Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in the 21st Century
Second World Assembly
November 12-15, 2000
São Paulo, Brazil
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Fernando Henrique Cardoso
President of Brazil
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Regional Workshops - Middle East and North Africa
Organizer:
Panorama Center (Palestine)
Rapporteur:
Heba El-Shazli (Egypt)
National Democratic Institute for International Affairs
(Lebanon office)
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Moderator:
Riad Malki (Palestine)
Panorama Center
Presenter:
Antoine Nasri Messarra (Lebanon)
Lebanese Foundation for Permanent Civil Peace
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The workshop participants discussed at length the crisis in the Middle East and the implications of the Palestinian struggle for the entire region. They also acknowledged the difficulties of democratization in the region, but also the great inspiration they have received from the remarkable determination and sacrifices of the region's democrats to see democracy grow and flourish.
Observations:
- Palestinian NGOs have to carry on their democracy projects under severe conditions, including constant closures and curfews; restrictions on movement; lack of normal services, such as schools, hospitals, etc.; and often as victims of collective punishment measures and economic embargoes.
- The workshop participants urged fellow democrats to join the Palestinian voices calling for the right of self-determination, independence, and international protection.
- Forward movement towards democratization in the Middle East/North Africa region is strongly impeded by the non-resolution of the Palestine issue. The workshop participants discussed the following items with a view to better cooperation and networking among NGOs to promote democracy in the region:
- the proceedings of the pre-Assembly preparatory meeting held in Istanbul, Turkey, in September 2000.
- the development of a comprehensive background paper on the process of democratization in the region, the general context of this process, the elements of democracy, and the priorities for the next two to three years in the region.
Recommendation to the World Movement for Democracy:
- The participants recommended, and agreed to establish, an informal network to promote democracy, including the following:
- a database of civil society organizations in the region and available human resources and expertise;
- a clear mission statement with which to reach out to other NGOs committed to democracy in the region;
- various activities to improve cooperation among NGOs to address the central issues in the region;
- an Internet Web site to activate the network.
- A committee was chosen, including Riad Malki (Palestine), Heba El Shazli (Egypt), and Antoine Messara (Lebanon), to guide the network.
The World Movement has established a section of its Web site for the Middle East/North Africa that includes participating organizations and networks, information about democracy projects in the region, and other resources.
Other Recommendations:
- NGOs should grow, flourish, and work in every neighborhood, village, town, city, and country, and they should develop better advocacy skills.
- Promote freedom of speech, religion, and association (a space for universities, journalists, trade unions, women's organizations, etc.).
- Press for regular elections and electoral processes that are free and fair as a source of legitimate rule in every country in the region.
- Promote civic education, democratic culture, and gender perspective training with an emphasis on human rights.
- Promote tolerance among religious and ethnic groups.
- Promote equality among men and women.
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