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APPENDIX
WSCF STATEMENT
As SCMers of the Asia/Pacific region, after sharing and thoughtful examination of our national situations and reflecting on these in the light of our Christian faith, we are compelled to destroy all oppressive structures and partake in the building of a new humane society where justice, peace and freedom governs.
We deplore the suffering of the Asia/Pacific people from oppression and exploitation as seen in widespread poverty, increasing militarism, nuclearization, sexism, racism, political repression and human rights violations.
We identify and condemn the following demonic trends :
· Foreign intervention of our nation's political affairs through militarization, presence of military installations, nuclearization and direct military aggression;
· Foreign economic exploitation manifested by increasing
· activities of transnational corporations, and manipulation of economic policies patterned according to the dictates of foreign lending institutions;
· Imposition of alien cultures which destroy the people's cultural identity and dignity and their right to self-determination; and
· Neo-colonial superpowers supporting puppet and authoritarian regimes.
We commit ourselves to the vision of a society where there is genuine people's participation in the affairs of the state irrespective of class, caste, sex, ideology, religion, race and culture; where people shall enjoy basic democratic rights and their free exercise; where the social systems are free from foreign domination; where- economic policies uphold the people's economic well-being; and where there is a pro-people nationalist culture free of oppressive traditions.
We urge youth and students to be agents for radical transformation of society.
· As members of a believing community, we commit ourselves to work with all people involved in liberation struggles;
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· As members of the academic community, we uphold an autonomous educational system which promotes true academism and develops liberating forces; and
As members of the society we express our solidarity with peoples struggle for ;
o Liberation of women from all forms of oppression, discrimination and exploitation
o Recognition and protection of ethnic, racial and religious minorities to preserve their cultural heritage and traditions.
o Freedom for the working masses to exercise their economic, union and political rights
o Fair distribution of land for the peasants and the destruction of the feudal system
It is through the power of the people's unified and dedicated action that radical social changes can occur. We also recognize the contribution of the committed participation of the politically conscious sections of the upper social classes.
Forms of struggle vary according to particular situations. We advocate peaceful and democratic participation in political processes. Nevertheless, we acknowledge that those closest to the struggle can best determine their means to achieve liberation.
The people's power can be realized and increased through conscious efforts of building the people's awareness, organising and mobilising them to participate in people's action.
The WSCF Asia/Pacific region cooperates and coordinates with liberative forces to help bring about the necessary revolutionary changes. We have regional and global linkages as well as developed programmes which provide opportunities for leadership^, formation and collation of relevant educational materials. We see ourselves as a pressure group to constantly monitor, support and act as a mouthpiece of the poor, the deprived and the oppressed masses.
We challenge all youth and students to take up the cause of the people's struggle and help this vision of a new society become a reality.
October 1984