The role of social actors and movements on all levels is crucial in the establishment or reestablishment of democratic mechanisms that effectively respond to the exercise of “governments of the people, by the people, for the people”. The praxis of “new social movements” embodies a much deeper meaning of democracy than what is understood and practiced in the mainstream political discourse. If democracy truly means the possibility for people to choose their future (the empowerment of people), democratic rights have to be understood in a comprehensive way, operating in all fields of society. The AEPF in Helsinki is again an occasion to rally together various social forces to exchange on old and new forms of people-based democracy and mobilize around these concerns.

Current models of democratic practice, be they European or Asian, have failed to deliver, and are now being challenged. There is a growing voice to rightly insist that “Western democracy” (for what it has become) is not the only valid and legitimate model, as some may claim. No model is free from critique or from taking on stronger efforts at greater democratization. The search for more comprehensive and inclusive democracy is very much present even in Europe today, as illustrated by the recent and continuing debates —on European integration and construction; the free circulation of persons, capital and services; the capacity to integrate migrant communities; transparency and control of the media. EU policies too, in relation with the outside, are often in contradiction with the official discourse on the defence and expansion of democracy in the world and notably in Asia.

Human and civic rights have also severely eroded as a result of neo-liberal policies and the accompanying war against terror. In the name of national security and public safety, governments have passed anti-terrorism laws which allow military and police forces to conduct arbitrary arrests, search and seizure activities, and authorize the use of torture on suspected terrorists. After 9/11, discrimination against Muslims have taken worrisome trends in many countries of both regions, the effects of which have caused fear, incomprehension, intolerance and violent attacks against civilian communities. Another serious problem, which raises particular concern, are the numerous cases of outright killing of human rights defenders and journalists. Aside from constituting a violation of the right to life these killings also pose a serious threat to freedom of expression.

Adverse human rights implications of globalisation and neo-liberal policies do not, of course, limit themselves to civil and political rights but accentuate in particular as regards economic, social and cultural rights, not to mention the right to development. Democracy deficit and lack of respect for civil and political rights further tend to add to the neglect of economic and social rights. Denial of rights such as those of basic subsistence, health, education and fair working conditions not only concern growing numbers of people in Asia, but is reality even in many European countries where the living conditions of marginalized groups keep deteriorating. Violations of economic, social and cultural rights are particularly visible in the context of economic globalisation connected phenomena such as migration, human trafficking, forced evictions and land takeovers, targeting most severely vulnerable groups such as women, children, disabled people, minorities and indigenous communities.

AEPF calls on ASEM, which operates on the same paradigm as neoliberal globalisation, to give prime attention in guaranteeing the exercise of democracy and the protection of human rights.

Plenary Speakers: Mr. Francisco Nemenzo Jr., Chair of Laban ng Masa / Struggle of the people coalition, Philippines; Ms. Mirja Ryynänen, Democracy Forum Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, Finland; Mr. Willem Bos, Ander Europa, The Netherlands; Ms. Mariemme Hélie-Lucas (from Women Living Under Muslim Laws’ network). Moderators: Tessa Agravante (Philippines) and Pierre Rousset (France)