About Us

The concept of ARDA came about at the Asia Regional Good Governance Conference held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on August 5, 2000. The Declaration of Unity, drafted and adopted by those present, would serve as the vision to bring together servants of democracy all over Asia in our common struggle for freedom and democracy.

In a subsequent meeting in Taipei, Taiwan more discussions were held to breathe life into such an alliance. Finally in Bangkok, Thailand ARDA was formally constituted:


Resolution of formation

Motion 1

That we, the undersigned meeting in Bangkok, Thailand on 8 October 2000, resolve to establish the Alliance for Reform and Democracy in Asia (ARDA) and adopt the following Preamble and Mission Statement:

Preamble
We, individuals and organizations throughout Asia, dedicated to reform so as to advance democracy, human rights, good governance and the rule of law across Asia and throughout the world, hereby establish ARDA.

Mission Statement
ARDA offers Asian democrats and reformers an effective network to provide mutual information, support, and non-violent intervention during times of political crises. ARDA intends to serve as an ally of Asian democrats, a facilitator to build solidarity among pro-democracy activists, a monitor of political developments, and a catalyst for new ideas and initiatives to promote democracy and freedom throughout Asia.


Motion 2

That membership of ARDA be open to all individuals and organizations who demonstrate their commitment to the Declaration of Unity that was adopted in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on 5 August 2000 and which is appended to and forms part of this resolution.


Motion 3

That ARDA establish an Interim Steering Committee which will have responsibility for administration, including but not limited to:

Appointment of a Secretariat;
Recruitment of members and establishment of a membership list;
Establishment of a mailing list;
Promotion of the ARDA to Asian and other governments, political parties, individuals, and other organizations;
Fundraising and financial management;
Establishment of relations with organizations whose activities are supportive of the ARDA’s mission;
Prepare recommendations for the organizational structure and operations of the ARDA for consideration and decision by the membership at the first Annual General Meeting;
Respond to political developments and crises;
Oversee activities of Task Forces;
Appoint additional Task Forces as required; and,
Organize the first Annual General Meeting to be held not later than October 2001.


Motion 4

That the Task Forces be established as follows:

Human Rights Task Force, whose activities may include:

Responses to threats or abuses to human rights;
Establish relations with dialogue partners and resource panel members;
Organization of conferences; and,
Publication.

Good Governance Task Force, whose activities may include:

Exposing cases of corruption, cronyism, and other breaches of good governance;
Establish relations with dialogue partners and resource panel members;
Advising on best practice in governance;
Organization of conferences; and,
Publication.

Electoral Reform Task Force, whose activities may include:

Election monitoring;
Observer groups during elections;
Establish relations with dialogue partners and resource panel members;
Review and benchmarking of electoral laws and regulations; and,
Publication.



Signed: