Statement

Statement of the IUSY Black Sea Area Cooperation & Mediterranean Committee Joint Meeting 2024

From November 7 to 10, 2024, socialist youth representatives from across the Black Sea and Mediterranean regions gathered in Vienna for the IUSY BSAC & Mediterranean Committee Joint Meeting. This gathering served as a platform to analyze pressing regional conflicts, explore the role of international law in resolving global disputes, and reaffirm our commitment to peace, justice, and human rights.

Addressing Regional Conflicts through International Law

The Black Sea and Mediterranean regions continue to face deep-rooted political, economic, and security challenges—ranging from territorial disputes and military aggression to human rights violations and socioeconomic inequalities. During our discussions, we highlighted the ongoing conflicts in:

· Palestine and Gaza, condemning military aggression and advocating for justice, self-determination, and adherence to international humanitarian law.

· Nagorno-Karabakh, emphasizing the protection of indigenous populations and peaceful resolutions based on dialogue and legal frameworks.

· Lebanon and Syria, acknowledging the impact of territorial violations and the necessity for stability and reconstruction efforts.

· Russia’s war on Ukraine, denouncing violations of sovereignty and reinforcing our call for international solidarity with those affected by war and occupation.

In all these cases, international law remains a critical tool for conflict resolution, human rights protection, and diplomatic engagement. As young socialists, we firmly reject the use of force and violence as means of resolving disputes and instead advocate for peaceful, lawful, and diplomatic solutions.

The Role of Youth in Promoting Justice and Human Rights

Youth-led movements play a key role in progressive change, solidarity, and peacebuilding. Through international cooperation, activism, and legal advocacy, we reaffirm our commitment to:

· Strengthening human rights protections in conflict zones.

· Fighting for political and social equality, ensuring that marginalized voices are heard.

· Promoting nonviolent resistance and diplomatic engagement as alternatives to war and oppression.

We recognize that socialist youth organizations have a responsibility to stand at the forefront of these struggles, working collectively to combat injustice and build a future rooted in peace and democracy.

This joint meeting has reinforced our dedication to international solidarity, legal advocacy, and the empowerment of youth-led movements in conflict resolution. We call on governments, international organizations, and civil society groups to uphold the principles of justice, self-determination, and international cooperation in addressing global conflicts.

As IUSY, we will continue to push for a world free from occupation, oppression, and violence, where international law is respected and human rights are protected for all.