socialists

IUSY expresses its concern about Chile’s current situation

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[EN] The International Union of Socialist Youth (IUSY), expresses its concern about the latest events that have taken place in Chile, where the government of President Sebastián Piñera has decreed a state of emergency, giving control of Santiago to the military for fifteen days.

This extreme decision has been the response of the ruling party to the days of protests starring young Chileans, triggered by the rise in the price of public transport, but which, with its overcrowding on Thursday and Friday, accounted for other underlying social demands for the high cost of living in Chile. These acts of civil disobedience have overwhelmed the authority quickly, first ignoring the magnitude, then ridiculing it, then reducing it to mere crime and today disregarding the political leadership role of the country that fits them.

As young socialists we condemn the militaristic regression experienced by the Piñera government, along with regional experiments such as Bolsonaro, Vizcarra and Moreno. It is not the force of arms that leads to the development of inclusive and prosperous societies.

We call to open the dialogue between the different actors so that politics can grant solutions to society, and face a deep transversal discontent, which especially concerns young people. These unpublished demonstrations cannot be confronted only with police violence.

Similarly, we stand in solidarity with the Chileans who are being victims of repression and we call on the Piñera government to stop these acts that threaten the Chilean people. Democracy is something that is built day by day, and not with actions that remind us of the worst moments of the Pinochet dictatorship.

IUSY expresa su preocupación por situación actual de Chile
[ES] La Unión Internacional de Juventudes Socialistas (IUSY por sus siglas en inglés), manifiesta su preocupación por los últimos acontecimientos que se han desarrollado en Chile, donde el gobierno del Presidente Sebastián Piñera ha decretado estado de excepción constitucional, cediendo el control de Santiago a los militares por una quincena de días.
Esta decisión extrema ha sido la respuesta del oficialismo a las jornadas de protestas protagonizadas por jóvenes chilenos, detonadas por el alza del precio del transporte público, pero que, con su masificación en los días jueves y viernes, dieron cuenta de otras demandas sociales subyacentes por el alto costo de la vida en Chile. Estos actos de desobediencia civil han desbordado a la autoridad de una forma veloz, primero ignorando la magnitud, luego ridiculizándola, después reduciéndola a mera delincuencia y hoy despreciando el papel político de liderazgo del país que les cabe.
Como jóvenes socialistas condenamos la regresión militarista que ha experimentado el gobierno de Piñera, a la par con experimentos regionales como Bolsonaro, Vizcarra y Moreno. No es la fuerza de las armas lo que lleva al desarrollo de sociedades inclusivas y prosperas.
Hacemos el llamado a abrir el dialogo entre los distintos actores para que la politica pueda otorgar soluciones a la sociedad, y enfrentar un descontento transversal profundo, que especialmente toca a los jóvenes. Estas inéditas manifestaciones no pueden ser enfrentadas sólo con violencia policial.
De igual manera, solidarizamos con las y los chilenos que están siendo víctima de la represión y hacemos un llamado al gobierno de Piñera a frenar estos actos que atentan contra el pueblo chileno. La democracia es algo que se construye día a día, y no con acciones que nos recuerdan los peores momentos de la dictadura de Pinochet.

IUSY urges for the protection of human rights of people in Jammu and Kashmir

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The International Union of Socialist Youth (IUSY) is condemning the outrageous developments in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370, a provision in the Indian constitution granting autonomy to the state, by the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

After the abrogation of the state’s autonomous status in August 5, the state was put on lockdown. Communication services have been cut off in the early days of the abrogation, preventing residents from connecting with people outside of the area. The press in the region have also been clamped down arbitrarily. There have been alarming reports of harassment and detention of political leaders in the region as well.

We express concern over reports of minors, young people and elderly citizens who have experienced violence in the days following the abrogation. IUSY calls for a fair and swift probe on reports of human rights violations and urge law enforcement in the region to exercise maximum restraint.

As a long-term objective, IUSY urges all parties of the Kashmir conflict to work on stable agreements about peaceful solutions for the region and especially to elaborate a binding frame to exclude the use of nuclear weapons as an option.

IUSY urges for the Indian government to review its decision on Article 370 to allow a multitude of voices to be heard and to prevent an escalation of the conflict in the region. The Indian government must lift all restrictions on the right to freedom of expression, speech, and protest, which should include the restoration of the communication lines and the reported gag on the free press in the region. IUSY urges for a peaceful settlement of the issue between India and Pakistan, with a framework of justice for the poor and oppressed as priority.

Image Credit: two.circles via Flickr, used under a Creative Commons license available at https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

No to Extradition Law! IUSY supports the Hong Kong protests for democracy and human rights

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 The International Union of Socialist Youth (IUSY) is in solidarity with the people of Hong Kong in their struggle for their civil and political rights after weeks of protest, calling for the full withdrawal of the Extradition Bill.

Civic groups critical of the bill warn that Hong Kong citizens will be subjected to mainland China’s courts despite a special autonomous status that is effective until 2047. Hong Kong citizens fear that safeguards placed in the law won’t shield people especially political activists and critics of Beijing from being extradited to China, especially political activists and critics of Beijing. There have been reported cases of abduction disappearances of people critical to the mainland government before, increasing the fear and tension felt by citizens over the proposed bill.

IUSY condemns the police brutality against the protesters. We express alarm over documented cases of abuse: the irresponsible use of tear gas in confined spaces, the serious injury to protesters with indiscriminate firing of rubber bullets, and dangerous tactics against members of the media covering the marches. We also condemn the presence of armed thugs in public stations that have attacked protesters and passengers in July. The police officers were unable to intervene in the violence, adding to the list of failure of the Hong Kong government to protect its citizens.

IUSY condemns the detention of protesters in peaceful demonstrations. It is alarming that peaceful protesters, mostly young people, are charged with cases of rioting which could subject them to 10 years of imprisonment. IUSY believes that the Hong Kong government should heed the demands of the protesters to put an end to several weeks of marches instead of filing political charges to the activists.

IUSY invokes all sides of conflict to avert violence and create a frame for equal negotiations with focus on the democratic interests of the Hong Kong people in order to come to a peaceful solution. Hong Kong is still an autonomous region from China. There is no other way than dialogue to settle the tensions without further damages.

IUSY supports the demands of the Hong Kong citizens:

1. Complete withdrawal of the extradition bill;

2. Withdraw the ‘riot’ characterisation of the June 12th protests;

3. Unconditional release of all arrested protesters;

4. Establish an independent commission of inquiry to investigate the police’s use of force in handling anti-bill protests;

5. The right to direct elections for the Hong Kong people.

Photo taken from Wikimedia commons

El gobierno de Nicaragua debe reconsiderar su postura y reanudar el diálogo en el marco de la inclusión y respeto de los DDHH 

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[ES]
Los nicaragüenses  aspiran libertad, restablecimiento de la democracia y justicia.
Después de meses de negociaciones, el gobierno de Ortega, aún mantiene más de cien presos políticos, represiones y persecuciones  todos los días a los disidentes de este régimen, mientras muchos se encuentran en el exilio y las familias de más de 300 asesinados demandan justicia. El gobierno ha incumplido los compromisos que ha firmado, burlándose del pueblo y de la comunidad internacional.
Recientemente, el régimen anunció la cancelación de la mesa de negociaciones con la Alianza Cívica, cerrando las puertas a una salida dialogada a la  crisis que vive el país.
Desde la Unión Internacional de Juventudes Socialistas (IUSY por sus siglas en inglés) reiteramos nuestro llamado al cese de violaciones de Derechos Humanos, a la liberación urgente de todos los presos políticos, al cese de las persecuciones contra los disidentes y líderes de la oposición, al igual que insistimos en nuestro llamado a que debe abrirse una negociación que permita una salida pacífica al conflicto que hoy viven en Nicaragua.
[EN]
The Nicaraguan government must reconsider its position and return to the dialogue respecting Human Rights.
Nicaraguans are fighting and waiting for freedom, democracy and justice.
After months of negotiations, Ortega´s government still maintains more than one hundred political prisoners, repressions and persecutions every day, while many families are exile and there are more of 300 murdered demand justice. The government has breached the commitments it has signed, mocking of people and the international community.
Recently, Ortega´s government announced the end of the negotiating with the Civic Alliance, closing doors to a dialogue exit to the crisis in Nicaragua.
From IUSY we call out for the cessation of Human Rights violations, the urgent release of all political prisoners, the end of persecutions against opposition leaders, as well as a call to open a negotiation that allows a peaceful exit to the conflict of Nicaragua.

IUSY exige justicia con el caso del joven venezolano Rufo Chacón Parada

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Spanish

IUSY exige justicia con el caso del joven venezolano Rufo Chacón Parada

La Unión Internacional de Juventudes Socialistas, (IUSY por sus siglas en inglés),exige a los organismos competentes se haga justicia con el caso del joven Rufo Antonio Chacón Parada, de 16 años de edad, quien perdió la vista luego de que funcionarios policiales le dispararon 52 perdigones en la cara cuando se encontraba en medio de una protesta por gas doméstico en Táriba, estado Táchira.

Rechazamos, que estas acciones contra el derecho a la protesta en Venezuela sigan ocasionando daños a jóvenes y familias, donde las necesidades que hoy enfrentan los venezolanos no pueden pretender taparlas con represiones al margen de

English

IUSY demands justice in the case of young Venezuelan Rufo Chacón Parada

The International Union of Socialist Youth (IUSY) is demanding justice for Rufo Antonio Chacón Parada, 16 years old, who lost his sight after police officers shot 52 buckshot in his face while he was in the middle of a domestic gas protest in Táriba, Táchira state.

We reject the fact that these actions against the right to protest in Venezuela continue to cause harm to young people and families, where the needs faced by Venezuelans today cannot be covered up with repression outside the law.

French

L’IUSY demande justice dans l’affaire du jeune vénézuélien Rufo Chacón Parada

L’Union internationale de la jeunesse socialiste (IUSY) demande justice pour Rufo Antonio Chacón Parada, 16 ans, qui a perdu la vue après que des policiers lui aient tiré 52 balles dans le visage alors qu’il se trouvait au beau milieu d’une manifestation domestique de gaz à Táriba, dans l’Etat de Táchira.

Nous rejetons le fait que ces actions contre le droit de manifester au Venezuela continuent de causer du tort aux jeunes et aux familles, où les besoins auxquels les Vénézuéliens sont confrontés aujourd’hui ne peuvent être couverts par une répression illégale.

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!

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.