Join Us

The genesis of the Declaration of Unity was the Asia Regional Good Governance Conference held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on 5 August 2000. Realizing a common commitment and agenda of furthering democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Asia, participants in the Conference agreed to create the Declaration in which they pledged their mutual support and assistance, particularly during times of political crises.

The Declaration of Unity provides the guiding principles to ARDA. Membership is predicated upon agreement with it. As a member you will be kept informed of Alliance’s activities as well as the political situation in the various countries across Asia. You will have the opportunity to make a contribution, big or small, to the democratization of Asia by participating in ARDA’s projects.

Please read the Declaration and become a member today!


Declaration of Unity

Whereas, Asian democrats face common challenges in their struggles for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, including censorship, intimidation, and harassment by entrenched ruling parties and other specials interests;

Whereas, despite these challenges and obstacles, Asian democrats express their views with courage, clarity, and conviction;

Whereas, corruption, patronage, and impunity by ruling parties in certain Asian countries undermine social, economic, and political development, and threaten the well being of ordinary citizens;

Whereas, Asian democrats fully reject the notion that corruption, cronyism, and authoritarianism are “Asian values”;

Whereas, Asian democrats share the common belief that power emanates from the people;

Whereas, Asian democrats believe that power is a trust exercised on behalf and reflecting the will of the people;

Whereas, Asian democrats believe that the will of the people is best expressed through credible, peaceful and democratic elections; and,

Whereas, in those countries where credible, peaceful and democratic elections are not held, corruption and impunity is endemic.

Therefore, as Asian democrats we resolve and pledge in this Declaration of Unity to:

Stand united in the common struggle for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, noble principles that we believe transcend all borders of Asia;

Continue to hold transparency and accountability as the cornerstones of good governance;

Continue to advocate and promote effective systems of checks and balances in our respective countries as a means of ensuring political pluralism and tolerance;

Continue to advocate and promote credible, peaceful and democratic elections in our respective countries as a means to empower ordinary people to challenge entrenched leadership and to change the regressive status quo; and,
Assist one another in words and deeds during times of political crises.


I have read, and I agree with the Declaration and I want to join now. Below are my particulars:

[Go to Form]


Original Signatories To The Declaration Of Unity,
5 August 2000