Early afternoon on September 19, Azerbaijan launched their final attempt to wipe out the indigenous Armenian population of the Republic of Artsakh (Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh). The International Union of Socialist Youth (IUSY) vehemently condemns Azerbaijan’s inhumane institutional behaviour and calls upon the international community to stand up if this century does not want to witness the completion of a genocide. 

Azerbaijan’s belligerency is taking place amidst a blockade that Azerbaijan has been isolating Artsakh for over nine months since December 2022. The Lachin corridor is the only road connecting Artsakh to Armenia and the rest of the globe. As a result of this crippling blockade, humanitarian goods such as food, medical supplies, and other essential items have been repressed from entering into Artsakh. Azerbaijan decided to pursue their genocidal policies while imposing a progressing humanitarian catastrophe. Azerbaijan has been continuing to disregard its international obligations, repeatedly violating the Trilateral Statement of November 9 2020, as well as the orders from the International Court of Justice and calls from prominent international organizations and leaders, such as the UN Secretary-General, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch,  UN experts.

On September 19, 2023, Azerbaijani Armed Forces have grossly violated international human rights law where they targeted every area of civilian settlements, including a highly offensive attack on Artsakh Republic’s capital city of Stepanakert and its surrounding regions including Askeran, Martuni, and Martakert. A minimum of 200 fatalities and over 400 wounded individuals in Artsakh have been confirmed. Within the civilian population, there are over 40 injured individuals, including 13 children, with 10 confirmed civilian deaths at this time, including 5 children.

For almost a year, Azerbaijan has besieged Artsakh as a part of their anti-Armenian operation to ethnically cleanse the population and occupy their indigenous homes. Azerbaijan’s goal is to eradicate the starving and defenseless Armenian population who only want to live peacefully on their ancestral soil.

IUSY strongly believes that the failure of the international community is responsible for enabling the ongoing blockade and emboldened Azerbaijan’s ultimate move to eliminate the indigenous Armenian population of the Republic of Artsakh. 

IUSY demands the international community to: 

• Put an absolute stop on Azerbaijan’s plan and prevent another genocide of the Armenian population of the Republic of Artsakh.
• Take every diplomatic effort to recognize the fundamental right to self-determination of the Armenian population of the Republic of Artsakh.
• End the illegal blockade of the Republic of Artsakh.
• Impose targeted sanctions on the political and military leadership of Azerbaijan.
• Allow access of international and humanitarian organizations into the Republic of Artsakh.
• Form an international peacekeeping mission to have an international presence of the United Nations in the Republic of Artsakh to guarantee the security of its population.

IUSY stands firmly with the Armenian population of the Republic of Artsakh and their brave and ongoing fight for self-determination. All peoples have the unequivocal right to live freely and safely on their homeland. It is the obligation of the international community to stand with the people’s right to their own sovereignty. The world must put an end to this silence in order to ensure that this violence will never be repeated. 

The government of Japan is acting immorally and irresponsibly by dumping more than a million tons of nuclear waste water into the Pacific.

Starting last week, the release of radioactive water from Fukushima is anticipated to take four decades. Scientists from the U.S. The National Association of Marine Laboratories have warned the international community that the radiological risks involved have not been fully assessed. Furthermore, Japan has ignored the potential biological impacts of Tritium, Carbon-14, Strontium-90 and Iodine-129, all of which will be in the discharged water.

Communities from within Japan, Asia and the Pacific are voicing their concerns. The Pacific Islands Forum members have strongly opposed this move, saying “We have uncovered serious information gaps and grave concerns with the proposed ocean release. Simply put, more data is needed before any ocean release should be permitted. Despite this, Japan is continuing with the plans for discharge in the Spring of 2023 relying on the next four decades of discharge to figure it out”. 

The world’s oceans are already under extreme stress due to biodiversity loss, overfishing, climate change, acidification and pollution. Humanity depends on the ocean, and we cannot afford to harm the Pacific any further.

We, the International Union of Socialist Youth, call on the international community to join us in condemning these actions, and for governments to express their concerns to the Government of Japan. 

The International Union of Socialist Youth (IUSY) stands in solidarity with the people of Slovenia who are facing an unprecedented and devastating natural disaster. The recent floods have caused widespread devastation, impacting approximately 85% of the country, leaving behind a trail of destruction that has shattered communities.

The scale of this disaster is staggering, with billions of euros in damages reported across the affected regions. Entire neighborhoods have been submerged, homes destroyed, and critical infrastructure rendered inoperable. The floods have not only affected the physical landscape but have also had a profound emotional and economic impact, with families losing their possessions, livelihoods and some even their loved ones.

We call for international support and cooperation to help the affected communities rebuild and recover. We urge governments, international organizations, and individuals alike to contribute to relief efforts, whether through financial support, material assistance, or by raising awareness about the plight of the flood-stricken communities.

This dire situation serves as an urgent reminder of the global climate crisis, which demands immediate and united action from leaders worldwide. The scenes of destruction in Slovenia highlight the gravity of the climate emergency. It is a distressing indication that extreme weather events, intensified by climate change, have profound and far-reaching impacts.

We urge leaders and governments to recognize the urgency of the situation and take decisive steps to address the root causes of these disasters:

1. Resources must be allocated to bolster climate resilience. Infrastructure, policies, and initiatives that build resilience and adaptability to climate impacts are paramount.
2. Commitments to reduce carbon emissions must be translated into tangible action. Comprehensive strategies that transition to renewable energy sources and reduce reliance on fossil fuels are imperative.
3. Leaders should prioritize the needs of vulnerable communities disproportionately affected by climate change. Adequate support systems and resources are vital to ensure their protection and recovery.
4. We call upon individuals and organizations worldwide to stand in solidarity with those affected by climate-related disasters. Collective action can amplify the impact of relief efforts and advocate for systemic change.

The situation in Slovenia serves as a stark call to action. The climate crisis demands our immediate attention, determination, and global unity. The time for ambitious climate policies and sustainable practices is now. Together, we can demonstrate the power of international solidarity, showing that in times of crisis, humanity unites to face adversity, heal wounds, and rebuild stronger than before.

EN

The International Union of Socialist Youth (IUSY) strongly condemns one of the world’s strictest anti-LGBTI+ bills passed by Uganda’s parliament. The bill deepens discrimination and undermines human rights.

A government that needs a significant diversion from its mounting issues is targeting the LGBTI+ population. Since the “Anti-Homosexuality Act” of the 1950 Penal Code was abolished in 2014, Uganda’s homophobic authorities have been attempting to make homosexuality a crime. This new law would institutionalize prejudice, bigotry, and discrimination against LGBTI+ individuals and those who are thought to be such once more. Additionally, it will obstruct the lawful activity of civil society organizations, community leaders, and public health professionals.

IUSY calls for the urgent repeal of this terrible law and the protection of LGBTI+ citizens by passing legislation and adopting policies that adhere to the equality and anti-discrimination tenets enshrined not only in the Ugandan Constitution, but also in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

ES

La Unión Internacional de Juventudes Socialistas (IUSY) condena enérgicamente uno de los proyectos de ley anti-LGBTI+ más estrictos del mundo, aprobado por el parlamento de Uganda. Un proyecto de ley que profundiza la discriminación y socava los derechos humanos.

El colectivo LGBTI es el objetivo de un Gobierno que acumula demasiados problemas en el país y necesita una gran distracción de estos problemas. Las autoridades homófobas de Uganda llevan trabajando por penalizar la homosexualidad desde que la “Ley Antihomosexualidad” del Código Penal de 1950 fuese revocada en 2014.Esta nueva ley institucionalizará de nuevo la discriminación, el odio y los prejuicios contra las personas LGBTI+ y de aquellas percibidas como tal. Además, bloqueará el trabajo legítimo de profesionales de la salud pública, de líderes comunitarios y de la sociedad civil.

Desde la IUSY exigimos que se derogue urgentemente esta terrible ley y que se protejan a las personas LGBTI+ mediante la promulgación de leyes y políticas que se alineen con los principios de igualdad y no discriminación consagrados no solo en la Constitución de Uganda, sino también en la Carta Africana de Derechos Humanos y de los Pueblos.

FR

L’Union internationale de la jeunesse socialiste (IUSY) condamne fermement l’un des projets de loi anti-LGBTI+ les plus stricts au monde, adopté par le parlement ougandais. Ce projet de loi aggrave la discrimination et porte atteinte aux droits de l’homme.

La communauté LGTBI+ est la cible d’un gouvernement qui en a trop d’enjeux à surmonter, et qui s’accumulent dans le pays. C’est pourquoi il est évident que le gouvernement nécessite d’une distraction majeure de ces problèmes. Les autorités homophobes de l’Ouganda s’efforcent de criminaliser l’homosexualité depuis l’abrogation, en 2014, de la « loi anti-homosexualité » du code pénal de 1950. Cette nouvelle loi permettra, une fois de plus, la légalité de la discrimination, la haine et les préjugés à l’encontre des personnes LGBTI+ et de celles qui sont perçues comme telles. Mais encore, cette loi entravera également le travail légitime des professionnels de la santé publique, des leaders communautaires et de la société civile.

L’IUSY demande que cette terrible loi soit abrogée de toute urgence et la protection des personnes LGBTI+ en adoptant des lois et des politiques conformes aux principes d’égalité et de non-discrimination ; inscrits non seulement dans la Constitution ougandaise, mais aussi dans la Charte africaine des droits de l’homme et des peuples.

Microsoft Word – IUSY_Template_Statement.docx

Following multiple earthquakes that hit Turkey and Syria, these events have been affecting the most vulnerable people in the world. Unfortunately, the death toll has now passed the 40,000 lives.

IUSY extends its deepest condolences to the families of the Syrian, Turkish and Kurdish people that became victims of the devastating earthquake in southern Turkey and Northern Syria, and wish a speedy recovery to those injured.

While governments, international bodies and humanitarian aid organizations have expressed support and mobilised humanitarian aid, it is necessary to provide support and distribute aid to all affected areas.

Therefore IUSY calls on all parties involved in the region to:

– Support the victims of the earthquake, in particular vulnerable groups, ethnic minorities and all people gravely affected by the earthquake.

– Enable humanitarian organizations to operate in conflict zones, and calling on all parties to allow unhindered humanitarian access to civilians.

– Urges international bodies to fund humanitarian assistance to those affected by the earthquake in Turkey and Syria without discrimination or politicization, and in line with th International Humanitarian Law.

– IUSY calls for the international community to lift some of the political restrictions on aid entering north-west Syria. The great catastrophe that befell the Syrian people must change the course of conflict in Syria and open the door to the respect of Human Rights in all affected regions over the past years.

La Unión Internacional de Juventudes Socialistas (IUSY) manifiesta gran preocupación por la persecución judicial a las y los opositores políticos en Paraguay.
Recientemente el diario paraguayo ABC hizo público que políticos de la Asociación Nacional Republicana (ANR), partido que ha estado en el poder desde hace más de 70 años, estaban coludidos con Fiscales para montar persecuciones judiciales. Lo anterior estaría vinculado con el ex Presidente Horacio Cartes Jara y al actual Presidente Mario Abdo Benítez.
Lamentamos que uno de los casos más controversiales fuera la persecución del ex intendente de la ciudad de Asunción, Mario Ferreiro, quien por ello tuvo que renunciar. Además, condenamos el asesinato de un militante político derivado de la entrada sin orden judicial de policías al Partido Liberal Radical Auténtico.
Exhortamos a que se investiguen los montajes judiciales contra opositores, así como se haga cumplir el estado de derecho y la independencia de los poderes del Estado.
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(English Version) The International Union of Socialist Youth (IUSY) is very concerned about the judicial persecution of political opponents in Paraguay.
Recently, the Paraguayan newspaper ABC made public that politicians of the National Republican Association (ANR), a party that has been in power for more than 70 years, were colluding with prosecutors to mount judicial persecution. This would be linked to former President Horacio Cartes Jara and current President Mario Abdo Benítez.
We regret that one of the most controversial cases was the persecution of the former mayor of the city of Asunción, Mario Ferreiro, who had to resign. In addition, we condemn the murder of a political activist as a result of police entering the Authentic Radical Liberal Party without a warrant.
We call for the investigation of the judicial set-ups against opponents, as well as the enforcement of the rule of law and the independence of the branches of government.

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(Version française) L’Union Internationale de la Jeunesse Socialiste (IUSY) est très préoccupée par la persécution judiciaire des opposants politiques au Paraguay.
Récemment, le journal paraguayen ABC a rendu public le fait que des politiciens de l’Association Nationale Républicaine (ANR), un parti au pouvoir depuis plus de 70 ans, étaient de connivence avec des procureurs pour monter une persécution judiciaire. Cette affaire serait liée à l’ancien président Horacio Cartes Jara et au président actuel Mario Abdo Benítez.
Nous regrettons que l’un des cas les plus controversés ait été la persécution de l’ancien maire de la ville d’Asunción, Mario Ferreiro, qui a dû démissionner en conséquence. Nous condamnons également le meurtre d’un activiste politique suite à l’entrée de la police dans le Parti libéral radical authentique sans mandat.
Nous demandons une enquête sur les montages judiciaires contre les opposants, ainsi que l’application de l’état de droit et de l’indépendance des pouvoirs de l’Etat.

Desde IUSY expresamos nuestro rechazo ante el intento de Autogolpe de Estado y la intención de disolver el Congreso de la República del Perú lo cual va en contra de los valores de la democracia, las libertades y las instituciones.
Expresamos nuestro apoyo a la Presidenta de la República, Dina Boluarte, ante la situación de vacancia y deseamos que su nombramiento dé estabilidad a su gobierno. Las juventudes estaremos atentas a la convocatoria a elecciones generales anticipadas, las cuales confiamos fortalecerán los procesos democráticos en nuestro país hermano.
Nos unimos a las fuerzas progresistas que defienden y promueven la democracia, así como el Estado de Derecho en la región de América Latina y el mundo. Seguiremos condenando y señalando todas las aspiraciones autoritarias, los retrocesos democráticos y cualquier quiebre constitucional que conlleven a crisis políticas e institucionales.

English Version
From IUSY we express our rejection of the attempted self-coup and the intention to dissolve the Congress of the Republic of Peru, which goes against the values of democracy, freedoms and institutions.
We support the President of the Republic, Dina Boluarte, given the vacancy situation and we hope that her appointment gives stability to her government. The youth will be attentive to the call for early general elections, which we trust will strengthen the democratic processes in our sister country.
We join the progressive forces that defend and promote democracy, as well as the rule of law in the Latin American region and the world. We will continue to condemn and point out all authoritarian aspirations, democratic setbacks, and any constitutional breakdown that entails a political and institutional crisis.

Version française
De l’IUSY, nous exprimons notre rejet de la tentative d’auto-coup d’Etat et l’intention de dissoudre le Congrès de la République du Pérou, qui va à l’encontre des valeurs de la démocratie, des libertés et des institutions.
Nous soutenons la Présidente de la République, Dina Boluarte, compte tenu de la situation de vacance et nous espérons que sa nomination donne de la stabilité à son gouvernement. Les jeunes seront attentifs à l’appel à des élections générales anticipées, qui, nous l’espérons, renforceront les processus démocratiques dans notre pays frère.
Nous nous joignons aux forces progressistes qui défendent et promeuvent la démocratie, ainsi que l’état de droit dans la région latino-américaine et dans le monde. Nous continuerons à condamner et à dénoncer toutes les aspirations autoritaires, les reculs démocratiques et toute rupture constitutionnelle entraînant une crise politique et institutionnelle.