Solidarity with Lim Guan Eng, Democratic Action Party Leader!

IUSY is alarmed over reports of the arrest of Democratic Action Party (DAP) leader Lim Guan Eng of Malaysia. 
We stand with our comrades in Malaysia as they face this difficult pattern of political persecution against opposition figures, a clear regression from reforms won after the fall of the Najib Razak regime.
The charges hurled at Mr Lim Guan Eng have been previously dismissed by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Agency in 2018. The suspicious reopening of these cases confirms a budding pattern of political persecution under the new coalition government. 
It is alarming that his detention happened in the midst of a global pandemic where attention from the government must be focused on taking care of the needs of the community, instead of a witch hunt against opposition figures.
We demand for the Malaysian government to accord Mr. Lim Guan Eng due process and end all forms of political persecution. We stand with all the people of Malaysia in their fight against corruption and attacks against civil liberties.

IUSY asks for immediate release of human rights Defender Mahmoud Nawajaa

The International union of socialist youth “ IUSY “ condemns the arrest of human rights defender Mahmoud Nawajaa by  the  Israeli occupation. On  Thursday 30th July, Nawajaa was arrested from his home by the Israeli occupying forces (IOF). In violation of International Humanitarian Law, he was relocated to the Al-Jalama interrogation centre inside Israel. IUSY calls on the international community to effectively intervene for the immediate release of Nawajaa, and to ensure that the Israeli occupying authorities are held to account for the crimes committed against Palestinians. 

At dawn on Thursday, 30 July 2020, the Israeli occupying forces arrested Mahmoud Nawajaa, a 34-year-old  Palestinian activist and coordinator of the Palestinian National Committee of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS),  Movement from his home near Ramallah city. The IOF took Nawajaa to the Al-Jalama interrogation centre inside Israel, Mahmoud is one of the Palestinian activists who participated in deferent IUSY activities including summer camps, regional meetings, congress, and councils.

On 2 August 2020, at the request of the Shin Bet (Israeli domestic intelligence service), an Israeli military court extended the detention of Nawajaa for a period of 15 days under interrogation. The Shin Bet request was based on the so-called “investigation into a secret file” and association with an illegal party. Denying this charge, Nawajaa and confirmed to the military judge that his activity was purely peaceful, On Monday, 4 August 2020, an Israeli military court of appeal admitted an appeal filed by a lawyer, appointed by the Addameer Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association to defend Nawajaa. The court reduced the period of his detention from 15 to eight days. As Nawajaa has been prevented from meeting with his lawyer since his arrest, the judge upheld that the military court should exercise control over the interrogation process. It should be noted that, in contravention to international fair trial procedures and rights enshrined in International Human Rights Law and International Humanitarian Law, Nawajaa has not met with his legal counsel since the moment he was arrested. 

Condemning strongly the arrest of Nawajaa, IUSY call for

  • Immediate and unconditional release of international human rights defender Mahmoud Nawajaa.
  • Recalls the decision of the European Court for Human Rights, dated 11 June 2020, which considers that the criminal conviction of activists on account of their participation in the BDS campaign violates their right to freedom of expression, enshrined in Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
  • Stresses that Nawajaa enjoys protection on grounds of his BDS activity and opposition to racial discrimination policies implemented by the Israeli occupation  against Palestinian citizens. Such protection is ensured by the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, issued by the United Nations General Assembly in 1998.
  • Calls on the international community to take prompt action to hold accountable the occupying Power for the crimes committed in the occupied Palestinian territory, particularly systematic impingements on human rights defenders.
  • Affirms that the Israeli occupying authorities have no power to try Palestinians on grounds of their political activity. Palestinians are under Palestinian jurisdiction, which allows political action, including calls for boycotting and imposing sanctions on Israel. This is in line with the right to freedom of expression enshrined in  the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. 
  • We call our member organizations to push their govermnet to take push Israel “ the occupation power” to stop all kind of violations against human rights defenders.

Statement regarding the recent attacks against Mapuche demonstrations in Chile

Declaración sobre los recientes ataques contra las manifestaciones el pueblo mapuche en Chile

Desde IUSY recibimos con preocupación la información sobre los grupos radicalizados que, durante el fin de semana, actuaron violentamente con armas, profirieron discursos racistas y quemaron símbolos espirituales del pueblo mapuche en localidades del sur de Chile.

Durante las ultimas noches se han registrado violentos enfrentamientos en las ciudades de Curacautin, Victoria, Ercilla, Collipulli y Traiguen, donde comuneros mapuche se encontraban ocupando las Municipalidades en apoyo a la huelga de hambre del machi Celestino Córdova y otros lideres que se encuentran condenados en cárcel.

Varios de estos actos violentos y manifestaciones racistas ocurrieron sin que agentes de la policía nacional desplegaran las medidas apropiadas para prevenir efectivamente su ocurrencia o impedir su continuación.

El Estado de Chile, en el marco de las convenciones sobre derechos humanos, tiene entre sus obligaciones la protección contra la discriminación fundada en orígenes étnicos. No está de más recordar que no ha pasado siquiera un año desde las graves violaciones a los derechos fundamentales ocurridas en las manifestaciones sociales en Santiago, reportadas por ACNUDH y otras ONG’s.

IUSY condena la escalada de violencia en Araucanía por parte del gobierno de Sebastián Piñera, en contra del pueblo mapuche. Como jóvenes socialistas es nuestro deber levantar la voz para que las autoridades prevengan, investiguen y sancionen estos hechos, enfrentando la narrativa racista contra las demandas mapuche. 

A su vez, demandamos que la comunidad internacional disponga presión politica para asegurar el respeto de los derechos humanos en Wallmapu, a través de acciones de nuestras organizaciones miembros en sus países.

#JusticiaParaCamiloCatrillanca

#WallmapuLibre

(EN)

IUSY is concerned receiving information about the violent actions of radicalised groups that used weapons, made racist speeches, and burned spiritual symbols of the Mapuche people in towns in southern Chile during the weekend. 

During the last nights, there have been violent confrontations in the cities of Curacautin, Victoria, Ercilla, Collipulli and Traiguen, where Mapuche community members were occupying the municipalities in support of the hunger strike of the machi Celestino Córdova and other leaders who are condemned to jail.

Several of these violent acts and racist demonstrations occurred without the National Police officers taking the appropriate measures to effectively prevent its occurrence or prevent its continuation.

The Chilean State, within the framework of the human rights conventions, has among its obligations the protection against discrimination based on ethnic origins. It is worth remembering that not even a year has passed since the serious violations of fundamental rights that occurred in the social protests in Santiago, reported by OHCHR and other NGOs.

IUSY condemns the escalation of violence in Araucanía by the Sebastián Piñera government, against the Mapuche people. As young socialists, it is our duty to raise our voices so that the authorities prevent, investigate, and sanction these events, confronting the racist narrative against the Mapuche demands.

In turn, we demand that the international community place political pressure to ensure respect for human rights in Wallmapu, through the actions of our member organisations in their countries.

#JusticiaParaCamiloCatrillanca

#WallmapuLibre

Black Sea Area Cooperation (BSAC) Committee 2020 Statement

We are living in unusual circumstances these days. The world is facing an unexpected global crisis. COVID-19 has had a huge impact on all of our lives: young and old, rich and poor. The coronavirus not only affects our health, but it has also impacted us economically and socially.

Although this virus has spread as a pandemic all over the world, all regions and people are not affected in the same way. Evidently the spread could not be prevented in the Black Sea Region.

Countries with a strong social safety net, welfare states, and a well organised healthcare system are protecting their citizens in a much more proactive way while people living in countries with poor healthcare systems and social services are almost left alone.

However, we have observed transnational examples of cooperation during the pandemic. The Georgian government and citizens of Georgia provided humanitarian aid and offered to help with technical equipment and personnel. Joint efforts in general should be strengthened to overcome the pandemic. International organizations and funds play a key role in the recovery processes.

We see that young people in the Black Sea region are facing hard times during this crisis. Having temporary contracts, working in the HORECA system, etc. makes it economically impossible to overcome the difficulties this virus has caused. 

States should be ready for a possible second wave of the virus and protect its citizens properly. The healthcare system, educational system and economy should be prepared and make sure that vulnerable groups are taken into account and protected during uncertain times, especially young people, minority groups, people with disabilities.

Healthcare system: Proper salaries, trainings and equipment for medical staff; intensive unit beds and places for quarantine; border control and effective testing is needed.

Education: Right to education should be ensured by readiness of online platforms (e.g. “TV Schools”), universities and professional colleges can use the same methods; training for teachers and professionals to ensure online schooling, internet data and IT-equipment provided to students and pupils, education program for students with special needs.

Economy: Stimulation of the economy and employment; working-from-home plans; subsidy national companies; distributing post-crisis plans, social protection provided to all employees (especially young workers), special subsidies and governmental programs should be provided to seasonal workers and people in the tourism sector, 

Unfortunately, we see different powers, leaders and parties that take advantage of the crisis and misuse this unusual situation for their own political interests, by violating human rights, attacking neighbouring countries, threatening with war, discriminating against vulnerable groups and minorities, and promoting neoliberal policies.

Country Cases

Georgia and Ukraine: We are deeply concerned about ongoing violations of international law in Ukraine and Georgia. Despite the virus, the situation in Donbas remains dangerous as casualties and deaths are reported. Creeping occupation and kidnappings are being continued in conflict regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

Belarus: We note that Belarus is suffering not only from the epidemic, but also from dictatorship. And we protest against aggressive, disproportionate and undemocratic methods used by the Belarusian authorities.

We call on Belarusian authorities to release immediately detained participants of peaceful assemblies detained on politically motivated grounds; and to ensure holding of fair and democratic elections according to international standards.

Armenia and Azerbaijan: On the first of July, the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted a COVID-19 related resolution demanding an immediate cessation of all conflicts around the world and a durable global ceasefire for at least 90 consecutive days. Despite UN’s call demanding a 90-day “humanitarian pause” in conflicts worldwide to allow states to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, Azerbaijan continues to practice political and military aggression towards the people of Artsakh, by organising war games and military trainings on the frontline against Artsakh and Armenia.

Conclusion

We, as social democratic youth organisations from the Black Sea region reaffirm that the crisis has once again proven that without a leading role of the state in economic, health and social services and without unity and solidarity it is impossible to attack the challenges and overcome the difficulties of the COVID-19 crisis.

Based on this, we call upon the states to ensure health safety and social protection to the citizens affected by the virus and crisis and elaborate specific educational and economic programs in order to guarantee employment of citizens.

Therefore, IUSY calls upon the international community to show solidarity and unity, especially to vulnerable groups and regions.

IUSY calls upon the countries in the Black Sea region to follow the resolution unanimously adopted by the UN Security Council for an immediate cessation of all conflicts around the world and a durable global ceasefire for at least 90 consecutive days.

Balkan Round Table Committee 2020 Statement

As young socialists and social democrats, the most important thing for us is the well-being of all people, the opportunity to live with dignity and freedom in accordance with our values and desires. During the global COVID-19 pandemic, human health and economic security were threatened. This situation has shown us that the only way to overcome difficulties caused by COVID-19 is to embrace solidarity and collaboration. 

During the two-day meeting (24-25 June) we, as BRT Committee, have discussed challenges that our countries have been facing during the pandemic, what consequences it has left and what is the current political, socio-economic situation. Everything we have heard has upset us greatly, but we are optimistic that our region will emerge stronger from the crisis thanks to societies who have shown exceptional solidarity, discipline and acted responsibly.

However, we must draw attention to a group that was particularly affected during this crisis, and that is young people, primarily students and those who lost their jobs. 

Education.Many students worldwide are having their education disrupted by the spread of Coronavirus. Students were the first one who changed their lifestyle with the closure of educational institutions. We are not sure how effective online classrooms were. There are young people without internet access, without technical support. Many face difficulties paying their tuition fees.In this uncertain situation, it’s important that the educational process continues in an inclusive way

Jobs and employment.Young people are most likely to have lost jobs or seen their income drop because of Covid-19. As a group that finds it difficult to get a job, this especially affects young people and the situation is yet to worsen. Youth unemployment rates will increase and many young people will fall into poverty, this is why concrete measures are needed to protect young people.

Mental health.The aspect of the mental health of young people is especially important to us, which was significantly endangered during this period. Social distancing, isolation and uncertainty, loss of job opportunities will cause anxiety, fear of the unknown and stress. The Covid-19 pandemic will have serious long-term consequences for young people’s mental health. It can be expected that demotivation and deterioration of mental health will increase the desire of young people to emigrate leaving a lot of countries in the region with brain drain issues. 

Long-term consequences on youth are yet to be seen and our duty is to prevent it. We encourage all youth organisations in the region to suggest ways and cooperate to overcome this crisis in the fairest way. 

We must work to keep young people in the region and provide them with the security and dignified working and living conditions they deserve.

Taking all this into account, we appeal to the governments in the region to focus on creating policies whose timely implementation will reduce the consequences on the well-being of young people and support for overcoming the crisis.

Young people’s voices must not be ignored, especially at these challenging times where their contribution is crucial.

Webinar: Women* and Social Movements

Date: 28 June, 2020

Time:  13:00 CEST 

Register in advance for this webinar:

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_gycZiOtASFK8nJPmvB8tFw

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Agenda 

13:00Welcome and introduction by Ana Pirtskhalava, IUSY Secretary General 
13:10-14:10Panel discussion 
Giulia Daniele, researcher and guest assistant professor at the Centro de Estudos Internacionais of the Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (CEI-IUL). 

Marta Musić, co-founder of the Global Tapestry of Alternatives, one of the organizers of the World Social Forum on Transformative Economies and currently works as a consultant for FRIDA 

Moderator: Ana Pirtskhalava, IUSY Secretary General  
14:10-14:30 Q&A
 14:30 Closing 

About speakers

Giulia Daniele

Giulia Daniele is currently a researcher and guest assistant professor at the Centro de Estudos Internacionais of the Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (CEI-IUL). She completed her Ph.D. in Politics, Human Rights and Sustainability under a co-tutelle agreement between the University of Exeter (UK) and Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies (Italy) in April 2012. Since 2005 she has conducted fieldwork research in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Israel and Tunisia. She also acquired useful experience with her involvement in the International Election Observation Mission for the Palestinian elections in January 2006, in the international cooperation project called EPIC (European, Palestinian and Israeli Cities for Health and Social Partnership) sponsored by the World Health Organization in December 2006, and when she was a research intern at the Office of the Vice President of the European Parliament in Brussels in Autumn 2008.  Her main research interests broadly cover the following fields: Middle East politics (focusing on Palestine/Israel), women’s political activism in the Middle East and North Africa, social movements, gender and feminist studies, conflict resolution and ethno-national narratives. Her first book is entitled Women, Reconciliation and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: The Road Not Yet Taken (Routledge, 2014).  

Marta Musić

Marta Musić is a queer, decolonial, feminist activist-researcher from ex-Yugoslavia.  Her work as a transnational movement organizer mainly consists of building bridges between struggles, movements and initiatives and creating networks of solidarity between them through spaces of exchange, learning and collaboration. She is a co-founder of the Global Tapestry of Alternatives, one of the organizers of the World Social Forum on Transformative Economiesand currently works as a consultant for FRIDA | The Young Feminist Fund. Inspired by these processes of articulation of alternatives – she dedicates her PhD Thesis to exploring the Zapatista concept of Pluriverse (a world in which many alternative worlds fit) from a decolonial feminist perspective as a way to generate new ways of theorizing and fostering alternative economic systems that can ensure the sustainability of life whilst decolonizing knowledge and power. You can read some of Marta’s publicationsabout feminist movements against the G20 in Argentina here: 

  1.  https://systemicalternatives.org/2018/10/09/neither-victims-nor-entrepreneurs-the-feminist-mobilizations-against-the-w20-in-buenos-aires/
  2.  https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/democraciaabierta/argentina-g20-and-mobilisations-against-it/

Context

The world today faces a multitude of crises. Countries are dealing with the COVID-19 global pandemic and are bracing themselves for economic repercussions, and this critical situation has made the world witness to worsened issues of state repression, racism, and inequality. Various social movements have become increasingly prominent, such as the Black Lives Matter movement and the Hong Kong Democracy protests.

The growing progressive movements present essential perspectives on grassroots empowerment and solidarity across cultures and identities. These events amplify and further push the intersectionality of struggles such as class, race, and gender into global public discourse. 

With this, as socialist feminists, we recognise the integral role of women in building and sustaining movements and society as a whole. On top of carrying multiple burdens and struggling against systems of patriarchy in everyday life, women of all classes and identities are undeniably part of these massive movements for justice and democracy.

This webinar on “Women* and Social Movements” is part of webinar series on Intersectional Feminism organized by the IUSY Feminist Working Group. 

This webinar aims to open international discussions on feminism and its relevance to social movements with the objectives to discuss the intersectionalities of movements and emphasize the significant role of women* in social movements around the world. 

Invitation: IUSY Black Sea Area Cooperation Leadership Conference 2020

OVERVIEW

What: BSAC Leadership Conference 

When: 1-2 July, 2020 

Where:Zoom online platform

Age: 18-35 years

Registration Deadline:  25 June, 2020

Outline 

Because our annual committee meeting cannot take place in a physical space at the moment due to COVID-19, we are organising BSAC Leadership Conference 2020 online. We want to give our participants the opportunity to share how they are doing in this situation and what is happening in their realities from local and regional perspective. We also want to look at the future and bring our vision for the recovery plan. 

During the meeting, we want to focus on the lessons learnt from the crisis situation due to COVID-19 and how future decisions will impact lives of young people now and in the future. The questions we would like to focus on will be on youth employment, social inclusion, education, health, systematic change for our economy, environmental sustainability. 

After the economic crisis of 2008, young people have already suffered from poverty and social exclusion. We do not want similar scenario now and we want our voices as young people to be taken into account. We want our concerns to be heard and we want to have the opportunity to work to protect us, our plant and our future. 

What can you expect? 

We will get together for 2 days (about 2 hours per day) in an informal and formal settings. This means we will have a space to talk, to share, to support and to act. 

More details on the programme will come soon and all registered participants will be informed of the technicalities and the content of the meeting. 

The meeting will be held online on the Zoom platform. It will be in English and without any participation fee. Time of the meeting will be specified as soon as possible taking into account the different time zones. 

It is important to remember that our events are safe spaces and that we are mindful and respectful towards each other. 

With best regards,

                 Johanna Ortega                 Ana Pirtskhalava                          

                 IUSY President                  IUSY Secretary General                                                             

Who can apply

This activity is aimed towards the leadership of IUSY member organisations from BSAC. Please note that it is required that the participants participate for the whole duration of the activity. 

Participants should:

  • Belong to IUSY member organisation
  • Be aged 18-35
  • Youth leadership of BSAC organisations
  • Maximum 2 participants per organisation. Gender balance is required! 

How to apply

To apply you must complete the following form by 25thof June 2020

Contact information

Should you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact the coordinator of the project at the IUSY Secretariat:

Gohar Ghandilyan 

IUSY Project Manager

EMAIL: gohar.ghandilyan@iusy.org

Phone: +43 699 135 32 960

We are looking forward to receiving your registration and meeting you online! 

Invitation to Balkan Round Table Leadership Conference 2020

OVERVIEW

What: BRT Leadership Conference 

When: 24-25 June, 2020 

Time: 17:00-19:00 CEST

Where: Zoom online platform

Age: 18-35 years

Registration Deadline:  21 June, 2020

Outline 

The global crisis we are facing is affecting all parts of society and changing lives. In all types of crises, from climate change to violent conflict or political instability, young people and youth-led organisations have always been the ones taking action and responding to the needs of others. The same is happening now during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many young people and youth organisations are involved to address the impacts of the pandemic. 

The pandemic will have long-lasting social, cultural, economic, political and impacts on the whole of societies, including on young people. It is crucial for us to recognise the multiple and diverse impacts the COVID-19 pandemic already has and will have on young people and their rights, their inclusion and participation. 

During the meeting, we want to focus on the concerns that young people and youth organisations have in the region. We also want to share the vision for the future of youth in the region. 

What can you expect? 

We will get together for 2 days (about 2 hours per day) in an informal and formal settings. This means we will have a space to talk, to share, to support and to act. 

More details on the programme will come soon and all registered participants will be informed of the technicalities and the content of the meeting. 

The meeting will be held online on the Zoom platform. It will be in English and without any participation fee. 

It is important to remember that our events are safe spaces and that we are mindful and respectful towards each other. 

With best regards,

                 Johanna Ortega                 Ana Pirtskhalava                          

                 IUSY President                  IUSY Secretary General                                                             

Who can apply

This activity is aimed towards the leadership of IUSY member organisations from BRT. Please note that it is required that the participants participate for the whole duration of the activity. 

Participants should:

  • Belong to IUSY member organisation
  • Be aged 18-35
  • Youth leadership of BRT organisations
  • Maximum 2 participants per organisation. Gender balance is required! 

How to apply

To apply you must complete the following form by 21stof June 2020

Contact information

Should you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact the coordinator of the project at the IUSY Secretariat:

Gohar Ghandilyan 

IUSY Project Manager

EMAIL: gohar.ghandilyan@iusy.org

Phone: +43 699 135 32 960

We are looking forward to receiving your registration and meeting you online! 

DEADLINE EXTENDED: IUSY Queer Working group 2020

Overview

What: Queer Working Group

When: 27th-29th May

Where: Online meeting; ZOOM platform

Age: 18-35 years

Size: 25-30 people keeping the balance between the regions

Deadline: 24th May 12:00 CEST.

Outline

The current COVID-19 situation has made us realise how much the crisis situation affects people in already disadvantage situations. The LGBTI community is particularly vulnerable to suffer discrimination, or high-risk characteristics are likely to be disproportionately impacted by both the virus itself and the following safety measures.

IUSY Queer working group meeting aims to provide young activists from member organizations with knowledge on the theme of LGBT* issues and rights as well as develop, skills and competences to identify and counter homophobic and transphobic attitudes in their political activism. This years’ QWG will aim to recap on the work done in the past year and work further on guidelines and policy proposals for adapting their online activism to the current online times.

Theme

The COVID-19 outbreak has unexpected effects for LGBTQ people around the world from social isolation, domestic abuse, higher risk of infection by being part of the risk group (HIV positive, LGBTQI elderly), or online harassment.

The crisis situation is forcing LGBTQ youth back into living with their families in lockdown where they may not be accepted, where they can experience abuse, places vulnerable people at risk of homelessness and employment insecurity. The lock down may lead the LGBTQI community to find themselves in social isolation, particularly elderly. The current situation limits the social interaction to online social media, where often governments do not have strong policies on online harassment and hate speech.

On the health aspect there are several factors which may make LGBT people more at risk of contracting COVID-19, in addition many trans and non-binary people have been denied access to prescribed and scheduled hormone injections, treatments or surgeries by these being ‘non-essential’. This is likely to add to the anxiety and other associated mental health conditions which are already more prevalent.

The state of alarm and government policies like the one introduced in Hungary this week, the government proposed a bill that would make it illegal to change gender identity in official documents are hindering progress on potential legal changes that could grant LGBTQ people greater rights.

Queer voices are oftentimes silenced in society, so in order to support them we have to actively louden those voices. The easiest way is to give up spaces and opportunities to speak and let those spaces be occupied by LGBT people.

Participant’s profile

This activity is aimed towards the activists of IUSY member organisations. Please note that it is required that the participants stay for the whole duration of the activity and also to contribute to the working group after the meeting. 

Participants should: 

  • Belong to IUSY member organisation 
  • Be aged 18-35 
  • Have been active/working/studying in the field of queer rights movement  
  • Be willing to continue to work and be active in the field of queer peoples’ rights  
  • Availability to contribute to IUSY activities in future 

How to apply

Simply fill in the registration form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScMXh-H8TPpeKv-kcJl28D-ReKnSqSsci-y4om_KAMVWquWcA/viewform

by Friday 22nd May 2020.

All applicants will receive the outcome of their application by the end of the day.

Online Meeting

The meeting will take place online, through the online platform Zoom. It will be in English and without any participation fee. Participants once confirmed their participation, will receive the programme, more detailed technical information and the link and an entry code to the meeting room.

The event will take place during three days for about two hours a day. This means we will have a space to talk, to share, to support and to act. The programme will offer some offline activities as well as reflexion time. We encourage the participants to remain active, engaged and available during the time of the on-going activity.

It is important to remember that our events are safe spaces and that we are mindful and respectful towards each other. 

Contact

Ana Ruiz

IUSY Project Manager 

EMAIL: ana.ruiz@iusy.org 

Phone: +43 699 135 32 970 

 Or

Gohar Ghandilyan  

IUSY Project Manager 

EMAIL: gohar.ghandilyan@iusy.org 

Phone: +43 699 135 32 960 

We are looking forward to receiving your registration and meeting you online!  

IUSY says no to Israel’s annexation and announces measures to fulfil the human and national rights of the Palestinian people!

IUSY Presidium expresses its outrage at the prospects of formal annexation of further occupied Palestinian territory, which could begin as soon as July 1st, which constitutes a grave violation of international humanitarian law and normalizes the acquisition of land through the use of force. As youth organizations that believe in a rules-based world order we cannot but reject this. But this is not enough: Decades of statements have not contributed to achieving a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. This is a call for action.

It is time for all member organizations and social-democratic comrades to translate words into action. It is in this context that we strongly condemn the attempts to lead by the German Foreign Minister and SPD member Mr. Heiko Maas, to promote the impunity of Israel at the International Criminal Court (ICC). We call upon all governments to promote accountability both individually and multilaterally making use of all political, legal and diplomatic available tools. This includes supporting the mandate of the ICC in investigating and prosecuting all crimes committed in Palestine.    

We also, express our utter condemnation to the Labor Party for committing to the annexation of occupied Palestinian territory by joining the Israeli government. There are no excuses for taking that step: Social Democratic values and human rights are universal and Palestinians are entitled to enjoy them. While concerns about social values in Israel are important, the fact that the Israeli Labor Party joined a coalition that promotes the negation of the same rights for the Palestinian people represents a giveaway to the core of our values. This is not what a member of a social-democratic does and as such, IUSY should avoid dealing with representatives of parties that deceived the social democratic principles and represent a provocation to others.

At the same time, we commend the position of Young Labor who opposes the Israeli Government and has made reiterative calls for a just and lasting peace with Palestine, as well as Meretz. We are also looking forward to building alliances with the movements representing the Palestinian citizens of Israel. IUSY will continue to promote progressive alliances for the advancement of a just and lasting peace between Israel, Palestine and the rest of the region which includes the full end of the Israeli occupation that began in 1967 and the fulfillment of international law and UN resolutions, including the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people.

In addition we make an urgent call on all our members to:

·       Promote the boycott of all Israeli Settlement Products.

·       Promote action, including divestment, on companies that violate the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights by profiting from the Israeli occupation.

To promote action that will make their parties and governments take action against annexation.

IUSY 1st of May Statement

EN

1° of May

1° of May of 2020, a worker’s day finds us, this time without marches, demonstrations or commemorative lunches. COVID-19 has not only changed our routines, but it also exposed the inequalities of capitalism in times of multidimensional crisis such as those we are experiencing.

However, not only coronavirus kills but, above all, the neglect of our common goods, our public services, the ways of working of traditional, informal and care activities. Furthermore, it has intensified social and economic divisions, which could generate new cracks and political disappointment in many countries and regions.

Work´s conditions, as we knew them, are mutating, and that forces us to be more alert about the conditions in which workers are required to provide tasks. The pandemic we are going through is putting exorbitant pressure on low-paid workers who carry out small assignments, often linked to digital platforms, risking their health (even fatal).

This new time requires us to rethink answer to old problems. In countries with poor health care and a high proportion of informal economy, the alternative of immediate and direct aid for the basic security of the most vulnerable population appears as the most viable. However, in the latest financial crisis, those responsible (large banks and global players) were rescued with drastic state intervention, which did not prevent the excessive search for profits by these sectors. That background forces us to be extremely careful in the solutions we seek, if not, we will allow global capitalism, again, to overcome another crisis at the cost of social deterioration.

Even though the emergency will affect almost everyone in the world, regardless of age, income, or country, young people are likely to feel more pressure. Three out of four young people work in the informal economy, in agriculture or in cafes and restaurants, who cannot work from home. Many young people find themselves in unconventional, often poorly paid, forms of employment with irregular hours, poor job security and no social protection. Further, youth commonly work in sectors and industries that are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 (sales, accommodation and food sectors).

After the coronavirus crisis, we must join efforts to build universal public structures, massive investment in infrastructure in health, care, education, social protection, basic services, and transportation. As well as labor standards, which can better respond to constant changes, providing respect and dignity, security and equal opportunities for workers.

This cross-border pandemic requires a coordinated global response. This 1° of May we strive to pay special attention to protect workers from the adverse effects of the crisis. Further, we should also do not lose sight of the inclusion and protection of those who work on the margins, those who hold non-traditional jobs, dependent self-employed workers with unstable income, hourly workers without activity and low-paid workers.

ES

Primero de mayo en un nuevo tiempo

Primero de mayo de 2020, un nuevo día del trabajador nos encuentra, esta vez sin marchas, manifestaciones ni almuerzos de conmemoración. El COVID-19 no solo ha modificado nuestras rutinas, sino que también desnudó las desigualdades del capitalismo en tiempos de crisis multidimensional como los que vivimos.

Sin embargo, no solo el coronavirus mata, sino sobre todo el descuido de nuestros bienes comunes, nuestros servicios públicos, las formas de trabajo de las actividades tradicionales, las informales y las del cuidado. Además, ha intensificado las divisiones sociales y económicas lo que podría generar nuevas grietas y decepción política en muchos países y regiones.

Todas las configuraciones del trabajo, tal como las conocíamos, están mutando, lo que nos obliga a estar más alerta sobre las condiciones en que las y los trabajadores son exigidos a prestar tareas. El estado de pandemia que estamos atravesando está imponiendo una presión exorbitante sobre las y los trabajadores mal remunerados que realizan pequeños encargos, a menudo vinculados a plataformas digitales, poniéndolos a riesgos (incluso mortales) para su salud.

Este nuevo tiempo, nos exige repensar respuestas a viejos problemas. En los países con una atención sanitaria deficiente y una elevada proporción de economía informal, aparece como lo más viable la alternativa de una ayuda inmediata y directa para la seguridad básica de la población más vulnerable. Sin embargo, en la última crisis financiera, los responsables (grandes bancos y actores globales) fueron rescatados con una drástica intervención estatal, que no impidió la búsqueda desmesurada de ganancias por dichos sectores. Lo dicho, nos obliga a ser extremadamente cuidadosos en las soluciones que buscamos, sino, nuevamente, permitiremos que el capitalismo global logre superar otra crisis a costa del deterioro social.

Si bien la emergencia afectará a casi todos en el mundo, independientemente de su edad, ingresos o país, es probable que los jóvenes sientan más presión. Tres de cada cuatro jóvenes trabajan en la economía informal, en la agricultura o en cafés y restaurantes, quienes no pueden obrar desde casa. Muchos jóvenes se encuentran en formas de empleo no convencionales, a menudo mal pagados, con horarios irregulares, poca seguridad laboral y ninguna protección social. A su vez, la juventud trabaja comúnmente en sectores e industrias que son particularmente vulnerables al COVID-19 (sectores de venta, alojamiento y alimentación).

Después de la crisis del coronavirus, debemos aunar esfuerzos por construir estructuras públicas universales, inversión masiva en infraestructura en salud, cuidado, educación, protección social, servicios básicos y transporte. Como así también, estándares laborales que puedan responder mejor a los constantes cambios, proporcionando respeto y dignidad, seguridad e igualdad de oportunidades de los y las trabajadores.

Esta pandemia transfronteriza, exige una respuesta mundial coordinada. Este 1 de mayo bregamos por prestar especial atención a proteger a los y las trabajadores de los efectos adversos de la crisis. Aunque también, no perder de miras la inclusión y protección de quienes trabajan en los márgenes, es decir, a quienes desempeñan empleos no tradicionales, cuentapropistas dependientes con ingresos inestables, trabajadores por hora sin actividad y trabajadores mal remunerados.

IUSY Feminist Working Group 2020

OVERVIEW

What: Feminist Working Group Meeting 2020

When: 11-13 May, 2020 (exact time to be confirmed)

Where: Zoom online platform

Age: 18-35 years

Registration Deadline:  5 May, 2020

Outline

Every year, IUSY Feminist Working Group brings together young activists of IUSY member organisations from all seven regions to engage in a dialogue on common struggles and obstacles, and work together to come up with strategies to enact political and social change.

In the past three years IUSY Feminist Working Group has had enriching experiences and opportunities to meet. We have implemented two social media campaigns on “Stories of Women*”(2017, 2018) and theWomen*Resist video campaign. In 2019, we have published the toolkit “The struggle for equality. A toolkit for the feminist fight” together with the participants of international activity supported by the European Youth Foundation.

Because our regular annual working group cannot take place at the moment due to COVID-19, we are organising our Feminist Working Group 2020 online. We want to give our participants the opportunity to share how they are doing in this situation and what is happening in their realities from the feminist perspective.

What can you expect?

We will get together for 3 days (about 2 hours per day) in an informal and formal settings. This means we will have a space to talk, to share, to support and to act.

More details on the programme will come soon and all registered participants will be informed of the technicalities and the content of the meeting.

The meeting will be held online on the Zoom platform. It will be in English and without any participation fee. Time of the meeting will be specified as soon as possible taking into account the different time zones.

It is important to remember that our events are safe spaces and that we are mindful and respectful towards each other.

With best regards,

Johanna Ortega        Ana Pirtskhalava            Caterina Cerroni

IUSY President     IUSY Secretary General           Feminist WG coordinator                                                                                                                                    

Who can apply

This activity is aimed towards the activists of IUSY member organisations. Please note that it is required that the participants stay for the whole duration of the activity and also to contribute to the working group after the meeting.

Participants should:

  • Belong to IUSY member organisation
  • Be aged 18-35
  • Have been active/working/studying in the field of feminism/feminist movement
  • Be willing to continue to work and be active in the field of gender and feminism
  • Availability to contribute to IUSY activities in future

How to apply

To apply you must complete the following form by 5 May 2020.

Contact information

Should you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact the coordinator of the project at the IUSY Secretariat:

Gohar Ghandilyan

IUSY Project Manager

EMAIL: gohar.ghandilyan@iusy.org

Phone: +43 699 135 32 960

We are looking forward to receiving your registration and meeting you online!

Deadline extended: IUSY’s Student Working Group 2020

What: Student Working Group
When: 27th-29th April
Where: Online meeting platform, ZOOM
Age: 18-35 years
Size: 25-30 people keeping the balance between the regions
Deadline: 25th April 12:00 am (CET time)

Outline

The current COVID-19 situation has made us realise how much a crisis situation that forces governments to declare a state of emergency can influence student’s lives and rights. The Student Working Group 2020 will bring together young activists of IUSY member organisations from all 7 regions, online. The aim of the meeting is to learn on the implications of crisis situations on basic human rights and students rights and enhance student international solidarity. The meeting will offer a platform to discuss how the situation has affected student life in the regions, give space to engage in a dialogue on common struggles and obstacles, and work together to come up with strategies to defend, advocate and campaign for students rights in crisis situations.

Participant’s profile

Please note that the event must be gender-balanced and therefore the selection criteria will follow this premise in order to ensure such balance. Both the IUSY statues and the Global Project require gender balance.

Participants must be able to attend the entire programme of the seminar and be active throughout the year after the meeting. This is due to that the work of the Working Group will be carried out throughout the year in line with the working plan.
It’s preferable that participants have experience in Students issues and are interested in human rights.

All participants must be aged 18-35 years old, with no exceptions.

How to apply

Participants must apply by filling the registration form online https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfwkbzTpv0x5PihJdm-Vx4lyBxEJ3YxA51ZkyCwC429r4H7MA/viewform
Deadline Thursday 23 April 2018.

Online Meeting

The meeting will take place online, through the online platform Zoom. Participants once confirmed their participation, will receive a link and an entry code to the meeting room.

The event will take place during three days and will offer some offline activities as well as reflexion time. We encourage the participants to remain active, engaged and available during the time of the on-going activity.

Dowload the full invitation here

Contact
Ana Ruiz
IUSY Project Manager
iusy@iusy.org / +4369913532970

IUSY’s Statement on COVID-19

EN

Young Socialism in times of coronavirus

The world is facing an unprecedented global crisis these days. The emergence of the coronavirus has provoked an intense political debate among the most important leaders, as well as world intellectuals, making proof that the situation is much more than the disease, but civilizational.

It is a health crisis due to the massive spread of the COVID-19 disease, but it is also a crisis with profound economic and social impacts, given the changes in the flows, exchanges and responses of human groups in the midst of the knowledge society. In a flash, globalization has taken a hit and brought the nation-state, communities and grassroots back as a structuring of responses.

Although all people are exposed to the virus, not all of them are protected in the same way against its threat. The main sources of affectation of this calamity so far are in countries with strong state capacity and consolidated health systems (China, United States and the European Union, mainly), however, the virus has also reached to the global south, where social inequality prevails, as well as the fragility of the State in ensuring rights such as health.

This crisis has put the importance and role of the State at the center of the discussion: not only for the ability to diagnose and care for people infected by the virus through public health systems, but to show that there is still a lot of citizens who do not receive income –or who receive very little money monthly through targeted assistance policies–, and should be isolated in the same way as those who do have the resources to do so. In that, contingency plans to protect formal and popular economy workers, and economic measures to mobilize resources, have been paramount.

In times where the neoliberal project was becoming stronger and more aggressive, the situation has forced us to look back at the result of the social pact called the State. However, it is not enough to recognize its importance, but rather the challenge of asking ourselves widely about what type of State we want to face the challenges of the coming decades, based on experiences like the ones we are going through now.

The threat, however, is not only the pandemic, but the political condition that we will face the day after its end. There is a latent possibility that democracies will degrade to such an extent that their fundamental freedoms will come to the background when problems are imminent, in search of a certain efficiency, peace and order in the countries. Today there is a general interest to protect, valuing solidarity at all levels, but we cannot normalize the toxic effects of the lasting states of constitutional exception.

For this reason, the situation of social isolation that most countries undergo, curfews or compulsory quarantines cannot be an excuse for human rights violations. Local control institutions as well as international authorities must take care that excesses do not occur by the forces of public order and security. At the same time, it is important to keep the bonds strong between countries and not take the pandemic towards to closing borders forever.

Likewise, in this scenario of mass confinement, episodes of gender violence become more latent. We urge governments to take concrete actions to combat this reality, with immediate assistance tools, safe spaces, justice systems enabled for complaints, etc.

In the same way, this interrupted normality cannot lead us to deepen the discrimination against the LGBT community, xenophobic biases towards migrants and the precariousness of disabled people. We must appeal to the robustness of civil society and social movements to confront these fears, their role being essential in times where participation is required.

Consequently, in a previous context where there was a deep questioning of the liberal world order, the left must be vigilant to take note of the disputes expressed in this contingency. We cannot rejoice in the idea of ​​the agony of neoliberalism, when it is not the death of modern capitalism, but one of its possible forms of organization. We need to read this moment with finesse, where more state action, greater solidarity and the extension of protections are requested from those who are vulnerable, as well as authoritarian, militaristic and punitive alerts are heard.

Therefore, we call on the political leaders of the world to join forces to combat this global threat that is COVID-19. This requires that the forces with the greatest weight at the geopolitical level ensure the mobilization of all the necessary resources to protect what is most human, life and the common interest over capital and private interest.

This global problem must find a multilateral response, which enables the prompt reactivation of national economies. Dynamics of financial suffocation and structural adjustment cannot be replicated in peripheral countries, while large injections of resources begin to be channeled into central countries, thus distancing themselves from the phantom of austerity. Likewise, policies of technical, medical and scientific cooperation that reduce the impact of this disease should be deployed with greater intensity, especially in countries with fewer resources and their own capacity to do so.

The fact that this crisis does not end with more human victims or by expanding the already existing marked social inequality is still in our hands. That it is, rather, an opportunity to promote a new civilizational horizon, more just socially, culturally and environmentally, is something that must be our task and vision. Let us recover the importance of the best socialist tradition: the one that thinks from the social organization, with democratic radicalism, in the common good of the people through the actions of the State.

ES

El socialismo joven en tiempos de coronavirus

El mundo se enfrenta en estos días a una crisis global sin precedentes. La irrupción del coronavirus ha provocado un intenso debate político entre las y los más importantes líderes, así también como entre intelectuales mundiales, interviniendo como prueba de que la situación es mucho más que la enfermedad, sino civilizacional.

Es una crisis de carácter sanitaria por el contagio masivo de la enfermedad COVID-19, pero también una crisis con profundos impactos económicos y de carácter social, dadas las alteraciones de los flujos, intercambios y contestaciones de los grupos humanos en plena sociedad del conocimiento. En un instante, la globalización se ha visto afectada y ha traído de vuelta al Estado-nación, las comunidades y las bases como estructuradores de las respuestas.

Si bien todas las personas están expuestas al contagio del virus, no todas ellas están protegidas de la misma manera ante su amenaza. Los principales focos de afectación de esta calamidad hasta el momento se hallan en países con fuerte capacidad estatal y sistemas sanitarios consolidados (China, Estados Unidos y Unión Europea, fundamentalmente), sin embargo, el virus ha llegado también al sur global, en donde prima la inequidad social y la fragilidad del Estado en asegurar derechos como la salud.

Esta crisis ha puesto sobre el centro de la discusión la importancia y el rol del Estado: no solo por la capacidad para diagnosticar y atender a personas contagiadas por el virus a través de los sistemas públicos de salud, sino en evidenciar que aún hay mucha ciudadanía que no percibe ingresos –o que recibe muy poco dinero mensual a través de políticas focalizadas de asistencia–, y deben aislarse del mismo modo que aquellos que sí cuentan con recursos para hacerlo. En eso, los planes de contingencia para proteger a las y los trabajadores formales y de la economía popular, y las medidas económicas para movilizar recursos, han resultado primordiales.

En tiempos en donde el proyecto neoliberal retomaba impulso y se tornaba más agresivo, la contingencia nos ha obligado a volver la mirada sobre el resultado del pacto social llamado Estado. Sin embargo, no basta con el reconocimiento de su importancia, sino con el desafío de preguntarnos ampliamente sobre qué tipo de Estado queremos para afrontar los desafíos de las próximas décadas, a partir de experiencias como las que atravesamos ahora.

La amenaza, sin embargo, no es solo la pandemia, sino la condición politica a la cual nos enfrentaremos el día después de su fin. Está latente la posibilidad de que las democracias se degraden a tal punto que sus libertades fundamentales pasen a segundo plano ante la inminencia de los problemas, en pos de cierta eficiencia, paz y orden en los países. Hoy existe un interés general a proteger, valorando la solidaridad en todos los niveles, pero no podemos normalizar los efectos tóxicos de los estados duraderos de excepción constitucional.

Por ello, la situación de aislamiento social que atraviesan la mayor cantidad de países bajo toques de queda o cuarentenas obligatorias no puede ser excusa para que se vulneren los derechos humanos. Las instituciones de control local así como las instancias internacionales deben cautelar que no ocurran excesos por parte de las fuerzas del orden público y seguridad. Al mismo tiempo, es importante mantener fuertes los lazos entre países y no ocupar la pandemia para decretar el cierre de fronteras para siempre.

Asimismo, en este escenario de confinamiento masivo se hacen más latente los episodios de violencia de género. Instamos a que los gobiernos a que se desplieguen acciones concretas para combatir esta realidad, con herramientas de asistencia inmediata, espacios seguros, sistemas de justicia habilitados para denuncias, etc.

De la misma manera, esta interrumpida normalidad no nos puede llevar a profundizar las discriminaciones a la comunidad LGBT, los sesgos xenófobos hacia migrantes y la precariedad de las personas discapacitadas. Tenemos que apelar a la robustez de la sociedad civil y de los movimientos sociales para enfrentar esos miedos, siendo esencial su rol en tiempos donde la participación es exigida.

En consecuencia, en un contexto previo donde existía un profundo cuestionamiento al orden mundial liberal, las izquierdas debemos estar atentas para tomar nota de las disputas que se expresan en esta contingencia. No nos podemos regocijar con la idea de la agonía del neoliberalismo, cuando ella no es la muerte del capitalismo moderno, sino una de sus posibles formas de organización. Necesitamos leer con fineza este momento, donde se pide más acción del Estado, mayor solidaridad y ampliación de las protecciones a quienes son vulnerables, como también se oyen alertas autoritarias, militaristas y punitivas.

Por lo anterior, llamamos a los líderes políticos del mundo a aunar esfuerzos para combatir esta amenaza global que es el COVID-19. Para ello se requiere que las fuerzas con mayor peso a nivel geopolítico aseguren la movilización de todos los recursos necesarios para proteger lo más humano, la vida y el interés común por sobre el capital y el interés particular.

Este problema global debe encontrar una respuesta multilateral, que posibilite la reactivación pronta de las economías nacionales. No se pueden replicar dinámicas de asfixia financiera y ajuste estructural en países periféricos, mientras en aquellos centrales empiezan a encaminar grandes inyecciones de recursos, distanciándose así del fantasma de la austeridad. Igualmente, deben desplegarse con mayor intensidad políticas de cooperación técnica, médica y científica que reduzcan el impacto de esta enfermedad, sobre todo en países con menores recursos y capacidad propia de hacerlo.

Que esta crisis no termine con más víctimas humanas ni ampliando la marcada desigualdad social ya existente aun está en nuestras manos. Que sea, más bien, una oportunidad para impulsar un nuevo horizonte civilizatorio, más justo social, cultural y ambientalmente, es algo que debe estar nuestro quehacer y visión. Recuperemos la importancia de la mejor tradición socialista: la que piensa desde la organización social, con radicalidad democrática, en el bien común del pueblo por medio del actuar del Estado.

IUSY MC and EC online meeting

IUSY MC and EC online meeting regarding the COVID-19 situation in MENA and EC regions. The call will take place on April 3rd at 19:00 Jerusalem time (18:00 CET) via Zoom Meeting

Below is the link for the meeting:

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/710073790

Meeting ID: 710 073 790

Topics discussed will be:

  1. What are the most recent updates from our countries?
  2. What did the governments do to counter this pandemic?
  3. What measures that took place in your countries can we benefit from?
  4. What did your party or youth organization do to fight the pandemic?
  5. What lessons can be learned?

Please feel free to join the meeting and also to spread it among your members.

IUSY and YES statement on Hungarian Coronavirus Act

With its 2/3 majority, Fidesz passed the Coronavirus Act in the Hungarian Parliament, granting the government unprecedented emergency powers and the most expansive onessince the fall of communism. The new law allows the government to rule by decree for an indefinite period of time. It also introduces a vaguely worded new paragraph to the already existing offence of scaremongering in the Criminal Code.

The coronavirus outbreak has brought pressure on many governments and demands swift and careful action to prevent any further spread of the virus. We understand that necessary measures require temporary & limited restrictions on some of the fundamental rights and freedoms in the name of the collective, but restrictions, should always be proportionate and necessary. A standard which the Hungarian Coronavirus Act manifestly fails to meet. A completely unrestricted mandate to rule by decree is never proportionate nor democratic. No government should get unrestricted power to fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

The adopted new law also introduces prison sentences of up to five years for people thought to be spreading false information that alarms the public or impedes government efforts to protect people. The government will also be allowed to suspend the application of certain laws by decree if necessary and proportional to protect citizens’ health, life, property, rights, and to secure the stability of the economy in connection with the pandemic. Furthermore, no local or national elections or referendums can be held until the end of the state of emergency. These are often uncertain measures, especially for an indefinite period of time which can easily lead to absolute power of Orbán.

We are also surprised that in merely a few hours later, the President of Hungary signed the act into effect, underlining in his statement that the new law is in line with the Fundamental law and does not violate international agreements.

We, young socialists and social democrats, all over the world and in Europe, are alarmed how Orbán is further undermining the democratic principles in Hungary. We, in IUSY and in YES support all necessary measures to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, but we also stand on the side of our member organisation, Societas Hungary and and all other progressive forces fighting against the erosion of democracy while they continue to fight to protect the fundamental rights of the Hungarian people and Hungarian democracy in these difficult times.

IUSY World Congress (Postponed)

IUSY informs that in the light of COVID-19 and after an official communication from the Government of Panama regarding the suspension of massive international events; the IUSY World Congress is postponed.

We are expecting to communicate to you updated information by 1st of April. 

We thank you for your understanding and we call to all our member organisations to be in solidarity with those in need. Stay safe!

If you have further questions do not hesitate to contact us at congress@iusy.org.

IUSY statement on the situation in the Dominican Republic

[Spanish]

IUSY manifiesta su preocupación por suspensión de elecciones municipales en República Dominicana

Desde la unión internacional de Juventudes socialistas (IUSY por sus siglas en Inglés), manifestamos nuestra preocupación por suspensión de elecciones municipales y hacemos un llamado al respeto de la democracia en República Dominicana, donde se realizarían elecciones municipales y las mismas han sido suspendidas el mismo día de la elección por la Junta Central Electoral.

Es un grave atentado contra el sistema democrático del país caribeño, lo cual generará desconfianza de los electores ante el órgano electoral, donde el 80% de los equipos previstos para esta jornada no funcionarón y donde se esperaba el triunfo del principal partido de oposición, Partido Revolucionario Moderno (PRM).

Hacemos un llamado al respeto del proceso electoral y permitan al pueblo dominicano elegir sus representantes de manera libre y siempre democrática.

[English]

IUSY expresses its concern over suspension of municipal elections in the Dominican Republic

From the International Union of Socialist Youth (IUSY), we express our concern about the suspension of municipal elections and make a call for respect of the democracy in the Dominican Republic, where municipal elections would be held and where they have been suspended the same election day by the Central Electoral Board.

It is a serious attack against the democratic system of the Caribbean country, which will generate distrust of the voters before the electoral body, where 80% of the equipment planned for this day did not work and where the triumph of the main opposition party was being expected, Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM).
We make a call to the respect of the electoral process and allow the Dominican people to choose their representatives freely and always democratically.

IUSY statement on the situation in El Salvador

[Spanish]

IUSY condena acciones contra el parlamento de El Salvador

La Unión Internacional de Juventudes Socialistas (IUSY por sus siglas en inglés) condena las acciones promovidas por el Presidente de El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, contra el parlamento, donde con el uso de las fuerzas militares ha tomado las instalaciones del poder legislativo, promoviendo incluso; un llamado a la violencia y de persecución contra parlamentarios de la oposición.

Hacemos un llamado para que se garantice el respeto de las instituciones democráticas del país centroamericano y exhortamos a todos los actores políticos a establecer un diálogo que permita una solución pacífica.

Las acciones violentas del poder ejecutivo contra el poder legislativo quebrantan el orden constitucional.

[English]

IUSY condemns actions against the parliament of El Salvador

The International Union of Socialist Youth (IUSY) condemns the actions promoted by the President of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, against the parliament, where with the use of military forces he has taken the facilities of the legislative power, even promoting a call to violence and persecution against parliamentarians from the opposition.

We make a call for the respect of the democratic institutions of the Central American country to be guaranteed and we urge all political actors to establish a dialogue that allows a peaceful solution.

The violent actions of the executive branch against the legislative branch violate the constitutional order.

[French]

L’IUSY condamne les actions contre le parlement du Salvador

L’Union Internationale de la Jeunesse Socialiste (UIJS) condamne les actions promues par le Président du Salvador, Nayib Bukele, contre le parlement, où avec l’utilisation des forces militaires il a pris le contrôle des installations du pouvoir législatif, allant même jusqu’à promouvoir ; un appel à la violence et à la persécution contre les parlementaires de l’opposition.

Nous demandons que le respect des institutions démocratiques de ce pays d’Amérique centrale soit garanti et nous exhortons tous les acteurs politiques à établir un dialogue qui permettra une solution pacifique.

Les actions violentes du pouvoir exécutif contre le pouvoir législatif violent l’ordre constitutionnel.

IUSY and YES Statement on Trump’s “Peace plan”

We are witnessing the latest developments regarding the Middle East conflict, following US President Donald Trump’s so-called “Peace Plan”. This plan promotes unilateral annexations of vast territories in the West Bank by Israel, a crime of aggression under the Rome Statute, while completely ignoring the long occupation of those territories. The consequences of its implementation would be devastating for any real and sustainable peace in the future. Even more so given the fact that this plan surges at a time of non-existing efforts by the Israeli government to promote the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside an Israeli state. On the contrary, it comes after a decade of expansion of the settlement enterprise led by the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The plan put forward by President Trump is a distractive one. While using a two-state solution discourse, Trump’s plan is based on the distorted idea that a peace process can begin with a one-sided annexation of occupied land. This peace-in-disguise will allow Israel’s right extremists to fulfill their vision of permanent presence in the West Bank while de facto depriving the Palestinians’ hopes and dreams for an independent state of their own. We should not be fooled by Trump’s promises – there will be no peace at the end of this process, only two nations bind in an even deadlier conflict, with fewer possibilities to create a reality of peace and prosperity for their peoples. This initiative of a populist right-wing president to save himself from impeachment, and his partner, Benjamin Netanyahu, from three cases of corruption in Israel.

IUSY and YES shall continue to urge the Israeli government to act immediately for this cause. IUSY and YES express dual solidarity with its member organizations both in Israel and Palestine who work persistently in order to establish a large movement of activists who share this vision of peace and justice. The support of socialists from all corners of the globe is essential in the efforts for strengthening this voice within Israel, and in promoting the ability to build a sustainable and just future for both the Israeli and the Palestinian people.

IUSY and YES declare their firm commitment with the fulfilment of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including the right to self-determination that has been violated by Israel’s illegal settlement enterprise. Trump’s initiative does nothing but perpetuates the denial of rights while rewarding Israel for systematically violating international law. Peace cannot be an abstract. It composed by justice, equality and the fulfilment of the rights of everyone, in this case, of Israelis, Palestinians and the rest of the region.

IUSY and YES will only support a Peace Process that:

  • Ends the Israeli occupation that began in 1967, including in and around East Jerusalem.
  • Based on a two-state solution, achieved through a direct dialog between the two nations under the international community supervision, as the overriding method to achieve a peace agreement in the Middle East.
  • Sees the establishment of a fully sovereign Palestinian State, with control over its airspace, natural resources and all other attributes of sovereignty.
  • Grants equal political and civil rights for all citizens of Israel and Palestine, including between Jewish and Arab citizens in Israel.
  • Solves all issues based on international law and relevant UN resolutions.

We warn everyone about the dangerous precedents that the Trump Administration is imposing by promoting this plan. Violation of basic principles of International Law, such as the inadmissibility of acquisition of the land through the use of force, could be turned into precedents that will only make it more difficult to secure peace and security elsewhere. This is no longer time for mere statements.

The Presidium of IUSY and YES have decided to launch a campaign in order to help in saving the prospects of a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. This includes:

  • A commitment of all members to work for the immediate recognition of the State of Palestine on the 1967 border.
  • Request from all members to take proactive action against Israel’s settlements and its economic supporters, including by banning settlement products and Calling upon the UN Human Rights Commissioner Michelle Bachelet to release the database of companies involved in the Israeli occupation in 1967 lands
  • Promoting visits of our members to support on the ground the progressive forces in Israel and Palestine, including the right to political and civil equality for the Arab Palestinian citizens of Israel and the struggle against the occupation that began in 1967, including in East Jerusalem, the capital of the State of Palestine

We call for the end of the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian people, based on our belief in equality and freedom, and aspire for independence and self-determination of all peoples in the region. We hope to end the rising violence in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian territories and to establish a just, egalitarian and secure space with opportunities for life, development, freedom of speech, peace and solidarity.

A Toolkit for the Feminist Fight!

We are super excited to share with you our new publication “A struggle for Equality. A Toolkit for the Feminist Fight!”.
This toolkit was created and developed by the participants of the international activity “The struggle for equality
continues: Mapping the road to gender equality
in youth organisations” that took place in Berlin in October 2019. The activity was supported by the European Youth Foundation.
We hope this toolkit will motivate and inspire you to transform your organisation, your surroundings and to make the world safer, more peaceful and more just for everyone.
Big thanks to all the 20 participants who actually are the creators of this toolkit, to the team of the activity, to IUSY Feminist Working Group, to our amazing editor Sarah Carney and the illustrator and graphic designer Coline Robin.

Click here to download the toolkit: Struggle for equality. A toolkit for the feminist fight!