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Across many parts of Asia today, people from all walks of life – students, teachers, factory workers, journalists, artists, the elderly, youth, farmers and fisherfolk – are fighting day and night to create meaningful change in society. They are pursuing their collective struggle in the name of democracy.
Democracy, after all, is more than just a modern system of governance; it is an ideology rooted in the power of the people. In a democracy, positive change can be brought about by the people themselves and not by a system controlled by an elite few.
Who exactly are pro-democracy defenders?
As individuals and collectively, they strive for the establishment of democratic values and norms in society. In Asia, their work is crucial since many countries across the region still lack free and fair elections, and are struggling to establish and maintain democratic systems respectful of fundamental rights and freedoms.
Anyone who shares the goal of establishing or strengthening democratic institutions can be a pro-democracy defender, who, despite challenges, will seek to fulfill such a mission.
In many parts of Asia, ordinary individuals have come together in mass protests, marched down the streets, and more recently, taken over the online space – all in the name of democracy.
We have witnessed the transformative power of pro-democracy movements that blossomed in the 1980s. In the Philippines, for example, a peaceful revolt in 1986 toppled the 20-year dictatorship of the late Ferdinand Marcos Sr. In South Korea, the June Democratic Struggle of 1987 paved the way for the establishment of its present-day democratic government. In China, tens of thousands of people, notably students, held protests in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square from April 15 to June 4, 1989 demanding democratic reforms, culminating in a deadly crackdown by state security forces.
The same fiery spirit lives on in the new millennium: Hong Kong staged massive protests between 2019 and 2020, initially against a draft law allowing extraditions to mainland China before calls evolved into other demands, notably around China’s draconian national security policies; in 2022, thousands of Sri Lankans stormed the presidential residence and offices to force then president Gotabaya Rajapaksa to resign.
Pro-democracy defenders demand better governance and an equal society. They are unafraid of calling out the repressive policies and practices of authoritarian governments, military juntas, and abusive police.
Such noble pursuits, however, have not been without cost. In 2021 and 2022, among all types of human rights defenders in Asia, pro-democracy defenders were the most at risk, according to FORUM-ASIA. Out of 1,636 violations against human rights defenders in Asia documented in the period under review, as many as 450 violations were directed against pro-democracy defenders.
At least 276 cases recorded indicated violations of the right to liberty and security of pro-democracy defenders.
Pro-democracy defenders in Asia typically encounter recurring judicial harassment, arrests, detention, and physical violence – mostly at the hands of state actors such as the police and judiciary. At worst, some defenders end up missing or dead.
On International Day of Democracy, celebrated every Sept. 15, we commemorate and celebrate pro-democracy defenders who have persevered in their human rights work in Asia and beyond despite the numerous challenges and extreme intimidation they face.
Thailand and Myanmar as prime examples
In Southeast Asia, Thailand and Myanmar offer clear examples of how pro-democracy defenders brought a broader understanding of democratic values in their respective countries.
Since late 2020, Thai youth including students have led a widespread movement calling for constitutional changes and the repeal of royal defamation, an offense punishable by up to 15 years in prison. The movement has since captured the support of like-minded individuals and groups, including academics and artists, young and old alike.
Since then, the Thai pro-democracy movement has gained momentum and made headlines worldwide, drawing international condemnation against the authorities’ violent crackdown on peaceful protests and inspiring similar movements elsewhere.
“Many see democratic reform as an inevitable circumstance. However, it is clear that this challenging struggle that lies ahead of us is a long fight that may or may not succeed in our own generations. Nevertheless, we will continue to fight,” a Thai pro-democracy member said on condition of anonymity for security reasons.
Meanwhile in Myanmar, soon after the attempted coup on Feb. 1, 2021, the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) emerged as people joined alliances with civil society groups to oppose the junta and demand the restoration of civilian rule. The movement quickly gained large adherence as doctors, monks, teachers, and people from various professions joined the cause, contributing to CDM’s cross-cutting nature.
Amid the atrocities committed daily by the Myanmar junta against its critics, the CDM continues to represent an organized and brave resistance.
“The CDM joined forces with pro-democracy groups for the first time in Myanmar’s history to uproot a long-standing military dictatorship. Despite the awareness of the charges they may face and the risks to their lives, they continue to stand firm in their commitment to safeguarding democracy and human rights. The people of Myanmar truly respect their sacrifices,” a pro-democracy defender from Myanmar commented anonymously. Like their Thai counterpart, this defender from Myanmar chose to remain anonymous so as not to compromise their safety.
In defense of those who defend democracy
Being at the forefront of countrywide movements has put the lives of pro-democracy defenders at risk.
In 2021 and 2022, FORUM-ASIA found that among surveyed Asian countries, Myanmar and Thailand had the highest number of violations recorded against defenders, with 205 and 182 cases respectively. In each country, 132 violations against pro-democracy defenders were documented. Until today, similar patterns of violations persist. Oftentimes, such violations occur at the hands of state actors such as the police, judiciary, and military.
This does not have to be the case. Defending democracy should not come at the cost of people’s lives.
Let us support defenders and their unwavering efforts to advance democracy across Asia. Likewise, we must be mindful of the risks and obstacles they endure in their pursuit of justice and equality. Let us urge our respective governments to stop harassing defenders.
Defenders of democracy should be able to pursue their work without fear.
There is no doubt that the work of pro-democracy defenders is crucial in keeping social movements in Asia alive and undeterred while ensuring a solid opposition to repression and authoritarianism spreading in the region.
Pro-democracy defenders have the undeniable ability to mainstream the discourse around democratic values and increase the number of those standing up for it. It is high time for us to fully recognize their invaluable contributions to society.
Pro-democracy protesters take to the streets in defiance of the Myanmar junta, whose rights abuses and brutal crackdown on dissent have angered the public. (Photo: Shutterstock / R. Bociaga)
“Pro-democracy defenders are at the forefront of safeguarding democracy. Many of them face different degrees of consequences and some have even lost their lives in their pursuit of positive social change,” said a Thai pro-democracy defender.
In a world where the force of authoritarianism is stronger than ever, defenders of democracy are keeping the flame of hope alive. They must not carry this torch alone. ◉
Hye-Joon Lee and Valerio Loi are staff members at FORUM-ASIA and co-authors of Defending in Numbers: Rising Together Against All Odds.
FORUM-ASIA works to strengthen movements for human rights and sustainable development. It has consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council and a consultative relationship with the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights. Its Secretariat is based in Bangkok, with offices in Jakarta, Geneva, and Kathmandu.
