11-10-2008
Issued by Initiatives for China
Contact: Jim Geheran
Tel: 202-290-1423
initiatives4china@gmail.com
www.initiativesforchina.org

On November 9, the Fourth Interethnic/Interfaith Leadership Conference held at Harvard University concluded on a note of unity and renewed commitment to advancing human rights, democracy, and the rule of law for all the peoples of China. The conference, funded in part, by the National Endowment for Democracy, and sponsored by the Boston-based democracy group, Initiatives for China, was attended by more than sixty delegates from virtually every ethnic and religious group under the rule of the Chinese government. Under the theme of “respecting differences, embracing universal values, united for a democratic future for all,” the conference provided a forum for finding common ground in the pursuit of human rights and democratic reforms in the governance of peoples under the rule of the Chinese Communist Party. The conference concluded with writing a Joint Declaration of Unity, which represents the first time in history that a compact was drafted and agreed upon by people from so many diverse ethnic groups from inside China.

The last day of the conference was devoted to discussing the principles and strategies of non-violent action in the pursuit of human rights and constitutional reform. Hardy Merriman, a trainer and educator of non-violence, presented case studies that led to political and social reform. These studies included Serbia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. The presentation was followed by a lively discussion of how these nonviolent strategies might be applied to advancing democracy and human rights in China.

In a demonstration of unity of purpose and collective action, the conference participants unanimously approved a joint declaration promising mutual respect and unity in the pursuit of common goals. The participants also drafted a letter to President-Elect Obama. The letter recognizes the hope that the new administration will restore the United States to its historical position as the champion of human rights and democracy around the world. With this in mind, the letter specifically calls for the United States to make human rights and democratic reform an ongoing, consistent, and integral part of its overall, political, economic, and cultural engagement with China.

Both the letter and the declaration will be posted on this website, pending finalization and approval.