AMAN Assembly 2006 and International Interfaith Peace Forum

Date: 15-18 November 2006
Venue: Islamic State University, Jakarta, Indonesia
Theme: Reform and Resistance in the Quest for Peace

1. Introduction to AMAN
The Asian Muslim Action Network (AMAN) was formed in October 1990 in Chiang Mai, Thailand, when a group of like-minded Muslims scholars and social workers came together during an Asian Consultation. It is a network of progressive Muslims in Asia, seeking to respond in a small way to the numerous challenges that the people in the region are facing.

Such challenges range from mass poverty, elite corruption, materialistic life style, increasing ethnic, religious and communal conflict, violence against women and children, HIV/AIDS, and environmental degradation. Since Islam embodies eternal values and principles of Truth,

Justice, Compassion, Freedom and Equality, it is only right that Muslims seek guidance from their religion in order to meet the challenges of the times. At the same time, AMAN seeks active collaboration with other faith communities in order to promote human dignity and social justice for all.

1.1 AMAN Objectives
To develop a progressive, enlightened approach to Islam which reflects the true essence of the religion.
To help create a community of fellowship and solidarity amongst progressive enlightened Muslims in Asia.
To participate and cooperate with other faith communities in the creation of a just and compassionate society in Asia which would uphold the dignity of all the people of the continent and beyond.
1.2 Major Programs:
1.2.1 School of Peace Studies and Conflict Transformation: Offers Trainers Training on Community Based Peace Education and three weeks courses on Peace Studies and Conflict Transformation.

1.2.2 Interfaith Dialogue and Peace Forum: AMAN organizes Dialogue , workshop and forum and addresses common concerns of intra- and interfaith cooperation for peace.

1.2.3 Research Training and Research Fellowship: Trainings are offered to young researchers in Asia to enhance their research capacity. Research Fellowships on Islam in south Asia Views from within are offered based on the merit. A Total of 22 young scholars have received Fellowship.

1.2.4 AMAN Watch: Addresses Human Rights concerns, promotes human rights awareness and education, mobilizes solidarity sup

port, offers friendship and assistance to Migrants, Refugees and Asylum Seekers.

1.2.5 Preventive Education on HIV/AIDS: AMAN develops Islamic approach and promotes resources in responding challenges of HIV and AIDS in the form of preventive education , care and counseling. AMAN participates in interfaith cooperation on HIV and AIDS.

1.2.6 AMAN News Agency (AMANA): Based on the recommendation of the participants from the School of Peace Studies and Conflict, AMANA was launched to build greater awareness about Islam and peace, sensitize young journalists in promoting unbiased news, high lights grassroots concerns and produce and distribute AMANA both electronic and printed copies.

1.2.7 Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Relief: Assisting destitute, sick and underprivileged person is an Islamic tradition. AMAN Emergency Desk has extended support to the earthquake affected people in BAM, Iran, Kashmir in Pakistan, Tsunami affected people of Aceh. Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Southern Thailand.

2. Introduction to AMAN Assembly and International Interfaith Peace Forum
AMAN Assembly is the supreme policy making body. Every three years AMAN member Delegates from 15 countries in Asia, the AMAN council, program team and advisers meet in the Assembly to reflect and review the past activities.

In the year 2000, AMAN Assembly Theme was “Culture of Peace”, held in Bangladesh and in 2003, the Theme was “New Visions for Peace”, held in Thailand.

AMAN invites representatives from other faith based networks, civil society organizations including women, youth, indigenous peoples movements, scholars and peace activists to co-organize a series of thematic workshops and plenary which we call Interfaith Peace forum.

The forum helps to share experiences, identify issues of common concerns, analyze them and finally come up with concrete future action agenda. Moreover forum helps to promote mutual understanding, cooperation and solidarity.

2.1 AMAN Assembly and International Interfaith Peace Forum 2006
AMAN 3rd Assembly and the Peace Forum will be held on 15- 18 November 2006, at Islamic State University in Indonesia (UIN).

This Assembly is taking place at a time, when “peace” has become the central issue at local national and international levels. For vast majority children , women, youth, rural and urban poor, migrant and refugees, Peace is livelihood and live with dignity. For indigenous, ethnic and religious minority it is the question of self determination, equality and justice, for western world it is to preserve the value of democracy, free society and ensure security.

Whereas in the third world countries are concerned about the impact of globalization, debt, food security, fair trade, sustainable development, cooperation based on mutual respect and a shared vision.

In Asia, there is a mixed assessment about the progress of various peace and democratic processes within the nation state. There has been some progress in Aceh, but in other fronts situation remain unchanged such as Mindanao, Southern Thailand, Sri Lanka, Myanmar etc.

Post 9/11 Afghanistan and Iraq war, spread of terrorism, have widened understanding gaps between Christian and Muslim world, Recent Danish cartoon reactions across the Muslim world is an example. Within the Muslim society the sectarian violence particularly in Iraq has increased. At the same time faith communities, civil society organization around the world, are united to denounce hegemony and terrorism. Post Tsunami and earthquake, international efforts in emergency relief works, put “The Humanity First”.

For a common future all stake holders ought to work for reform and resistance from the perspective of peace and humanity. AMAN Assembly and Interfaith Peace forum will offer unique opportunities for thoughts and evolving a forward looking action agenda.

2.2 The Theme: Reform and Resistance in the Quest for Peace
Reform and Resistance are two important recurring themes in Muslim history. For centuries, scholars and leaders have addressed the challenge of rejuvenating the Muslim community (the Ummah) through a return to the fundamentals of the Quran and Sunnah or through reinterpretation of Islamic teachings. How and in which areas reform should be undertaken has been a vexatious question especially when external threats are deeply felt by the community. This was the situation when most of the Muslim world was colonized by various Western powers. Today, Muslims are going through a similar phase. Confronted by the realities of global hegemony which has witnessed the subjugation of Muslim peoples and the usurpation of their lands and resources, the legitimate desire to resist control and domination is impacting upon the equally important imperative of undertaking internal reforms. Once again the issues before the Ummah are: will internal reforms strengthen the ability to resist hegemony or will the changes within weaken resistance? This Assembly will attempt to focus upon these and other related issues since they are critical to the role of the Ummah in promoting world peace.

Objectives of the Assembly:
To provide creative space for peace thoughts, interactions, prayer, spiritual enrichment. sharing of experiences, healing, forging relationships and network of trusts.
To bring clarity of divisive issues within the Muslims and with the outside world and help forge greater understanding towards peace.
To discuss challenges which are confronting young people, women, faith communities, scholars and social movements and develop common strategies for actions.
Participants: 170 Indonesia Asia Other Regions Total
50 100 20 170
Distribution: AMAN Delegates, Council and program team Interfaith net-works Youth Women Invited speakers, guests
70 30 25 25 20

AMAN 3rd Assembly Program
1. Pre - Assembly AMAN Council Business Meeting Nov. 14 Arrival of Council Members , Country Representatives and Program Team
Nov. 15 09.00-12.00 A. Prayer for Peace

B. Opening of the Council Meeting

C. Presentation of the Three Years General Report

Specific Program Reports:
I. School of Peace Studies and Conflict Transformation
II. Research Fellowship
III AMAN Watch
IV. AMANA
V. Emergency Relief and Reconstruction
D. Open Discussion, Comments and Recommendations
Dr. Amany Lubis, AMAN Council Member
Chair: Dr. Asghar Ali Engineer, Chairman of AMAN
M. Abdus Sabur, Secretary General, AMAN

Dr. Imtiyaz Yusuf

Ms. Dwi Rubiyanti Kholifah
Mr. Sohail Ahmed
Mr. Leigh Mitchel / Ms. Deciana
Ms. Patporn Phoothong

09.12-14.00 Break for Lunch and Prayer
14.00-16.00 Open discussion: Next 5 years of AMAN A. Program
B. Organisation
C. Finance
16.00-17.00 AMAN Assembly Program and Sharing of Responsibilities

AMAN 3rd Assembly and International Interfaith Peace Forum
November 15, Wednesday, Arrival, Registration and Welcome Dinner Nov. 15 Arrival of the Assembly Delegates and Invited Guests
17.00-18.30 Word of Welcome

Introduction to Creative Space, Book Bazar and Cultural program

Welcome dinner
Ms. Sharifah Zuriah Aljeffri and Dr. Anwar Fazal
November 16. Thursday, Opening of the Assembly 08.00-9.00 Registration
09.00-09.15 Opening Prayer
09.20-09.30 Opening Remarks Dr. Asghar Ali Engineer, Chairman of AMAN
09.30-09.45 Solidarity Messages By Fraternal Organizations and Networks
09.45-10.00 Inaugural Speech By Invited Guests H.E. Dr. Susilo Bambang Yudoyono
President of Indonesia and
H.E. Mr. Iyad Madani
Minister for Information and Culture, Saudi Arabia (to be confirmed)
10.00.10.05 Vote of thanks M.Abdus Sabur, Secretary General, AMAN
10.05-10.30 Tea coffee Break
3. Plenary - I 10.30-12.30 Reform and Resistance: Quest for Peace Chair: Dr. Imtiyaz Yusuf
Speakers :
Dr. Chandra Muzaffar
Dr. Heba Rouf Ezzat
Dr. Azyumardi Azra
12.30-14.00 Break for Lunch and Prayer
Afternoon Program : 14.00-17.00 Parallel Thematic Workshops Workshop 1 Global Economy and Islamic Alternatives? Coordinators: UIN and Dumpet- Dhuafa Possible speakers: Haider Nakbi- Pakistan Mr. Darwish Mowad - Palestine
Workshop 2 Role of Civil Society in the Muslim World Coordinator: Dr. Anwar Fazal
Workshop 3 Islamic Feminism: An Alternative to Religious Conservatism and Western Feminism? Coordinators: Dwi Rubiyanti Kholifah Possible Speakers:
Workshop 4 Minorities in Asia: Integration or Segregation? Coordinator: Dr. Imtiyaz Yusuf
Workshop 5 Inter-Faith Grassroots Networking For Peace Coordinators: Sister Cecelia and Fr. Thomas Michell
November 17, Friday , Plenary II 08.30-10.00 Understanding Indonesia in its Quest for Democracy, Development and Peace

Participation and Governance
Education, Employment, Food Security
Ethnic, Cultural and Inter-religious Relations
Coordinator : UIN (Speakers to be selected by Organizing committee)
10.00-10.15 Coffee and Tea Break
Open Forum 10.15- 12.00 Towards Global Peace: Ethics of Development and Governance Possible Speakers: Ms. Kamla Bhasin
Fr. Thomas Mitchel
Dr. Clarence Dias
12.00-14.00 Break for Lunch and Prayer
Afternoon 14.00-17.00 Thematic Workshops Workshop 6 Asian Youth at Crossroads Coordinator: Arie, Zarah, Lisa
Workshop 7 Peace Process Within Multi- Ethnic Nation States in Asia and Beyond Coordinator: Nihmath Musthafa
Workshop 8 Media for Peace Coordinator- Leigh Mitchel & Deciana
Workshop 9 Rights of Migrants , Refugees, Asylum Seekers and Prisoners : Role of Faith Communities Coordinators: Drs. Habib Chirzin
Workshop 10 Contemporary Islamic Research Coordinator: UIN
Workshop 11 HIV/AIDS, Avian Flue and other Health Issues: Role of Faith Communities Mr. Sohail Ahmed
November18 Morning Plenary 09.00-10.30 Towards Transformation and Unity: Contribution of Philosophy of Life and Religions Dr. Chaiwat Satha- Anand
Dr. Hasan Hossieni
Dr. Sanu Koutoub Moustapha
Ms. Sharifah Zuriah Aljeffri
10.30-10.45 Break for Tea and coffee
10.45-12.30 Way Forward : Open forum
Recommendations
Closing Prayer Chair: Dr. Anwar Fazal
12.30 14.00 Break for Lunch and Prayer
14.00-17.00 Afternoon AMAN Council Business Meeting Afternoon AMAN Council Business Meeting

November 19: Departure

Annex
Workshop Themes
1. Global Economy and Islamic Alternatives? Coordinator-M. Arifin Purwakananta, Dompet Dhuafa, Indonesia,
For many years there has been critique of main stream economic systems and their points of focus. Socialism emerged as an alternative to capitalism but has since faded away though principles are still valued. Now globalization and digital market economies, with the support of international financial institutions, are dominant and are reaching out to even the remotest of communities. This ability to invade rural subsistence economic and cultural lives is magnified by the electronic information age that allows the broadcast of materialistic/consumerist messages from Western countries to the rest of the world.

Islamic leaders and scholars have embarked on both micro and macro initiatives, for example the establishment of Jakat funds and Islamic financial institutions, to try and demonstrate that when based on Islamic values, such initiatives can be effective in a market economy. This workshop invites scholars and practitioners to share their thoughts and experiences, and to ultimately explore if an Islamic value based economy is a viable alternative in today’s world?

2. Role of Civil Society in the Muslim World-Coordinator- Dr. Anwar Fazal, Citizen’s International- Malaysia.
In a dynamic and changing situation, no government is capable of responding fully to the needs of the people. Civil society is placed in an important intermediary role between people and the government. Civil society tries to address local problems and bring opinions of the people on issues which affect them both to the government and international institutions. It promotes education and awareness among the people and encourages them to initiate self reliant economic development and participate in decision-making processes. Civil society promotes personal and collective rights and contributes towards accountability and advocates for just governance.

In the Muslim World economic and political systems vary from country to country. Evolution of civil society organization also varies. In Muslim majority countries where large number of people are under poverty line, there are growing number of civil society organizations playing very significant role in various fields whereas in countries state-welfare system is large, number of civil society and their role has been limited. In countries where Muslims are minority, civil society organizations are now emerging.

This workshop aims to bring together representatives of civil society organization particularly from the Muslim world to share experiences, identify common challenges , develop network and promote cooperation in order to bring greater impact. Focus Area:

Education
Resource Mobilization and Emergency Relief work
Women Empowerment
Food security and Sustainable Development
Advocacy, networking and Solidarity


3. Islamic Feminism an Alternative to Religious Conservatism and Western Feminism? Coordintors: Ms. Dwi Rubiyanti Kholifah, A.D Kusumaningtyas,
Feminism is global phenomena, which challenges the long-standing and conservative values in any societies. It seeks to foster debate and dialogue for reform from within towards an egalitarian environment and emancipation of women.

In today’s society, understanding of feminism varies. Despite of many books and literatures, the notion of feminism is still Western. Some of speak ‘Western Feminism’ is essentialist, monolithic, and only can accept the existence of a single, ethnocentric feminism discourse, which ignore realities of women who are being confronted with diversities of values and religious lifestyle.

It is also a reality that women in the Muslim world are being degraded and denied their rightful place and participation by religious conservative interpretation, which claims their act is to preserve authenticity of religious identity from secularization of feminism.

This workshop would like to provide a forum to share thoughts and ideas, bring clarity, evolve Islamic discourse about feminism and explore ways and means to strengthen movement for an egalitarian environment and emancipation of women which post fully women dignity.

4. Minorities in Asia: Integration or Segregation- Coordinator- Dr. Imtiyaz Yusuf, AMAN School of Peace Studies and Conflict Transformation, Thailand
In a number of Asian countries religious minorities have been caught in dilemmas such as maintaining religious identity and way of life at the same adherence to and loyalty for majority rule. Ruling majority prefers assimilation, minority resist or opt for self determination. Differing positions creates conflict and even lead to loss of lives. The third alternative is integration. This workshop would like to address and explore the best possible alternatives in multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation state in Asia and beyond.

5. Interfaith Dialogue Movement: Building Grassroots Participation, Strengthening Our Religious Networks for Peace
Coordinators:
Mrs.Cecelia Aguilar Ortiz, Maryknoll; Fr. Thomas Michel, SJ, FABC; Mr. Ibnu Mujib Fikree, Interfaith Forum for Peace in Asia

It is often noted that Asia is home to all the great religions of the world. People of various religious traditions live side by side in local communities. Yet how well do we understand the tenets and practices of our neighbors’ faith traditions? At a time when economic and technological globalization is expanding, our religious understanding remains parochial, divisive and exclusive. Religious values are universal. How can faith communities contribute to the building of a universal understanding of religion and humanity? What faith-based initiatives have succeeded in bridging this gap in understanding? In what ways does the Inter-religious dialogue movement have to adjust to have a genuine impact on the grassroots level?

To date many efforts to promote inter- religious dialogue have been initiated by Christian groups with other traditions joining their programs. Joint ownership and equal participation in inter-religious dialogue initiatives are needed to ensure a unified voice for peace and understanding. How open are Christian communities to participating in the programs of other faith traditions? How can Muslim and other faith traditions play a more active role in initiating and sustaining inter-religious efforts? What obstacles in the current framework for inter-religious dialogue efforts need to be overcome to ensure stronger networks for peace?

6. Youth at the Cross Roads
Coordinators: (Arie, Zarah, Lisa )

In absence of an enabling environment in which youth could grow as empowered generation to help themselves and care for the society, today’s youth are faced with multifaceted dilemmas in interacting with the traditions and modernity and challenges of defining own identity. Limited access to higher education, employment opportunities, drug abuse, living with HIV/AIDS in one hand, frustration, indoctrination to extremism and indulge in violence on the other. This workshop aims at providing a forum for youth to engage in serious reflections about the present and explore religio - cultural resources in shaping their own future and contribute towards peaceful society.

7. Peace Processes in Multi- Ethnic Asia: Obstacles and Opportunities Coordinators: Core group on Peace in Multi-Ethnic Asia
Struggle for religious and ethnic identity, self determination and self rule in Asia and beyond within pre-colonial nation states and freedom from occupation have taken various forms ranging from democratic, non -violence and violent actions. There have been many local, national and international initiatives towards negotiated settlement.

This forum is a continuation of the process of interaction and update the situation. At the same time to recognize significant positive changes if any and build on. To assess and analyze future challenges and mobilize mutual solidarity support for peace will be also the task of this forum.

8. Media and Peace:
This workshop will focus on the role of media in the promotion of greater understanding and peace. The role of journalist in conflict situation. How much influences are exerted by media conglomerate, western political forces and national governments in Asia? How to overcome such pressure? How to be sensitive in using terminology and jargons which may be misleading and divisive. Explore possibilities of networking among peace media in Asia and beyond.

9. Rights of Migrants , Refugees, Asylum Seekers and Prisoners : Role of Faith Communities:
It is our duty as human beings to save lives, protect those who are most vulnerable and assist them in seeking a better future to live with dignity. Asian religions and cultures inspire to extend assistance to those in need. For Muslims, there is a particular obligation to help those seeking safety, as the Prophet Mohammad was himself forced to flee Mecca to seek shelter in Medina.

Workshop will facilitate sharing of experiences of those working with migrants, refugees, asylum seekers in the area of mobilizing resources, helping migrants meet their basic needs: food, accommodation, safety and medical care, providing moral and emotional support to the migrants and their families and helping to address psychological issues, developing working relationships and networks in support of migrant’s needs such as legal aid and solidarity and enabling migrant children to continue their education. Role of UN system and relevant national and international law will also be discussed.

10. Contemporary Islamic Research:
This workshop will primarily focus on innovative research works of young Muslim Scholars. AMAN Research Fellowship program titled Islam in South East Asia: Views from Within and selected research works of other Institutes will also be discussed to see how they have been impacting on economic, socio-political and cultural changes in the diverse Muslim communities in Asia.

11. HIV & AIDS and Avian Flue:
Countries in Asia are facing a common challenges to prevent HIV and caring of people living with HIV and AIDS. This workshop will be an opportunity to share experiences how Muslim and other faith based organization and communities are responding in terms of preventive education, care, counseling and spiritual support.. Empowerment of people living with HIV and AIDS, capacity building of religious institutions and strengthening interfaith network will also be discussed.

Avian flue is growing as a new threat. Very little information and awareness about H5N1 available. Workshop will provide a short introduction and will discuss what NGOs and faith based organization could do?

For further information please contact :
AMAN/ARF 1562/113 Soi 1/1
Mooban Pibul
Pracharaj Road
Bang Sue, Bangkok
10800 Thailand
Tel. (662) 913-0196 Fax. (662) 9130197
Email : aman@arf-asia.org