This representative assembly of civil society organizations and network of South Asian countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) condemns the unwarranted postponement the SAARC heads of state Summit and calls for its immediate convening to discuss the current social, political and economic issues.

The People’s assembly has been deeply devastated and grieved by the Tsunami disaster and offers its heartfelt sympathies to the survivors and expresses concern over the neglect of states in providing relevant information to citizens and for failing to forewarn the people. We also express anger and shock over the mishandling of the post-disaster situation, failure in creating systems to reach the victims and the delivery of relief and assistance in rehabilitation. We recognize that the problems of disaster in our era are magnified by the failure of policy and poor governance. We appreciate the unprecedented generosity and benevolence of the people of the world and call for an effective mechanism to coordinate the relief efforts. We endorse the priorities and commitments made in the World Conference on Disaster Reduction (WCDR) framework of action. We urge an effective South Asian system with a sound organizational structure to share expertise, knowledge and hydro-meteorological information.

This assembly views with concern the recent developments in Nepal and the suspension of fundamental rights and civil liberties is unacceptable. It calls for the restoration of basic human rights and democracy in Nepal forthwith. The states must not be allowed to suspend fundamental rights and civil liberties under any pretext. Rights to information and communication as fundamental rights of respective citizens must be ensured.

The People’s Summit expresses concern over the rapidly growing militarization of the states in the name of national interest and security. Such policies are detrimental to peace and democracy in the region and give rise to extremism, intolerance, confrontation and conflict. It therefore demands an end to recent arms deals and the immediate reduction in military expenditures.
We urge immediate negotiations without pre-conditions among SAARC states on existing and potential conflict-generating issues such as territorial disputes, shared water resources, and hydrocarbons resources. The Assembly demands the suspension of all mega hydroelectric projects that adversely affect the lives and livelihoods of millions and call for the development of a mutually agreed code of conduct for projects that negatively impact neighboring countries.

For the full declaration please download the PDF attachment.