South Asia
We have been present in South Asia, as a liberal foundation, for forty years. We work in the SAARC states (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation), mainly in India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. In this very heterogeneous region we promote democracy, human rights and economic freedom. Together with our partners, we give liberalism a voice, set up liberal networks, strengthen liberal support in parties and reach out to the people through many activities and workshops, publications and campaigns.
South Asia is characterised, on the one hand, by violent conflicts, corruption and instability as well as by a large gap between the rich and the poor. On the other hand, some things are looking up, there is economic growth and an increasingly politically – aware civil society. Information technology, pharmaceutical and services industries are booming, there is dynamism and change thanks to the positive economic effects of globalisation (although some sceptics, despite the general euphoria, question the sustainability of this success). But there are still obstacles hampering development: nearly three quarters of the population live in poverty, especially rural people who lack access to education and health care, additionally socialist models, cumbersome bureaucracies and other pitfalls constrain progress. Moreover, the region‘s security situation is fraught with danger: the Kashmir conflict, the civil war – like conflict in Sri Lanka, international terrorism, and general political instability in many countries.
The regional office in New Delhi (India) and the project offices in Islamabad (Pakistan) and Colombo (Sri Lanka) draw up programmes, jointly with their partners, for implementing the idea of freedom in all areas. Project work focuses on economic freedom, networking between liberal organisations, ways to secure the rule of law and the protection of human and civil rights as well as on coaching and consultation with exile Tibetans on the issue of democratisation. In South Asia we work with liberal partners (non-governmental organisations, associations, parties, think tanks and networks) in order to promote economic freedom. For example, we join forces with the SAARC Chambers of Commerce, inform the public about the Economic Freedom Report; collaborate with human and civil rights organisations to combat state power abuses; elaborate concepts for conflict resolution together with think tanks, liberal political organisations and parties; circulate liberal policy documents among liberal forums and networks.
We endeavour to make politicians and civil society more conscious of the dangers freedom faces in different fields of life, more aware of governmental violence and of the inequality of opportunities. We want to encourage people to stand up for their rights, for democracy and for open and pluralistic societies: for a life of freedom, responsibility and dignity.
