Declaración de IUSY ante la grave conmoción social que se vive en Ecuador

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– Español-

Desde la UNIÓN INTERNACIONAL DE JUVENTUDES SOCIALISTAS (IUSY) rechazamos y condenamos la grave conmoción social que se vive en Ecuador desde el 13 de junio. Desde que iniciaron las jornadas de protestas para exigir las justas demandas al gobierno la Alianza por los Derechos Humanos en el Ecuador registró, hasta el mediodía del 21 de junio del 2022, 39 vulneraciones de derechos humanos a lo largo y ancho del país. Ello se traducen en 79 detenciones, y más de 50 personas heridas. Así mismo, la represión ha dejado hasta la fecha dos víctimas mortales.

En este contexto, denunciamos el accionar violento de la fuerza pública ante las caravanas de personas que se han movilizado hacia Quito para que su voz sea escuchada y rechazamos la vil agresión dictatorial de intimidación al ordenar la militarización de la Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana y la sede de la Confederación Nacional de Organizaciones Campesinas, Indígenas y Negras  (FENOCIN).

La grave conmoción social que se vive en Ecuador responde a un sinnúmero de problemáticas no resueltas por las administraciones gubernamentales durante los últimos años. Las diversas organizaciones agrario-campesinas, los sectores populares, feministas, ecologistas, estudiantes universitarios y secundarios que hoy se expresan en las calles, demandan al presidente Guillermo Lasso inversión en salud, educación, viabilidad, reactivación económica de los pequeños y medianos productores, condiciones justas para el trabajo y marcos normativos que permitan una vida digna a quienes menos tienen.

El actual presidente Lasso, con su agenda neoliberal, amenazó a las instituciones de educación superior con reducir aún más sus presupuestos, a fin de impedir que abran sus puertas al pueblo. Durante los últimos dos días, la policía nacional ha invadido los recintos de la Universidad Salesiana, la Escuela Politécnica Nacional, la Universidad de Cuenca y la Universidad Central del Ecuador. Las instituciones de educación superior han sido declaradas como zonas de paz y acopio; no obstante, se han registrado acciones que violentan la autonomía universitaria consagrada en la Constitución de la República en el artículo 355 y la Ley Orgánica de Educación Superior artículo 19.

En el marco del paro nacional, las acciones y omisiones del gobierno han elevado la conflictividad pues actúa con un doble discurso: mientras en comunicados, ruedas de prensa y declaraciones ante medios tradicionales, habla de diálogo y paz, en acciones concretas evidenciamos que la represión es forma de interactuar con quienes le exigen a la Función Ejecutiva respuestas claras ante sus demandas.

Por lo expuesto, rechazamos la permanente criminalización de la protesta social en Ecuador, y  hacemos un llamado a la Comunidad Internacional y los organismos de Derechos Humanos para que pongan especial atención a lo que ocurre en el país.

IUSY statement on the serious social upheaval in Ecuador

– English-

The INTERNATIONAL UNION OF SOCIALIST YOUTH (IUSY) rejects and condemn the serious social commotion that has been taking place in Ecuador since June 13. Since the beginning of the protests, the Alliance for Human Rights in Ecuador registered, until midday on June 21, 39 violations of human rights throughout the country. This translates into 79 arrests, and more than 50 people injured. In addition, the repression has so far resulted in two fatalities.

In this context, we denounce the violent actions of the security forces against the caravans of people who have mobilized to Quito to make their voices heard and we reject the vile dictatorial aggression of intimidation by ordering the militarization of Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana and the headquarters of the National Confederation of Peasant, Indigenous and Black Organisations (FENOCIN, in Spanish).

The serious social unrest in Ecuador is the result of a number of problems that have not been solved by government administrations in recent years. The various agrarian-peasant organisations, the popular sectors, feminists, ecologists, university and secondary school students who are today expressing themselves in the streets, are demanding that President Guillermo Lasso invest in health, education, viability, economic reactivation of small and medium-sized producers, fair working conditions and regulatory frameworks that allow a dignified life for those who have the least.

Current president Lasso, and his government`s neoliberal agenda, threatened higher education institutions with further cuts in their budgets in order to prevent them from opening their doors to the people. For the past two days, the national police have invaded the campuses of the Salesian University, the National Polytechnic School, the University of Cuenca and the Central University of Ecuador. The higher education institutions have been declared zones of peace and collection; however, there have been actions that violate the university autonomy enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic in Article 355 and the Organic Law of Higher Education Article 19.

In the framework of the national strike, the actions and omissions of the government have increased the conflict because it acts with a double discourse: while in press conferences and statements to traditional media it speaks of dialogue and peace, in concrete actions we see that repression is the way to interact with those who demand clear answers to their demands from the Executive Function.

Therefore, we reject the permanent criminalisation of social protest in Ecuador, and we call on the international community and human rights organisations to pay special attention to what is happening in the country.

Déclaration de l’IUSY sur les graves bouleversements sociaux en Équateur

-en français-

Depuis l’UNION INTERNATIONALE DE LA JEUNESSE SOCIALISTE (IUSY), nous rejetons et condamnons la grave agitation sociale qui a lieu en Équateur depuis le 13 juin. Depuis le début des journées de protestation pour exiger des demandes justes au gouvernement, l’Alliance pour les droits de l’homme en Équateur a enregistré, jusqu’à midi le 21 juin 2022, 39 violations des droits de l’homme dans tout le pays. Cela se traduit par 79 arrestations, et plus de 50 personnes blessées. En outre, la répression a fait jusqu’à présent deux morts.

Dans ce contexte, nous dénonçons les actions violentes des forces de sécurité contre les caravanes de personnes qui se sont mobilisées vers Quito pour faire entendre leur voix et nous rejetons la vile agression dictatoriale d’intimidation en ordonnant la militarisation de la Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana et du siège de la Confédération nationale des organisations paysannes, indigènes et noires (FENOCIN, en espagnol).

La grave agitation sociale en Équateur est le résultat d’un certain nombre de problèmes qui n’ont pas été résolus par les administrations gouvernementales ces dernières années. Les différentes organisations agraires et paysannes, les secteurs populaires, les féministes, les écologistes, les étudiants des universités et des écoles secondaires qui s’expriment aujourd’hui dans les rues, exigent du président Guillermo Lasso qu’il investisse dans la santé, l’éducation, la viabilité, la réactivation économique des petits et moyens producteurs, des conditions de travail équitables et des cadres réglementaires qui permettent une vie digne à ceux qui ont le moins.

L’actuel président Lasso, avec son programme néolibéral, a menacé les établissements d’enseignement supérieur de nouvelles coupes dans leurs budgets afin de les empêcher d’ouvrir leurs portes à la population. Depuis deux jours, la police nationale a envahi les campus de l’université salésienne, de l’école polytechnique nationale, de l’université de Cuenca et de l’université centrale de l’Équateur. Les établissements d’enseignement supérieur ont été déclarés zones de paix et de collecte ; cependant, il y a eu des actions qui ont violé l’autonomie universitaire inscrite dans la Constitution de la République à l’article 355 et dans la loi organique de l’enseignement supérieur à l’article 19.

Dans le cadre de la grève nationale, les actions et les omissions du gouvernement ont augmenté le conflit car il agit avec un double discours : alors que dans les communiqués, les conférences de presse et les déclarations aux médias traditionnels, il parle de dialogue et de paix, dans les actions concrètes nous voyons que la répression est la manière d’interagir avec ceux qui exigent des réponses claires à leurs demandes de la part de la fonction exécutive.

Nous rejetons donc la criminalisation permanente de la protestation sociale en Équateur, et nous appelons la communauté internationale et les organisations de défense des droits de l’homme à accorder une attention particulière à ce qui se passe dans le pays.

IUSY CONDEMNS MASS DEPORTATION IN ICELAND

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IUSY strongly condemns the planned mass deportation of recognised refugees to Greece and other countries by the Icelander government led by the Left-Green Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir.

These mass deportations of refugees will be the largest in the Iceland’s history, many of whom have already assimilated to Icelandic life and want to live a peaceful life in Iceland, a life they were unable to obtain in their native countries.

These planned deportations are not legally and fall directly under the responsibility of the Justice Department led by Minister of Justice, Jón Gunnarsson, who holds the ultimate executive power in matters of immigration. The Parliament of Iceland also has the power to prevent this potential humanitarian catastrophe.

Furthermore, the deportation of children and persons with disabilities are in violation with the CRC and the CRPD by putting the lives of these children and vulnerable individuals at risk by sending them to refugee camps in Greece, or on the street, where adequate and vital services are not guaranteed.

This disregard of the CRC particularly is in direct violation of Icelandic law since the CRC has already been ratified and incorporated as domestic law.

The government of Katrín Jakobsdóttir has a moral and legal obligation to help these individuals. It is certainly within its power to do so.

WESTERN BALKANS INTEGRATION IN THE EU IS URGENT!

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OPEN LETTER TO THE EUROPEAN UNION LEADERS

Sign the public petition here: https://forms.gle/W2M5jMmzTKhFcx866

Western Balkans Integration in the European Union is a matter of security!

Honourable President of the European Council, Charles Michel,
Honourable High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell,
Honourable Members of the European Council, H.E. Presidents and Prime Ministers of the European Union national governments,

Young people from Western Balkans are calling on your urgent action. Will you hear the voice and the needs of young people and act now?

The Western Balkan region has always been an important part of Europe and its economy, security and stability in the region. Therefore, in the last years the EU has developed different policies to support the gradual integration of the Western Balkan countries with the Union.

Over the years, many generations of young people in the Western Balkans have grown up with their vision and desire to live and work in their homeland, in a country part of the European family, with the same opportunities and under the same values as their peers in EU member states. In the end, they managed to achieve this, but by living abroad, away from home, in one of the developed European countries, members of the Union.

Hundreds of thousands, usually young people have left Western Balkan countries and moved to EU countries to pursue further education or work. Also, a large percentage of young people aged 15 to 29, want to leave with no intention of returning, which is a worrying fact.

The brain drain and high emigration rates are doing massive damage to the prospects of the Western Balkans and we believe that a stronger EU perspective can reverse this outflow. 

We are aware of the limitations and constrains of EU’s power, however having in mind that six Western Balkan countries are still among the poorest in Europe and their pace of convergence with European standards is slow, we hope that the development of this region within the EU will move faster and will produce visible results – thus offering the young generations a chance to work and live at home and to contribute to their countries’ fair and just progress and development.

The integration of the countries from the Western Balkan region in the EU has been an on-going process for almost two decades now. Nevertheless, we still believe that today, more than ever, the upcoming decisions will be crucial for the future of our region and our youth.

Faced with an unprecedented crisis in Europe, starting with the COVID-19 pandemic and ending with a devastating war in Ukraine, the Western Balkans’ region is experiencing a never-ending socioeconomic crisis, with particular significant effects on women and young people.

Even so, and especially during times of crisis we have seen the impact young people can bring to their communities when their voices are heard. Therefore, we decided to raise our voice now, to emphasize the importance of this moment and our expectations from current leaders to deliver the hope young people need.

And what are our needs? We, the Balkan Youth, want an inclusive and sustainable future for us and the next generations in our own countries. We want to have equal opportunities for decent jobs, education or training, to have equal rights to travel and explore. We feel European, we are part of Europe, therefore we want our countries to have equal treatment and our citizens equal rights, as all European citizens. We want to fight together against climate change, to ensure both the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2030, because not only our needs but also our priorities are the same as young people all over Europe.

The Future of Europe must include Western Balkan countries and the voice of young people must be heard when creating the direction of Europe’s development, based on their expectations and their needs.

We acknowledge the political gesture put in by the European institutions to mark this year as the European Year of Youth. We appreciate the fact that Tirana, the capital of Albania, has been declared as the 2022 European Youth Capital. We have shown that we share the fundamental European values and young people are committed to the European principles and values, therefore deserve a future within the EU.

But we urge you, each and every single one of the elected European leaders of the present, to make change happen for a better future. It is high time for the Western Balkans accession to the European Union. 

Therefore, we call upon European leaders and the European Council to:

  1. Follow the recommendations overwhelmingly approved by the European Parliament, in the reports 2021/2244 (INI) for Albania and 2021/2248(INI) for North Macedonia, and initiate the negotiations for the EU Accession with Albania and North Macedonia;
  2. Promote and organize the first intergovernmental conferences for opening the accession talks with Albania and North Macedonia latest by the end of the year.

We sincerely believe and expect, that our calls will take an impact and you will demonstrate the political will and the capability of the EU to react rapidly and effectively and to reaffirm the EU commitment to peace and stability in the Western Balkans region and giving the young people’s hope that now is the time to move forward on EU integration and Western Balkans are part of the European family. 

Sincerely, 

Bruno Gonçalves – IUSY Secretary General

Ana Manasieva – IUSY Vice President for the Western Balkans

Marko Mihailoski – President of Social Democratic Youth of Macedonia (SDYM), North Macedonia

Stefan Ninić – President of Democratic Youth (DY), Serbia

Floida Kërpaçi – President of Youth Movement for Integration (LRI), Albania

Amina Cikotić – President of Social Democratic Youth (SDY), Montenegro

Sonja Milatović, President of Youth Council of Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS), Montenegro

Luka Goršek, President of Youth Forum of Social Democrats (Mladi Forum), Slovenia

Glindxhet Madhi – President of Forum Eurosocialist Youth (FESYA), Albania

Suad Beganović, President of Youth Forum Socialdemocratic Party (SDP), Bosnia and Herzegovina

Lovro Lukavečki, President of Croatian Social Democratic Youth (CSDY), Croatia

Young people from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Kosovo and Serbia.

PROTESTS IN ARMENIA: SOLIDARITY WITH THE COMRADES OF ARF Youth

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IUSY has been closely following the latest developments in Armenia with great concern.

For weeks Armenian citizens have been protesting on the streets calling for the resignation of Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan. The ARF Youth, our member organization, plays an active role in the resistance movement.

The Armenian citizens call to action stems from the foreign policy of the Armenian government, in particular the attitude and policies regarding the Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) conflict. The citizens demand the assurance that Artsakh will never be a part of Azerbaijan and prioritization of the Artsakh people’s right to self-determination and independence.

During the Parliamentary elections held in June 2021, Prime Minister Pashinyan and his team ran on the promise that a just resolution to the Artsakh conflict will only be made if it was acceptable to the Armenian side. Since the re-election, Pashinyan reneged on his campaign promises, ignoring the public opinion of Armenian citizens regarding the Artsakh conflict negotiations and the national security and territorial integrity of the Republic of Armenia.

As unacceptable negotiations for the people of Armenia continue, protests in Armenia see illegal detainment of citizens, evident use of brute force against protestors and a disproportionate police force presence. Members of the ARF youth and student organizations (AYF Armenia) leading the protests have been arrested for two weeks awaiting their trial.

IUSY stands in solidarity with our comrades, who are imprisoned and follow the developments regarding their trial closely.

IUSY strongly condemns the unjustified arrests, and acts of violence against peaceful protesters perpetrated by the authorities.

IUSY condemns the violation of citizens’ rights by the government, and the disproportionate use of force by police.

IUSY calls on the Armenian government to ensure the full implementation of fundamental freedoms, and to avoid the use or the threat of use of force.

IUSY calls on all the sides involved to continue the political processes in a peaceful manner and in accordance with law.

IUSY values the commitment of basic human rights, dignity and freedoms. Democracy, the rule of law and justice must be defended at all times.

Social Justice after the Pandemic

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    EUROPEAN COMMITTEE STATEMENT

    We live in a time where the class society is getting bigger with each passing day. The time before the pandemic was already severe for young and marginalized groups in Europe. The effects have therefore also hit these groups hardest, not least those who were already economically oppressed.It is a heavy reality and the hope for a future and the possibility of a good life is incredibly low. It is a failure for which politics must take responsibility. Europe must be a place for young and marginalized groups to be able to grow and free themselves from inequality. But for this to be possible, class divisions and injustices must be stopped. This can only happen with a progressive policy where solidarity and equality are given priority. That is why we want to see an EU that takes responsibility for the aftermath caused by the pandemic, but also for the challenges that already existed before the pandemic. 

    IUSY wants to see an EU that really prioritizes young people. Social injustice is a major problem for young people. In several EU countries, there are tax laws that cause division and economic inequality. That kind of tax system needs to be stopped. Flat tax is unacceptable as it provides great benefits to already rich people while those who are poor have to bear the great cost to society.

    Young people in the labor market are all too often exploited by rogue employers. this is not least noticeable among industries in the gig economy. The pay gap between men and women is also a major problem and must disappear. Regardless of who you are, you should be entitled to the same salary for the same work. Anything else is unacceptable.

    Mental illness among young people is a major public health problem in the EU. The numbers of suicides have increased in connection with the pandemic. It’s a problem. As a young person, you should have the right to care for your mental illness. It should not be your wallet that decides if you can get help. That is why the EU must work for policies that prioritize the well-being of young people.

    Conditions for parental leave must also be equal. Today, unfortunately, the reality for young parents is not equal. In some EU countries, women are discriminated against by the system. They are forced into parental leave through rules on compulsory maternity leave. This creates a backlog for the woman which means that she is forced into a financial dependence on the man. not least, her opportunity for a good pension is affected. Parental leave must be equal and possible for both parents to take.

    The housing situation is perhaps the industry where class society is most evident. The possibility of a good home for a young person is very low. The prices for rent are far too high and the efforts to buy are only for rich people. We want to see the EU create opportunities for banks to lend money to young people with favorable interest rates and low fees. You should not be forced to live just to survive. The social democratic idea is that the individual should be freed from oppression, therefore it is important that the interests of young people are prioritized in the housing market in Europe.

    Statement on Ukraine

    The IUSY European Committee once again condemns Russia’s unprovoked invasion and war in Ukraine. We strongly condemn Putin’s violations against human rights as well as international and territorial integrity. We note with bitterness that, in particular, the west’s appeasement policies and impunity towards Russia in the previous years paved the way for these aggressions.

    This war is not only against the Ukrainian people but also an attack on the law based international system. It is an attack on our core values of freedom and democracy.The bombing of civilians and non-military infrastructure is terror against the Ukrainian people. Helpless civilians are exposed to human rights violations by brutal acts like in Bucha, Mariupol, Borodyanka and other cities. The international community is responsible for the protection against any violence of human lives and refugees such as human trafficking. 

    In times of multiple crisis in the world and in Europe, the social justice, security and safety in the EU and its neighborhood is endangered. Its is therefore vital that young perspectives are heard and discussed. We as the young generation in Europe cannot let Putins and other autocrats  tyrannize our generation. We cannot let the feeling of hopelessness and economical dependencies to form our way of course of action. Each and every human being live needs to be ensured in dignity, freedom and peace.

    It is now all the more crucial that Europe and the European Union defines a path for a common and binding security policy, which recognizes the needs of all states in the region. This includes nuclear-weapon  disarmament. For an all-encompassing security policy, a sustainable new green energy in the neighborhood and less energy dependency must be strengthened.

    European Union and its partners  need to prove and defend its common values in order to guarantee young and future generations a peaceful and just Europe. Today it is also all the more important to strengthen the European neighborhood.

    The IUSY European Committee therefore demands direct support for the Ukraine, more resources for  humanitarian aid and further econonomical sanctions on Russia such as:

    • Full boycott of oil/gas from Russia and pulling out all investments from Russian companies
    • European wide coordinated, state led system for a fair refugee distribution in cooperation with UN and UNHCR
    • Set up of social/health system registration
    • Set up of system for human trafficking prevention 
    • decisive action against russian propaganda and european wide education in and on social networks
    • immediate banning of Russia from international sports.

    As socialists and social democrats from all of Europe we are particularly committed to the future of young Ukrainians. We therefore demand to provide them all necessary  means in order to help building a future and perspective, especially with regard to creating opportunities for recognition and of complementation of degrees by Ukrainian pupils and students. Furthermore, every state should be committed to provide options for fast track complementary courses if necessary.

    Peace is only possible through a real and honest dialogue. The IUSY European Committee therefore calls on the European Union and Commission to push forward to further negotiations and above all an immediate ceasefire and real humanitarian corridors to prevent further innocent civilians from death. We ask both forces to be committed to peace and demand justice to strike on the war-criminals at the human-rights court in Den-Haag.  

    Therefore, and according to the outputs of the European Committee that gathered in Genova, Italy, dozens of young socialist leaders of Europe, IUSY commits, according to its possibilities, to:

    • Promote a special campaign to advocate for a single european hotline to help Ukrainian refugees fleeing from Ukraine;
    • Visit Ukraine with comrades of member organisation SMS;
    • Further develop the work on the post-covid mental illnesses impact on youth.

    Why we still need an International Day against Homo- Bi- and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT)

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    IUSY QUEER WORKING GROUP

    To this day, same sex sexual activity is still criminalised in 69 countries around the world. Laws enabling trans people to legally change their gender are implemented in only 96 countries. However, according to the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) only 25 of them do not have “prohibitive requirements”. In 13 countries it is still illegal to “cross-dress”, so to dress not according to your official gender. These numbers show the unjust and unsafe situation for queer people from law’s perspective. But even if there are laws in charge to acknowledge the existing of queer and trans people, it does not mean they are safe. The Universal declaration of Human Rights states that everyone has the right to security of the person and protection against violence or bodily harm. Regardless of that, in most countries no law prohibits the discrimination based on sexuality or being trans. As a result of that, queer and trans people are often facing violence, be it physically, verbally or structurally. 

    Despite the gains made for the rights of queer people around the world, many nations are continuing to see a year-on-year rise in hate crimes comitted against queer and trans individuals. These hate crimes do not occur in isolation, but rather are spurred on and encouraged when governments fail to address institutional bigotry. According to the ILGA, only 11 countries have constitutional protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation. The lack of equal constitutional rights for queer people feeds into overarching societal prejudice, and subsequently creates a hostile environment. In order to address the hostile environments directly affecting queer people, national governments must take action to enshrine protections for queer and trans individuals in law.

    We as social democratic and socialist youth organizations call upon our parties, especially those in governing power to to use their political weight to fight for the rights of the LGBTIAQ* community. To work towards legislature that prohibits hate crimes and enables free expression of gender identity and sexual orientation. But legislation and politics is not enough. We also need a societal change!

    Therefore we as IUSY members call on our members and comrades to engage with people and fight queer- and transphobia and hate wherever we come across it. We have to work together so that being yourself and loving who you love will no longer be a threat to one’s life. 


    IUSY CONDEMNS THE KILLING OF SHIREEN ABU AKLEH AND CALLS UPON THE ICC FOR AN INVESTIGATION ON THE WAR CRIMES

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    “I chose the journalism to be close to the people, it might not be easy to change the reality, but at least I could bring their voice to the world” SHIREEN ABU AKLEH

    IUSY strongly condemns the killing of a Palestinian journalist, Shireen Abu Akleh.

    The Israeli occupation forces have executed the Palestinian famous Al Jazeera journalist, Shireen Abu Akleh, with live ammunition in her head in the occupied West Bank, while covering Israeli army raids in the city of Jenin in the northern occupied West Bank on Wednesday morning. Another journalist, Ali al-Samoudi, was also wounded by a bullet in the back in line of duty.

    The incident was recorded live and according to witnesses including Al-Samoudi and other journalists, Abu Akleh was wearing her press vest, helmet, id badge, and was standing with other journalists when she was executed. There were no Palestinian fighters present when the journalist was shot, and there were no direct clashes with the Israeli occupation forces in the same spot, and as asserted the journalists had been directly targeted.

    IUSY condemns this heinous crime, which intends to only prevent the media from conducting their duty and holds the Israeli government and the occupation forces responsible for the killing of Shireen.

    IUSY also calls on the international community to condemn and hold Israel accountable for their intentional targetting and killing of Palestinians. This crime is considered a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and international conventions and norms, which stipulate that journalists and media workers must be protected. For decades, Israel has targeted Palestinian journalists covering the occupied Palestinian territory, killing dozens of reporters and injuring and imprisoning hundreds more.

    Journalists covering the occupied West Bank have become accustomed to Israeli attacks. When covering demonstrations or confrontations in the West Bank, journalists are often shot with tear gas, rubber bullets and live ammunition.

    Israel consistently violates international human rights laws in the occupied territory, but rarely is accountability ever demanded by third-party states and the global institutions responsible for ensuring and implementing justice.

    We emphasize that targeting journalists constitutes a crime under the international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

    Furthermore, IUSY believes that this crime reflects a policy to silence the press practiced by the Israeli occupation forces, aiming to hide the truth and stifle a counter narrative that exposes the Israeli occupation’s crimes against the Palestinian people.

    Therefore, IUSY calls upon the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Commission of Inquiry to take a clear and unwavering position, and investigate the Israeli occupation crimes against Palestinian civilians, including journalists, as ongoing and recurrent crimes.

    The State of Israel must be accountable for the ongoing Apartheid in the illegally occupied territories of Palestine.

    International Day of Transgender Visibility

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    The Trans Day of Visibility takes place every year on 31st of March. It celebrates trans, non-binary and genderqueer people and highlights their struggle for liberation, representation, and recognition. Still all around the globe trans people are discriminated against, often not even legally able to live in their true gender. We as international organisation of young socialists, stand by all trans people in their fight to live. We do not want a life where they can only survive but truly thrive.

    To end discrimination against queer and especially trans people, visibility is a necessity, as it manifests their variety in existence and diminishes prejudices and fears against the community. Trans people are not one homogenous block but millions of different lives and experiences. On this day we want to celebrate their existence and the long way they have gone. Thanks to many brave and strong trans people living out and proud, more and more people can identify themselves with them and find words for their own identity. Visibility is providing words for feelings that are so hard to describe.

    We stand proudly with all our trans, non-binary and genderqueer brothers and sisters all around the world. United in the fight for a better and just world.

    For this year’s International Day of Transgender Visibility we asked three comrades from Germany, the Philippines and Uruguay some questions concerning transgender visibility and rights.

    What does visibility mean to you and why is it important?

    Visibility is relevant to help one another on our own journeys, to inform ourselves and to share knowledge about the different possibilities of transition processes. In this sense, I consider that it is not only important the visibility of trans people but also to give visibility to social collectives and organizations that can guide people in the beginning of their processes, who have info on the various gender expressions, outside the cis-binary.

    – Amelie Galisteo, Uruguay

    Visibility for me, means to be included in the decision-making process in creating policies for the progress of everyone. We all have our voice, though our experiences may differ from the others, it is equally important for it to be heard so that we can celebrate diversity in order for a progressive society to thrive.

    – Sheen Melican, Philippines

    Visibility to me means being open about who I am to everyone.

    – Theresia Stahl, German

    2. What is the political and social situation in your country regarding trans rights?

    Uruguay has a Comprehensive Law for Trans People that was carried out by several social organizations and was approved in October 2018. Still, formal equality does not automatically translate into real equality. For trans people outside of Montevideo it is almost impossible to access hormonal therapy and the delays and obstacles that exist to start the processes are immense /Amelie

    The views and opinions in the Philippines still align with the patriarch and toxic masculinity mentality, the majority are having a hard time understanding about LGBTQ topics and the depths and complexities of being trans /Sheen

    The laws guiding transition in Germany were never updated by the legislature since 1981. Our Supreme Court has over time shot many of the worst parts of this law down, like forced sterilization or banning trans people from ever marrying. The new government of social democrats, greens and liberals promised to abolish the old law and pass a new law giving trans people the right to medically and legally transition without extensive gatekeeping / Theresia

    How can people in your country engage and support the queer community?

    In order to support the Uruguayan trans community and to truly commit ourselves, more information needs to be disseminated to the cis heteronormative population in order to fight against the existing disinformation and achieve a cultural change where we can be truly free and equal / Amelie

    People can engage and support the queer community by starting to educate and free themselves from the biases and stereotypes that they were taught while growing up. They can support and empower us by actively participating in initiatives and lobbying for legislations, have a care when someone from the community experiences injustices or discrimination, and be an Ally everyday in creating and keeping a society that is inclusive, respectful, and protective of our rights / Sheen

    People in my country can support the queer community best by fighting the ongoing fight against trans exclusionary regressives all across the political spectrum, as well as through political means supporting the queer communities of our close neighbours in eastern Europe / Theresia