Ifda dossier 47, May/June 1985

THE PRESENT WORKING CONSENSUS AMONG DHRRA PARTNERS
The following ideas constitute the working basis, for unity among
CENDHRRA partners. These consensus points concretize the fundamental
principles mentioned above and help define CENDHRRA's tasks.
To uphold the primacy of persons in development. To promote devel-
opment that is people-oriented and people-based.
To work for the enhancement of human freedom founded on integrity
and responsibility - a human process of growth where people free
themselves from poverty, from social, economic and political manip-
ulation by those who control society's resources.
To promote open and authentic dialogue among people and groups ba-
sed on the principle of Sutcha (trust); to reconstruct human trans-
actions and communities on the principle of participation for all.
To work for formation of "living structures", meaning, of groups
and institutions that are capable of responding to people's real
needs. (Here it was noted that the CENDHRRA Secretariate and the
DHRRA Secretariates are essentially catalyzing bodies. As such,
they are not to become themselves "institutionalized".
"Institutionalization" of a DHRRA occurs when it becomes exclusive
to certain types of groups/individuals to the exclusion of others;
or when it starts to emphasize rules instead of objectives; or when
its tasks become ends in themselves and no longer respond to
people's real needs. Through their catalyzing activities these
DHRRAs are to bring about the revitalization of institutions, and a
reform of structures. It was further noted that each DHRFA develops
in its own unique form and style, depending on specific prevailing
conditions and needs in its host country.).
To give priority to development activities, programs, projects that
directly benefit the poorest groups and marginalized those bypassed
by organizations and institutions both within and outside the
countries.
To work towards a relationship of true partnership with donor
groups.
To sustain basic unity and increase solidarity among DHRFA groups
and partners, through constant and open communication either
through the Secretariate, or directly with other partners in the
network.
WHAT COMBINATION OF CHARACTERISTICS ?ISTINGUISH THE DHRRA
NETWORK FROM OTHER GROUPS AND NETWORKS,
1. It is Asian. (It strives to express Asian realities, concepts and
experiences).
2. It is secular, non-Church. (It is essentially humanist, drawing
from various cultural and religious values).
3. It is not a political body. (It respects political autonomy of persons
and transcends political. differences; it promotes open dialogue).
4. The structure is informal; bureaucracy is non-existent.