IUSY

Call for Registrations: Global Seminar 2019 3-6 October 2019

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Overview

What:             IUSY Global Seminar

When:            3-6 October 2019

Where:           Stockholm, Sweden

 

Overview of the event

The Olof Palme International Centre’s Global Project finances the IUSY Global Seminar. The IUSY Global Seminar 2019 will gather together IUSY member organisations and representatives from the districts of the Swedish Social Democratic Youth League (SSU). New to this year is that the second day will be spent having a joint programme together with IFLRY, The International Federation of Liberal Youth. The aim of the seminar will be to provide to the Member Organisations and to the SSU representatives a platform to discuss and come up with ideas on how we can battle shrinking civil society space and support civil society organisations and activists across the globe. A secondary aim is also to strengthen collaboration with IFLRY on topics that we agree on. The seminar will be an opportunity for us to learn and reflect upon new ideas and partnerships in our work for a fairer and more equal world.

Theme

A cornerstone of a democratic society is an empowered and independent civil society. Civil society organiations (CSOs) are the voice of the people and ensure that decision-makers make policies that respond to the needs of its citizens. In the last couple of years civil society has been under attack. CIVICUS has documented that civil society space is attacked in 111 countries and that only four per cent of the world’s population live in countries where our fundamental civil society freedoms such as freedom of association, peaceful assembly and expression are respected. The shrinking space has presented itself as restrictive legislation, restricted access to funding for CSOs, and attacks such as threats, violence and murders have been committed to human rights defenders and civil society representatives and organisations. The Global Seminar will tackle the topic of shrinking civil society space and the role of political youth organisations. Together we will learn more about the attacks on civil society but also discuss what our roles are as political youth organisations in a more democratic world by ensuring that we have a free and independent civil society.

For more information about the state of civil society during 2018 read CIVICUS 2019 report.

For any questions or remarks please don’t hesitate to contact the IUSY Secretariat at iusy@iusy.org, put Global Seminar 2019 in the subject line.

With best regards,

Johanna Ortega                                                Ana Pirtskhalava

IUSY President                                            IUSY Secretary General

Participation Profile & Selection Process

Each member organisation may register up to one participant for the meeting.
The selection criteria will be based on
1. The questions listed in the application form

  1. Gender Balance (both IUSY statutes and the global project require gender balance)
  2. Regional Balance

Participants must be able to attend the entire programme of the seminar.

It’s preferable that participants have an interest in working with civil society and has knowledge about the threats against civil society today as well as previous experience working with liberal youth.

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

How to apply

Participants must apply by filling in the registration form that you can find here. Or copy paste it to your browser: https://forms.gle/tLWevqnbTkXqbsA26

Please note that a thought out answer to the questions are required as it is part of the selection process.

The deadline for application is 05 of August.

Participation fee

The participation fee for the event is 50€ per person and must be paid with bank transfer by Wednesday 15th September 2019.

Please note that you will have to be selected before you pay the participation fee.
The participation fee will cover accommodation, meals, refreshments and programme for the duration of the event. Any additional nights’ accommodation must be arranged and paid for by participants.

Payment should be via bank transfer to IUSYs account.

Once you have made the bank transfer, please send a payment receipt to iusy@iusy.org. Please be aware that IUSY cannot take responsibility for any bank fees.

Visas

The IUSY Secretariat will support visa applications for the event. Please note that the Secretariat will support you with a visa invitation letter. Participants themselves must apply for the visa and book appointments with the embassies/consulates.

Travel Reimbursement

Travel reimbursement is available up to a fixed reference price. Only economy tickets will be reimbursed. Please note that as this event is open to all IUSY’s regions the amount of Travel Reimbursement available to the different organisations will become available after the selection process has finished.

Cancellations

Each organisation whose participant withdraws after the 25th of September without a valid reason will be charged the participation fee.

Contacts

Amanda Lilliefeldt

Amanda.lilliefeldt@iusy.org or

iusy@iusy.org / +4369913532970

Call for Registrations: African Committee Leadership Conference 2019!

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Overview

What:             Regional committee meeting for members of the African region

When:             12-15 September, 2019 (including travel dates)

Where:           Gaborone, Botswana

Age/gender: 18-35 years old and gender balanced delegations only

Size:               2 participants per member organisation

Deadline:       1 July 2019

 

Outline

The African Committee Leadership Conference 2019 will bring together the young leaders of IUSY member organisations from the African region. The AFC will be organised in partnership with our member organisation Botswana Congress Party Youth League. The aim of the meeting is to strengthen the partnership among IUSY member organisations and enhance the cooperation in the region. The meeting will offer a platform to discuss current political situations in the region, give space to engage in a dialogue on common struggles and obstacles, and work together to come up with strategies to enact political and social change. Participants can look forward to getting involved in political debates and discussions, sharing experiences and ideas and building up their regional network. There will also be an added focus on skill building. Committee Meetings are the most important platforms for the regions in between the IUSY Congresses and Councils.

The theme of the Committee Meeting in 2019 “Youth opportunities in Africa & How We Can Guarantee Decent Work for Youth”

Unemployment is a global phenomenon whereby eligible workforce of a nation is disengaged in the service of the nation. It is not only a serious economic issue but has social implications that affect almost all countries and all people either directly or indirectly. It causes social disquiet and is the harbinger of the spate of crimes, perennial youth unrest and unstable socio-economic structure that has bedevilled several nations.

Africa indeed is a very rich continent with a potential youth percentage and while security is the key factor to stability and economic growth, unemployed and the luck of descent work for youth in Africa is a big drive to violence and instability across the continent, how can we as socialist youth address this issue and contribute to right policies toward a better and adequate work opportunities for youth in Africa?

For any questions or remarks please don’t hesitate to contact the IUSY Secretariat at iusy@iusy.org

We are very much looking forward to seeing you!

With best regards,

Johanna Ortega                                                                    Ana Pirtskhalava

           IUSY President                                                                IUSY Secretary General

 

Participant profile

Each member organisation in the region may register up to two participants for the meeting. Please note that delegations MUST be gender-balanced and a delegation cannot consist of two men. All participants must be aged 18-35 years old, with no exceptions. IUSY statutes as well as the Global Project require gender balance in order to be able to participate in the meeting. Participants must hold a leadership position in their organisation and member organisations will need to approve all applications.

Participants must be able to attend the entire programme. The working language of the meeting is English and French. Translation between French and English will be provided.

How to apply

Participants must apply by completing the online registration form latest by 1 July, 2019. All applicants will receive the outcome of their application within 1 week of the application deadline. Click here to fill in your registration or copy paste the link to your browser: https://forms.gle/DKEdGShJLKbFyLsZ8

Participation fee

The participation fee for the activity is 30€ per person and must be paid by 22 August 2019. The participation fee will cover accommodation, meals, refreshments and programme for the duration of the event. Any additional nights’ accommodation must be arranged and paid by participants.

Once you have made the bank transfer, please send a payment receipt to iusy@iusy.org. Please be aware that IUSY cannot take responsibility for any bank fees. If you are unable to make a bank transfer in advance you must inform us before 22 August 2019.

Outstanding membership fees and/or debts

Please note that only organisations without outstanding membership fees or debts are entitled to receive travel reimbursement. Therefore, we would ask for organisations to transfer their outstanding fees or debts by bank transfer as soon as possible.

If you are unable to pay your membership fee and/or debt, please contact the IUSY Secretary General Ana Pirtskhalava (ana.pirtskhalava@iusy.org) and IUSY President of Control Commission (roland.gur@iusy.org) to discuss possible options.

Travel reimbursement

Travel reimbursement is available up to a fixed reference price. Only economy tickets will be reimbursed. Kindly note that only gender balanced delegations are entitled to the maximum amount of reimbursement.

All travel reimbursements will be made in euro via bank transfer after the meeting. No travel reimbursement will be available in cash on the event without prior agreement at least one week in advance of the event. This applies to very exceptional cases and should be discussed with the Secretariat.

Please note that IUSY can only reimburse cost of travels proven by original documents. Therefore, do not forget to keep and hand in to the IUSY Secretariat ALL of the following documents at the meeting:

Flights:

  1. Booking confirmation, itinerary and ticket (emailed in advance to iusy@iusy.org)
  2. Original boarding passes for all flight segments (given to the Secretariat on arrival)
  3. Local travel tickets, where relevant (given to the Secretariat on arrival)
  4. Your bank account details (please make sure you bring them with you)

Train/coach:

  1. Booking confirmation, itinerary and ticket (emailed in advance to iusy@iusy.org)
  2. Original, stamped tickets for all journey segments (given to the Secretariat on arrival)
  3. Local travel tickets, where relevant (given to the Secretariat on arrival)
  4. Your bank account details (please make sure you bring them with you)

Car:

  1. Origin address and route map (emailed in advance to iusy@iusy.org)
  2. At least one gas/fuel receipt (given to the Secretariat on arrival)
  3. Your bank account details (please make sure you bring them with you)

Reference prices for travel reimbursement

Travel reimbursement will be offered to participants up to the fixed reference price below and upon proof of the requested documents above. Visa costs are included within this reference price. The reference prices below are for two delegates. If one delegate will be attending the meeting only half of the reimbursement will be made.

Country Organisation Travel Reimbursement
Angola J MPLA €150,00
Benin J PSD €280,00
Botswana BCP €0,00
Burkina Faso PDP/PS €150,00
Burkina Faso UNJ/MPP €150,00
Cape Verde J Do PAIC €250,00
Central Africa MLJC €250,00
Chad M3F €200,00
Democratic Republic of Congo Ligue Des Jeunes De L’Union Pour La Democratie Et Le Progres Social €200,00
Equatorial Guinea CPDS €200,00
Gabon MJU €200,00
Gambia YUDP €250,00
Ghana NDC YL €150,00
Kenya LPK YC €150,00
Mali JADEMA €200,00
Mali UJ-RPM €200,00
Morocco IY €200,00
Namibia SWAPO €100,00
Niger OJT €200,00
Senegal MNJS €200,00
South Africa ANCYL €80,00
Swaziland SWAYOCO €80,00
Tanzania CCMYL €180,00
Togo CDPA €180,00
Tunisia JCD €180,00
Uganda UYD €180,00
Western Zahara UJSARIO €250,00
Western Zahara UESARIO €250,00
Zimbabwe MDCYA €100,00
Zimbabwe PDP €100,00

Please note that this amount might change when the participant group has been selected.

Visas

The IUSY Secretariat will support visa applications for the event. If you require a visa, please send a copy of your passport to iusy@iusy.org as soon as possible, so the secretariat can draft a visa invitation letter for you. Please note that you have to arrange the appointment with the consulate/embassy yourself.

Travel

Arrivals and Departures

Day of arrival for the IUSY African Leadership Conference is 12 September and the day of departure is the 15 September. Please make sure to arrange your travel accordingly and do not forget that IUSY will NOT be able to cover accommodation or any other additional expenses for delegates who need to stay additional nights in Botswana.

How to get to the hotel

Details on the how to get to the hotel and venue will be provided at least two weeks before the event. Please note that to be able to get an airport transfer you need to send us your travel details by the 22 of August.

Accommodation and meeting venue

Detailed information about the hotel and meeting venue will be sent to all participants nearer the time, at the latest two weeks in advance of the event.

Cancellations

There will be a 30€ cancellation fee charged to each organisation whose participant withdraws after 22 of August, 2019 without a valid reason.

Contact

Amanda Lilliefeldt

IUSY Project Manager

Email: iusy@iusy.org or amanda.lilliefeldt@iusy.org

Phone: +43 699 135 32 970                         

We are looking forward to receiving your registrations!

Call for Applications Queer Working Group 2019: Amplifying Queer Voices

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Overview

What:             Queer Working Group Meeting

When:             13-16 June, 2019 (including travel dates)

Where:           Vienna, Austria

Age/gender: 18-35 years old and gender balanced

Size:               Max 2 participants per region

Deadline:      OBS Extended deadline until 15 May 2019!

Outline

The Queer Working Group 2019 will bring together young activists of IUSY member organisations from all 7 regions. The aim of the meeting is to strengthen the Queer Working Group and enhance cooperation for the protection and promotion of queer rights. The meeting will offer a platform to discuss current political situations in the regions in regards to queer issues, give space to engage in a dialogue on common struggles and obstacles, and work together to come up with strategies to enact political and social change. Participants can look forward to meeting youth actors, be part of EuroPride, getting involved in political debates and discussions, sharing experiences and ideas and building up their international network. There will also be an added focus on skill building.

The theme of the Queer Working Group in 2019 “Amplifying Queer Voices“

73 Jurisdictions in the world still criminalises private, consensual same sex relationships between adults, 44 of them specifically criminalise sexual relations between women and 13 of them have the death penalty. In all too many countries queer people face discrimination, based on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sexual characteristics. The inequalities are many and ranges from (but not limited to) being denied a job or housing to being physically attacked and sometimes even murdered. The discrimination and violence that are facing the queer community today is completely and utterly unacceptable. IUSY condemns all human rights violations towards the Queer community and vows to continue to work for a world where all people have their human rights are respected regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. IUSY supports every person’s right to their sexual orientation and gender identity, without restriction by the preconceived ideas and values of society.

During the Queer Working Group meeting we will focus on two main topics, firstly, the different types of discrimination that face the queer community today and secondly, what types of allies we need to help create change without silencing queer voices. The aim is for our queer activists to develop a do’s and don’t’s guideline on allyship that we can spread to the rest of our MOs in order to strengthen the organisations work on queer rights as well as to develop a yearly work plan with action days for joint activism.

We will therefore, explore different types of discrimination, focus on how we as young politicians can help to limit the discrimination faced by the queer community, developing our queer activism and determine what requirements we need from an ally. We will also share experiences from our own countries, take part in the EuroPride Parade and have important discussions with the overall aim to strengthen queer activism and political participation within IUSY.

For any questions or remarks please don’t hesitate to contact the IUSY Secretariat at iusy@iusy.org

We are very much looking forward to seeing you!

WHO CAN APPLY? PROFILE OF PARTICIPANTS

This activity is not aimed towards the leadership of IUSY member organisations; it is addressed to youth activists. Please note that it is required that the participants stay for the whole duration of the activity and also to contribute to IUSY activities after the activity.

Participants should:

  • Belong to IUSY member organisation.
  • Be aged 18-35
  • Have been active/working/studying in the field of queer rights
  • Be willing to continue to work with the Queer Working Group and be active in the field of queer rightsafter the activity has taken place
  • Be willing to plan and conduct follow-up activities to the training at local and national level
  • Have availability to contribute to IUSY activities in the future
  • Have a proficient level of English (the only working language during the activity)

We’re aiming for participants from all regions and from a variety of member organisations.

According to the IUSY statutes, we’re also looking to achieve a gender-balanced training so we reserve the right to select participants based on gender criteria if needed.

HOW TO APPLY

Due to limited space for participation there will be an application process. To apply you must complete the following form by 05 May. Please follow the link below. It is essential to fill in the parts that reflect your experience, background and motivation in joining the activity.

Link to the registration: Please copy and paste it into your browser.

https://forms.gle/UKDDgPNDhFnK7e8c8

NOTE: No registration will be accepted after the deadline.   

Participation fee

The participation fee for the activity is 30€ per person and must be paid by 31 May 2019. The participation fee will cover accommodation, meals, refreshments and programme for the duration of the event. Any additional nights’ accommodation must be arranged and paid by participants.

Once you have made the bank transfer, please send a payment receipt to iusy@iusy.org. Please be aware that IUSY cannot take responsibility for any bank fees. If you are unable to make a bank transfer in advance you must inform us before 18 April 2019.

Outstanding membership fees and/or debts

Please note that only organisations without outstanding membership fees or debts are entitled to receive travel reimbursement. Therefore, we would ask for organisations to transfer their outstanding fees or debts by bank transfer as soon as possible.

If you are unable to pay your membership fee and/or debt, please contact the IUSY Secretary General Ana Pirtskhalava (ana.pirtskhalava@iusy.org) and IUSY President of Control Commission (roland.gur@iusy.org) to discuss possible options.

Travel reimbursement

IUSY will cover your flight ticket up to a fixed reference price. The maximum amount for travel reimbursement will be sent to you together with a confirmation letter.

Please note you should not buy any flight tickets before your application is approved!!!

Visas

The IUSY Secretariat will support visa applications for the event. If you require a visa, please send a copy of your passport to iusy@iusy.org as soon as possible, so the secretariat can draft a visa invitation letter for you. Please note that you will have to book your appointments and conduct the visa process by yourself.

Travel

Arrivals and Departures

Day of arrival for the IUSY Queer Working Group is 13 June and the day of departure is the 16 of June 2019. Please make sure to arrange your travel accordingly and do not forget that IUSY will NOT be able to cover accommodation or any other additional expenses for delegates who need to stay additional nights in Vienna.

How to get to the hotel

Details on the how to get to the hotel and venue will be provided at least two weeks before the event. Please note that we will not provide airport transfer.

Accommodation and meeting venue

Detailed information about the hotel and meeting venue will be sent to all participants nearer the time, at the latest two weeks in advance of the event.

Cancellations

There will be a 30€ cancellation fee charged to each organisation whose participant withdraws after 01 June, 2019 without a valid reason.

Contact

Amanda Lilliefeldt

IUSY Project Manager

Email: iusy@iusy.org or amanda.lilliefeldt@iusy.org

Phone: +43 699 135 32 970

We are looking forward to receiving your registrations!

Rainbow Rose and IUSY condemn Brunei for introducing homophobic laws

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Recent developments in the South East Asian state of Brunei, with plans to introduce discriminatory laws including the death penalty for being homosexual, have caused an outcry in many countries and outrage from NGOs such as Amnesty international. After the first announcement of the introduction of sharia law in 2013, many basic human rights have been restricted, such as the rights to freedom of expression, religion and belief. It also codified discrimination against women and girls.

From 3rd April 2019, new and restrictive laws such as the death penalty for homosexuality and adultery will be introduced. Rainbow Rose, the European network of socialist LGBTI organisations, and IUSY, the international union of socialist youth, show their deepest concerns about these recent developments, and condemn the continued attacks on human rights in the South East Asian country.

“LGBTI rights are human rights. The implementation of these penalties are a direct attack on the freedom and lives of LGBTI people.“, says Camila Garfias, President of Rainbow Rose. IUSY president Johanna Ortega adds: “When human rights are threatened we are obliged to act and call out on these injustices. The international community must act now.“

Rainbow Rose and IUSY condemn these laws and stand in solidarity with the people in Brunei.

Feminist Working Group: Call for Applications

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OVERVIEW

What: Feminist Working Group Meeting 2019
When: 27-30 June 2019 (including travel dates)
Where: Salvador Alllende Haus, Oer-Erkenschwick (North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany)
Age: 18-35 years
Size: Maximum 2 participant per region
Registration Deadline: 30th April, 2019

OUTLINE

The Feminist Working Group 2019 will bring together young activists of IUSY member organisations from all seven regions. The aim of the meeting is to strengthen the

Feminist Working Group and enhance organisational cooperation on the topic.

The meeting will offer a platform to discuss current organisational and regional situation in regards to gender equality, gender discrimination, inclusive participation and gender based violence. It will also give space to engage in a dialogue on common struggles and obstacles, and work together to come up with strategies to enact political and social change. Participants can look forward to meeting youth actors, getting involved in political debates and discussions, sharing experiences and ideas and building up their international network. There will also be an added focus on working on a toolkit/guideline for gender equality in youth organisations.

THEME – Gender mainstreaming in youth organisations

In the past two years IUSY Feminist Working Group has had enriching experiences and opportunities to meet and discuss our common struggles and problems regarding feminism, gender equality, gender based violence and many related topics. We have implemented two social media campaigns on “Stories of Women*” (2017, 2018) and one Women*Resist video campaign which is still ongoing.

During our discussions and experience sharing we observed that the struggle for gender equality and against discrimination and violence in many cases and contexts remains limited to women’s groups within the organisations. Therefore, too often it is limited to those organisations and movements that already have strong feminist structures and working groups. We also identified that there is a “feminist bubble” where gender issues are tackled in a safe space, giving the impression that practices have changed, when, for many organisations and in many cases, they indeed have not. This situation is more complex when there are so many organisations with different realities and contexts gathered under the umbrella of IUSY.

This year we plan to focus on our member organisations, their struggles and their contribution for making a change. We want to open a space for us and our participants to explore the topic of gender equality and all related aspects in our organisations and in our movement. We believe that that there is a huge potential to work together and make a significant change. We want to explore the reach of gender equality by recognising and naming the challenges that we face in different organisations and realities. Only by starting with this we can more forward to have more inclusive organisations without discrimination and violence. Finally, we will set advanced goals for gender equality in youth organisations and design tools/guidelines and methods to carry them out – the IUSY Toolkit/ Guideline for gender equality in youth organisations, which will be shared in our global movement and with our partner youth organisations.

Objectives of the working group meeting 2019

  • Strengthen the understanding of gender identity and recognise the importance of gender equality in youth organisations and our movement
  • Comprehend the current situation in youth organisations regarding gender equality and the main challenges and issues to address in order to improve further
  • Set short- and long-term goals for improvement of gender equality in youth organisations and design an advanced strategy to reach the defined goals
  • Engage in creating a toolkit/guideline for gender equality in youth organisationsThe activity is hosted by our member organisation Sozialistische Jugend Deutschland – Die Falken.Should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact the IUSY Secretariat at iusy@iusy.org.

IUSY toolkit/guideline

WHO CAN APPLY

This activity is not aimed towards the leadership of IUSY member organisations, it is addressed to youth activists. Please note that it is required that the participants stay for the whole duration of the activity and also to contribute to IUSY activities 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
  • –  Be willing to work in creating the toolkit
  • –  Availability to contribute to IUSY activities in future
  • –  Have a proficient level of English (the only working language during the activity)Please note that places are limited and there will be a selection process based on your application. We will inform everyone who has applied about the result of their application one week after the deadline.HOW TO APPLY

    Due to limited space for participation there will be an application process.

    To apply you must complete the following form by 30th April 2019. Please follow the link below. It is essential to fill in the parts which reflect your experience, background and motivation in joining the activity.

    Link to the registration: https://forms.gle/4M7JVeAEhjqGAVKc8  NOTE: No registration will be accepted after the deadline.

TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT

IUSY will cover your flight ticket up to a fixed reference price. The maximum amount for travel reimbursement will be sent to you together with a confirmation letter.

Please note you SHOULD NOT buy any flight tickets before your application is approved!!!

VISA

The IUSY Secretariat will support visa applications for the event. If you require a visa, please send a copy of your passport to iusy@iusy.org as soon as possible, so the secretariat can draft a visa invitation letter for you. If your participation is confirmed we ask you to contact the German embassy/consulate in your country as fast as possible for visa appointment.

ACCOMODATION & VENUE

Details on the meeting venue, hotel and transport from/to airport will be communicated after your participation is confirmed. Please note that accommodation and meals are fully covered by project.

PARTICIPATION FEE

The participation fee for the activity is 30€ per person and must be paid by 1st of June 2019. The participation fee will cover accommodation, meals, refreshments and programme for the duration of the event. Any additional nights’ accommodation must be arranged and paid by participants.

Once you have made the bank transfer, please send a payment receipt to iusy@iusy.org. Please be aware that IUSY cannot take responsibility for any bank fees. If you are unable to make a bank transfer in advance you must inform us before 1 June 2019.

OUTSTANDING MEMBERSHIP FEES AND/OR DEBTS

Please note that only organisations without outstanding membership fees or debts are entitled to receive travel reimbursement. Therefore, we would ask for organisations to transfer their outstanding fees or debts by bank transfer as soon as possible.

If you are unable to pay your membership fee and/or debt, please contact the IUSY Secretary General Ana Pirtskhalava (ana.pirtskhalava@iusy.org) and IUSY President of Control Commission (roland.gur@iusy.org) to discuss possible options.

CANCELLATION FEE

There will be a 30 Euro cancellation fee charged to each organisation whose participant withdraws after 1 June and without a valid reason.

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

IUSY Secretariat

EMAIL: iusy@iusy.org

Student Working Group 2019: Call for Applications

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Overview

What:             Student Working Group Meeting

When:             2-5 May, 2019 (including travel dates)

Where:           Brussels, Belgium

Age/gender: 18-35 years old and gender balanced

Size:               Max 2 participants per region

Deadline:       10 April 2019

Outline

The Student Working Group 2019 will bring together young activists of IUSY member organisations from all 7 regions. The aim of the meeting is to strengthen the Student Working Group and enhance student cooperation. The meeting will offer a platform to discuss current political situations in the regions in regards to education, give space to engage in a dialogue on common struggles and obstacles, and work together to come up with strategies to enact political and social change. Participants can look forward to meeting youth actors, getting involved in political debates and discussions, sharing experiences and ideas and building up their international network. There will also be an added focus on skill building.

The theme of the Working Group in 2019 “Towards Societies of Knowledge?”

UNESCO defines a knowledge society as: “a society that is nurtured by its diversity and its capacities”. As every society already possesses its own sets of knowledge, the knowledge society is about connecting what a society already possesses with the new forms of development and spread of knowledge. The knowledge society differs from the information society as the latter is based on technological breakthroughs and this is only a small part of knowledge societies. Knowledge societies include broader social, ethical and political dimensions as well as various forms of knowledge and cultural and linguistic diversity. For a knowledge society, the traditional forms of learning such as through books, radio, television and school should not be overlooked for technological breakthroughs. Education through textbooks and teachers is deemed more important than internet access and technology. The building of a knowledge society also puts emphasis on knowledge sharing and the inclusion of all generations. One of the most defining characteristics that differs knowledge societies from older forms of knowledge societies is the special emphasis on human rights and the participatory character. The human rights perspectives it highlights in particular are freedom of opinion and expression, freedom of information, media pluralism and academic freedom, the right to education (as well as of pushing for free access to education), and the right to freely participate in cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits.

To read more about how to build a knowledge society follow this link.

During the working group we will explore foundations of knowledge societies as a source for development, the importance of freedom of expression, learning societies and a culture of innovation, learning as a key value, new inputs for education including e-learning, and the universal access to knowledge. Through exploring these topics we can analyse the new challenges of education, the effects of technology and how youth fits into this process. We will also discuss how this makes a difference in political participation.

For any questions or remarks please don’t hesitate to contact the IUSY Secretariat at iusy@iusy.org

WHO CAN APPLY? PROFILE OF PARTICIPANTS

This activity is not aimed towards the leadership of IUSY member organisations; it is addressed to youth activists. Please note that it is required that the participants stay for the whole duration of the activity and also to contribute to IUSY activities after the activity.

Participants should:

  • Belong to IUSY member organisation.
  • Be aged 18-35
  • have been active/working/studying in the field of Students rights
  • be willing to continue to work and be active in the field of Students rights
  • be willing to plan and conduct follow-up activities to the training at local and national level
  • Have availability to contribute to IUSY activities in the future
  • Have a proficient level of English (the only working language during the activity)

We’re aiming for participants from all regions and from a variety of member organisations.

According to the IUSY statutes, we’re also looking to achieve a gender-balanced training so we reserve the right to select participants based on gender criteria if needed.

HOW TO APPLY

Due to limited space for participation there will be an application process. To apply you must complete the following form by 23:59 CET 10 April. Please follow the link below. It is essential to fill in the parts that reflect your experience, background and motivation in joining the activity.

Link to the registration:

https://goo.gl/forms/EWqVZkzIQuZSyvAv1

NOTE: No registration will be accepted after the deadline.   

Participation fee

The participation fee for the activity is 30€ per person and must be paid by 18 April 2019. The participation fee will cover accommodation, meals, refreshments and programme for the duration of the event. Any additional nights’ accommodation must be arranged and paid by participants.

Outstanding membership fees and/or debts

Please note that only organisations without outstanding membership fees or debts are entitled to receive travel reimbursement. Therefore, we would ask for organisations to transfer their outstanding fees or debts by bank transfer as soon as possible.

If you are unable to pay your membership fee and/or debt, please contact the IUSY Secretary General Ana Pirtskhalava (ana.pirtskhalava@iusy.org) and IUSY President of Control Commission (roland.gur@iusy.org) to discuss possible options.

Travel reimbursement

IUSY will cover your flight ticket up to a fixed reference price. The maximum amount for travel reimbursement will be sent to you together with a confirmation letter that states you have been selected.

Please note you should not buy any flight tickets before your application is approved!!!

Visas

The IUSY Secretariat will support visa applications for the event. If you require a visa, please send a copy of your passport to iusy@iusy.org as soon as possible, so the secretariat can draft a visa invitation letter for you. Please note that you will have to book your appointments and conduct the visa process by yourself.

Travel

Arrivals and Departures

Day of arrival for the IUSY Student Working Group is 2 May and the day of departure is the 5 May. Please make sure to arrange your travel accordingly and do not forget that IUSY will NOT be able to cover accommodation or any other additional expenses for delegates who need to stay additional nights in Brussels.

Cancellations

There will be a 30€ cancellation fee charged to each organisation whose participant withdraws after 20 April, 2019 without a valid reason.

Contact

Amanda Lilliefeldt

IUSY Project Manager

Email: iusy@iusy.org or amanda.lilliefeldt@iusy.org

Phone: +43 699 135 32 970

 

IUSY Asia Pacific bares plans for 2019, passes resolutions on democracy and human rights

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Asia Pacific member organizations of the International Union of Socialist Youth (IUSY) approved their annual activity plan and resolutions on democracy and human rights during their committee meeting in December last year.

IUSY members in the region passed the following resolutions unanimously:

  • A resolution on the minorities, marginalized and displaced peoples in Asia

  • A resolution resolve the Bhutanese refugee situation in Nepal

  • A resolution calling for the liberation of Tibet

  • A resolution supporting people’s call for democratic elections in Thailand

  • A resolution calling for justice for Nirmala Pant, a young woman murdered and raped in Nepal

The member organizations also identified key skills and knowledge for future training designs including management and leadership, public speaking, campaigning, organizing, networking, international law and other topics.

IUSY-APC will also have human rights campaigns with special focus on regional concerns such as climate change, ending gender inequality and violence against women, and curbing corruption.

The plans include expansion of members to youth organizations in SAARC, student groups in the Philippines, political parties in the SEA region, and women’s organizations in Nepal.

Participating organizations include Akbayan Youth in the Philippines, Nepal Students Union and Nepal Tarun Dal, Youth for a New Society in Burma, Young Progressives for Social Democracy in Thailand, Tibetan Youth Congress, Youth Organization of Bhutan, and Pergerakan Indonesia.

Documento programático feminista, Comité Americano IUSY 2018 “Sin feminismo no hay socialismo”

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El Comité Americano de la Unión Internacional de Juventudes Socialistas –IUSY, por sus siglas en inglés– reunido entre el 11 y el 14 de noviembre en la ciudad de Asunción, Paraguay, con el objetivo de reflexionar en torno a la lucha del movimiento feminista en América, conociendo de las situaciones actuales que se desarrollan en cada uno de nuestros países, así como de los procesos y desafíos colectivos para vencer al machismo, el patriarcado, el conservadurismo, la violencia y la inequidad de género.

En América se han desarrollado múltiples movimientos sociales que visibilizan una serie de realidades injustas y naturalizadas para las mujeres. El movimiento Ni Una Menos/Ni Una Más, la campaña por el aborto libre, seguro y gratuito, las marchas en contra de la violencia de género, la demanda de justicia para Marielle Franco, solicitar educación sexual integral y educación no sexista, el surgimiento de hashtags en redes sociales como: #MeToo, #VivasNosQueremos, #CuentaloTú, #SomosLaMitad #QueremosParidad#MiPrimerAcoso, #NiñasVisibles, #LasNiñasPueden, #NoQuieroTuPiropo, #EleNão; todos los cuales convergen en el amplio espectro de demandas feministas.

En ese contexto, nos pronunciarnos sobre una serie de puntos:

La urgencia de debates feministas en la región

En nuestro continente la agenda feminista ha emergido con fuerza en una nueva ola, entendiendo que tanto el patriarcado como el capital constituyen barreras de desigualdad que empobrecen la calidad de vida de las mujeres. La lucha es mucho más apremiante, si consideramos que el avance de las fuerzas conservadoras está representando una amenaza directa a la lucha feminista. Vemos como la realidad de la violencia de género, en todas sus formas, se encuentra generalizada en el continente y transversalizada en todos los niveles de la sociedad. Queremos incidir en la formación de leyes, programas políticos y políticas públicas que incorporen una perspectiva de género. Sin embargo, es importante tener claro que esto no se puede agotar en el ámbito del Estado, sino que tenemos que apuntar a un profundo cambio cultural en nuestras sociedades.

Requerimos fuerzas políticas coherentes con la agenda feminista

Nuestras juventudes deben ser el vivo reflejo de la agenda que declaramos, llevando a la práctica el discurso feminista. Entendemos que un socialismo auténticamente democrático debe representar los principios antipatriarcales, decoloniales y que aporten una mirada interseccional a nuestros países. A partir de este Comité nos comprometemos con avanzar en protocolos contra la violencia de género, para tratar los casos que tengan lugar en las organizaciones; a promover la participación política efectiva de las compañeras en forma paritaria en nuestros partidos; a insertarnos y acompañar los movimientos sociales y luchas autónomas de las mujeres en los países; así como también, nos damos a la tarea de cuestionar fuertemente la idea de un modelo heteronormado y androgénico de forma hegemónica.

Fortalezcamos la participación política de las mujeres

Identificamos como obstáculos a la participación política de las mujeres la inexistencia o debilidad de los procesos de cuotas en elecciones populares, la falta de formación política con una perspectiva feminista, la ineficacia de los partidos a la hora de incentivar la participación de las compañeras, la invisibilización de vocerías femeninas en espacios políticos y una débil descentralización de la representación en los espacios subnacionales. Para estos obstáculos creemos que es importante trabajar activamente en favor de la autonomía política de las mujeres, potenciando las capacidades que, en todos los sentidos, tienen las mujeres para participar activamente en los espacios de la esfera pública.

Generemos las condiciones para un trabajo decente para las mujeres

Hemos visto de cerca, ya que es evidente, como las mujeres de América trabajan en empleos informales, en condiciones precarias, por mayores tiempos y con menor salario que los hombres. En efecto, los trabajos no remunerados siguen siendo formas de empleo invisibilizado y minimizados en nuestras economías, realidad ante la cual apuntamos decididamente a la formación de Sistemas Nacionales de Cuidado que contribuyan a mejorar la vida de las mujeres que han sido relegadas a estas labores por su condición de género, clase social, lugar de procedencia, edad o pueblos originarios y afrodescendientes. Del mismo modo, la realidad de las jóvenes que, por distintas razones, no acceden a educación u oportunidades laborales, es preocupante y nos impulsa a buscar mecanismos de garantía de estos derechos sociales, siendo la ampliación de la educación pública, gratuita y de calidad la mayor herramienta para ello.

Aspiramos a una educación con perspectiva de género

Nos hemos sumado, y daremos continuidad, a la demanda por una educación no sexista a lo largo de todo el ciclo educativo. Atendiendo, con particular atención, los procesos de eliminación de estereotipos de género, promoción de la participación activa de mujeres en áreas del conocimiento masculinizadas, exigir mayor presencia femenina en la cabeza de nuestros centros de educación superior, instalar la paridad en la representación estudiantil. Estas demandas no reemplazan, sino que complementan, la lucha activa que llevamos por ampliar el acceso de niñas, jóvenes y mujeres al derecho a una educación pública, gratuita, integral, laica y no sexista.

Queremos una vida libre de violencia para las mujeres

Nos mantenemos firmes en la defensa del derecho de las mujeres americanas a una vida libre de violencias. Esto incluye la necesidad de ampliar la concepción de violencia, y así penalizar acciones como el acoso callejero, la violencia sexual y la explotación de mujeres en el comercio sexual y el narcotráfico, así como ejecutar eficientemente los programas estatales que abren casas de acogida, procedimientos judiciales especializados y prevención de situaciones de violencia. A su vez, hemos detectado que la creciente encarcelación de mujeres en el continente dice relación con la utilización de las mujeres por parte del crimen organizado y un paupérrimo acceso a la justicia.

Abramos el debate sobre las libertades y derechos sexuales y reproductivos

Durante 2018, hemos sido testigos de cómo el movimiento de mujeres ha impulsado el debate sobre la agenda de derechos sexuales y reproductivos. Compartimos los objetivos de Educación Sexual Integral para decidir, anticonceptivos para no abortar y aborto legal para no morir. Vemos, en la comunidad LGTBIQ+, una población donde no hay una promoción suficiente de sus derechos sexuales y reproductivos, al igual que el conjunto de sus Derechos Humanos.

Estamos segures de que, los puntos anteriormente desarrollados, son una expresión de la progresividad de los Derechos de las Mujeres, que no es otra cosa que progresividad del Derecho Internacional de los Derechos Humanos en su totalidad, el avance de una democracia sustantiva sin fronteras y la consolidación de un desarrollo sostenible, a través de la transversalidad de la mirada de género en nuestros países y la implementación de la Agenda 2030.

Nos volvemos a nuestros países con la convicción de que sin feminismo no podremos construir socialismo.

¡SIN FEMINISMO NO HAY SOCIALISMO!

¡SE VA CAER!

Comité Americano de IUSY 18´
Asunción, Paraguay
13 de noviembre de 2018