Renowned human rights activist and Nobel laureate Tawakkol Karman addressed the conference titled "Democratic Era in the Arab World: Roadmap to Democracy," held in Sarajevo, Bosnia, on October 19-20, 2024.
Karman's participation drew significant attention to the pressing issues surrounding democracy and human rights in the Arab region, where numerous challenges persist.
In her remarks, Karman emphasized the importance of the gathering as a platform for advocates of democracy. She asserted that the democracy they seek is not merely a process defined by election cycles; rather, it is a comprehensive system of values, principles, and practices that ensures the rights, dignity, and well-being of every individual. She articulated a vision of democracy that guarantees every individual a voice, fosters dialogue, and promotes consensus through respect for differences.
Karman highlighted fundamental freedoms as central to this vision, particularly the freedom of opinion and expression. She stressed that democracy must allow for open discussions without fear of persecution, ensuring the freedom of assembly and organization. Such freedoms empower people to express and defend their interests in peaceful and organized ways.
Addressing the principles of governance, Karman called for a genuine separation of powers, judicial independence, and the rule of law. She noted that these elements are crucial for holding authorities accountable and ensuring that no one is above the law, regardless of their position or power.
Karman also emphasized the importance of fair electoral processes, where citizens can choose their representatives through transparent elections, thus preventing power from being monopolized by a select few. She asserted that a true democracy effectively combats corruption by ensuring transparency, access to information, and mechanisms for accountability.
Moreover, she discussed how the democracy they strive for aims to mitigate the risk of civil wars and inter-state conflicts by providing a clear legal framework for political competition. Karman contrasted this vision with the actions of authoritarian rulers, who often resort to violence to maintain their privileges, a trend evident in the aftermath of the Arab Spring.
Karman asserted that the principles they uphold transcend labels, whether referred to as democracy, consultation, or even a newly coined term like "voluntarism." What truly matters, she argued, is the guarantee and effective implementation of these fundamental principles.
The activist also reflected on the historical roots of democratic principles within Arab and Islamic heritage. She pointed out that many concepts of democracy are not exclusively Western inventions, noting that various cultures have contributed essential ideas to democracy. Karman cited examples from history, such as the early participatory governance demonstrated by tribal councils and the significant roles of the Council of Consultation (Shura) during the Islamic Caliphate.
She highlighted the story of the Queen of Sheba, who consulted her people before making decisions, as a testament to the spirit of consultation and participation inherent in their culture. Karman also referenced the Constitution of Medina, established by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), as an early model of a social contract that provided guarantees for all individuals, irrespective of social status or religious beliefs.
Addressing criticisms of democracy, Karman acknowledged that some see it as slow or ineffective in resolving crises. However, she countered this by questioning if tyranny is a viable alternative, emphasizing that the rights and freedoms flourished under democratic systems. While some may point to the economic successes of authoritarian regimes, Karman reminded the audience that such stability comes at the cost of freedom and human dignity.
Karman wrapped up her speech by urging her fellow democracy advocates to focus on addressing the obstacles to achieving democracy, rather than questioning its fundamental worth. She highlighted significant challenges, including the global alliance of tyrannical forces, the betrayal of democratic values by certain states, the rise of populism, and the vulnerabilities of global institutions meant to protect citizens.
As her remarks came to a close, Karman reaffirmed her strong belief in the path toward democracy and expressed confidence that when the opportunity arises, the people of the Arab region will seize it and ensure that it does not slip away again.
Here is the complete text of the speech:
Hello and welcome to this important conference addressing issues of democracy in the Arab world. Thank you all for attending, especially in light of the challenges and concerns we face today: the resurgence of tyranny characterized by escalating repression and violence, its efforts to strengthen both internal and external alliances, as well as the ongoing Israeli occupation, foreign ambitions, and persistent internal and regional conflicts.
Dear friends,
Today, I want to emphasize the significance of our gathering as advocates and defenders of democracy. The democracy we strive for is not merely a process defined by election dates; it is an integrated system of values, principles, and practices that ensures the rights, dignity, and well-being of every individual.
The democracy we advocate for is one where every individual has a voice, every idea is heard, and every difference fosters dialogue and consensus. It guarantees fundamental freedoms and rights, foremost among them the freedom of opinion and expression—through speech, imagery, writing, and action—as well as the freedom of thought and conscience.
It is a democracy that enables open discussions without fear of persecution or oppression, ensuring the freedom of assembly and organization. Such freedoms allow people to express their interests and defend them in peaceful and organized ways.
The democracy we advocate for ensures a genuine separation of powers, the independence of the judiciary, and the rule of law, empowering people with the ability to hold authorities accountable. The rule of law serves as a fortress that safeguards equality, asserting that no one is above the law, regardless of their power or position.
The democracy we advocate for grants people the right to choose their governors and representatives through free, fair, and transparent elections, ensuring that competition for power and the peaceful transfer of authority are accessible to all, rather than being monopolized by a family, group, party, or sect. It empowers us to hold rulers accountable, allows for criticism and opposition, and grants the right to support those in power.
The democracy we are fighting for is one that effectively combats corruption. Ensuring transparency and access to information, along with mechanisms to hold corrupt individuals accountable, are key advantages of democratic systems. This democracy also aims to achieve social justice and development by guaranteeing quality education, providing healthcare, and ensuring that resources are invested in infrastructure that meets societal needs. In doing so, we improve daily life and support economic growth.
The democracy we strive for seeks to reduce the likelihood of civil wars and inter-state conflicts by providing a clear legal and political framework for power competition. It establishes mechanisms for peaceful dispute resolution and requires leaders to consult legislative bodies before deciding on matters of war. In contrast, authoritarian rulers frequently turn to violence and destruction to protect their privileges, as witnessed in the countries of the Arab Spring.
These are the principles we uphold, regardless of the names used—whether democracy, consultation, or even a newly coined term like "voluntarism." What truly matters is that these fundamental principles are guaranteed and effectively implemented.
Dear friends,
I would not be exaggerating if I said that many meanings and principles of democracy are not exclusively Western inventions. Various cultures have contributed essential ideas to the concept of democracy. Our Arab and Islamic heritage contains a long history of democratic principles that predate their adoption in the West as we know it today. History provides us with numerous examples that demonstrate the deep roots of consultation, participation, and accountability in our culture.
The tribal councils of ancient times demonstrated early forms of participatory governance. With the rise of the Islamic Caliphate, the Council of Consultation (Shura) and scholars played significant roles in advising the ruler and addressing major issues. One of the most notable examples from our heritage is the story of Queen of Sheba, who displayed wisdom and courage when she consulted her people on how to respond to the message of Prophet Solomon, stating, "I will not decide on a matter until you are present." This reflects the spirit of consultation and participation. Additionally, the Constitution of Medina, established by the Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him), is viewed as an early model of social contract, providing guarantees for all individuals regardless of their social status or religious beliefs.
Dear friends,
Some question democracy, claiming it's slow or ineffective in resolving crises. But I ask you: what is the alternative? Is tyranny the answer? Should we relinquish our right to participate and surrender our affairs to a handful of corrupt tyrants?
History and the experiences of nations clearly show that rights and freedoms have flourished under democracy. Some might point to the economic successes and infrastructure achievements of authoritarian regimes. But at what cost? The stability offered by tyranny always comes at the expense of freedom and human dignity. It's a fragile stability built on oppression and fear, not societal consensus.
Dear friends,
Our paramount objective is to surmount the challenges impeding the attainment of genuine democracy. As Arab democrats and freedom fighters, our efforts must be directed toward overcoming the obstacles to democratic realization. The inherent value of democracy is not in question; our focus must be on addressing the impediments to its complete implementation. These key challenges include:
• The global and regional alliance of tyrannical forces manifests through military coups, occupation, armed militias, and rulers who manipulate elections to undermine state institutions.
• Democratic values and principles are betrayed by democratic states that ally with tyrannical regimes, supporting military coups and fostering creative chaos.
• The rise of populism and the far right has led to increased threats to democracy in Western countries, exacerbated by a growing erosion of trust in institutions and laws. This trend has coincided with an unprecedented decline in freedom of expression, particularly evidenced by the arrest of students and supporters of the Palestinian cause. They face not only charges of anti-Semitism but also a new accusation of “anti-Zionism.” This undermines one of democracy's fundamental pillars: the right to free expression and peaceful assembly.
• These countries commit war crimes, invade and destroy nations, and perpetuate their colonial legacy worldwide. Examples include their occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan, ongoing support for the Israeli occupation of Palestine, and complicity in genocide in Gaza and war crimes in Lebanon. This complicity highlights their double standards, turning a blind eye to severe human rights violations and international law when it involves allies, further undermining their credibility in promoting democracy and justice. Our struggle against tyranny is also a struggle against occupation. We will continue to resist foreign occupiers and guardianship while supporting our Palestinian people in their fight for freedom, independence, and the right to return to their land.
• The rise of armed militias and sectarian conflict in our region is concerning. It’s crucial to recognize that our struggle with sectarian militias is not a Sunni-Shiite conflict, but rather a battle between tyranny and democracy. Tyranny exploits sectarianism to mask its crimes and divert attention from the true issues at hand. As an Arab democratic society, we must not be misled by the slogans of sectarian militias, particularly those claiming to defend the Palestinian people. This includes the racist Houthi militia, which has devastated Yemen and perpetrated widespread racism, violence, and terrorism against its own people. They manipulate the Palestinian cause to advance the agendas of a tyrannical state like Iran, which seeks regional expansion under the guise of sect and ideology. As advocates of democracy, we must firmly reject not only guardianship and occupation but also the sectarian militias in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen. These militias have ravaged their countries, and we cannot allow them to exploit our nation’s critical issues for their own gain.
• The fragility of global institutions designed to protect people poses a significant challenge for advocates of democracy. Organizations like the United Nations, the Security Council, and the International Criminal Court often fall short. As we strive for democracy in our Arab countries, we must not overlook these institutions. It is essential to raise awareness and advocate for reforms that make these bodies truly representative of the people, rather than the rulers, and ensure their mechanisms promote equality and justice.
Dear friends,
Much has been said about democracy, and much more will follow. Democracy encourages critical thinking, freedom of choice, and respect for differences, often leading to progress. In contrast, dictatorship stifles people's ambitions, future prospects, and, ultimately, their dignity. I believe our peoples now understand the path they must take, and when the opportunity arises, they will not let it slip away again.
Thank you!
