You also can be a part of it!
Below you will find a decalogue of frequently asked questions about our mission, followed by alternatives to support it.
1. Memory, Human Rights and International Democratic Solidarity
Inspired by the memory of the solidarity received by human rights activists, the politically persecuted, relatives of the imprisoned and disappeared, and independent journalists during the last military dictatorship in Argentina (1976-1983), CADAL, a private, non-profit and non-partisan foundation based in the city of Buenos Aires, was created 22 years ago with the mission of promoting human rights and international democratic solidarity. In 2020, its global division was established in the United States as CADAL FOUNDATION.
2. What is international democratic solidarity?
It is "putting ourselves in the shoes" of those living under dictatorship, making their situation visible and being "the voice of those who have no voice". International democratic solidarity focuses on countries where freedom of association, expression, assembly, protest and political participation are suppressed, i.e. dictatorships.
3. Aren’t human rights violated in democracies as well?
They are, especially economic, social and cultural rights, because effective public policies are not implemented to guarantee them, such as access to education, health, housing, social security and culture. Civil liberties can also be violated, but those responsible for excesses, such as police brutality, are brought to justice.
4. Why is it important for civil society in a democracy to defend human rights internationally?
For two reasons. First, so as not to be indifferent to those who suffer from the criminalization of human rights, and second, because defending them universally contributes to their promotion and appreciation in one’s own country. For example, transparent and competitive elections; freedom of the press, expression, assembly, petition and peaceful demonstration; access to public information; and the right to leave and return freely.
5. Why should a democratic government adopt an active foreign policy regarding human rights?
The answer can be summed up in these two sentences:
“Because we are free we cannot be indifferent to the fate of freedom elsewhere in the world” (Jimmy Carter, former president of the United States of America).
“I know how important it is for a person to know that there are people out there who are not indifferent to your fate” (Václav Havel, former president of the Czech Republic).
6. What are the prerequisites for an active foreign policy on human rights?
First, to respect them internally, i.e. to have the moral authority to speak about the situation in other countries; and also to be subject to the supervision of the universal human rights system of the United Nations. Second, their universal application, meaning no "double standards".
7. Why is international democratic solidarity of civil society important?
When the political realism of democratic governments stalls the international denunciation of human rights violations in other countries and extends illegality to our colleagues, the idealism of civil society takes on a fundamental role. Unlike democratic governments, which change periodically, civil society organizations that manage to build a good reputation are sustained over time and represent the hope of moral support for those living in authoritarian contexts in different parts of the world.
8. What is the basic principle of human rights activism?
Not to apply double standards in judging authoritarian regimes, regardless of whether they respond to left-wing or right-wing traditions. Human rights organizations must defend human rights everywhere, given their universal character, and not only in places where they are violated by governments with which they have no ideological affinity.
9. What does CADAL do to defend human rights?
Global monitoring and analysis of the state of human rights, especially in autocracies and closed societies; political advocacy with democratic countries for the implementation of diplomatic practices committed to human rights; training in human rights and transition; humanitarian assistance and recognition of the work of activists, organizations and diplomats.
10. What distinguishes CADAL from other human rights organizations?
Its non-partisan character and the fact that it is the first organization in Latin America, born in the Global South, committed to international democratic solidarity.
Who might be interested in supporting CADAL?
People who share the ideal of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, live in a democratic country and are sensitive to the situation of people living under dictatorship.
How can you support CADAL?
From anywhere in the world, being part of the global community with contributions from 5 to 25 dollars per month as an Adherent Member; contributing between 50 and 100 dollars per month as a Benefactor Member; and including in your legacy/inheritance to CADAL FOUNDATION in Argentina or CADAL FOUNDATION in the United States.
