Gwangju: Striving to be a ‘Human Rights City’

Photos courtesy of Gwangju Metropolitan City

“All repressive laws must be revoked, and laws introduced to protect the rights of the people.” – Aung San Suu Kyi

Gwangju appears to be taking these words to heart as it moves from the violent uprisings of May 18th towards its current goal of becoming a human rights city. Perhaps a true human rights city would be the ultimate fulfillment of Aung San Suu Kyi’s sentiment.

But then, what is a human rights city? According to the “Gwangju Declaration on Human Rights City”, it is  “both a local community and socio-political process in a local context where human rights play a key role as fundamental values and guiding principles.” However, Gwangju’s “Basic Ordinance for Human Rights” defines a human rights city as “the model city, which succeeds, develops, and realizes the historicity and spirit of democracy and human rights in the local community, and spreads them widely.” Regardless, the heart of the message is to become a city where human rights are understood and serve as the bedrock for policy development and decision making.

Other cities such as Edmonton, Canada and organizations like PDHRE (an NGO consultant on human rights to the UN) have different definitions of a human rights city. It is worth noting that in comparison to Gwangju’s version, these other definitions tend to focus more on the individual. In short, there is no single accepted definition, but the purpose is universal: an attempt to raise human rights awareness and apply the articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on the ground through policy development and/or outreach programs.

From the Donghak Rebellion of 1894 to the May 18 battle against South Korea’s military junta, the people of South Jeolla have actively resisted oppression. Though the mechanisms have changed, this tradition has continued into the present, with Gwangju increasingly engaged in the global human rights conversation. According to Gwangju’s “Basic Action Plan for a Human Rights City,” the city leadership’s long term vision involves developing:

“Gwangju as the world human rights city and contribut[ing] to world peace and human rights improvements through a new understanding of the historicity of Gwangju, the spirit of democracy, human rights, and peace.”

This is part of a fifteen-year trend of Gwangju steadily increasing its global exposure in the human rights arena. Having high profile individuals such as Xanana Gusmao – the leader of the East Timor resistance against the Indonesian occupation – receive the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights (established in 2000) has certainly brought more publicity.

Since 2007 Gwangju has also turned its attention inward by implementing a series of policies, including the “Gwangju Human Rights Charter,” to establish a solid human rights foundation for the city. City officials have also begun outreach programs, including the development of a human rights online portal, the establishment of a human rights ombudsman, and the early stages of a public education program.

Perhaps the crown jewel of Gwangju’s efforts is the World Human Rights City Forum. First held in 2011, it drew over 100 participants to discuss the future role of human rights cities.  Organized in conjunction with the May 18 commemorative ceremonies, this forum has brought Gwangju and Gwangju’s history of fighting against oppression into the spotlight. Attendees of the 2011 forum signed the “Gwangju Declaration on Human Rights City,” committing to the development of effective training/education programs to make human rights a reality on the ground as well as continuing to strengthen international ties between human rights cities. To this end, they have recommended that Gwangju continue to organize the World Human Rights Cities Forum, and to this day the forum continues to grow.

Each May 15-18 since 2011, Gwangju has organized and hosted this increasingly popular forum. Last year’s forum had over 300 participants and included a keynote speech by Getache Engida, Deputy Director-General of UNESCO.

With Dr. Park Kyung-suh, the first South Korean ambassador to the UN Human Rights Commission, as the chair of this year’s promotion committee, the 2014 forum promises to continue impressing.  Its theme “Towards a Global Alliance of Human Rights Cities for All” places a firm emphasis on global cooperation as it relates to the concept of a human rights city and includes workshops on “Local Government and Human Rights” and “Gwangju Principles for a Human Rights City.” Korean and international residents have been selected to represent Gwangju citizens at the forum.

Gwangju’s forum is now firmly established as part of the global human rights landscape, serving as a reminder that Gwangju continues to keep the May 18th spirit alive.  For those intrigued by this forum, keep an eye on the GIC webpage for updates and detailed schedules.