Recognizing the magnitude of globalization and the overarching influence of information and communications technology, international solidarity gets highlighted as response to these global phenomena. International solidarity is one of the core tasks identified by The May 18 Memorial Foundation. It envisions an international solidarity with other countries and organizations based on common goals and mutual interests of promoting the spirit of May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising; advocating for human rights; and protecting the gains of peace and democracy.The International Solidarity Program shall focus on partnership, participation, exchange and networking with civil society groups of Asia and the rest of the world. Particularly it will conduct:
1) regular exchange of experience and expertise with government, human rights institutions, democracy, peace and other civil society groups in Asia;
2) establish a proactive mechanism for collective action and coordination (education, campaign, and programs for social dialogues and action and address equity issues like gender equality and equal participation);
3) conduct activities and hosts forums that introduces international issues and participate in international conferences and gatherings abroad;
4) build bridges of communications among the civil society of Asia and the rest of the globe through the internet and publications of journal, newsletter, brochures and books both in Korean and English; and
5) Facilitate the exchange of experiences and technology (expertise, know-how and human resources) that goes beyond simple financial support.
-Improve the function of providing a provisionary democracy fund in Asia
Gwangju Prize for Human Rights, and Solidarity Affairs with International Human Rights Organizations.
-Improve an active function for Asian Democracy and Human Rights
Gwangju International Peace Camp, and Gwangju Forum for Asian Human Rights.
-Enhance and develop educational programs
Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School, Tour on Korean Democracy, Introductory Program On Democracy for Korean Youth, and Recruitment of International Interns.
-Systematic development of International Programs
Volunteer Internship Program, Gwangju International Peace Camp, and Solidarity Affairs with International Human Rights Organizations.
-Reinforce journalists' network both for domestic and international promotion
-Improve each program to create an active network between domestic and international organizations (Nationwide)
Screening committee of Gwangju Prize for Human Rights, Steering committee of Gwangju International Peace Camp, Educational Committee of Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School and etc.
-Reinforce study visits and exchanges with supported and partner Asian organizations and international network
-Improve long-term support of both domestic/local & Asian organizations and institutions
-Reinforce solidarity with Korean organizations in Japan, USA and Europe
-Maintain program efficiency by staying focused on target dates and periods
List of Network of Countries and Supported Organizations
-Title Of Program
-Country and Organization
-Remarks
Gwangju Prize for Human Rights
Sri Lanka (2), Indonesia (1), Korea (1), East Timor (1), Burma (1).
Awardees represented countries
Gwangju International Peace Camp
Hong Kong, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Japan, Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Palestine, Nepal, Mongolia, Cambodia
Participants represented countries
Tour on Korean Democracy
USA, Australia, Germany, Japan, China, and Korea.
Participants represented countries
Recruitment of International Interns
Philippines (1), China (1), Indonesia (2), Nepal (1)
Interns represented countries
Volunteer International Internship
Sri Lanka, Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, India, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and USA.
Countries where volunteers were assigned
Support to International Human Rights Organizations
Right to Life in Sri Lanka, YPKP in Indonesia, PPDD in Thailand, NGO Center in Philippines, Burma NLD(LA) Korea Branch, and Advocacy Forum in Nepal
Supported countries and organizations in 2005
Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School
Thailand, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Indonesia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, USA, Sweden, Cambodia, Mongolia, Nepal, Vietnam, Burma, Kyrgyzstan, and India.
Participants represented countries
Gwangju Forum for Asian Human Rights
Thailand, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Indonesia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, USA, Hong Kong, Cambodia, Nepal, Viet Nam, Burma, and India.
Guests/ Participants represented countries?
International Programe and Activities
Gwangju Prize for Human Rights
The Gwangju Prize for Human Rights was established to celebrate the spirit of May 18 Gwangju 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.
A prize money amounting to US$ 50,000, a gold medal and a certificate will be awarded to the winner.
Previous Winners of the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights
2000 (3rd Nov) : Xanana Gusmao (The president of East Timor)2001 (18th May): Basil Fernando (Executive director of AHRC; Hong Kong)2002 (18th May): Korean Association of Bereaved Families for Democracy; South Korea2003 (18th May): Dandeniya Gamage Jayanthi (Monument for the Disappeared; Sri Lanka)2004 (18th May): Aung San Suu Kyi (National League for Democracy; Burma)2005 (18th May): Wardah Hafidz (Coordinator, Urban Poor Consortium; Indonesia)
Nomination and Criteria
The candidates eligible for the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights are nominations made by individuals or organizations who were invited to nominate names for consideration. An individual can not nominate himself or herself. These core criteria should be considered:1) Outstanding person or group that is active in the promotion and advocacy of Peace, Democracy and Human Rights.2) A person or group that works for the reunification of Korea.
Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Committee
Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Committee is responsible for the selection of the candidates and the choice of prize winner. The Committee is composed of individuals appointed by the Board of the May 18 Memorial Foundation.Information about the nominations, whether publicly or privately is confidential. Disclosure is highly restricted.
Time line and Process
1) January-FebruaryAnnouncement and nomination forms are sent out. The Committee sends out invitation letters containing forms to persons who will be requested to nominate.2) 30 March 2006Deadline for submission of the forms. The Committee assesses the candidates' work and prepares a short list.3) AprilThe “shortlist” is reviewed by the committee and advisers will be consulted for their input and knowledge of chosen candidates. The advisers do not directly evaluate nominations nor give explicit recommendations. On April 27, 2006, committee members will choose a winner and the next day public announcement and press conference will be held in Seoul to announce the winner.4) 18 May 2006The Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Award Ceremony will be held. The prize winner receives the award.
Support for International Projects
The Foundation strives to support partner organizations that are doing work on peace, democracy and human rights. Although not a funding agency, the Foundation provides very minimal amount of financial aid to NGOs. Funding support and assistance is at the discretion of the Board. Aside from financial support the foundation also provides equipment donation to NGOs. Some of those partner NGOs are as follow:
Advocacy Forum was set-up by a group of lawyers to work for human rights and rule of law. It is registered as non-governmental organization and non-profit organization. They are working in five regional offices located in eastern, western, central, mid western and far western region of the country. Advocacy Forum is highly regarded as s professional non-governmental organization that works in the field of human rights. It is affiliated with the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) and working very closely with the Asian Human Rights Commission, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, World Organization against Torture and Penal Reform International.
Support : 300,000 KRW (a month)Period : May 2005 - April 2007 (2 years)
The 1965-1966 massacre (generally known as September 30th Movement) is the most significant event and a turning point in Indonesian modern history. It caused millions of people killed, disappeared, detained, tortured, and alienated. The case remains covered until now. YPKP was set up to disclose the truth on the September 30th affair and to uphold the truth, justice, and humanity for the building of a democratic and undiscriminative Indonesia. Their main program is to conduct several intensive researches regarding the case, so the public will also be informed with the objective explanations and facts beside that single version that has been circulated so far by the government. YPKP was established in 1999 by the victims of the massacre.Support : 300,000 KRW (a month)Period : May 2005 - April 2007 (2 years)
Asian NGO Center was established in 2003 and aims mainly at exchanging information and networking with Asian NGOs and Asian Civil Society Organizations, Capability Building (Reflection and Training) to NGO workers’ and Advocacy (Issue-based network activity) for solidarity of NGOs in Asia. They have conducted several programs that involve many NGO activists around Asia. Those activists deal with varied issues, such as women, environment, and education.Support : 300,000 KRW (a month)Period : May 2005 - April 2007 (2 years)
NLD(LA) Korea Branch was established in 1999 by the Burmese refugees in Korea. They are promoting their country’s (Burma) situation and its democratic uprising so that the international community can mount pressure on the Burmese military junta to end its dictatorship. They are trying to build a democratic society based on freedom, national reconciliation, social justice, equality and human rights. NLD(LA) Korea Branch’s concern is the safety of their beloved leader of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the situation of all of the political prisoners who were detained for their political belief or activities as well.Support : 200,000 KRW (a month)Period : May 2005 - April 2007 (2 years)
PPDD is an independent, non-profit, service oriented organization governed by a board of advisers composed of person known to be independent minded, with utmost integrity and respectability and is administered by an executive director. As an organization, it offers its heartfelt service to the peoples of the Philippines and Burma and to the rest of Southeast Asia. It is an organization dedicated to development and democracy. It is committed to the ideals of democratic pluralism, peoples’ local community autonomy, responsive government and sustainable development.Support : 300,000 KRW (a month)Period : May 2005 - April 2007 (2 years)
Provided support in commemorating the Day of the Disappeared.
1. Applicant should submit first a letter of inquiry to determine whether the foundation’s funds and resources are available for the request.2. The letter of inquiry should contain the purpose of the project, the target output, the estimated budget and time frame. Also, organizational information and qualifications of project implementers should be provided as well.3. If the foundation decides to provide support and assistance, the grant seeker will be requested to submit a formal proposal. The proposal should contain detailed description of the project and its implementation plan, a detailed project budget, names and curricula vitae of project implementers, monitoring, evaluation and reporting system.4. The foundation has a total yearly budget of US$ 40,000 for this program. If the proposal is beyond the maximum cap of US$ 3,000/year then the grant seeker has to look for additional and alternative funding source.5. Inquiry and proposal could be submitted any time of the year. Grant seekers will be replied to accordingly.6. As a way to monitor project implementation, the foundation requires its partners to submit a mid-year and final report during the period of funding.
Asian Partners and Study Visit Exchange
In its effort to effectively and efficiently provide financial aid and assistance, The May 18 Memorial Foundation will be conducting study visits and exchanges among its Asian partners. Through this activity, the foundation will be able to gain more knowledge and experience in providing better service to its partners. These visits are the foundation’s initiative of reaching out and a show of encouragement for its Asian partners on their work on peace, democracy and human rights.
Gwangju International Internship Programe
May 18 Memorial Foundation created an internship and exchange program for its volunteers to be assigned to its international network and partner organizations on human rights, democracy and peace. Started in 2001, the program aims to improve and broaden its network and advance the cause of human rights and peace in the world particularly Asia through international solidarity and cooperation.The duration of this program is at least 10 months. Volunteers are expected to apply their skills to the organization where they will be assigned. The volunteer-intern returns to Korea after the completion of the program.In 2005, a total of seven (7) youth volunteers were sent overseas for internship, four (4) to USA, and one (1) each to Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Philippines.
1. Volunteers who have served the foundation for at least one year are qualified to be nominated for the internship program.2. The foundation has the sole prerogative to choose volunteers to be sent abroad. Parental consent will be sought, otherwise a volunteer will not be assigned overseas without such approved permission.3. Not more than 15 volunteers will be sent abroad for internship (depending on the available budget) annually.4. Volunteers are the foundation’s representative or ambassadors of good will to any of the assigned organizations or countries. The volunteers will become added staff to the organization where they will be assigned to promote international cooperation and solidarity.5. Host organizations abroad are expected to provide accommodation for volunteers while the rest of the expenses will be shouldered by the foundation (allowance for food, transportation and other expenses).
The International Internship Program on Human Rights will strive to contribute to 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 Solidarity2. To promote Gwangju as Asia’s Hub for Human Rights Movement.Four interns from all over the world will be recruited. They should be NGO workers or activists who have been working on the issues of human rights, democracy and peace in their own countries.The International Internship Program will introduce 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 will be utilized.The interns will be assigned to the International Solidarity Program of the General Affairs Department of the Foundation. They are expected to work as regular staff attending to day-to-day office business. The interns will help the preparatory work and implementation of different events; make presentations to schools when invited; and perform other tasks the Department will assign them to undertake.Each intern will be asked to select a research topic, conduct the relevant research, and deliver a presentation at the end of their internship program.
1. Applicant should be single and not more than 35 years of age.2. Have more than 3 years experience of NGO work on the issues of human rights, democracy and peace.3. Must be proficient in English, working knowledge of Korean is an advantage. And must be computer literate.4. Willing to stay in Korea for at least 10 months (May 2006 - April 2007).
1. Announcement will be sent by January 2006 and deadline will be on February 28, 2006. The result will be released by April and the internship program will start on the month of May.2. Applicants should submit a duly filled-out form via email to the May 18 Memorial Foundation.3. The foundation’s screening committee will assess and evaluate all applicants. And they will decide those who will join the International Internship Program.
Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School
Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School aims to contribute to the development of democracy and human rights throughout Asia. Twenty (20) invitees from all over Asia and five (5) local Koreans who have been working for human rights and peace organizations in their own countries shall be given an opportunity to learn and experience the history and process of the development of human rights and democracy in South Korea. 7Participants will be introduced to Korean history, the movements and struggle for democracy, including the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, both through theoretical and practical experiences such as seminars, discussions and field trips to the sites of democratization movements in Korea.
1. Announcement and application forms will be released on May 2006 and the deadline for application will be set on July 2006. The final list of folk school participants will be announced on the month of August.2. The folk school will be conducted for three weeks from September 4-22, 2006.3. Applicants should fill-out the application form properly and submit via email to the foundation.4. The May 18 Memorial Foundation - Education Committee, (composed of individuals from different organizations) is in-charge of selecting the final list of participants after a careful evaluation and assessment of applicants.5. Guidelines of the Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School will be given to successful applicants. For additional information visit: www.518folkschool.blogspot.com and http://www.518.org/
Industry Programe on Democratic for Korean Youths
This program aims to provide an opportunity for both local and overseas Korean youth to appreciate and learn the democratic and historical development of South Korea, and instill in them the pride and esteem of their Korean heritage.Methodology for learning includes input-lectures, interviews-interaction and field trip visits to significant democratic sites. The participants will also be given opportunity to exchange their experiences and reflect on the activities conducted through small group sharing.This program that started in 2002 has benefited more than 100 Korean youth both from overseas and domestic.
1. Korean organizations from overseas shall nominate applicants for the program.2. Participants should be over 18 years of age, can communicate in Korean and have a basic knowledge and background of Korean history, culture and tradition.3. Not more than 20 nominated participants from overseas shall be selected by the May 18 Memorial Foundation. Ten additional local Korean youth participants shall be selected as well.4. The program shall run for 10 days from July 10-20, 2006.5. Participants from overseas shall pay 50% of their airfare as counterpart. The rest of the expenses such as board and lodging and program fees are shouldered by the foundation.6. A guide book for the program shall be provided to participants.
Gwangju International Peace Camp
The Gwangju International Peace Camp aims to strengthen international solidarity between domestic and foreign activists in improving and promoting democracy, human rights and peace. Some 160 participants usually join this camp.The Gwangju International Peace Camp includes sessions, presentations and discussion of cases and experiences of activists. Among the highlights of the peace camp is the ceremony commemorating the anniversary of the May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising where participants will visit National May 18 Cemetery to pray for the sprits of the victims and also as gesture of solidarity to bereaved families of the victims. Also, participants will join in the awarding ceremony of the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights.
Participants and Process of the Peace Camp
1. Invitations will be sent out to various organizations in Asia.2. The May 18 Anniversary Committee shall be responsible for the final selection of invitees considering the number of respondents to the invitations.3. The event will be conducted on May 16-18, 2006.4. All expense shall be paid for by the Foundation (airfare costs, food and accommodation).5. A guidebook will be provided to all selected participants of the peace camp for other details and information.
Gwangju Forum on Asian Human Rights
The May 18 Memorial Foundation held the Gwangju Forum on Asian Human Rights with the theme Differences and Human Rights. This event is part of the effort to promote Gwangju City as a 'Culture Hub City of Asia'. The 1980 Gwangju Democratic Uprising is a historical legacy in the struggle for Korean democratization. Gwangju City being the seat of Korean democracy will help promote peace, democracy and human rights in Asia and the world to keep alive the memories of the heroes of May 18. The city aims to promote its unique contribution to the culture of peace and democracy.Last December 7-9, 2005, more than 24 participants from different Asian countries attended the Gwangju Forum on Asian Human Rights. The forum was sponsored by the Presidential Committee for Culture Cities, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Executive Agency for Culture Cities and Gwangju metropolitan City. The event served as an opportunity for dialogue and solidarity between and among officials of National Human Rights Institutions, NGO activists and the academe. A declaration of unity was forged and supported by them.The forum's objectives were:1) To promote and develop the spirit of the May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising.2) Conduct this event as a regular forum for dialogue and exchange on democracy, human rights and peace among government, NGOs and the civil society.3) Support the initiative in promoting Gwangju City as hub for Culture and Arts in Asia through the ideals and democratic spirit of the May 18 Gwangju Uprising.
For 2006, a steering committee is being formed to discuss and prepare for the conduct of this year’s forum.
The May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising is a celebration of victory not defeat. It is an inspiration in upholding democratic consciousness. It proves that people are dynamic and powerful and they will always assert their freedom and dignity at whatever cost.The May 18 Memorial Foundation aims to spread this message and ideals to the world through commemorative visits and exchanges. The foundation recognizes the need to rekindle hope to other democracy, celebrate democratic gains and victory, and nurture the resolution of peace and the unfolding of greater respect for human rights in Asia and the world.For the past few years, the foundation has been invited to celebrate the commemoration of May 18 in different parts of the world. Korean communities and civil society groups working on democracy, peace and human rights abroad especially in North America (USA and Canada) are once again inviting the foundation this year to celebrate with them this historic event in Korean democracy. Also in Asia, Sri Lanka never fails to invite the foundation as they commemorate their Day of the Disappeared.Last year, funds were raised in a public concert dubbed as Echo of Asian. The amount was given as donation to partner organizations in Indonesia and Malaysia by some committee members when they visited these countries early this year.These visits and exchanges are aimed at fostering stronger solidarity and cooperation to promote the message of democracy and to spread the spirit of the May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising. The foundation will strengthen its role not only as a benefactor or providing financial assistance but also as a mutual partner to democracy, peace and human rights organizations in Asia and the world.
