South Korea: La Via Campesina is in solidarity with peasant movements in their struggle to build a new society
At the recently concluded meeting of the International Coordination Committee of La Via Campesina in Nairobi, Kenya, the global movement issued a statement of solidarity with the Korean Peasant Movements in their fight to remove President Yoon Seok-yeol and build a new society. Below is the full text:
21 March 2025, Nairobi, Kenya:
The declaration of martial law activated the use of guns and strong military control by President Yoon Seok-yul on 3 December was a grave and criminal act that suppressed the freedom and democracy of the Korean people and threatened peace. President Yoon Seok-yeol’s actions committed a violation of democratic principles and the rule of law, undermining constitutional governance.
In response, the leaders and members of the Korean Peasants’ League (KPL) and Korean Peasant Women’s Association (KWPA) strongly protested and struggled throughout the country and called on the Constitutional Court to immediately dismiss the president.
The Chairperson of the KPL (Ha won-oh) and the Chairperson of the KWPA (Jeong Young-i) have been protesting by fasting for several weeks, and members across the country have also organized street protests and solidarity fasts. Recently, KWPA Chairwoman Jung Young-i was taken to hospital due to exhaustion from the prolonged fast. La Vía Campesina send its prayers for her recovery.
LVC hopes that the immediate removal of President Yoon will bring democracy back to Korea and allow peasants to farm in peace. LVC strongly supports the struggle of the new agrarian reform that respects peasants‘ rights and women’s rights, and social reform, and promises to stand with them in their struggle.
The Constitutional Court should immediately impeach President Yoon Seok-yeol!
Globalize the Struggle, Globalize Hope!