The World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (French: Association Mondiale Des Radiodiffuseurs Communautaires, AMARC) is the international umbrella organization of community radio broadcasters founded in 1983, with nearly 3,000 members in 110 countries.
AMARC's mission is to support and contribute to the development of community and participatory radio along the principles of solidarity and international cooperation.
AMARC's Statement of Principles states that members of AMARC:
- Believe in the need to democratise access to information and communication in order to promote more just relationships and equitable exchanges among peoples.
- Contribute to the expression of different social, cultural and political movements – in all their diversity – by working to promote all initiatives that encourage peace, friendship among peoples, democracy, and development.
- Recognize the fundamental and specific role of women in establishing new communication practices. Women’s participation in the decision-making structures of community radio stations is essential.
- Express through their programming the following principles:
- Respect for peoples’ sovereignty and independence;
- Respect for solidarity and non-intervention in the internal affairs of other countries;
- International cooperation based on equality, solidarity, mutual respect, and the refusal of all discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or religion;
- Respect for the cultural identity of all people.
AMARC is a member of the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX), a global network of non-governmental organisations that monitors free expression violations worldwide and defends journalists, writers, Internet users and others who are persecuted for exercising their right to freedom of expression.
It is also involved in the Tunisia Monitoring Group, a coalition of 16 free expression groups that campaigns to end human rights violations in Tunisia.
Members of AMARC gather every 3-4 years for AMARC's general assemblies. At the November 2006 assembly in Amman, Jordan, members elected a new international board of directors and endorsed a strategic plan for the next 4 years. The next general assembly will be held in La Plata, Argentina in November 2010.
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