Greenpeace East Asia Seoul, as an international environmental NGO, condemns the unconstitutional declaration of martial law by the South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol late December 3 and expresses its solidarity with the citizens’ movement to restore democratic values. This declaration of martial law is a clear violation of democratic procedures and values. This incident, which attempted to control the media and stifle the freedom of assembly and demonstration, showed that our fundamental rights can be revoked in an instant.
Nevertheless, citizens have shown the world that democracy is still alive and well in South Korea by taking direct action. Yesterday evening, citizens prevented martial law troops from entering the National Assembly and helped lawmakers cross the fence. Throughout the history of humanity, people power has overcome division and injustice to create harmony and change. When citizens collectively take action, the wall of oppression is broken down, and the driving force for a better world is created.
Our civil society is striving to create a sustainable world in the face of extreme climate change and ecosystem collapse. A sustainable world is impossible without the establishment of a true democracy and justice where everyone can participate. Greenpeace calls for the legal accountability of the president and government ministers who have caused this unconstitutional situation. We also call for an end to the era of national division in response to the voices of citizens demanding change. In anticipation of an era of harmony and hope, Greenpeace East Asia Seoul will actively stand in solidarity with the restoration of democratic values in South Korea.
Greenpeace East Asia Seoul office
Communications team
[email protected]
+82 2-3144-19964