Third Assembly
Plenary Session: Promoting Democracy in Closed Societies

Three participants in the World Movement were asked during this plenary session to speak about the situations inside the countries they work on —Burma, Cuba, and North Korea— how they and their colleagues are struggling to change those situations, and what democrats throughout the world can do to help the movements for democracy focused on those countries. Thin Thin Aung lives in exile from Burma; Annabelle Rodriquez lives in exile from Cuba; and Young Howard, a South Korean, focuses in his work on the situation in North Korea.

Chair:
Krzysztof Stanowski (Poland)

Presenters:

Annabelle Rodríguez, Asociación ENCUENTRO de la Cultural Cubana

Excerpts:

"...So far after 15 years since 1988, our democratic struggle in Burma is still alive and kicking. It would not have been possible without international solidarity and support. We all know that the military regime can not be trusted and it will not easily give up power. However we also know that the regime is facing tremendous pressure both within and outside the country. The economic situation in Burma is deteriorating with the economic assets of the regime and its associates being badly affected due primarily to the strong US economic sanctions brought down late in 2003."

Thin Thin Aung, "Women Rights and Welfare Association of Burma"

Excerpts:

"...So far after 15 years since 1988, our democratic struggle in Burma is still alive and kicking. It would not have been possible without international solidarity and support. We all know that the military regime can not be trusted and it will not easily give up power. However we also know that the regime is facing tremendous pressure both within and outside the country. The economic situation in Burma is deteriorating with the economic assets of the regime and its associates being badly affected due primarily to the strong US economic sanctions brought down late in 2003."

Young Howard, NKNet

Excerpts:

".. it has been proven that such an international outcry for miserable human rights conditions of North Koreans can make a difference even though all of us are aware that we still have a lot to accomplish. Any little change, I believe, can contribute to accelerating the changes already taking place in North Korea. And, I assure you that such efforts will eventually result in improving human rights conditions and solidifying grounds for sprouting democracy in North Korea. Continued attention from the international community will also help nurture more young activists devoting themselves for North Korean democracy and human rights."