Manifesto
As amended by the 24th General Assembly in November 2002
Table of Contents
- 0. Preface
- 1.Liberalism and Radicalism
- 1.a. What is Liberalism and Radicalism?
- 1.b. Democracy and Liberal and Radical Principles
- 1.c. Defence of Democracy
- 1.d. Constitutional Rights and Goals
- 2. The Individual in Society
- 2.a. Social Policy
- 2.b. The Right to Privacy
- 2.c. Equal opportunities between the sexes
- 2.d. Education
- 2.e. The rights of children
- 2.f. Intolerance
- 2.g. Cultural policy
- 3. Economy
- 3.a. Introduction
- 3.b. Economic policy
- 3.b.1.The role of the government
- 3.b.2. Labour market policy
- 3.b.3.Industrial policy
- 3.b.4.Consumer policy
- 3.b.5. International Trade
- 4. Environment
- 4.a. The environment on a global scale
- 4.b. The role of the markets and the governments
- 4.c. Waste
- 4.d. Energy
- 4.e. Transport and mobility
- 4.f. Animal Rights
- 5. Internationalism
- 5.a. International Cooperation
- 5.b. Development Cooperation
- 6.United we are stronger
0. Preface
This IFLRY Manifesto adopted at the IFLRY Extraordinary General Assembly in Eastbourne (1992) and amended at the IFLRY Extraordinary General Assembly in Bled (1994), at the 17th General Assembly in Luxembourg (1995) at the Extraordinary General Assembly in Jerusalem (1996), at the General Assembly in Borovetz (1997) and at the General Assembly in Montreal (1998) replaces the IFLRY Manifesto adopted in Lugano in 1981.
The political climate of the world has changed drastically over the past decade. The ideas of Liberalism and Radicalism are in focus today more than ever before, with the declining importance of the superpowers.
With the Eastbourne Manifesto IFLRY addresses the challenges of the changing world.
1. Liberalism and Radicalism
1.b. Democracy and Liberal and Radical Principles
A pluralistic democracy based on human rights is the fundamental basis of a liberal society. We believe in the separation of legislative, executive and judicial power. Free elections and secret ballots are essential elements of democracy. We as Liberals and Radicals believe that democracy is never perfect and must be a continuing process. Democracy is the most favourable form of public organisation of freedom, human dignity and social justice.
At the same time our demand for democratic self-determination requires the continuous renewal of society and its institutions. We learn form present-day societies that reform and renewal are urgent. In particular we stress the following:
• Formal liberties by themselves are not sufficient to fulfil individual freedom and social justice because poverty and misery can exclude a lot of people from achievements of a civil society.
• We believe that power and decision-making should ideally always be at the lowest possible level. Every individual at all levels of society must have freedom of access to information at all levels of administration.
• The principle of democratic control of bureaucracy and government at all levels is fundamental to our approach.
We work for an improvement and renewal of public institution through bringing government as close as possible to the people, and demanding decentralisation of power by the proper and clearly defined organisation of regional and local autonomy with due respect to the specific traditions, cultures and ethnic identities of all citizens concerned.
We support reforms which would make democracy more representative of the people. We recognise that problems are more effectively solved if decisions are taken with the direct participation of the people concerned.
We will always use -and try to expand- the possibilities of democratic self-determination both at individual and collective level.
The following forms of actions and expressions of opinions are fundamental rights in a liberal society:
• The right to freedom of thought and conscience
• The right to freedom of religion and cultural identity
• The right to freedom of opinion and expression
• The right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
1.c. Defence of Democracy
As Liberals and Radicals we see the above-mentioned human and civil rights as inalienable. We demand the full recognition of these rights by all nations and internationally, in a constitutional way. We consider the following areas to be of comparable importance to the above, an these must therefore also be constitutionally recognised:
• The right to freedom from interference by the state or its agencies or any other institution except the exercise of protection of the fundamental Human rights. The state should only direct those parts of public life which the individual is unable to handle, and those parts of private life in which individuals require protection from each other.
• The right of democracies to take up arms to defend themselves against aggression and the right to conscientious objection in peace and war time as a fundamental expression of disagreement with military solutions to conflicts. Also, the individual has the right to conscientious objection with regard to a war which the individual believes to be unjust or a war of aggression.
• The right to resist all institutions which deny fundamental liberties.
• Protection of the privacy of the individual against spying and abuse of personal data by data exchange among state and/or private agencies. We demand the right of the individual to see and insert corrections in all files concerning her/him, except where the state can prove in court that this would pose a very serious danger to the rule of law. All intelligence services must be under constant democratic control.
• We reject registration procedures for police purposes as they are not in accordance with the rights of privacy and freedom of movement.
• Freedom and pluralism in the mass media without private or public monopolies. We condemn growing, worldwide monopolisation and serious trends towards censorship as well as the lack of access to the media for the vast majority of people. All groups and individuals must have an adequate chance to distribute their information and express their opinions.
As Liberals and Radicals we are convinced that the most effective constitutional defence of democracy is the material fulfilment of constitutional rights. only in liberty may liberty be defended and may authoritarian tendencies be repelled.
We declare ourselves fundamentally opposed to terrorism. Terrorism and authoritarian ideologies are best countered by removing the root causes of social and political injustice. Democracy can best be defended through peaceful persuasion and non-violent action.
We believe in the principle that non-violent action and fair and peaceful negotiations are the best method of solving problems between people. We deeply regret any use of violence to solve these problems. Since the oppressors, however, often use violence as a means of oppression, we recognise that an armed revolution or an armed struggle may be the only possible way for oppressed people to achieve national freedom and independence.
We reject the concept of defence of democracy through the restriction of democratic rights. Any administration which uses such methods ceases to be a democracy.
We demand democratic control and accountability over all military and police forces, including secret police. The need for strong parliamentary control must be stressed.
2. The Individual in Society
2.a. Social Policy
As Liberals and Radicals we see social policy as an essential element of giving every individual equal opportunities in society. The need for social policy arises first and foremost form the failure of our societies to secure social justice, which implies social equality, mutual respect, acceptance and reward for different contributions to society. In this matter the government has the obligation to play an active role.
Social policy must be used as an aggressive tool in the struggle against the basic failure of our societies to secure social justice and not limited to alleviating the symptoms of injustice. Poverty, starvation, homelessness and disease are rife across a wide proportion of the world. Social policy which must provide the support to allow all individuals the freedom to escape from such injustices and control their own lives and influence their own communities. It is more humane to create meaningful chances for all individuals and groups to contribute to society than to offer subsidies.
To guarantee life and human dignity, basic material security is necessary. Such security should be provided by the state.
The developed world has a moral responsibility to assist the developing world in providing the resources to carry out the fundamental requirements of social policy.
Every individual must be entitled to access to all levels of health care irrespective of their ability to pay. Entitlement to health or financial assistance must be based only on need, not wealth or privilege. Everyone must have the free choice of treatment and institutions of health care.
We recognise the special and greater economic, health and social needs of, amongst others, disabled, elderly, mentally retarded, physically and mentally ill persons, and demand that these be met. Also these groups must have access to all parts of society. The care of these groups must be guaranteed by society and with respect for the individual and his/her preferences. Voluntary euthanasia should not be criminalised. The state has an important role to play in the prevention of disability and ill health.
2.b. The Right to Privacy
There are certain spheres of private life into which no government or institution may intrude. These are those decisions which concern the individual and which do not directly affect others. They are decisions which all individuals, by virtue of their humanity, have the right to make for themselves. No government, no matter how enlightened, can reach these decisions for individuals, because making one's own decisions has intrinsic value. Governments which, even though, make such decisions have always used the law against dissenters. Personal behaviour and different life styles should not be banned, judged or disfavoured. Tolerance and the right to privacy is fundamental to liberal society.
2.c. Equal opportunities between the sexes
Real equality between men and women is far from being achieved.
• We support equal opportunities for all human beings to develop as they wish, regardless of culturally inherited sex roles. This is especially important in the fields of education and labour. Political participation must be open for both sexes.
• We demand the elimination of all laws allowing sexual discrimination in any aspect of life (labour, education, economic, social, political, etc.) Any such discrimination must be penally prosecuted.
• Assault and battery within the family should be considered as harsh as outside the family.
• We demand protection of and an end to discrimination against pregnant women and nursing parents.
• We demand the abolition of any discriminatory practices in the labour market.
• We support independent taxation of men and women. No difference should be made between the civil status.
• We demand the provision of subsidised or tax deductible high quality child-care.
• We support the policy of giving women the choice of an abortion. In order to defend the physical and psychological integrity of the women who are forced to make illegal abortions in unacceptable sanitary conditions, we are in favour of giving women this possibility. This policy should be financed by the state for those with economical difficulties. The woman shall be able to choose the medical treatment she wishes.
• We call for an active policy of promotion of equal education of girls and boys.
• We condemn the systematic ill-treatment of girls and young women by negligence, over-exertion, mutilation and other methods, still common in large parts of the world.
• We stress, that equal opportunities between the sexes does not imply that similar behavior between the sexes should be sought.
2.d. Education
Education is a fundamental individual right.
Education policy should aim at giving people a broad understanding of political and socio-cultural processes as well as furthering human rights, pluralism and democracy, peace and tolerance and by this enabling them to participate in society/community. In any circumstance it must not be misused by the state or ruling elites to indoctrinate the people with ideological implications.
Education is a continuous aspect of life at all ages. It is a fundamental part of the Liberal and Radical approach to giving people the necessary knowledge and skills to be able to decide over their own lives, and to influence and participate in their communities.
Liberals and Radicals demand education with the aims:
• To give full and equal access to educational facilities to all persons, regardless of age, ethnic or social background, heritage, language, physical disability, mental illness or disability, religion or other belief, sex, sexual preference or skin colour, including primarily the provision of opportunities to learn to read and write and express oneself to other human beings, in order to create equal opportunities for each individual to participate and achieve self-determination.
• To consider the multi-disciplinary content of education as of value in itself.
• To recognise the world-wide pluralism of cultures as a spur to development and as one of the most important human resources.
We do not believe that the provision of education should be restricted to a short period near the beginning of one's life, but rather that it should be a continuous process, with training or retraining available at any stage in life and in any way available.
There should be public funded education at all levels. Whilst in full-time education those studying should be provided with sufficient income regardless of the parents income. This income should be available at all levels of education, including schools, universities and apprenticeship. We must avoid big quality differences between private schools and universities and the public system education.
We regard the different forms of tertiary education, adult education, community education, education by NGOs, vocational training, university studies etc. as of equal value to society.
Nowadays we can observe a crisis of the politic. Most of society don't believe or don't trust in politic and in the politicians. We are sure than politicians have done mistakes but we can also observe a very low democracy education of the society, specially in the new generations, and this is one of the main cause of the mistrust of the society versus politic. In order to achieve democracy in society, an individual must learn democracy at school. In practice a democratic school by methods built on dialogue, participation and cooperation and the promotion of tolerant and thoughtful action of a critical and independent nature.
Those being educated should have influence and direct democratic control over the way they are educated. At all educational institutes those being educated should always be significantly represented in the decision making bodies. Democratic participation should not just be taught but must also be extended to the administration of the school.
In conclusion, we as Liberals and Radicals believe that education is a fundamental right, not a privilege. We further demand that:
• Corporal and psychological punishment and all forms of violent should be forbidden at any level of education.
• At least primary education should be compulsory, should be subject to considerations of all basic rights, but the methods should be of free choice as long as the content is not in contradiction to human rights.
• The teaching of languages also already at primary school level should be promoted.
• The right for everybody to be educated in their own language.
• The exchange of pupils and students between different countries should be encouraged. Exchange programmes for young people shall be continued and increased.
The introduction of bi- and multilingual schools should be promoted.
Sexual education, covering biological and psychological as well as socio-cultural and political aspects -also reflecting the reality of different sexual orientations-, is of essential importance.
3. Economy
3.a. Introduction
Market economy is the economic system that derives from liberalism. As liberals (and radicals) we therefore consider the free market economy based on capitalism and private property rights to be the superior economic system to serve to guarantee freedom and prosperity.
3.b. Economic policy
3.b.1.The role of the government
The degree of government involvement in the economic process should be restricted to just the necessary tasks. But the government must play a significant role in the economy and especially in the transition towards a sustainable economy. It has to define its limits within which the market sector can operate. By setting the stage is not meant direct government control but a system of rules and incentives that doesn't frustrate private initiative, but limits the range of undesirable market results. Such rules are competition rules, consumer protection and environmental protection.
In particular, the government should only carry out tasks that the private sector, for different reasons, can not take care of in the present situation. These reasons can be legal, social or related to efficiency. In addition, public sector spending should not be too high and tax levels should not frustrate the working of the market mechanism. Government regulation should be reevaluated, through the democratic process, on a permanent basis.
3.b.2. Labour market policy
Lower unemployment must be a major goal of government policy. Because of unemployment, bad working conditions, and inequalities in the distribution of power in the labour market the government should play a role in this market. The required interventions include the following measures:
• An active employment policy, focusing on education, accommodating various working time schedules such as part-time work and work-sharing (on voluntary basis only), flexible work hours, and encouraging investments.
• The government must provide an income guarantee that covers the basic needs of the involuntarily unemployed and of those who are unable to work because of disability or old age.
• The labour market position of immigrants and minorities must be protected.
• The government must play an active role in ensuring that there is no discrimination on the workplace, be it based on gender, race, sexual orientation, disability or any other reason not strictly relevant to the job.
• A minimum wage must be guaranteed
• Working conditions in general should be the subject of negotiations between employers and employees.
• The government should accept trade unions as partners in labour market negotiations. Workers must have the right to strike, but striking shall be only accepted as justified mean in labour negotiations if other ways of negotiations, that are less harmful for the economy, have failed.
• Workers must be legally protected against health threatening working conditions.
• Workers and job applicants must be legally protected against sexual harassment
3.b.3.Industrial policy
Liberals are by principle in favour of a free and fair market economy and see a role for the government in supporting competition and innovation.
• An anti-monopoly policy and mechanism of control must guarantee a sufficient degree of competition, without undermining the strength of industries needed to survive in the international market. Also, free and fair trade is essential is safeguarding competition at the international level.
• Governments can play a role by enhancing the infrastructure conditions within the country so that new industries and innovative ones have a good chance to develop.
• Industries that pollute the environment or waste natural resources such as energy should be made legally and financially responsible for these actions. The relocation of environmentally destructive industries to developing countries must stop.
• Governments should refrain from subsidising production.
3.b.4.Consumer policy
In many countries throughout the world, the position of consumers in relation to producers is very weak. Therefore, Liberals and Radicals call for the following measures:
• Private enterprises must be hold responsible for their products in both legal and financial terms.
• Products standards must be established that protect the consumers' safety and health.
• Legislation ensuring that consumers are supplied with relevant information regarding consumer goods and services.
• The dumping of dangerous products on the market in less developed countries must be terminated.
• Consumer organisations play an important role and governments should take their views into consideration in order to guarantee the right of the consumers.
3.b.5. International Trade
Free trade enables the most efficient use of world resources, thereby contributing to worldwide wealth and welfare. Protectionism and trade restrictions halts growth, causing poverty and unequality. The introduction of a free world trade is therefore of uttermost importance for international development. Free trade is however not the solution for everything. Environmental problems and human rights issues needs legislative solutions.
4. Environment
4.a. The Environment on a Global Scale
The existence of man relies on the environment that surrounds us. We need the resources, which are found on the Planet, and we depend our surroundings not to pose a threat to our lives and health. Therefore it is of utmost importance that we nurture and protect the environment and avoid misusing the resources that the generations to come will base their existence upon. The Planet around us is not ours to keep, and we should not treat it as such. As humans, we have only borrowed the planet from our children, and should as such leave it in a condition no worse than how we received it. Otherwise we will be violating the rights of future generations to live freely and healthy.
As a Liberal and Radical organization we have a responsibility to make solid suggestions on how to preserve and protect the environment that surrounds us. This is not a task only for the National governments, but must be seen in a global perspective, also because some issues know no borders.
As an example can be mentioned the global warming effect caused by the release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses, which poses a threat to the planet’s climate. That is why all nations must contribute to achieving reductions of the release of greenhouse gasses in order to hold back global warming, and IFLRY encourages the leaders of the world to continue the work stated in the Kyoto-protocol, which makes out the framework for fighting global warming.
4.b. The role of the markets and the governments
To a great extent pollution is caused by the lack of defined ownership. Most people care about their own property, for example land and natural resources. If your property is damaged, your ability to stimulate profits is reduced, and therefore most people guard their valuables. We must ensure that the sanctity of private property is upheld by the courts, and that damaging other people’s property is punished severely. As long as ownership is not properly defined, nobody feels a responsibility to hold back the use of precious resources or to protect the land. Of course there are resources to which the definition of ownership is not practically possible, for example when it comes to the air and the oceans. Here the State has a role as a protector of the collective resources.
Governmental action is also needed to avoid damage by toxic materials and emissions by implementing strict standards. Legislation to punish environmental crimes effectively has to be established.
Eco-taxation, including tradable emission permits, should be introduced, which would make it economically viable for large and small companies and individuals to make their production and consumption environmentally friendly. New ways to measure GNP and GDP where environmental costs are included should be applied. Also, in order to bring about ecological sustainability, the tax system should be changed.
Enterprises should be responsible for their products from the cradle to the grave. It is the function of the product and not the product itself which is important. Products should be designed and produced environmentally friendly with maximum longevity, reusability, recycling capacity and energy saving.
4.c. Waste
International agreements to control depositing of waste in space and on high seas should be elaborated, and must be controlled by an international commission.
The use and the production of the most damaging chemicals must be totally prohibited, not only in the industrialised countries but worldwide.
4.d. Energy
Burning fossil fuels causes global warming, acidification, and emission of a lot of other substances which damages the environment and health of humans. The large use of fossil fuels in industrial countries must therefore be decreased drastically.
Energy is wasted in private households, transport and industry. It is necessary with private and public investment in research and development of more efficient technology and alternative energy sources.
Nuclear power represents a serious danger both due to the risk of accidents at plants, and also because of the risk of leakage in waste deposits. However, halting the use of nuclear power would lead to a great increase in the burning of fossil fuels, which is far more polluting. Therefore, we do not support the closure of well-functioning nuclear power stations until environmentally-sound replacements have been found
4.e. Transport and mobility
Increasing pollution from traffic is one of the major environmental problems today, not only in industrialised countries but also in many cities in developing countries. Although we as Liberals and Radicals believe in the right to travel, this should be moderated by the principle of polluter pays meaning that consumers pay the true costs of transportation.
IFLRY demands:
• the development and improvement of public transport systems.
• diesel and petrol taxes corresponding to their environmental harm
• taxation of cars should be dependent on their fuel energy consumption
• car pooling should encouraged, and in certain areas such as in the centre of large towns, the use of private cars must be prohibited outright.
Foresting and Farming
The vital role of all types of forests in maintaining ecological processes such as protecting fragile ecosystems, watersheds, and freshwater sauces, and their positions as rich storehouses of biodiversity and biological resources and sources of genetic material for biotechnology products as well as carbon fixation should be recognised.
The deforestation of the worlds forests must be stopped and reversed immediately. Efforts should be undertaken towards the greening of the world in all countries.
National forest policies should recognise and duly support the identity, culture and rights of indigenous people, their communities and other communities of forest dwellers.
We ask for a binding international agreement on the management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forest.
Trade in timber, especially tropical woods, can only go ahead on the terms of sustainable development.
The use of chemicals in farming should be controlled.
The effects of desertification must be recognised as being intercontinental. All countries must take responsibility for halting the expansion of deserts.
4.f. Animal Protection
We strongly oppose the mistreatment of animals. Animal testing for medical and scientific purposes has to be allowed only on the premise of strict control, avoiding unnecessary tests and limiting the number of animals used as well as the harm done to the animals.
Protection of endangered species and their habitat should be strengthened. The implementations of the Washington treaty on Protected Species should be monitored and enforced.
5. Internationalism
5.a. International Cooperation
As Liberals and Radicals we believe in an ever growing necessity for and task of international cooperation. International cooperation must be based on the principles of rule of law and human rights and aim for a stable and harmonious development of the world.
The world has changed dramatically since the end of the cold war. The end of East and West confrontation had enormous influence on the whole world. Human rights, democracy and market-based economy have become common goal in large parts of the world. This has created a historical opportunity for international cooperation as well as a challenge and responsibility.
At the same time more and more issues exceed national borders and call for international solutions. Environmental problems know no boarders and the lack of development in some countries calls for international co-operation and joint measures.
Ideally, every individual should be able to settle wherever he or she wishes to. However, as long as there is an enormous gap between rich and poor countries this cannot be a right. We acknowledge the right of the individual to freely immigrate from a country. As this right is not yet respected in the world we ask for a generous attitude towards refugees. Every individual has an absolute right to seek asylum and to have a just examination of his or her case. The refugee problems must be solved in cooperation between countries.
Also transnational companies, the mobility of manpower and capital, biotechnology, modern information technology and mass media are penetrating the state frontiers.
These developments and changes call for a new thinking in the concepts of international policy and cooperation. The principles guiding the international system, for example the rule of non-interference, must be evaluated and redefined. It is time to demand a common global responsibility for human rights, democracy, sustainable development, peaceful co-existence and settlement of conflicts.
Development
• We stress the need of a global cooperation to secure sustainable development.
• Global environmental protection and ecological considerations in all actions must become a natural task for the UN.
Security
Security concerns are at the heart of the path to collective and global security. There can be no international peace and cooperation, without the necessary security framework to prevent dictators and military adventurers from attacking and using military force to prevent free choice by a community.
With the end of the bipolar order and the Cold War the circumstances for international security cooperation have been changed fundamentally. IFLRY stresses that regional conflicts in Africa, Asia and Latin America as well as in Europe which have been judged and treated according to their effect on the super power rivalries can and have now to be seen as tasks for international cooperation.
Still we are faced with a multitude of new challenges and risks. Security questions and threats have become more complex. Huge military structures are still intact and in many cases without political control and we face a growing illegal trade with weapons and military equipment as well as ethnic conflicts, economic and social problems which are endangering security and democracy.
Liberal and Radical youth believe the correct forum to be the United Nations. The stability of the world is too great a burden to place with any one nation or group of nations.
As Liberals and Radicals we also believe that in the future regional cooperation will and should play a bigger role in security policy and in the promotion and protection of human rights and democracy. Greater participation by regional organisations will not only help to relieve the burden on the UN but will also contribute to a greater sense of participation, consensus and democratisation in international affairs. Regional organisations will have to work closely with the UN to maintain the possibility of raising issues on the world level if regional efforts are unsuccessful.
The UN’s traditional role of diplomacy and “peacekeeping” must be reexamined and, in appropriate circumstance where traditional measures do not suffice, the UN and other international and regional bodies must become involved in peace-making and peace-building in order to restore and maintain peace against armed aggression. Economic and political sanctions should be considered before military force is used for purposes other than to enforce sanctions. In its peace-keeping role the UN must be careful not to be used as a tool to maintain front lines to allow aggressors to hold territory taken by force. The UN should also prevent armed conflicts by being sent at an early stage to zones of crises.
To assist in the prevention of armed conflict the UN must be given the major responsibility of curbing the arms trade. We call for the destruction of all arms concerned by disarmament agreements, and we reject their export. In particular, the proliferation of nuclear and chemical weaponry must be curbed by the UN if necessary through military action.
It is the duty of all nations to assist the international organisations to prevent conflict by arms and by trade. All regional and national governments must accept the authority of the UN in the sphere of mediation in border and other disputes.
The possibilities of the UN and its different agencies to work in fields as development, education, environmental protection and health care must be increased.
• International intervention in a sovereign nation may only take place where there has been gross violation of human and basic rights.
• Collective security must imply that only with UN approval nations can attack or blockade another. However, if the UN fails to take action against regimes systematically violating human rights, intervention by another nation or group of nations can in some cases be acceptable and even desirable.
• We ask for an implementation of the ideas presented by the UN Secretary General in the “Agenda for Peace”. Therefore we support the International Criminal Court and urgently call on all nations to ratify the accession charta.
• We demand a continuation and enlargement of the recent agreements on arms-control and reduction which are essential to foster security in the world. Special attention must be given to negotiations about the control and reduction of nuclear, chemical and biological arm-systems and to the supervision of implementation of agreements already signed.
• We call for the ultimate destruction of all chemical and biological weapons, close control with and monitoring of all nuclear missiles as well as the complete abolition of anti-personnel mines. Full implementation of already signed agreements is essential to foster security and mutual trust in the world.
• We call for strengthening of regional cooperation not only in the economical field and ask for the establishment of similar frameworks as the CSCE and regional bodies to deal with security and conflicts in all parts of the world
• We see in, for example, the OAS, OAU and ASEAN organisations which can develop into such regional bodies.
• Existing chemical, nuclear and biological weapons must be destroyed, and disposed of safely.
Structure
• We call for a modernisation of the UN-system in a way that it is more suitable for the problems of today.
• We stress the importance of giving the UN the instruments needed for direct intervention in urgency situations where peacekeeping is desirable. The needed instruments should be created in a way that every country gives the commitment to act immediately when these urgent situations appear.
• We call for the jurisdiction of the world court to be mandatory for all disputes between countries for which another juridical or arbitraral tribunal does not already exist, and we call for the creation of an international court of human rights in which individuals, and not just states, can seek redress. We also call for the creation of an international criminal court with jurisdiction over war crimes, international terrorism, and other international crimes, as well as over extradition and other jurisdictional problems between states.
• The representation of all nations and regions is important in itself and central to the function of the UN. The procedure for making decisions in the security council must be reformed and the right to veto should be limited or abandoned so necessary action and vital decisions cannot be blocked.
• We call on all countries to pay the fees they owe to the UN. The rules in the UN charter concerning countries which do not pay their fees should be strictly enforced.
• We strongly support the system of interlocking institutions and structures dealing with international cooperation. This cooperation should aim to avoid duplication and to make full use the available resources and expertise.
5.b. Development Cooperation
We as Liberals and Radicals see the world as an indivisible unit. We see a crucially important task in improving future international relations to meet the challenges of many serious problems in developing countries. Development Cooperation is essential for the future of the world.
As Liberals and Radicals we believe in the universality of Human Rights as well as we see democracy and freedom as rights that should be respected by all nations and independent of their current state of social and economic development. In today’s world poverty, hunger and diseases are widespread. Illiteracy and a lack of education and information can be observed in many developing countries.
If the world wants to seek solutions for its problems is must seek for solutions on global level. IFLRY therefore:
• States the urgent need for a worldwide respect of human rights and calls for support to all forces fighting for freedom and democracy in all countries. Democratisation is an important factor for development.
• Stresses the necessity for more justice and solidarity in the North-South relationship and considers the responsibility of the developed countries.
• Emphasises the importance of an active and sincere dialogue between the recipient and donor countries about human rights and democracy.
• Recognises the debt crisis and that the burden of debt will held back attempts to achieve sustainable development. All parts involved must work to reduce the level of debt and all possibilities of lowering interest rates must be used as well measures to stop and to protect against over zealous lending practices must be implemented. The industrialised countries have a major responsibility in solving the debt crisis. Solutions, such as writing off the debts and debt for nature swaps, must be serious considerations in multilateral negotiations.
• All IMF loans should be issued only when it can be clearly ensured that they will not serve the unjust benefit of any dictator, criminal or terrorist.
• IMF should not guarantee the repayment of loans to private creditors if it should have been foreseen that the loans would benefit a dictator, a criminal or a terrorist.
• Writing off debts must also be used to combine the promotion of a positive economic development with the motivation for necessary democratic reforms.
• Stresses the strong interdependence between development and environment.
• Calls upon the world to abolish trade barriers and fight protectionism as well as it is important to work for free trade between the developing nations.
• Urges the industrialised countries to use at least 1% of the GNP for official aid and development cooperation. Development aid must never be tied to an obligation to buy products from donor countries. However, development towards respect for human rights, democracy and civil control over the military should be preconditions for co-operation and financial support.
• Stresses the need for in-depth evaluation and rethinking of development cooperation and aid in order to avoid the repetition of unproductive measures. The mistakes that have been made by the donor countries with the lack of respect for the environment, human rights and democracy must be recognised.
• Urges to give special attention to the the needs, knowledge and views of indigenous people.
• Calls for effective international control and restrictions on arms production and arms trade and for an end to governmental involvement in promoting arms export.
• Stresses the importance of channelling development aid from NGOs in donor countries to NGOs in developing countries with the objective to support popular movements and initiatives, which can be a solid base for development and the building of democracy.
• As a consequence of negative experiences and results of the past, it is of importance to concentrate development cooperation more on multi- and transnational level and further international coordination, including the promotion of NGOs.
• Expresses the conviction that support democratic institution building must be an important part of development cooperation.
• Stresses the importance of environmental measures and considerations in development cooperation and demands an end to the export of outdated and polluting technologies and of toxic waste to developing countries.
• Urges all donor countries to strengthen their aid in social and educational matters, also as a step to the creation of better preconditions for development, democracy and participation.
• Stresses the need of long term planning and cooperation between different donor countries and organisations. Development project and programmes shall be part of a concept, that is result of negotiations and a dialogue between the donors and the recipient countries. Also emergency aid must consider mid term and long term effects all projects should be thoroughly evaluated in order to secure that aid is used as efficient as possible.
• Underlines the necessity to support development towards a market economy and at the same time to ease the burden of the different adjustment programmes. Social market economy and democracy are important to bring an end to corruption, bureaucracy and economic mismanagement.
• Expresses support and reminds the need for regional cooperation in and between the developing continents.
• IFLRY promotes the strengthening of the UN and furthering global approaches in politics. We call for a major support to the specialised agencies of the United Nations dealing with questions of development.
6.United we are stronger
6.a. The work of IFLRY
IFLRY is the international platform for cooperation among Liberal and Radical youth forces from all continents and as such a federation of youth organisations. We participate in, and if necessary, initiate discussion with other organisations representing the views of young people. We realise the political consequences of our actions, and we are ready to discuss the issues which affect young people with organisations which do not share our views. We believe we should promote the exchange of ideas, but only make common statements with non-liberal organisations when we share the same view.
We also welcome on an individual basis bilateral contacts between IFLRY member organisations and non-IFLRY member organisations.
IFLRY makes and maintains contact with other liberal structures whose views of Liberalism and Radicalism match the criteria laid out elsewhere in the Manifesto. We also wish to establish contact with perceived liberal and radical organisations in non-democratic countries, and we will support them in their struggle to introduce democracy. We will offer these organisations a hand of friendship, and share our experiences with them.