the Constitution. We feel that we have woken up the slumbering giant – the people of Pakistan- to take charge of its own destiny. Our movement does not end with the reinstatement of the deposed judges. It continues and is in fact a never ending journey during the course of which we shall continue to strive for an independent judiciary, for maintaining the supremacy of the Rule of Law, the Constitution and the establishment of civilian supremacy in running the affairs of the Pakistan. And we shall continue to draw inspiration from the Gwangju Democratization Movement of May 1980”.

Those were the concluding statements of Mr. Muneer Malik’s valedictory speech when he received his 2008 Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Award. The 2008 Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Committee chose Mr. Malik for his fight against military rule in Pakistan. His struggle for the restoration of democracy and human rights is laudable. The award bestowed on him is a message of encouragement to all the citizens, human rights activists and lawyers in Pakistan, who are fighting all together with Muneer A. Malik.

Now, on its 10th year, the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights is open for nomination. Since its inception, this prestigious award has been given to 10 individuals and a Korean organization. In 2006 and 2007 saw co-winners receiving the award. Among the winners include Xanana Gusmao (Timor Leste), Daw Aung San Suu Kyii (Burma), Wardah Hafidz (Indonesia), Malalai Joya (Afghanistan) and Irom Sharmila (India).

For 2009, the prize at stake is 50 Million Korean Won (KRW 50,000,000.00), a gold medal and a certificate. The winner will be invited to grace the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Award Night on 18 May 2009, in Gwangju, Republic of Korea. This yearly award is sponsored by the May 18 Memorial Foundation.

The Gwangju Prize for Human Rights was established to celebrate the spirit of May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising by recognizing both individuals, groups or institutions in Korea and abroad that have contributed in promoting and advancing human rights, democracy and peace in their work. The prize is awarded by the citizens of Gwangju in the spirit of solidarity and gratitude from those whom they have received help in their struggle for democratization. It is hoped that through this award the spirit and message of May 18 will be immortalized in the hearts and mind of humankind.

The Gwangju Prize for Human Rights which is given yearly has the following aims:

1). To enhance the spirit of the May 18 Democratic Uprising by awarding individuals, groups or institutions in Korea and abroad on their contribution to improving human rights and peace throughout the world.

2). To reward individuals, groups and institutions in Korea and/or abroad for promoting the goals of the May 18 Democratic Uprising as a movement toward unification and cooperation.

Deadline for submission of application form is 20 March 2009.

(Note: Please download the form if interested to nominate from this site - http://twurl.nl/3aapv8).

http://www.518.org/

Ria and Din Bid 518 Adieu

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 04:53:00 +0000

Full of new experience and gratitude, after 10 months of internship, Ria and Din, bid farewell to The May 18 Memorial Foundation to join their NGO in their country Indonesia and Cambodia respectively. The two interns joined the Culture and Solidarity Team from March-December 2008 for a 10-month International Internship Programme on Human Rights. The International Internship Programme strives to contribute to the development of democracy and human rights throughout Asia by recruiting four interns from all over the world, who have been working for human rights and peace organizations in their own countries, and by giving them a chance to learn about and experience the history and process of the development of human rights and democracy in South Korea. Specifically the purpose and aim of the program are the following: to improve International Solidarity and to promote Gwangju as Asia's Hub for Human Rights and Democracy Movement.

Gregoria Barbarica Kristina Ritasari or Ria is grateful for the opportunity the foundation provided her. She is program coordinator of Solidaritas Nusa Bangsa Foundation (SNB or Homeland Solidarity) a Non-government organization with a vision of realizing a democratic Indonesian society, respecting the value of brotherhood and equality in pluralism. Ria works closely with victims family of racial discrimination.

She enjoyed her time and work with the Team and other staff whom she is indebted for learning a lot of things. Ria thanks The May 18 Memorial Foundation for having contributed a lot in changing my views and perspective in life.

Din appreciates everything the foundation had provided him as an intern, especially what the good learning and work environment. He hopes that one day he could return back all the kind favors he received to all Koreans particularly to Gwangju citizens.

"I think our working is very good, positive and effective to target group, and I do believe every thing we have done and have been doing are the best activities in Gwangju City on international solidarity and domestic projects" Din believed.

In 2007 Thet Din was a chosen by Khmer Youth Association as a Youth Partners in Development Program (YPD 2007). He joined an exchange program between Cambodia and Sweden that was supported by Swedish Centre for International Youth Exchange, and YPD for a six-month program. In Sweden he was assigned at International Jönköping University as counselor for an International Development Projects Resource Service for International Project.

Activities of the International Internship Programme 2008

The International Internship Program introduced the interns to Korean history in general and in particular to the movements and struggle for democracy, including the 1980 Gwangju Democratic Uprising. Both theoretical learning and practical experiences such as lectures, seminars, discussions, interviews and fieldtrips to the sites of democratization movements in Korea were made.

The interns were assigned to the Culture and Solidarity Team. They were considered as regular staff attending to day-to-day office business. The interns helped in the preparatory work and implementation of different events; made presentations to schools; and performed other tasks the Team will assign them to undertake.

Each intern made a research on a topic of their choice, conducted the relevant research, and delivered a presentation at the end of their internship program. The interns were also supported by the foundation to learn Korean. Both interns enrolled at the Gwangju International Center finishing both basic and intermediate Korean Language Classes.

Highlights of Main Activities

March 2008: Arrival and Orientation

April: Preparation for the May 18 Events

May: Conduct of the May 18 Events

2008 Gwangju International Peace Forum and 2008 Gwangju Prize for Human Rights

RED FESTA

2008 Nanjang-Human-Free Concert

June: Post May 18 Events

July: Preparation for the 2008 Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School

August:
Conduct of the 2008 Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School

Participation to the 2008 ARENA-Sungkonghoe-MAINS Summer School

September: Post Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School

October: Completion of Assigned Project

November: Conduct of Research & NGO Visits

December: Submission of Final Internship Report, Research Work and assigned projects

The above activities were the main events that interns were involved. But throughout the 10-month they were also assigned book reports and performed other tasks for the Culture and Solidarity Team which includes translating brochure of the International Solidarity Programme in their language, blogging issues and campaigns of partners , networking and promotion of the program and activities of the team and attending youth conferences held in Korea.

The interns recommends that The May 18 Memorial Foundation continue the conduct of its International Internship Program. It has been very helpful to have staffs that are capable of speaking other languages aside from Korean and English in improving networking and communications of the foundation. The internship continues to play an important role in the international solidarity work of the foundation so it should be maintained.

The foundation also encouraged the interns participation to international conferences and other workshops held in Gwangju such as the 2nd UNESCO Asian Youth Forum and the 2008 Asian Youth Culture Camp. The interns for this year were given this privilege which is a good opportunity for them to link and network with other youth organizations and learn from those conferences.

As part of interns integration to a new culture and environment they were provided an opportunity to learn Korean language at the Gwangju International Center (GIC). The GIC and other support centers or groups such as church or host family were also introduced to them. Volunteering to groups is deemed useful as well so they can fully maximize their weekends and other free time. Prof. young-im Kim who runs the KONA Book Center is a very-wiling-host family for Din while Ria made close friends at the Catholic church. Interns were able to learn more about Gwangju and Korean culture in this way.

Universal Human Rights Day In Gwangju

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 07:05:00 +0000

December 10 is celebrated as Human Rights Day and this year marks the 60th Anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights. In most country, this event is celebrated that stipulates human’s fundamental freedoms. But it continues to be disregarded and neglected by governments who lack the political will to implement them. The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK)–Gwangju Branch Office organized the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The program was held last December 10, 2008 at the Small Hall of the Gwangju Culture and Art Center.

There were two programmes:

1. 4 PM – 7 PM
The programmes include Christmas exhibition of human rights where pictures and other creative materials adorned Christmas trees. Different organizations distributed books, showed human rights films, etc. There were 22 organizations invited, among them The May 18 Memorial Foundation, Gwangju International Center (GIC), etc. The Foundation put materials (books, CD, pencils, etc) as present for those who would write about human rights and democracy. Other organizations also have souvenirs for their guests.

2. 7 PM – 9 PM
Commemorative event and Cultural performances.

Each delegate from each organization put a Christmas ball to the four Christmas trees on the stage. It is a symbol their involvement in the struggle on human rights, democracy, and peace. The opening performance was presented by Korean theatre group ‘Sin Myeong’. They performed a theatre and dance number where theme was about pluralism on human rights.

Part of the commemorative event presented was the recitation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Cultural performances presented were of various kind of entertainments, there were Drama ‘A Special Bravery’, Congratulatory Poem, Accordion Performance, Creative Masked Dance Performance ‘So Mae’, Various Drum Performances, Accappella performances by children and their mentors , and Youth Musical ‘The Things We want’.

There were also supplement performances which are Fusion Percussion ‘Speeding’ and congratulatory performance.

Among the cultural performances, there was a National costume show from different Asian countries like Korea, China, Singapore, Japan, etc. It depicted the pluralism in the world even in Gwangju. As a hub Asian culture, Gwangju includes people from other countries (Philippines, China, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, United States of America, etc).

There was a drama presented by school students, the theme was economic problem especially in South Korea. Students have to study hard and find part time job to get money. It describes the situation of life at the present.

In the middle of the program, they showed video messages of Dr. Lenin (India) and Mr.Muneer A. Malik (Pakistan) on human rights day. Dr Lenin is a former winner of the 2007 Gwangju Prize for Human Rights and Mr.Muneer A.Malik is the 2008 winner. There were also messages from different citizens of Gwangju.

On a message on the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the Laureates of the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Award, they call for dignity and justice for all. They ask for stronger solidarity among civil society groups and leaders both local and international to protect the freedom and rights of all people especially the marginalized sectors in the society.

The program was finished at around 10 PM. Everyone went back home with their new spirit of democracy. Let’s us put high respect on pluralism and democracy, and abolished all kinds of discriminations!

Happy a human rights day.

By. Gregoria Barbarica K.R.
December 16, 2008

Link:
www.518.org

Eleven Years Detention of Burma's Freedom Fighters in India

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:21:00 +0000

from: M Kim <kimbo119@gmail.com>
reply-to: burmasolidarity@googlegroups.com
to: Burma Solidarity <burmasolidarity@googlegroups.com>
date: Tue, Dec 16, 2008
subject: [BurmaSolidarity] Fwd: Eleven Years Detention of Burma's Freedom Fighters in India
mailing list:
mailed-by: googlegroups.com
signed-by: googlegroups.com

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Editor Mizzima <editor@mizzima.com>
Date: Sun, Dec 14, 2008 at 7:54 PM
Subject: Eleven Years Detention of Burma's Freedom Fighters in India
To: mizzima news <mizzima.news@gmail.com>

14 December 2008

Dear Burmese and Indian friends,

11 February 2009 (Wednesday) would be Anniversary of 11 years detention of 34 Burma's Freedom Fighters (Arakan and Karen nationals) in India. Please help spread this message and send your ideas and contributions on what should be done on that day to highlight their plight and fight for freedom. There were protests by Burmese and Indian activists organised in Kolkata and Delhi in 2008 to mark their 10 years anniversary.

Regards and thanks,

Soe Myint

Note: Please pass this note to whoever you think can help for the freedom of these 34 brave freedom fighters from Burma.

-- ------~~---------------~--------------------~~~----
Mr. Kim
CoordinatorShwe Gas Campaign Committee- India
Ph: +91-9810476273Email: shwecampaign@gmail.com kimbo119@gmail.com www.shwe.org
"You are not a loser, until you quit trying"
--~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Burma Solidarity" group. To post to this group, send email to burmasolidarity@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to burmasolidarity+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/burmasolidarity?hl=en
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Statement on the 60th Anniversary of UDHR

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 01:22:00 +0000

Message on the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the Laureates of the Gwang...

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Activism Politics universal declaratio the may 18 memorial

Please visit and check these links:

Gwangju Prize Winners' Statement - http://518.org/eng/html/main.html?act=dtl&TM18MF=05020000&idx=413&page=1

Mr. Muneer Malik's Message - http://518.org/eng/html/main.html?act=dtl&TM18MF=05020000&idx=412&page=1

Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi's Message - http://518.org/eng/html/main.html?act=dtl&TM18MF=05020000&idx=410&page=1

Human Rights Feature - "Time for Change: The Legal Framework for the Rights of Refugees in India"

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 07:30:00 +0000

from: Achan Mungleng <amungleng@gmail.com>
date: Wed, Dec 3, 2008
subject: [BurmaSolidarity] Human Rights Feature - "Time for Change: The Legal Framework for the Rights of Refugees in India"

--- On Mon, 12/1/08, Human Rights Features (HRF) <rnairsahrdc@gmail.com> wrote:

From: Human Rights Features (HRF) <rnairsahrdc@gmail.com>
Subject: Human Rights Feature - 190
To: hrdc_online@hotmail.com
Date: Monday, December 1, 2008

HUMAN RIGHTS FEATURES

(Voice of the Asia-Pacific Human Rights Network)

(A joint initiative of SAHRDC and APHRN)

B-6/6 Safdarjung Enclave Extension, New Delhi 110 029, India.

Phone/Fax: +91-11-2619 2717 / 2619 2706 / 2619 1120

E-mail: humanrightsfeatures@gmail.com

Home Page: http://www.hrdc.net/sahrdc/

HRF/190/08 Embargoed for 2
December 2008

Dear Madam/Sir,

Please find enclosed HRF-190 titled "Time for Change: The Legal Framework for the Rights of Refugees in India".

The rights deficit that refugees in India experience is directly related to the Indian government's unwillingness to construct a national refugee legal framework, in line with international standards. In order to address this deficit and comply with its international human rights obligations the Government of India must urgently enact national refugee legislation and construct a national status determination agency.

Human Rights Features aim to look at issues behind the headlines from a human rights perspective. If you wish to reproduce any of the Features in entirety, please cite 'Human Rights Features' as the source. If you would like to use HRF content in your own work, please provide complete and accurate citations. We would appreciate it if you could also send us a copy of the published work.

Ravi Nair
For the Editorial Collective
Encl: a. a.

please check:
http://twurl.nl/sx26yq

Update: Activists Demand ASEAN Action for the Release of Burma's Political Prisoners*

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 06:15:00 +0000

From: Burma Partnership

Date: Fri, Nov 21, 2008

Subject: Update: Activists Demand ASEAN Action for the Release of Burma's Political Prisoners*

To: 518org@gmail.com

Burma Partnership

"Strengthening Cooperation for a Free Burma"

For Immediate Release

21 November 2008

Activists Demand ASEAN Action for the Release of Burma's Political Prisoners

Today, activists from over 40 civil society networks and organizations across the Asia-Pacific Region called on ASEAN leaders to actively demand the release of all political prisoners in Burma, particularly asking the issue to be brought to focus at the upcoming ASEAN summit in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

The open letter, endorsed by 44 organizations, states, "So far in November the military regime has sentenced 137 pro-democracy activists, some with sentences up to 65 years imprisonment … These arbitrary trials and imprisonments are more than just incidences of injustice, but political actions aimed at perpetuating fear and prolonging dictatorial domination in Burma."

The activists want ASEAN leaders to recognize the continual arrest and sentencing of pro-democracy activists - artists, students, monks, journalists, lawyers and civilians - as an indication of the increasing instability in Burma. They believe the military junta is not working towards national reconciliation, which many international leaders and ASEAN ministers have called for, but instead actively attempting to silence any person or organization struggling for a government that respects human rights and the rule of law.

"Burma is already a red stain on ASEAN's name, and problems of its further instability are already spilling over. Ever since Burma's military regime pledged to sign the ASEAN charter, it has moved further from the standards of the Charter and engaged in harsh measures that create an insecure society. ASEAN leaders must not ignore these actions," noted Khin Ohmar, Coordinator of the Burma Partnership.

For further information please contact -
Khin Ohmar (Burma Partnership): +66 81 884 0772
Ko Tate Naing (Assistance Association for Political Prisoners): +66 81 287 8751
Debbie Stodhard (Alternative ASEAN Network on Burma): +66 81 686 1652

For updated news and information about Burma: http://apppb.blogspot.com/

518 Accepts Proposal

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 02:11:00 +0000

Announcement!

2009 Grant for Democracy and Human Rights Projects in Asia

Background

The May 18 Memorial Foundation is a non-profit organization established on August 30, 1994 by the surviving victims of the 1980 Gwangju Democratic Uprising, the victims, families, and the citizens of Gwangju. The Foundation aims to commemorate and continue the spirit of struggle and solidarity of the May 18 Uprising, contribute to the peaceful reunification of Korea, and work towards peace and human rights throughout the world. Since its establishment, the Foundation has carried out numerous projects in varying fields, including organizing memorial events, establishing scholarships, fostering research, disseminating public information, publishing relevant materials, dispensing charity and welfare benefits, building international solidarity, and awarding Gwangju Prize for Human Rights. The Culture and Solidarity Team is in charge of the Foundation's international solidarity work throughout Asia and implements this project.

Description

The 2009 Grant for Democracy and Human Rights Projects in Asia (GDHRPA) supports work that contributes to promoting Democracy and Human Rights and building of international solidarity. This grant shall be awarded to non-government organizations in Asia who continually play a significant role in strengthening people’s participation and empowerment in creating a civil society that respect human rights and protect democracy and peace and encourages international solidarity.

Funding scheme available: (US$ 1 = KRW 1,423.00, as of 24 October 2008)

Scheme

Short-term grant

Description

2 organizations will be supported for one year project

Amount

KRW 3,000,000.00

Interested applicants please check this link:

http://518.org/eng/html/main.html?act=dtl&TM18MF=05010000&idx=330&page=1&key=&keyword=

CALL FOR APPLICATION for INTERNATIONAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 02:09:00 +0000

CALL FOR APPLICATION

THE MAY 18 MEMORIAL FOUNDATION

INTERNATIONAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM 2009

The May 18 Memorial Foundation was founded by Gwangju citizens, sympathetic overseas Koreans, and from individuals who sacrificed and got indemnification from the government. It was created on August 30, 1994 by people who believe it's important to keep the ideas and memories of the 1980 May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising alive and remembered.

The International Internship Program is a program of the Foundation created in 2005 to contribute in the development of democracy and human rights throughout Asia. It is also an opportunity for interns to learn and experience the history and process of the development of human rights and democracy in South Korea. Specifically the purpose and aim of the program are the following: 1) To improve international solidarity and networking and 2) To promote Gwangju as Asia's Hub for Human Rights Movement.

The Foundation is looking for two interns who will serve for 10 months from March-December 2009. Applicants female or male should not be more than 30 years of age, with a minimum of 3 years NGO or social development work experience on the issues of human rights, democracy and peace. Must be proficient in English and working knowledge of Korean is an advantage. Must be computer literate (email/internet, blog/web page, lay-out/design, etc).

Living allowance will be provided to successful interns. Housing will be provided but utilities (telephone/internet, electricity, and gas) will be paid for by interns. The Foundation will pay for the round trip airfare of interns.

Please download the application form if you are interested to apply from this links/site:

http://518.org/eng/html/main.html?act=dtl&TM18MF=05010000&idx=299&page=1

Deadline of application is on 28 November 2008. Short listed applicants will be emailed for an online/webcam interview through Skype or Yahoo messenger.

Link:

www.518.org

Prominent Monk, Others Receive Lengthy Prison Sentences

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 01:01:00 +0000

By MIN LWIN
Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Ashin Gambira, one of the organizers of a monk-led uprising that captured international headlines last year, was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment on Tuesday by a special court convened behind closed doors at Rangoon’s Insein Prison.

A source close to the leading dissident monk said that the sentence did not include all of the charges against him, and would likely be much longer once the court reaches a final decision on the remaining charges.

Read more:
http://www.irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=14652