Date: June 4^th, 2009

IFLRY Statement
On the Twentieth Anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre

Today, 4th of June, the International Federation of Liberal Youth commemorates the Tiananmen Square Massacre, which brutally ended the lives of peaceful pro-democracy protesters twenty years ago.

Twenty years later, amidst its unprecedented economic growth, increasing international influence, strengthening military might and heightening political power, the People’s Republic of China remains a pseudo-communist and authoritarian state. It persistently deprives its people the fundamental ideas of democracy, human rights and freedom entitled to them as humans for their full benefits and enjoyment.

Its atrocities toward liberal ideals include its unrelenting and harsh censorship of the media and Internet, the brutal crackdown of any dissent, and its support to recalcitrant governments, particularly those of Sudan, Burma, Uzbekistan, North Korea and Zimbabwe which pose a grave threat to international peace and security, and creates a situation alarming to the young liberals of the world.

Thus, on the twentieth anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Massacre - a peaceful, pro-democracy protest led by Chinese students, civilians and intellectuals in over 80 Chinese cities, which ended in a violent crackdown by the People’s Liberation Army, leaving thousands dead - the International Federation of Liberal Youth reminds everyone to remember, and be vigilant and mindful toward the continuous struggle of freedom and democracy in the People’s Republic of China.

The International Federation of Liberal Youth denounces the Chinese refusal to come to terms with its history by not disclosing the real account of the incidents in its school textbooks, and its imperious denial of the bloody crackdown. We also deplore the Chinese government continued harassment of survivors, victims' families, and others who challenge the official version of event as detailed by Human Rights Watch, Freedom House and other international human rights organizations.

In conclusion, though we acknowledge and welcome the fact that China is slowly embracing the ideas of Human Rights, by adopting the National Human Rights Action Plan, the fight for liberty in the People’s Republic of China does not end there, as it did not end when hundreds of Chinese tanks removed Chinese protesters from Tiananmen Square twenty years ago. The battle endures; millions of Chinese political dissidents, freedom fighters, prisoners of conscience and activists continue to be detained, tortured, and sentenced to death for their noble and peaceful aspiration to have a democratic, just and humane China.

We hope that it will not take another massacre for the Chinese government to respond to its people's cry for justice, freedom and democracy. [END]

The International Federation of Liberal Youth is the worldwide umbrella of over 100 liberal youth and student organizations, representing more than 2.5 million young people committed to freedom, democracy and human rights. IFLRY (est. 1947) is headquartered in London, United Kingdom and is Full Member of Liberal International. Visit www.iflry.org or send an e-mail to office@iflry.org for more information.

For any questions regarding this statement, please contact IFLRY Vice President Jan-Argy Tolentino (janargy@iflry.org - +6329175262749).