YWCA Korea and World YWCA Statement on Support for Democracy in South Korea

The YWCA Korea calls for the solidarity of the YWCA Global movement and partner organisations, and worldwide support for democracy in South Korea and the human rights of the Korean people.

The National YWCA of Korea shared in a statement published on 4 December:

“The regime of Yoon Seok-yeol, who destroyed the constitutional order with illegal martial law, must step down.

On December 3, 2024, President Yoon Seok-yeol declared emergency martial law. This is clearly unconstitutional and illegal. The impeachment of the National Assembly cannot be a requirement for declaring martial law. The declaration of emergency martial law is an act of destroying democracy built by the blood and sweat of citizens.

The National Assembly, which met in an emergency session even as airborne troops rushed in, passed the demand to lift martial law with unanimous approval from all 190 members present. Throughout the night, the citizens watched in fear and anger. Throughout the night, the citizens watched in fear as the martial law was lifted in the Cabinet meeting. President Yoon’s attempt to undermine democracy is tantamount to rebellion. The National Assembly must now hold President Yoon Seok-yeol strictly accountable.

The citizen will not tolerate the president’s unconstitutional exercise of power to mock liberal democracy. President Yoon now awaits the people’s judgment. YWCA KOREA will continue to stand with citizens to defend democracy.“

For more than a century, the World YWCA and the global movement have advocated for peace and women’s meaningful engagement in all efforts to maintain democracy and defend against human rights violations and political oppression.

With the adoption of the Peace Building Solidarity for Security and Just Peace in East Asia Resolution at the recent World YWCA Council in 2023 , which stresses “… the ’importance of women’s equal participation and full involvement in all efforts for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security, and the need to increase their role in decision-making regarding conflict prevention and resolution”. The World YWCA movement recognises the role that women and cross-regional solidarity play in Peace with Justice and is committed to supporting YWCA Korea in the efforts and actions to mobilise Korean citizens to protect democracy, peace, human rights and equality for all.

YWCA Korea:  website – Facebook – Instagram

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