New 2009 Grantees Announced

FEDO and Kalikasan-PNE Receive 518 Grants

This year’s call for the 2009 Grant for Democracy and Human Rights Projects in Asia (GDHRPA), received 26 applications where two organizations will be supported for one year. The grant is awarded to non-government organizations that 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. Feminist Dalit Organization (FEDO) of Nepal and Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment (KPNE) of the Philippines will receive this year’s 2009 Grant for Democracy and Human Rights Projects in Asia (GDHRPA). The one-year grant support amounts to KRW 3,000,000.00. Read more here : http://518.org/eng/html/main.html?act=dtl&TM18MF=05010000&idx=421&page=1&key=&keyword=

Statement of Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Winners on the 60th Anniversary of UDHR

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

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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

518 Call for Application - International Internship Program

APPLY NOW !

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/eng

518 Ourdates (May 2008)

Dear friends,

Greetings!

Celebration is almost over for the May 18 Commemorative Events. Still, there are few ongoing activities. It was a pleasure to have old and new faces and friends to join us here in Gwangju. For all the rest we hope to meet you some other time again. But for now let us meet online through 518 OURDATES (Update) to you.

1) Mr. Muneer Malik is the 2008 Gwangju Prize for Human Rights winner. You can read the text of his valedictory speech from this link:

http://twurl.nl/lwfzum

2) We are now accepting application for the 2008 Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School. One of the perks of successful participants of the folk school is the chance to be endorsed for a year scholarship to MA in Inter-Asia NGO Studies of Sungkonghoe University. This year is the second year of the conduct of this scholarship. So apply now and find out more from this link:

518 web site: http://twurl.nl/ocwqae

518 Google Group: http://twurl.nl/f73cfn

3) We are updating and creating a directory of Asian NGOs that work on peace, human rights and democracy (we plan to make it available online as well). Please visit this link to submit the form and be linked with us.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/3131938/directory-form

4) Please visit our new English website and tell us what you think we should further improve. This is the link

http://518.org/eng/

Our best regards,

Culture and Solidarity Team
The May 18 Memorial Foundation

AFAD - INTERNATIONAL WEEK OF THE DISAPPEARED STATEMENT

Enforced Disappearance is Anti-Life…

No to Untold Sufferings….

Sign and Ratify the UN Convention

for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance!


The Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances joins all families of the disappeared persons around the world in the commemoration of the International Week of the Disappeared from May 26 to June 1. This week of the desaparecidos was first commemorated by the Latin American Federation of Associations of Relatives of Disappeared-Detainees (FEDEFAM) more than a couple of decades ago.

In the observance of this occasion, AFAD affirms the right of every person to life, liberty and dignity and therefore, the right not to be subjected to enforced disappearance. The essential value of one's existence is to live freely without discrimination, prejudices and harm. Enforced disappearance does not only violate these basic human rights by physically removing a person from the protection of the law but it also denies the families of the disappeared persons the right to know the truth and to seek justice.

Enforced disappearance is a global phenomenon. It has been occurring everywhere - down the street, in the barrios, in the upland, on the highway, in the woods, in the desert, at the border, and even in the household. In many points of the globe, there are people who are made to disappear for exercising their rights and for opposing against human rights violations. It is done mostly in the context of widespread and systematic way under a climate of impunity where the perpetrators are free to do what they want without accountability. Asia is now considered the graveyard of the desaparecidos for having submitted the most number of cases to the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances in recent years.

The disappearance of every person brings terrible sorrows and sufferings to his or her family. The long and agonizing search for the victims' whereabouts usually ends in fruitless undertaking. The normal life that their families used to have is now shattered by emotional and psychological devastation, economic dislocation, uncertainty… Their lives are even at risk for having to undergo the same fate that their loved ones succumbed for seeking truth, justice, redress and reparation.

But the families of the disappeared refuse to give in to fear. They know that their disappeared loved ones' only hope to return alive and to find truth and justice is for them to be strong and united. Their faith is as clear as the light at the end of the tunnel and as bright as the rainbow after every rain.

The adoption of International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced or Disappearance by the United Nations General Assembly on the 20th of December 2006 sparked a ray of hope for the families of the disappeared. To date, however, only four countries in Asia have affixed their signatures to the Convention. Asia, being the continent which submitted a huge number of cases to the United Nations needs the ratification by its governments of this new treaty and to pass domestic laws criminalizing enforced disappearance.

The International Week of the Disappeared is an expression of solidarity of all families of desaparecidos of the world. It is a celebration of life to honor the historical memory of those who have given their lives for the ransom of many. It is a renewal of commitment of the families of the disappeared and all human rights advocates to keep on the struggle against enforced disappearances and impunity until the dawning of the day when there are no more desaparecidos.

On this occasion, families of the disappeared call for an end to their untold sufferings brought about by this anti-life instrument used to silence their beloved desaparecidos. Despite their physical absence, the desaparecidos refuse to be silenced. For indeed, the perpetrators have miserably failed to silence them by physically eliminating their victims. As we commemorate the International Week of the Disappeared, we reiterate that the desaparecidos remain ever present in our minds and hearts.

Enforced disappearance is anti-life… No to untold sufferings… Ratify the UN Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance!

Signed:



MUGIYANTO MARY AILEEN D. BACALSO
Chairperson Secretary-General


ASIAN FEDERATION AGAINST INVOLUNTARY DISAPPEARANCES (AFAD)
Rooms 31-=311 Philippine Social Science Center Bldg.
Commonwealth Ave., Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
Telefax: 00-63-2-4546759; Telephone: 00-63-2-9274594
Website: http://www.afad-online.org

SOLIDARITY MESSAGE on the 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF AFAD

SOLIDARITY MESSAGE on the
10TH ANNIVERSARY OF AFAD
(Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances)

In behalf of the people of Gwangju, The May 18 Memorial Foundation congratulates the Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances, AFAD on the occasion of its 10th Anniversary. Your first decade ought to be celebrated with the distinction and achievement you have tirelessly work to attain the status you now enjoy among human rights defenders and the civil society movements in general.

AFAD have come a long way in the collective global struggle against involuntary Disappearances. The success of the organization is attributed to its able leadership and persistent pursuant of preventing involuntary disappearance through various creative ways. Equally important to recognize is your success in persuading the UN Human Rights Council in adopting a UN Draft Convention on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances.

The May 18 Memorial Foundation is one with your aim and aspirations of remembering those who forcibly and involuntarily disappeared and continue to remain missing. Victims and families continue to suffer on what befell to their missing loved ones after the May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising of 1980. For this reason it is but fitting to commemorate them, those who died and sacrificed their lives for freedom and democracy and the rest who are desaparecidos. Memorial programs and activities is our way of giving honor and respect to their spirits and memory.

Our solidarity with your organization is our show of gratitude to nations, groups and individuals who have helped us in times of our need. It is also our commitment to our heroes and patriots to promote and memorialize their enduring legacy for the freedom and democracy that we now enjoy. For this we would want to share and offer our partnership with you so we may collectively work together and live in a world where no one is forced to disappeared, human rights are respected and everyone truly enjoys a liberal and democratic governance.

We laud and congratulate you on your 10th Anniversary and we wish you more success!

In Solidarity,

Yun Gwang Jang
Chairman of the Board The May 18 Memorial Foundation

2008 GIPF Keynote Address

Century of crisis: Loss of Relationship and Prospect of its Recovery


by Seoktae Lee
Former President of
Lawyers for a Democratic Society

It is a great honor to participate in this international event to memorize the Gwangju Peoples Movement in Gwangju that has the meaning of "Light Village” and is the cradle and holy ground of democratic development and human rights movement in Korea.
On the November 3rd, 1929, a large event was happened here, in Gwangju. Anti-Japanese students’ movement was started here by the students who could not endure such misbehavior that Japanese students bantered Chosun schoolgirls and the movement was dispersed to neighboring cities spreading the injustice of Japanese colonial administration. The students shouted “Hurrah for Chosun’s independence” and asked for abolition colonial slave education. Numerous students of the country hailed to each other and stood up to awakening the Chosun people. This event became the axis of Chosun students' movement as well as 3.1 Independence Movement in 1919 and is recorded one of the most important events resisting Japanese Empire.
Gwangju, through the resistance to Japanese Empire, fought against the despotic government that had been continued since liberation. After the death of President Jung-Hee Park who creamed permanent seizure of power, the military retained the power again and continued brutal oppression with trampling on the peoples’ desire for democratization. Therefore, Gwangju peoples stood up again on May 18th, 1980. Nelson Mandela said, “The real courage is not fearlessness but to overcome the fear.”Gwangju peoples did so. They feared possible loss of democracy but did not intend to avoid the cruel guns and swords of the army that threatened the democracy in front of them. Gwangju peoples overcame the feat and, as a result, won a victory. Their blood has become a no-drying spring for the democratic movement since that time. Gwangju peoples’ desire for human rights and peace is the ideal aimed by today’s Korean society. Such valuable sacrifice is the mirror to look at whether Korean society, Asia to which Korea belongs to, and the world go to the direction to really respect the dignity and value of man.

Last century was a tragic time stained with two times of world wars and numerous disputes and troubles. The mankind is full of hope for the new millennium with remaining such distressed days. It seemed that a new way of science and advance would be opened in front of ours.

However, in contrast to such expectation, an incredible event was happened in the U.S.A. in 2001. That was the September 11 Terror. Two airplanes of the U.S.A. collided with the twin buildings of World Trace Center in New York due to the menace by terrorists they rode in the airplanes disguising themselves as passengers. In case of two other airplanes hijacked at that time, one collided with the Pentagon building and the other crashed in a near place. Due to this event, many persons in the airplanes and numerous persons from many countries as well as the American persons worked in the buildings were dead.

This astonishing event happened soon after opening of the new century gave a great impact to the mankind. The September 11 attacks was a traditional suicide terror but exceeded the concept of common terror; firs of all, indescribable sorrow and anger is felt due to the valuable lives of the persons sacrificed due to the terror. On every September 11, the wave of condolence gathers around the buildings of such attacks.

In sharing such sorrow, I have a question why such incredible event was happened. First of all, what beats my heart is the expression of a large hatred to the September 11 attacks. Suicide terror is a tragic action to give up the own lives of terrorists as well as the objects of the terror.

If the specific features of September 11 attacks are summarized, the purpose was the attack of the heart of New York, the U.S.A., and a mean to maximize the rage of damage was selected. Airplanes were hijacked and they were used as the tool to attack the symbol of the capitalism of the U.S.A. Terrorists did not consider who were in the airplanes and which countries’ persons were working in the buildings collapsed with collisions. The persons worked in and around the trade center met a sudden calamity with no expectation of unhappy matter. Such a harmful act seems to be intended to show their extreme antipathy to the U.S.A. as an impact to the persons of the world. It seems to cry, “See! We punished the U.S.A.”

As well known, terror is the action with no purpose. They intend to accomplish the punishment type goal by attacking the other party. There is also the case that has some purposes. The action to damage the body of other people are prohibited in any country. It is permitted to the minimum level in the exceptional cases such as self-defense. In this case also, the guilty is accepted but the responsibility is exempted. This principle is the same over the border.



Therefore, although a person has a grudge against another person, the person cannot personally punish the other person and should commit the matter to the decision by governmental authority. Meanwhile, when such decision by governmental authority cannot be expected, a terror is determined. In a word, the core structure of a terror is generated in i) the retribution relationship for terrorism and 2) the case that legal method other than terrorism is not found. In this respect, September 11 attacks seem to be the extreme case of hopeless violence caused by the thought that there was no mean but to personally attach the U.S.A.

It would be better for the U.S.A. to examine itself why some persons or groups hate the U.S.A. to such a high level rather than searching for terrorists as the measure against terrorism. This method cannot restore September 11attacks but will prevent the second and third terrors. However, the U.S.A. did not do so. The U.S.A. attacked two Islamic countries in Asia in turn with useof mighty military power in the reasons that terrorists were protected and that WMD for terrorism are possessed. Two countries are under the occupation by the U.S.A., in fact. Differently from the declaration by the U.S.A. and England to build democracy in the two countries, the establishment in the two countries looks far. The two countries met with lots of calamities including the damage in the lives of citizens and the damage in properties when the U.S.A. attached them but the security is extremely unstable at present time also. Large and small terrors are frequent. If September 11 attacks are localized in terms of property, the two countries was attacked in the whole countries. Nobody can assert that the hatred newly generated by attack of the two countries is a mitigated one compared to what expressed in September 11 attacks.

At the second half of 11th Century, the beginning of the last millennium, Europe went to the Crusade War and attacked Islamic territory. And then, the Crusade War, which was continued for 200 years, resulted in huge sale of damages in lives and properties in both parties. September 11 attacks, followed attack of two Asian countries by the U.S.A., and related unstable world's situation do not guarantee of peace to mankind in the new century but results in a dark forecast that more tensions may be required.

In practice, human rights were largely retrograded since 911 attacks. Guantanamo bunkhouse has many detained persons locked up with the suspicion of terrorism with no legal procedure. The survey of them by UN Human Rights Committee was rejected and they are in the blind spot of human rights.

As described, the unhappy sign given to use by September 11 attacks and the related successive events seems to be unfortunately clear. The mankind did not succeed in resolving troubles or disputes by the method of rationality, persuasion, concession, and amicable settlement when they were generated in the last century. Therefore, we experienced in unprecedented disasters. However, although we entered into a new century, we are placed in the situation that there is no way but to give priority to power. Small countries and weak persons have nothing to depend on and become more anxious. The inspection ports of airports become stricter day by day and entry is not permitted without taking fingerprints in some countries. In case of light tourism also, I have the feeling that I am treated as a potential terror suspect in the airport. In such a situation, it would be difficult to everybody to say that the mankind developed in the real meaning.

An event was created in the U.S.A. to show that the world becomes more unstable. This time, it was the crisis of financial collapse. Bear Stearns Bank, one of the largest 5 financial institutions in the U.S.A., which had the pride of 85 years of history on the Wall Street in New York, the U.S.A. that experienced September 11 attacks, was dishonored in March. This is a kind of financial panic called sub-prime mortgage. This is not suddenly happened on a day but is related with the unreasonable financial and consuming system of the U.S.A. The U.S.A. had had the special right to use dollars as the key currency of the world since World War II. As a result, all the matters were done if the U.S.A. issued dollars and distributed them in the world by the necessity by the U.S.A.In contrast, other countries had to produce and sell products and store U.S. dollars paid for such products. The U.S. Wall Street made various kinds of financial techniques as the financial center of the world and accumulated the wealth with use of such techniques with no production of commodities. Due to such reason, the U.S.A. became the kingdom of consumption and the conspicuous consumption of Americans became the common matter. Due to the influence of conspicuous consumption, Americans purchased the houses exceeding their income levels competitively asking for loans. Various financial institutions including banks formed a new financial high interest network by the method such as permitting loans with the mortgage of receivables of such loans. Meanwhile, when the bubble prices of real estates declined heavily, the persons purchased the houses could not repay the loans and chain reactions were caused. Most of professionals expect long term recession and confusion in relation to the crisis of credibility of the U.S.A.

This financial event created in the U.S.A. has the serious point in the respect that direct influences are given to other countries besides the high possibility of recurrence. For example, Island, which was appointed as one of the good countries to live in, excessively depended upon overseas finance and is faced on the bankruptcy of the country now. The financial crisis started in the U.S.A. may result in sudden unhappiness in any country.



The financial system of the Wall Street of the U.S.A. is the advance guard point of new liberalism. The faceless speculation capital moves over boundaries and time to enlarge the size of profit attached to the capital. The lump of capital is cultivated to create larger profit. The blind desire of men is integrated in the speculation capital. It does not contain the common virtue of the mankind such as understanding, concern, and friendship. Sub-prime mortgage event symbolically exposed the crisis of global lives occupied by new liberalism. Matrix, a worldwide hit movie showing that a computer is placed on the head of a man, is not a simple imagination. It means that the man is governed by virtual network not by the sweat of labor in the actual world and may penetrate deep into our actual world.

The specific feature of new liberalism is, in a word, maximization of competition. It drives out the individuals to continuous egoistical relationship rather than reasonable cooperative relationship. As the competition is very hot, individuals should make efforts to the utmost of their power not to drop out of the line. The man may easily be treated as an consuming object rather than the subject of personality. As efficiency is the best data to make judgments, flexibility of labor is highlighted for easy dismissal and irregular job is preferred for easy replacement. The increased irregular jobs in Korea are related with new liberalism.

Meanwhile, the man is the entity of “relationship.” The man is born and grows in the relationship and forms the relationship through social activities. The sense of security and fulfillment is felt only when a conviction that good relationships are maintained with family, office, or surroundings is felt. However, it is not easy to form proper relationships under new liberalism that winning in the competition is highlighted. Also, I occasionally feel that I am also separated from the relationships and pushed out to the circumstance part. However, I am surprised looking at me standing at a cliff. It is thought to me that each of individuals isolated from the society governed by enterprises are usually in such a risky-feeling situation. Actually, many persons under new liberalism are placed in almost defenseless naked status in front of the endless competition system. Since the both world wars, they had extreme uneasiness in their everyday lives due to the situation of that times that it was unclear when a war might be started. At that time, Heidegger, a German existentialism philosopher, expressed the time, “Persons are thrown in the world.” Today, we are thrown in the critical situation that all the persons become the enemies.

As the man is the entity of relationship, the enterprise cannot exist apart from relationship, too. When saying with use of the hint of Aristotle, “The man is asocial animal,” “The enterprise is a social entity.” The enterprise is made by the man, is operated by the man, provides products and services to the man, and receives the price. Therefore, the enterprise should value the man. The laborers working in the enterprises are not less important than the persons invested money in the enterprises. However, the laborers provided time and sweat, i.e., a part of their lives, in stead of money. The laborers may feel the worth when the price of work is balanced. Such delight should be shared by businessmen also.

The enterprise should respect the persons out of the enterprise. Appropriate roles and responsibilities should be played and executed to meet the essence of the enterprise that is a social entity. Social operation and social responsibilities of the enterprise, which is recently discussed, are very natural ones. Now, highlighting the social responsibilities of the enterprise is a worldwide trend and Korea should also go to such direction. However, the enterprise should not stop. As amazing imaginative power is used in making commodities, the enterprise should gather creativity for social relationship.

When the enterprise respects the inside and outside persons and fulfills the social responsibilities, the enterprise will have no way but to succeed. If such belief and faith is not available, what the ideal and hope of lives may be depended on. Like the wish of Martin Luther King, a nonviolent human rights activist of the U.S.A., who said, “I have a dream,” we may also have a dream to jump over it in the society that competition and differentiation became common. Although Koran businessmen have made lots of contributions in economical growth, they has been distrusted. They have lots of money but live like hermits apart from the masses. However, it’s the time that wealthy persons are also accepted for their making their wealth through their own endeavors rather than illegality or chance luck. It’s the time that they expose their bodies to the masses with no hesitation and share the everyday lives.

This year is 60th anniversary of UN’s Human Right Declaration. The UN’s Human Rights Declaration starting with the words, “Where as recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,” says , “it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to be rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law.”

Two events were recently created in Asia in relation to Buddhist priests. The one was created in the country called Myanmar by military government which was Burma in past. The country has been governed by the military authority since 60’s like the past Korea. Aung San Suu Kyi, a daughter of General Aung San called the father of foundation of Burma, received absolute popular support when the party led by her obtained 392 seats among 485 seats in the Parliament in the election in 1990. According to the result, Aung San Suu Kyi had to be the head of the government but, in contrast, she has spent most of her days confined in her house by the military authority since that time. Aung San Suu Kyi was awarded with Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 and was awarded with Gwangju Prize for Human Rights in 2001 by the May 18 Memorial Foundation that holds this event today. Buddhist priests demonstrated in September last year in Myanmar and the police fired at such demonstration team killing or damaging the Buddhist priests.

Meanwhile, two months ago, a demonstration was held by Buddhist priests in Tibet in China. By the same way, Chinese government fired at them and the Buddhist priests were died or injured. A refugee government was founded in Dharamsala in 1959 by Dalai Lama, the religious leader of Tibet. He consistently asked Chinese government dialogue by nonviolent method like Gandhi. Dalai Lama was also awarded with Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. On 30th April, Chinese court sentenced 17 citizens participated in the demonstration team to severe punishment ranging from imprisonment for life to three year’s imprisonment. The books written by Dalai Lamar have wide range of readers in Korea. His teaching is not significantly different from Korean Buddhism thought and his consistent pacifism line gives impression like those of Gandhi and Martin Luther King. Korean readers and peace movement activities wish to meet Dalai Lamar. However, unfortunately, his entry is not yet permitted by Korean government.

Former President Dae-Jung Kim was detained and sentenced to death by military authority at the time of Gwangju mass resistance. Nobel Committee awarded Nobel Peace Prize to him in 2000 and stated the reason for being awarded, “His commitment in favor of democracy in Burma and against repression in East Timor has been considerable.” We need to remember the deep interest in the Asian democracy and human rights of former President Kim Daejung.

What worried about in the measures taken by Myanmar and Chinese governments to the demonstration by Buddhist priests is that firing was done at citizens in both cases. The right or wrong and feature of demonstration at that time is not clear due to limit of press. It is not clear what type of event was held during demonstration. Article 19 of UN’s Human Rights Declaration guarantees the freedom of expression and Article 20 states, “Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.” Also, Article 2of UN's Human Rights Declaration states, “no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty.” According to this article, the Buddhist priests of Burma and Tibet have the rights to express their intended words in the form of peaceful meeting and demonstration.

In 1929, the students asked, in the Gwangju Anti-Japanese Student Movement, the government the freedom of press, publication, meeting, and association. In1980, the masses rose because the freedom of meeting and association to express their political will by violent method by soldiers. Nothing is more essential freedom than the freedom of expression and peaceful expression with gathering of many persons. It is not the one that is given by a mighty person to weak persons or is given by a group or government to citizens in the form of benefits. Freedom is the rights naturally assigned to the man. Such natural freedom was limited in Burma and China.

Eastern Asia recently attracts attention from the world. China, holding Olympic Game in August, intends to make the Olympic Game the motive to elevate the national prestige as Japan and Korea did in past. Olympic is the symbol of peace and harmonization. However, unfortunately, Eastern Asian area does not form a stable situation yet. Han Peninsula is in divided situation, fairly large scales of U.S. Army are stationed in Korea and Japan, and both countries intend to strengthen the alliance with the U.S.A. Such a trend indicates that the possibility that military tension is relieved in Eastern Asia is not large yet. Also, on the other hand, '6 Party Talks' is held in relation to the nuclear problem of North Korea. Amity with the U.S.A. and Japan is important to North Korea that is economically difficult but there is no progress due to kidnapping problem in the relationship with Japan as well as the nuclear problem.

Such many problems indicate that inter-government dialog and, furthermore, the solidarity and cooperation by Asian citizen societies is needed.

After World War II, the press had an interview with Doctor Schweitzer called the saint of African jungle. At that time, a reporter asked him which view of life he had, pessimistic or optimistic. Schweitzer answered in the meaning that he experienced the tragedies of two times of large wars. However, lots of weapons including nuclear weapons were produced and disputes were not discontinued. When he saw such situation, he had no way but to have pessimistic thought in relation to the future of the mankind. However, if he could participate for contribution in some improvement of such situation although his ability was insufficient, he might be optimistic in such respect.

A fairly long time elapsed in this new millennium but the future of the mankind is not bright yet. There is no large difference in Asia, too. Stable peaceful situation is not yet constructed and there is the omen of resurrection of nationalism appealing to mass psychology. However, in harder situations, the masses of Asia overcame. Human rights and peace are gradually considered to be the common value. We still have the works to perform and have the hands to take each other. In this respect, it will possible to have optimistic prospect like the hope of Doctor Schweitzer.

Thank you.

The May 18 - 2008 May 18 Commemorative Events

This is the schedule for the 2008 May 18 Commemorative Events

Similar/Related Links:

http://twurl.nl/rd1srd

http://twurl.nl/fqd5ho

518 Launches Underground Mobile Billboard

On its second year, The May 18 Memorial Foundation (5.18) today, 6 May 2008 launched its 518 Themed Subway Train operated by Gwangju Metropolitan Rapid Transit Corporation. The new chair of 5.18, Mr. Kwang Jang Yoon, its Executive Director Myungseok Cha, and other officials of the Gwangju Subway graced the ribbon cutting at the Namgwangju station (Southeastern part of Gwangju City). A whole train is creatively decorated inside and outside with both old photos and recent pictures and images of 5.18 commemorative events. The train now serves as 5.18 Underground Mobile Billboard and also a graffiti board. Various posters of the 2008 May 18 Commemorative Events are emblazoned on the walls of the train. There are interactive sections also where commuters can write their messages or answer trivia questions. The train will also play flash movies or animation videos about 5.18 on its built-in monitor screen. Joomukbap or rice ball and water were served inside the train to commuters as a symbolic gesture of remembering 5.18.

The subway service recently opened new lines that now extend to Pyeongdong (western part of Gwangju).The train with the 5.18 theme will be operational for two months from May 6, 2008 until July 7, 2008.

(This article without photos is posted in our website).







List to Korean news/photos:

http://twurl.nl/bvf5x3

http://twurl.nl/kxcus8

http://twurl.nl/4lxhue

http://twurl.nl/gv63yp


(Photos courtesy of Park Cheung - 518 official photographer)

Q&A with Mr. Muneer Malik on Gwangju Prize

How does it feel to be awarded the 2008 Gwangju Prize for Human Rights?

Deeply humbled. It is a great honour to have been awarded the prize although deep down inside I believe that it belongs to the lawyers of Pakistan.


What does the award mean to you? What do you think of the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights? What is its significance in promoting peace, democracy and human rights?

Personally, for me it will be one of my most cherished achievements. The Gwangju Prize links the historic events of May 18th 1980 to democratic movements around the world- it serves at least two purposes- first, it reminds other democratic movements of the sacrifices of the citizens of Gwangju and second, it encourages other movements to emulate them. Peace, democracy and human rights are indivisible concepts and the benefits are shared by the entire humanity. The Prize demonstrates that the people of Gwangju deeply care about democratic movements around the world.


Why do you think you were chosen?

I believe that it was not me who was chosen but the lawyers of Pakistan for a struggle that has no parallel in the 60 year history of Pakistan.


What are your works, programs and activities? Tell us what you have done in the past and are doing now.

I am presently in the process of writing a book on the lawyers’ movement. I am practicing law and still actively engaged in the movement for restoration of the judges who were deposed in November 2007 in consequence of the proclamation of Emergency. Since the last 25 years that I have been actively involved in one form or the other in the human rights movement in Pakistan.


What of your least known works would you want others to know about you?

I am engaged in doing charitable work and am managing a charitable trust set up by the Malik Family. This trust provides scholarships to needy students in Pakistan.


How will the Gwangju Prize advance and promote your work?

I intend to use the Prize to set up a foundation to “Save the Constitution and promote Democracy”. It will make my work more credible.


As winner of the Gwangju Prize do you have ideas or plans for which the Gwangju Prize could be promoted? What role could you play to promote it?

I would like to work with the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan- of which I am a founder member- to make human rights activists more aware about the Prize and the 18th May movement so that activists are encouraged to work harder in their field with a view to being nominated for if not winning the Prize.


If given a chance to lead past winners of Gwangju Prize what activities or issues should be addressed? Or do you think there’s a need for the past winners to band together for common cause or causes?

I believe in collective leadership. I would welcome the opportunity to interact with previous Prize winners and to explore the common causes that we would effectively work together on. Ideally I would like previous Prize winners to issue joint statements on various issues and events as a means of mobilizing international public opinion.


What do you think of the current democracy, peace and human rights situation in Asia? What should be done to keep and sustain a more democratic, peaceful and human rights respectful Asia?

The situation is Asia is far from desirable. We see an increasing tendency towards authoritarian rule, abuse of human rights, lack of access to justice, increasing poverty and inequality. These are issues that we need to mobilize public opinion on.


What would you like to say to the May 18 Memorial Foundation and the citizens of Gwangju for giving you this award? Any final words?

The lawyers of Pakistan salute the indomitable will and commitment of the citizens of Gwangju to the principles of democracy, peace and human rights. The courage of the May 18th martyrs shall inspire men and women who yearn to be free for generations to come. I thank the citizens of Gwangju and the Memorial Foundation for empathizing with the Pakistan Lawyers’ Movement, the main aim of which is to build a society based on true justice for all under the principle of equality.

Citation of the 2008 Gwangju Prize Committee on Muneer Malik

Statement on the Decision on the
2008 Gwangju Prize for Human Rights
Award Winner Muneer Malik

Pakistan, which has the sixth largest population in the world, became independent from England in 1947. Religious differences and conflict led to the separation of Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and other current states in the continent.

Against this backdrop, the domestic political status of modern Pakistan is far from stable. The present Pakistani President Musharraf, who has total political control, seized power in October 12, 1999 through a military coup d'etat, ousting the popularly elected former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Since then, the military authorities have been in command of all political, social, and economic matters. The recent series of political events lead to negative forecasts on the state of democracy and human rights situation in Pakistan.

A former leader of the Pakistani Supreme Court Bar Association, Mr. Muneer A. Malik, was born in 1950 and became a lawyer in 1975. After becoming appointed as the secretary general for a local lawyers' association in the 1980s, he played a leading role in the popular movements that called for the restoration of democracy, in opposition to the dictatorship of General Zia ul Haq. This resulted in Mr. Malik imprisonment on charges of engaging in anti-government activities in 1981.

Mr. Malik worked as a human rights lawyer to improve human rights and restore democracy in Pakistan. In 2007, he took a leading role in fighting against the attempt made by President Musharraf to oust the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, in order to protect human rights and the independence of the judiciary. When the fight continued for the restoration of rights and the independence of the Pakistani judiciary, he did not give in to suppression, assassination attempts and the closedown of his office. His health deteriorated from alleged food poisoning that he was released from prison to become hospitalized. He had to endure all those difficult times in prison and even after his release. He did not give up. As soon as he regained his health and freedom, he has been continuously fighting for the freedom of the media and the independence of the judiciary.

(foto source: http://www.sepiamutiny.com/sepia/archives/004871.html)

The 2008 Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Committee chose the Pakistani human rights lawyer Muneer A. Malik for this year's award winner. It was the judgment of the jury that the political and social situation of Pakistan today, which Mr. Malik is fighting against, is quite similar to Korea's past, when the people had to endure a period of military dictatorship. The fight by Mr. Muneer A. Malik for the restoration of democracy and human rights is the kind of spirit that Koreans should remember at all times. The 2008 Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Committee would like to send message of encouragement to all the citizens, human rights activists and lawyers in Pakistan, who are fighting all together with Muneer A. Malik.

The 2008 Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Prize Committee

Committee Chairman:
Mr. Noh Young Min
Korean National Assembly

Committee Members:
Mr. Kim, Chil-Jun
Secretary General of the National Human Rights Commission,

Mr. Lee, Gwang-Ho
Director of the Pusan Democratic Movement Memorial Association

Mr. Moon, Guk-Joo
Executive Director
Korea Democracy Foundation

Mr. Yun, Gwang-Jang
Chairman of the Board of The May 18 Memorial Foundation

April 17, 2008
Gwangju, Republic of Korea

Links on Muneer Malik Awardee of the 2008 Gwangju Prize for Human Rights

1) Newspaper

http://www.nationmultimedia.com
http://twurl.nl/vr2fia


http://www.koreatimes.co.kr
http://twurl.nl/0oh6hp

2) Pakistani Bloggers

http://www.zibb.com
http://twurl.nl/jf15rv

http://www.teeth.com.pk/blog
http://twurl.nl/f433r0

http://karachi.metblogs.com
http://twurl.nl/2hn44u

http://brpbhaskar.blogspot.com
http://twurl.nl/thfpny

http://www.sepiamutiny.com
http://twurl.nl/ddwc44

MAINS Pioneer Graduates

After a long year of study, they are now our new Masters! Please congratulate the MAINS graduates!

Some of the graduates were participants of the 2006 Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School. They were given scholarship by The May 18 Memorial Foundation based on their performance during the folk school. Now they are the pioneers, the first batch of the MAINS program.

Congratulations to Nilani, Pinpaka, Mamun and the rest of the graduates.


Master of Arts in Inter-Asia NGO Studies (MAINS)

MAINS is jointly offered by the Inter-Asia Graduate School of NGO Studies at SungKongHoe University and the Asian Regional Exchange for New Alternatives.

Its multidisciplinary curriculum, integrating academic and practitioners' training with dynamic changes occurring in Asia and the globe, is unique in the field of studies on social changes, non-governmental organizations and civil society. The curriculum covers a wide range of current issues of international relations from both regional and global perspectives as a major field of studies, placing a special focus on the development of solidarity among civil society constituents.

MAINS is intended for the people who have been contributing or have the potential to contribute to a better understanding of or leading social changes in Asia. Benefiting from both academic and practical resources offered by two distinct host institutions, MAINS offers both intense and flexible preparation for either those seeking leadership and skills for more just and equitable social changes in Asia, or those seeking further studies in the field.

The graduates posing in front of the Auditorium

Mamun, Pinpaka, Nay Thun

Nay Thun with Burmese comrades

Nay Thun and Chris

Pinpaka, Chris, and Nilani

the graduates and me

MAINS graduate being acknowledge - a screen shot from another auditorium

Proud, happy graduates in front of the stage

A video message of thanks by Nilani

Internship Application Deadline Extended

CALL FOR APPLICATION

THE MAY 18 MEMORIAL FOUNDATION

INTERNATIONAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

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 on Human Rights is a program of the Foundation created 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 2008. 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 for free 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 any of these links/sites:

http://eng.518.org/main.html?TM18MF=B04&bc_table=ENG_NOTICE&form_act=V&bnum=38&page=1

http://themay18.wordpress.com/2007/12/18/call-for-application-2008-international-internship-program/

Deadline of application is on 30 January 2008. Short listed applicants will be emailed for an online/webcam interview through Skype or Yahoo messenger.

Call for Application - 2008 International Internship Program

Dear friends and partners:

Greetings! Please find below our call for application for the 2008 International Internship Program. Please help us disseminate the information.

Thank you and good wishes,
International Cooperation Team
518interns@gmail.com


CALL FOR APPLICATION
THE MAY 18 MEMORIAL FOUNDATION
INTERNATIONAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

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 on Human Rights is a program of the Foundation created 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 2008. Applicants female or male should not be more than 25 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 for free 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 any of these links/sites:

http://eng.518.org/main.html?TM18MF=B04&bc_table=ENG_NOTICE&form_act=V&bnum=38&page=1



http://themay18.wordpress.com/2007/12/18/call-for-application-2008-international-internship-program/

Deadline of application is on 15 January 2008. Short listed applicants will be emailed for an online/webcam interview through Skype or Yahoo messenger.

Visit our blogsite archive to learn more about the internship program – 518interns.blogspot.com

'We are May 18'

by
Amit Sengupta
Gwangju (Republic of Korea)


The May 18, 1980 Gwangju uprising against military dictatorship is a reminder that history is still incomplete


There is a chill in the air and the flowers are blooming in orange, blue and vermilion-yellow on the beautiful, stunningly clean, pebbled, rain-washed, sunshine streets of Gwangju, the epical landmark of the great democratic uprising against military dictatorship in 1980. The city is celebrating, even as young couples walk through the inner lanes holding hands. There are banners everywhere, anticipations, tragic memories; there is the will to hope, to create new rainbows of democracy, justice and freedom.

There are old 'war-zone' landmarks, the sacred places of the dead, the missing and the murdered, the spontaneous students' protests at the Chonnam National University, the 'civilian army's' combat with the armed forces at the legendary Provincial City Hall which was captured by the people. May 18 is in the air. The Koreans call it simply: 5.18.

In down town Gwangju students are preparing for massive demonstrations, carnivals and traditional/revolutionary cultural shows. The market is overwhelmed with young people, girls and couples, schoolgirls in uniform, while food stalls in handcarts are happy with the crowds. At the Kenya Espresso coffee shop, a young history teacher sipping coffee with her school students, sums it up: "I am proud of the May 18 uprising. I was 12-year-old then, but I know that this change was necessary. Not much is mentioned in the textbooks, but I show videos, keep the memory alive," says Kim Young Sin. Her student is not shy. "When I see the images of the massacre, tears flow down my eyes," she says.




The May 18 Memorial Foundation is celebrating the 27th anniversary of the uprising, and the city is proud of it. Gwangju stands in world history as a city which knows how to preserve its precious memories and respect it, because the inhabitants are deeply aware that those, who inherit the fruits of democracy and then choose to forget the sacrifices of their rebels, are fated to be condemned. "South Korea is indebted to Gwangju," says journalist Moon Tae Jeong.

That is why two Indians have been awarded the prestigious $50,000 Gwangju Prize for Human Rights this year: Irom Sharmila of Manipur, for her six-year-long fast against the repressive Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1985; and Lenin Raghuvanshi of UP, for fighting child and bonded labour and untouchability in the Hindi heartland. Ironically, the organisers said, the Indian government refused to respond.



The Foundation building in the heart of the city is a sacred space. There are 135 delegates in the East Asia peace forum shaking hands, feminists, journalists and human rights activists from Philippines, Cambodia, Vietnam, Burma (exiled pro-democracy freedom fighters), Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, India, Bangladesh, Japan. Predictably, none from China or North Korea.

"We want a new Asian solidarity, a new vision for human rights in South Korea and Asia," said Foundation Chairman Honggil Rhee. He was a 39-year-old history professor in 1980 who fully backed the movement and was suspended and jailed. "Korean people believed that military dictatorship under Chun-Doo-Hwan is not acceptable. Students and professors joined the struggle of the citizens. The killings started. They thought they could crush the movement for democracy and set an example. It back-fired because of the people's resilience. We learnt many things from the rising. We have to constantly fight to get and retain democracy. These were the highest form of sacrifices and we just can't afford to forget that," he said.




During and after the democratic and peaceful uprising and the massacre that followed, the people took up arms. A civilian army was formed with students, teachers, workers, farmers, doctors, daughters and mothers. The Provincial City Hall was liberated as a symbol and the city too was liberated. People spilled onto the streets to create support systems. Weapons were looted. Food supply was restored, cooking often on the streets. The locals looked after the injured. The dead were buried.





The city's memories are full of dark anecdotes. There were stories that the clampdown was US-backed because the military dictatorship was supported by the US. The city was isolated and under siege. No news was allowed to filter out. The rest of the world, from May 18 to May 27, 1980, was blocked out, and even much later, for months. Rumours were circulated by the dictatorship that the uprising was inspired by anarchists and communists led by North Korea, which proved to be an utter lie, because it started as a spontaneous and peaceful rebellion of ordinary citizens, disgusted and angry with the atrocities of military rule.




A taxi driver saw the killings. A priest from a nearby province discovered the bloody stories. A shoeshine boy was a witness, and later, a fighter. The stories started floating out. Some people arrived from Seoul to find the city "as usual", with not a flutter—so entrenched was the terror. Then the rebellion started spreading with word and text, the dirty official rumours began to sound dirty, protests moved in a spiral from villages to towns and cities, especially among the strong Leftist, anti-imperialist students' movement in Seoul. But it still took a while, almost a decade and more, for the military dictatorship to dismantle its ugly scaffoldings.




The official death count of the Gwangju massacre is 207. The unofficial runs in the 2,000 plus figure. There are many who have still not been identified. Many students died fighting. The missing have gone missing. Many fell to their injuries, many were tortured, many became insane, some committed suicide. All stories remain categorical yet ambiguous, moving from lips to lips, eyes to eyes, fingers to fingers, flowers to flowers.


But the spirit and the soul of the great rebellion remains. At the sublimely aesthetic National May 18 Democratic Cemetery, an hour from Gwangju, where the entire city, political establishment, students, Buddhist monks, mothers and relatives of the fighters, remember the martyrs with a series of prayer meetings and traditional Korean songs. Tears flow easily. On the mud and grass graves, they put food and Soju, the local drink. A girl student kneels and touches a grave: she has read about it, she wants to feel it herself.





A young Korean volunteer tells us that there are 481 graves, there are more 'spaces' for those yet to be discovered, "We are still looking for dead bodies." Next to every grave, there are vases of flowers, neatly arranged, a message and name on the little monument, and a framed photograph of the rebel: girls, boys, elders, and workers. Those whose pictures can't be found, or who can't be identified, have a framed flower instead of a face: Mugunghwa, the serene national flower of South Korea, with its unique aroma.

The aroma spreads. In down town Gwanju outside the epic landmark of the City Hall, thousands are marching, screaming, shouting pro-unification (with North Korea), pro-democracy and anti-Bush slogans, grandmothers with drums, masked students with branches of the trees, girls with paper lamps, workers and activists with torch-lights, with massive music in the background. Thousands are holding hands and singing. All the delegates of the May 18 peace forum are jumping, hugging and clapping. They are all singing, laughing, shouting slogans, some with tears in their eyes. "We are May 18," says a poster in a students' hand. "Chun-Doo-Hwan, go do harakiri," shouts the woman leader on the loud-speaker. They hate Chun-Doo-Hwan. Thousands repeat this angry slogan. Again and again.

At the entrance of the sunshine cemetary, there are two banners, which sum it up, simply: History is Never Complete, May 18 Uprising is Continuing… It is not Finished.

Yes, because 'We are May 18'.