[From Okinawa, Sept. 7] Letter of protest to South Korean Government (fwd)

[아름드리 나무]

http://okinawaoutreach.blogspot.jp/2012/09/letter-of-protest-to-south-korean.html
Okinawa Outreach sent a letter pasted below to the President.

                                                                                                             September 7, 2012

To your Excellency, the President of the Republic of Korea

　We are writing to protest your government’s denial of entry without explanation.

   On September 5, three members of “Okinawan and Korean Solidarity Group Against US Bases” and one member of the “Peace Forum” were denied entry to South Korea without explanation. They were on their way to attend the international symposium and seminars, which are now being held in Jeju, during the same period that the 2012 International Union for Conservation of Nature World Conservation Congress is being held, from September 6-15. Beyond this incident, a co-representative and a staff member of the NGO “Save the Dugong Campaign Center” were also denied entry on September 6. Not only were Japanese and Okinawan people deported, but also one US activist of the “Save Jeju Campaign,” who had been engaged in building international solidarity for Jeju.

   The South Korean Government has been deporting people who have been standing in solidarity with Jeju people since last year. The number of entry denials to international supporters for Jeju amounts to 22. We regard the denials of entry without specified grounds as a violation of human rights that are recognized and valued among everyone in the international community, including the freedom of expression‎, assembly and transfer. 

In the best interest of a sustainable future for the world, we must all be permitted to engage in a continuing dialogue with citizens beyond national borders and exchange ideas with different peoples freely. To create open space for the sharing of knowledge and ideas, citizens have created international congresses/meetings to discuss the world’s most pressing environmental issues. IUCN WCC as well as international symposium in Jeju, organized by Korean, Okinawa and Japanese groups, represent vital opportunities for concerned people to get together and discuss the future. We believe that to deprive people of such valuable opportunities threatens the very foundations of civilized democratic societies.

We would like your government to recognize that the issue of denial of entry to international researchers and activists surpasses the issues created by present anti-base movements in Korea, Japan and Okinawa. Denials such as these are creating a dreadfully negative impression on Korea throughout global community.

　We strongly oppose the Korean government’s continued denial of entry and, hereby, request that you reopen the channels of movement among citizens, allow opportunities for all people seeking continued dialogue, and work with people to achieve a sustainable and peaceful future for all the people. We believe that your nation will play a significant role in the international community. To realize a peaceful and sustainable world, we aim to work together.
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　    Okinawa Outreach

(Fwd by Masami Mel Kawamura)