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PEOPLES MOVEMENT

The Workshop group defined Peoples Movement as a force that responds to definite issues within its various societies. Movements of students, labourers, peasants, women, urban-poor, professional, indigenous peoples, minorities, peace movements and the like compose or are parts of the peoples movements. The direction of these movements are towards the common goals that cater to the problems of the masses. They deal with the root causes of society’s ills whether political, economic or social. The group felt that it is not enough for peoples movements to fight for the betterment of the masses but it is, first and foremast the obligation of people in the peoples movement to politicize the masses and encourage them to participate in the struggle. This means to recognise the power that comes from people’s participation in people's movement.

Thereafter, the group traced the historical background of the Peoples Movement in the Asia/Pacific Region so that a better understanding could be formulated on the issues that people’s movements are fighting for. In their analysis, they have stated that these issues are either initiated or perpetuated by foreign powers that support government institutions and/or some peoples movements themselves in order that these issues mould remain. The recommendations made are enlisted in appendix "Statement of Concerns and Convictions”.