The joint declaration of the Summit
Kathmandu, 2003

This representative assembly of civil society organizations and networks of South Asian countries (Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) reiterates the pledge to promote people’s struggle for a peaceful, democratic and prosperous South Asia; and commits to actively oppose all actions and policies of state and non-state actors that promote militarization, jingoism, extremism and exploitation.

Realizing that regional cooperation is the most important prerequisite for the progress of the people of South Asia – especially in the face of increasing globalization and imposition of destructive policies of the World Bank, IMF and WTO – this assembly deplores the postponement of the XII SAARC Summit and calls for its immediate convening.

This assembly also condemns the recent denial of visas to peace and human rights activists by the governments of India and Pakistan, and terms these actions as detrimental to efforts for promoting peace and regional cooperation. It demands that the visa regimes should be eased and the states of India and Pakistan immediately should stop harassing, humiliating and victimizing visitors.

This assembly further calls upon these governments to allow all citizens of SAARC countries visas at the port of entry, as is done by Sri Lanka and Nepal. It demands that all communication and travel links among South Asian countries, especially between India and Pakistan, should be immediately restored.

For the full declaration please download the PDF attachment.