26/02/2016
This project promotes and fosters open discussions and the sharing of ideas irrespective of social standing, class or gender. The forums are run by young Cambodians, for all Cambodians.
This stance resonates with the United Nation’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights:
•Article 19: “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers”
•Article 20: “Everyone has the right to peaceful assembly and association”
•Article 21: “Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives”
•Article 22: “Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and is entitled to realization, through national effort and international co-operation and in accordance with the organization and resources of each State, of the economic, social and cultural rights indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality”
•Article 26(2): “Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace”
Go Forums’ objectives are also aligned with the Magna Carta Fund for Human Rights and Democracy (MCFHRD) and the Foreign Commonwealth Office’s (FCO) foreign policy in its commitment to uphold democratic values and human rights via the fostering of open dialogue and discussions among local leadership and its people
By providing a politically neutral platform for discussions, Go Forums subsequently advocates the creation of a public sphere that promotes tolerance, empathy, and understanding of various political viewpoints, leadership, and Cambodian governance