Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy
Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy
“As history demonstrates, a democracy without values easily turns into open or thinly disguised totalitarianism.” – Pope John Paul II
Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy
Freedom, democracy and human rights carry a special meaning for Polish people.
Over the years, Poles have been engaged in a long struggle to attain these goals and we thus value them dearly. It has been over a quarter of a century since Poland has witnessed a peaceful democratic transformation. Although the process was not ideal, Poland has a rich and unique experience in this regard and is willing to share it with those who struggle today for democracy and freedom.
Witold Jan Waszczykowski, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland
Today, in a world repeatedly shaken by tragedies and suffering, it is vital that representatives of different cultures and nations come together and share their perspective on democracy and human rights. The annual conference - Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy serves to attain this specific goal. Being a platform for discussion, sharing experience and networking, the Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy brings together human rights defenders, civil society activists, representatives of international organizations and academia. This publication presents the outcome of the fifth edition of the conference organized on 15-16 December 2016. Under the theme “From past to future: strengthening democratic values” the organizers aimed at expressing the need for enhancing respect for values crucial for democracy but also the necessity of anchoring them in societies. Over 200 participants debated on the influence of transitional periods on democratic governance, protection of the rights of persons belonging to religious minorities, education as a tool of shaping modern and active citizenship as well as accountability of the electoral process, transparency and the need to fight corruption. We are proud that many prominent figures from all over the world accepted our invitation, including Nobel Peace Prize laureates Mrs Tawakkol Karman from Yemen (2011 laureate) and Mr. Abdessattar Ben Moussa from Tunisia (2015 laureate). I hope that open and frank deliberations of Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy will be followed by tangible, effective actions on the ground.
Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy
The Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy is an annual conference that brings together civil society activists, academics and politicians from around the world to discuss ways of promoting democracy. The conference is a platform for exchanging ideas and experiences in the area of consolidating democracy, strengthening democratic institutions, enhancing civil society and upholding human rights. The participants and panelists of the conference represent various parts of the world, including the Eastern and Southern neighborhoods of the European Union, Latin America, Africa and Asia. The conference has been organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland since 2012.
Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy
“Democracy, like liberty, justice and other social and political rights, is not "given", it is earned through courage, resolution and sacrifice.” – Aung San Suu Kyi
Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy
Five years of Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy Over 900 representatives from more than 50 countries
136 speakers 3 Nobel Peace Prize Laureates
27 panel discussions and working sessions
Panel sessions 2012:
Panel sessions 2013:
Panel sessions 2014:
Panel sessions 2015:
Panel sessions 2016:
From revolution to transformation. Dreams and reality
Democracy – dream and reality
Democracy in theory and practice
Unfinished reckoning with the past?
Transitional justice
Transitional Justice – archives and documentation in times of transition
Women leaders: advancing women’s leadership
Democratic backsliding across the world – is democracy under threat?
New meanings of civil society
Democracy on-line versus democracy off-line
Changing people’s mind for democracy
From Women’s Activism in Transitions to Effective Political Participation
Commissions of Truth and Institutes of Memory: models of coming to terms with dictatorial past. Shrinking space for International Support to Civil Society
Victims demand the truth Freedom of expression and respect for freedom of religion or belief Struggle for democracy – the perspective of women’s human rights defenders
Protection of the rights of persons belonging to religious minorities Nurturing democracy through education Citizen oversight over elections and fight against corruption
Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy
Such exceptional figures spoke so far at the Warsaw Dialogue for Demoracy:
Photos: Wikimedia Creative Commons
Shirin Ebadi 2003 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate (Iran)
Yoani Sanchez Journalist (Cuba)
Sergey Kovalev Association Memorial (Russia)
Ales Bialiatski Human Rights Centre “Viasna� (Belarus)
Refat Chubarov World Congress of Crimean Tatars (Ukraine)
Garry Kasparov pro-democracy leader (Russia)
Tawakkol Karman 2011 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate (Yemen)
Abdessattar Ben Moussa 2015 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate (Tunisia)
Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy
Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy 2016: From past to future - strengthening democratic values Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy 2016 gave a closer look at the role of government and civil society in preserving and enhancing democratic values. A set of recommendations to suggest specific ways to strengthen various aspects of democratic life and culture has been elaborated basing on the discussions. 1. session: Unfinished reckoning with the past?
2. session: Protection of the rights of persons belonging to religious minorities
3. session: Nurturing democracy through education
4. session: Citizen oversight over elections and fight against corruption
Workshop session for civil society participants Awarding ceremony of Pro Dignitate Humana Prize to dr Helena Pyz Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy 2016 has been organized with the valuable support of the Institute of National Remembrance, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, Solidarity Fund PL, the Election Control Movement – Authority Control Movement Association, European Endowment for Democracy, the Institute for Legal Culture Ordo Iuris and the Community of Democracies.
Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy
Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy 2016. From left to right: Mr. Witold Waszczykowski, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland, Mr. Yves Leterme, Secretary General of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance Mr. Abdessattar Ben Moussa, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Mrs. Tawakkol Karman, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Mr. Refat Chubarov, President of the World Congress of Crimean Tatars Photo: MFA
Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy
What are your takeaways from WDD 2016? This is the first time I took part in the Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy. I am very much impressed with the level of organisation of the event and the tremendous selection of speakers. Wealth of contrasting perspectives provided by participants creates a unique opportunity to learn about the stories of freedom fighters from all over the world. Conferences such as WDD are a strong indicator of the ever increasing role of the civil society. What worries you the most in the current global affairs? World is reluctant to counteract the aggres-
Refat Chubarov World Congress of Crimean tatars (Ukraine)
Special guest at the Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy 2016.
sive politics of Russia. It is time for European Union to take more responsibility for the fate of countries bordering with Russia. Visegrad Group and the Baltics have the leadership and energy needed to step up to the challenge. They also have a clear understanding that Putin will try to take advantage of the fragility of democratic system and use every tool available to change the opinions of the public and destabilise the internal dynamics of European countries. Take Moldova as an example. A pro-European candidate Maia Sandu had very good chances of winning last presidential elections. However, few weeks before the ballot, an unfavourable rumour has been distributed and in the result a pro-Russian candidate won.
Do you have any advice for Polish and European politicians? Politicians of the EU may forget about
Crimean Tatars, but they cannot forget about the real threat to the security of their nations posed by Russia. If countries of the EU wish to defend the integrity of their borders, the first step is to help Ukraine with its struggle. Luckily, there seem to be a consensus on that within the mainstream of Polish politics, but there are still people who wish to divide our nations. Let us not dwell into historical disputes, as they are irrelevant when faced with mutual enemy. We need to foster trust between our countries and showcase commitment to freedom and human rights. Recent common military exercises by Poland, Lithuania and Ukraine are one excellent example of exhibiting our defence capabilities and determination.
Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy
Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy 2016. Panelists, left to right: Mr. Robert Kopydłowski, prosecutor at the Institute of National Remembrance Ms. Tahira Abdullah, human rights defender (Pakistan) Dr Mateusz Szpytma, Deputy President of the Institute of National Remembrance Dr Kamboly Dy, Cambodian Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport Mr David Jishkariani, Soviet Past Research Laboratory (Georgia) Photo: MFA
Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy
What are your impressions from the Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy? First of all, I am so happy and proud to be here in Warsaw. This town is a capital of revolution and a global inspiration for change. Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy in its very name entails two values that are very dear to me - dialogue and democracy. One is not possible without another, hence it is very crucial to foster the two of them. To avoid further conflicts we need to curate dialogue between nations, ideologies and differences. Once dialogue is enabled, we can try to overcome the rule of corrupted tyrants and terrorists - but such struggle requires real sacrifice. How is Polish experience relevant for freedom fighters around the world? Polish experience Tawakkol Karman 2011 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate
Special guest at the Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy 2016.
is a great inspiration for those who struggle with the lack of democracy, freedom and dignity and would like to change the fate of their nations in a peaceful way. It is also amazing to see how Poland has been able to rebuild its power from scratch after being destroyed both by WWII and communism. Today, as a prosperous member of the European Union, Poland is a respected global actor and a great example of sustained peace.
Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy
Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy 2016. Panelists, left to right: Rabbi Herschel Gluck, Chairman of the Arab-Jewish Forum Fr. Miguel Angel Ruiz EspĂŹnola, Salesian missionary (Kenya) Dr Kishan Manocha, Senior Adviser on Freedom of Religion and Belief, OSCE/ODIHR Ms. Karina Walinowicz, Legal analyst at the Institute for Legal Culture Ordo Iuris Mr. Naveed Walter, President of the Human Rights Focus Pakistan Photo: MFA
Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy
What is your main takeaway from WDD2016? Two reminders: from the Yemeni speaker on staying
optimistic despite the most dire circumstances; and from one of the Pakistani speakers on placing the contemporary into historical context. How conferences like WDD2016 can help human rights activists and freedom fighters organize and further their causes? It’s always good to meet like-minded colleagues from different contexts yet facing
similar challenges. It allows for reflection on our own circumstances and whether or not our strategies are effective.
If you had to name one most pressing human rights challenge for 2017 what would that be? The rise
Muthoni Wanyeki Regional Director of Amnesty International in East Africa
Participant of the Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy 2016.
of illiberal nationalism around the world —accompanied by challenges to human rights gains on many fronts, including women’s human rights and equality/anti-discrimination more broadly.
While Kenya is tackling the growth of Al-Shabaab, some claim that security forces are overresponding. How to strike the balance between individual freedoms and security in cases such as this? Organised crime, like ‘terrorism,’ is not best dealt with through an exceptional security regime.
Human rights norms and standards stand, even in the face of threats to security, whether as concerns equality or the absolute prohibition on torture. The rule of law also stands and all the protections of the law. This isn’t just a matter of human rights, constitutionalism and law, however. It is a matter of common sense (to prevent blowback and even more recourse to ‘terror’) as well as ethics.
Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy
Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy 2016. Panelists, left to right: Mr. Krzysztof Stanowski, President of the Solidarity Fund PL Ms. Katarzyna Zakroczymska, Board Member of the Solidarity Fund PL Ms. Susanne Ulrich, Director of the Academy Leadership&Competence Mr. Zafarullah Khan, Executive Director of the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services Ms. Antonina Cherevko, Programme Manager at the International Media Support Photo: MFA
Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy
Summary of Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy 2016 Session 1: Unfinished reckoning with the past? Panellists discussed the challenges their countries face in dealing with the past and their recommendation is to first objectively acknowledge historic events, work hard to understand them, and ensure that every wrongdoing against the citizens is documented. Panellists pointed to the challenges of educating new generations of history teachers to speak without bias and emotion, potential clashes between past and present national identities and diminishing over time chances to indict perpetrators and bring justice to the victims. Discussion has been neatly summarised by a proverb: “Those who do not remember the past are condemned to relive it”.
Session 2: Protection of the rights of persons belonging to religious minorities Session focused on freedom of religion, the role persons belonging to religious minorities play in society and the protection of basic human rights. Panellists underlined the role Poland has played for centuries as a shelter for Jews fleeing other European countries from persecution. Further, panelists discussed the issue of constitutional rights of religious minorities in the context of Pakistan, before evaluating number of court cases which ruled in favour of legally protecting religious freedoms in the EU. Panel concluded with an appeal for peaceful coexistence and promotion of religious tolerance.
Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy
Summary of Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy 2016 Session 3: Nurturing democracy through education Panel focused on impacts of in-classroom and out-of-school education on democracy, human rights and citizenship, evaluating two cases - Polish schooling system that has been rapidly reformed and decentralised after 1989 and Pakistani education system, which despite its shortcomings, is gaining traction among the society with the help of qualified teachers and technology alike. Speakers underlined the role media play in shaping people’s view on democracy, especially in transitional societies. Panellists arrived at the conclusion that schools serve as a laboratory of democracy and should be guided by rule of law and constitution to teach students about the rights and obligations in the democratic society.
Session 4: Citizens oversight over elections and fight against corruption Panel has analysed instances of fraudulent elections in Poland, Sri Lanka and Venezuela, concluding that irregularities happen on local and national level, regardless of the level of development. Need of citizen oversight, judicial independence and advocacy for electoral transparency has been underlined. Speakers have agreed that direct consequences of election fraud and corruption range from diminished trust in state institutions, through higher crime rate to regulatory capture.
Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy
Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy 2016. Panelists, left to right: Mr Sam van der Staak, International IDEA Mr Marcin Dybowski, Election Control Movement – Authority Control Movement Association Mr Rajith Keerthi Tennakoon, Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (Sri Lanka) Mr David Smolansky Urosa, Mayor of El Hatillo Municipality (Venezuela) Photo: MFA
Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy
Recommendations for the future: 1. Ensure that democracy support activities are primarily aimed at promoting respect for values
such as transparency, accountability, justice, dialogue, empowerment and participation as well as the full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. Regardless of some regional variations of democratic systems they all must have a common set of principles and rights which are recognized and guaranteed both at international and domestic level.
2. Promote a positive vision of democracy and its achievements. The image of democracy as
a threat or lever of pressure must be challenged. Democratic transition may raise opposition especially when it results in loosing benefits by some groups. In order for democracy support to be effective and backed by society, it must also focus on presenting merits of this form of government, such as safeguarding of the interests of people and ensuring stability.
Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy
3. Never take democracy for granted. Democratic process is not linear. Many examples
prove that democracy is not a gift obtained once and for all. It is a process that requires constant attention and improvement.
4. Promote dialogue and consensus building. Fight against polarization during
transition process. Restore citizens’ trust in governments and political leaders. Tensions in societies and polarization may occur during transition process. Thus, it is of utmost importance to identify values that every citizen could subscribe to regardless of ethnicity, religion or culture. Inclusiveness and dialogue among political forces and civil society are key to address these challenges.
5. Enhance efforts aiming at providing support to civic activism. Create an enabling environment
and protect civil society which must be at the heart of democracy. Participation of citizens plays a key role in democracy. It is both a right and a duty. Civic activism is essential for ensuring that public institutions function in an accountable and transparent way. The need to engage with citizens must be recognized by politicians and governments.
Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy
6. Promote civic engagement in political life and decision-making through participation
in and control over electoral processes. Ensure that the voice of every citizen is heard. Any democratic form of governance must be based on active citizens who take part in political life. Elections remain the main form of expressing views and support for politicians. Nevertheless democracy cannot boil down to elections which are held on a regular basis also in countries that are difficult to be classified as democratic.
7. Ensure that adequate protection is guaranteed to all persons belonging to minorities,
including religious minorities, against threats, discrimination and persecution. Promote religious coexistence and tolerance. Discriminatory laws and practices that undermine respect for fundamental freedoms must be prohibited. In particular the full respect for freedom of religion or belief must be guaranteed. All persons belonging to minorities must fully enjoy economic, political, social and cultural rights.
Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy
8. Promote openness and democratic values through education both in democratic states
and non-democratic regimes. Education shapes citizens’ attitudes and fosters activism which are key to introducing democratic transformation. Schools as the first public institutions in the life-experience of young people must be open to local environment and governed together by students, teachers and parents.
9. Promote unbiased education on the past. Transition process to be effective must include
reconciliation and education on all aspects of history, even painful ones. Reconciliation is a necessary requirement for coming to terms with history of violence and war, oppression and human rights violations. Painful or controversial historical moments cannot be omitted in the process of shaping of attitudes of future citizens. Education cannot only help to prevent a return to violence but also boost legitimacy of democratic institutions. 10. Strengthen anti-corruption measures though creating legal framework and shaping
attitudes with the means of education. Corruption can take many forms but it always entails abuse of entrusted authority and power for personal gain. It undermines democracy. Combating corruption is often challenging as it requires acting against the interest of a certain group. Addressing its root causes can be done in an effective way by government only with the engagement of civil society.
Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy
Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy 2016. Photo: MFA