IFLRY News and Updates

Statement on the Twentieth Anniversary of the Tiananmen 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.

IFLRY Bureau Members in Beirut

From April 3 to 8, IFLRY Treasurer Chris Gallaway and Vice President Frederik Ferié were hosted by Future Youth in Beirut, Lebanon. As IFLRY’s first Full Member in the Arab world, Future Youth has been an active participant in the Federation's activities in the last two years.

IFLRY Statement on Earth Day 2009

As the world celebrates the Earth Day this April, the International Federation of Liberal Youth commits to reach the gap between the attainment of multilateral-free-trade-driven-sustainable-economic-growth and healthy and balance environment in the entire planet.

Statement on outcome of the G20 meeting in London

The most influential countries in the world came together in London (UK) today and yesterday to discuss solutions to fix the global economic downturn. The International Federation of Liberal Youth, the worldwide umbrella of liberal youth organizations representing over 2.5 million young liberals, is reasonably enthusiastic about the outcome of the G20 meeting.

Statement on the sixth anniversary of Cuba's Primavera Negra

Today, 18 March, we mark the sixth anniversary of Cuba's Primavera Negra, the crackdown in which approximately 90 dissidents and critics of Castro's regime were arrested as ‘agents of the American enemy’. One day hearings were held behind closed doors, with the consequence that none of them had the time to put together consistent defenses. They received prison sentences ranging from 14 to 27 years.

International Young Liberals Proud of Venezuelan Students

A referendum that abolishes constitutional term limits to the presidency passed in Venezuela on Sunday. The democratic opposition struggled against a governmental campaign that took advantage of its economic and political monopoly to push through these undemocratic changes. The International Federation of Liberal Youth (IFLRY) is proud of all those brave young people who have worked tirelessly to stop the continual erosion of democracy in Venezuela and hopes they will continue to do so in the future.

Call for Core Committee for Revising Manifesto

At the most recent General Assembly a motion has been overwhelmingly adopted that calls for the rewriting of the IFLRY manifesto. In line with this motion a process has been started to have a renewed manifesto ready by the General Assembly at the end of 2009. The current manifesto can be accessed here http://iflry.org/about/manifesto.aspx .

Seminar Call - LGBTQ Rights Discussed Liberally

From the 22nd of February to the 1st of March, IFLRY is organizing the seminar 'LGBTQ Rights Discussed Liberally' in Strasbourg, France. The event aims at bringing together young liberals from different parts of the world to discuss ways of addressing and tackling homophobia in their regions and countries. Nominations for this event now open.

IFLRY Supports the Newly Established Russian Liberal Movement 'Solidarity'

At their inaugural congress just outside of Moscow on Saturday the 13th of December, liberals and democrats from all over Russia convened to set the course for Solidarity, a newly established organization that brings together representatives from various parties and NGOs. Its aim is to unite the country's liberal forces in a political environment that has been monopolized by Russia's executive under the leadership of Vlamidir Putin and Dmitry Medvedev. IFLRY Secretary General Bart Woord attended the congress on invitation of IFLRY observer member Yabloko Youth and the Russian youth opposition movement Oborona.

IFLRY Rocks Kiev

The International Federation of Liberal Youth held its 31st Extraordinary General Assembly in the capital of Ukraine, Kiev, on the 5th and the 6th of December. More than 180 young liberals from all around the globe convened to set out new directions for the Federation and to discuss some of the burning topics of today.

IFLRY President Paola Silva summed up the achievements of the General Assembly in her closing speech: "In Kiev the International Federation of Liberal Youth made several decisive steps forward: with our new members, revised statutes and several well crafted resolutions IFLRY, now more than ever, is extremely well equipped to meet the challenges that currently face young liberals all over the world."

IFLRY Statement regarding the war in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The IFLRY Bureau speaks out on the deteriorating situation in Congo, calling upon all parties to lay down arms and for the United Nations Security Council to take urgent action.

Read the full statement here.

Executive Commitee and General Assembly, Kiev - December 2008

From the 5th to the 7th of December, young liberals from all across the world will convene in Kiev, Ukraine, for the next meeting of the Executive Committee and the 31st Extraordinary General Assembly of the International Federation of Liberal Youth. The event promises to become extremely interesting, featuring speakers and panel debaters from a variety of backgrounds, touching upon themes like democracy, human rights and self-determination. As the centre of Ukraine’s Orange Revolution in 2004, Kiev is a wonderful venue for the annual convention of the world’s young liberals.

Nominations for this event now open!

Seminar Call - Young Active Citizens: Today for Tomorrow

From the 1st to the 4th of December, IFLRY is organizing the seminar Young Active Citizens: Today for Tomorrow in Kiev, Ukraine. The seminar is lead by IFLRY in partnership with Sobor Republican Party Youth, LYMEC and Liberal Youth (UK) with generous support from the European Youth Foundation, VVD, and others. An invitation has been distributed to our Member Organizations.

The invitation and nomination form can be found in the Document Centre. This event is limited to 30 participants where applications must be sent by September 26, 2008.

Young liberals of the world convene in the Philippines

During the 24th to the 27th of July, the International Federation of Liberal Youth held its semiannual Executive Committee in the Philippines. The event was warmly hosted by IFLRY's long-standing member organization from Asia, the Young Liberals of the Philippines (Kalipi) and attended by many young liberals from all corners of the world, among which the Executive of the Young Liberals and Democrats of Asia. The young liberals were also kindly welcomed by Kalipi and IFLRY alumni Mr. Eleazar P. Quinto and Mr. Jonathan Malaya.

Executive Committee - Manila (Philippines), 25-27 July

IFLRY's next Executive Committee will take place in Manila, the Philippines, from the 25th to the 27th of July. The event is kindly and generously hosted by Kalipi, the Young Liberals of the Philippines. The event's political theme is the impact of the growing role of China in regional and world politics and its challenges for young liberals. Several programme items will be dedicated to this theme.

Seminar Call - Human Rights: Tools of the trade

From the 2nd to the 8th of June, IFLRY is organizing a seminar on trade and human rights in Budva, Montenegro. The seminar is hosted by the Young Liberals of Montenegro with the generous support of the European Youth Foundation and the Council of Europe. An invitation has been sent to our Member Organisations and the deadline for applications is the 1st of May.

Successful IFLRY Meeting in South Africa

From the 31st of March to the 4th of April, representatives from 11 liberal youth organizations from all around Africa convened in South Africa for an event organized by IFLRY and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty. The topic of the seminar was "Creating a Strategy for and with Liberal Youth Organizations in Africa" and sought to revitalize international cooperation between the various youth organizations around the continent. IFLRY was represented by Secretary General Bart Woord and Vice President Aïcha Camara, while former Vice President Tafsir Thioye was also present.

IFLRY Statement on the escalating repression and violence in Tibet

The International Federation of Liberal Youth, representing the young liberals of the world, calls on the Chinese Government to demonstrate value for human rights and show restraints in response to the protests in Tibet, and to address the concerns of all Tibetans by opening meaningful dialogue with the Dalai Lama. Only dialogue and reform will bring lasting stability. China's brightest future, and its most positive relationship with the world, lies in promoting understanding, discourse and respect.

Statement on Armenia's post-election situation

The IFLRY Bureau strongly condemns today's violent actions by the Armenian government authorities against protesters in Yerevan, as well as the detainment of members of the opposition and the house arrest of presidential candidate Levon Ter-Petrossian.

IFLRY calls for an end to Cuba's dictatorship

Today's announcement of Fidel Castro's stepping down from power is greeted with joy by the International Federation of Liberal Youth (IFLRY). After 50 years of totalitarian rule over the beautiful island and people of Cuba, which has been marred by poverty and human rights abuses, it is now time for the Cuban regime to cease its one-party rule and ensure a peaceful transition to an open and liberal democracy.

Young Liberals call for the recognition of the independence of Kosovo

Sunday's unilateral declaration of independence by the government of Kosovo is the result of a diplomatic stalemate. Progress had been made with the good work led by former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari and the successful execution of the parliamentary elections held in November 2007. However, the recommendations laid out in the Ahtisaari report, which proposed granting Kosovo independence under international surveillance with specific provisions to guarantee the rights of the Serb minority and which was adopted by the government of Kosovo, were dismissed by Serbian authorities as an unfair and untimely intervention into internal matters - leading to the current situation.

IFLRY Statement on the Assassination of Benazir Bhutto

The International Federation of Liberal Youth (IFLRY) condemns in the highest possible terms the assassination of former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. The Federation is alarmed at the spiraling political violence and the lack of justice under the regime of President Pervez Musharraf. We call on the Pakistani authorities to apprehend those responsible for the killing of Pakistan's democratic icon and Liberal International's Prize for Freedom Award recipient.

Happy Holidays

El periodo de Festividades es el mejor momento para reunirnos con la familia y con los amigos ... La période des Fêtes est le moment privilégié pour se réunir avec parents et amis ... The holiday period is the time to re-unite with family and friends.

IFLRY elects new Bureau

The International Federation of Liberal Youth held its General Assembly in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, from the 13th to the 15th of December, where it elected a new Bureau. Paola Silva, former IFLRY Vice President and member of UCJD from Colombia, was elected as President and hence became the first non-Western President of IFLRY. Bart Woord, member of JD from the Netherlands, was re-elected as Secretary General, while Chris Gallaway, member and former President of the Young Democrats of America, got elected as Treasurer. The four Vice President seats are taken up by Ahissata Camara (RJR, Cote d'Ivoire), Frederik Ferié (Julis, Germany), Jelena Spasovic (YLS, Serbia) and Jan-Argy Tolentino (Kalipi, the Philippines).

IFLRY supports Yabloko in the Duma elections tomorrow

Tomorrow is the final day of the election to the Russian parliament, the Duma. IFLRY supports Yabloko that are struggling for influence in a country whose leadership is becoming increasingly dictatorial. Last weekend many of the oppositions politicians were arrested by the police in a brutal manor, including the president of Yabloko youth Ilya Yashin and the president of Yabloko Youth in St Petersburg Alexander Shurshev.

IFLRY Magazine Editor in Chief in major Argentinean media

Andy Rivas, the Editor in Chief of IFLRY's magazine 'The Libel', has appeared today in two major Argentinean newspapers with an article on a liberal perspective on youth politics. His article titled 'Ideas para la nueva generacion politica' in La Nacion, and 'El verdadero cambio: una nueva generaction politica', can also be read on the website of the liberal network of Latin America, RELIAL.

The IFLRY Bureau congratulates Andy with this great achievement and hopes to enjoy even more of his commitment to the international liberal movement in the future.

Invitation to December events

December 2007 is an exciting time for IFLRY: a promising seminar, a General Assembly with the election of a new Bureau, and a gala dinner to celebrate our 60th anniversary. The international liberal youth movement is becoming stronger than ever, and you can be part of our growing global network by attending these events.

IFLRY calls upon the Burmese junta to step down

The International Federation of Liberal Youth strongly supports the recent protests in Burma and calls upon the Burmese junta to step down from power.

IFLRY makes its first donation to the political prisoners of Cuba

During the General Assembly in Dallas, the delegates donated 70 euros to the political prisoners of Cuba. There will be more opportunities to donate money at future IFLRY events. The collected amount has been handed over to SILC's foundation dedicated to helping the families of the prisoners of conscience on Cuba.

30th IFLRY GA in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Hercegovina

The IFLRY Bureau is happy to inform you that the venue of the upcoming Executive Committee and 30th General Assembly of the Federation will be Sarajevo, Bosnia-Hercegovina. The Executive Committee will take place on the evening of the 13th of December, and the General Assembly on the 14th and the 15th of December. The IFLRY seminar 'Youth empowerment: learning and participating' will be held in Sarajevo prior to these events, from the 9th to the 13th of December.

IFLRY and LYMEC hold discussions on Belarus in Vilnius

This weekend IFLRY, LYMEC and a couple member organizations working in Belarus held discussions on how to help Civil Forum and the Belarusian opposition. Two members from Civil Forum participated in the discussions.

Postponed: IFLRY Anniversary and Alumni Event

The IFLRY Anniversary and Alumni events that were to take place on the 25th and 26th of August have unfortunately been postponed. Find an explanatory letter, which was published in IFLRY's most recent newsletter, below.

50 Cuban Youth in Havana speak with IFLRY in Dallas, USA

Around 50 members of the Cuban youth movement CJM (Coalición Juvenil Martiana) turned up at the American embassy in Havana to participate in a video conference with liberal youth from around the world at the IFLRY seminar “Liberal challenges in the 21st century” in Dallas, USA. The participants had travelled from all over Cuba to participate in the event.

IFLRY will be discussing the liberal challenges of the 21st century in Dallas, USA

Climate change and human rights are among the different liberal challenges discussed at the International Federation of Liberal Youth’s joint convention with the Young Democrats of America in Dallas, USA, 17-22 of July. Among the featured speakers are Senator John Edwards, presidential candidate (Democratic Party), General Wesley Clark, Former Supreme Commander of Allied Forces and Founder, WESPAC and Carl Pope, Executive Director, Sierra Club.

Letter to Putin regarding the situation in Belarus

16 liberal youth organizations signed a letter to Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, regarding the human rights situation in Belarus. The letter was sent to 4 Staraya Square, Moscow 103132.

The letter can be found in its entirety here.

IFLRY satisfied that Belarus is not elected to Human Rights Council

The International Federation of Liberal Youth (IFLRY) is satisfied with today's election in the UN General Assembly of Slovenia and Bosnia-Hercegovina for the Human Rights Council's Eastern European seats, thereby keeping Belarus out. Belarus, a notorious human rights abuser and often dubbed 'the last dictatorship of Europe', was defeated by Bosnia-Hercegovina in a 112-72 vote in the second round, after Slovenia received the necessary absolute majority of 97 votes already in the first round.

IFLRY publishes a new edition of Libel

IFLRY is proud to release a new version of its Libel magazine online. Take a look at the latest issue at http://www.thelibel.com. Featured in this issue: The USA 2008 Presidential election, Liberalism & Education, Dictatorship in La Havana, An Inconvenient Truth review and an essay on Africa and the MDG.

IFLRY Campaigns: Human Rights Council Elections and Belarus

On the 17th of May, the United Nations General Assembly will be electing new members for the Human Rights Council, and Belarus is one of the candidates running for election. Considering Belarus' human rights standards, it is obvious we can't let this happen! Therefore, IFLRY has joined an informal coalition of international NGOs (including Human Rights Watch and the Open Society Institute) that aims at keeping Belarus out of the Council by lobbying governments and parliamentarians, and by drawing attention from the media for this issue.

IFLRY calls for the international community to react to Putin's repression

This weekend anti-Kremlin demonstrations were carried out by numerous organizations from the Russian opposition, among them Yabloko and Garry Kasparov's United Civil Front. IFLRY expresses its utmost support to the demonstrators. An estimated 170 people ended up being arrested during the rally in Moscow and 150 people in St Petersburg. Yabloko's leader in St Petersburg Maxim Reznik was among the arrested and a member got her nose broken by the police. A total of 200 Yabloko members participated in the demonstrations in St Petersburg.

Nominations open for IFLRY Seminar, EC and GA in Dallas, July 2007

The IFLRY Bureau would like to invite you to the 29th Extraordinary General Assembly and Executive Committee in Dallas (Texas), United States, from the 20th to the 22nd of July 2007. Prior to this event, IFLRY will organize the seminar "Liberal Challenges in the 21st Century" at the same venue. Both events are organized in cooperation with the Young Democrats of America.

IFLRY Call: Regional Representative for Asia

The International Federation of Liberal Youth would like to announce a call for the position of IFLRY representative for the region of Asia for the period of April 23rd until the IFLRY General Assembly at the end of the year. We are looking for an energetic and motivated liberal who is interested in assisting the bureau's work with representing IFLRY in Asia.

IFLRY present at Human Rights Council

Jan Pawlak, coordinator of the IFLRY Shadow Human Rights Council, is currently attending the 4th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland. Jan takes part in a delegation of the Liberal International, the worldwide umbrella of liberal parties.

Notice call for Young Trainers

IFLRY is placing a call seeking the application of skilled trainers for the help in running seminars and trainings.

IFLRY Launches an Extranet

IFLRY is launching an Extranet to better communicate with its member and partner organizations.

IFLRY reiterates its support for the universal abolition of the death penalty

The International Federation of Liberal Youth expresses its support for the campaign of the Transnational Radical Party on the abolition of the death penalty, initiated by Member of the European Parliament for the European Liberal Party ELDR, Marco Panella.

IFLRY discusses the situation in Cuba

The Cuban regime arrested liberal activists in January this year. This was revealed at a Cuban panel in Lima, Peru, connected to IFLRY's seminar week on youth participation 4-11th of February. Daniel Wennick (Vice President of IFLRY) and Mauricio Lopez (Juventud Libertaria, Costa Rica) spoke about their recent trip to Cuba and explained how they got arrested while visiting liberal activists after just five days on the island. More than 30 young liberals from Latin America and Europe attended the panel.

New Year's Greeting IFLRY President

At this time of year I would like to look back upon the past year and reflect over the development and progress of the world of today. At the same time it is important to use this reflection for looking forward to 2007 and beyond, as there are always valuable lessons to be learned.

IFLRY held its annual General Assembly, 15 - 16 of December

The International Federation of Liberal Youth held its annual General Assembly on the 15th and 16th of December, this time in the beautiful country of Andorra. The GA was attended by more than 100 representatives of liberal youth organizations from all over the world.

Notice of vacancy

On behalf of the IFLRY Bureau, We would like to inform you about the vacancy for one of the IFLRY Vice President positions. Together with this notice you are receiving the letter from Frosina KOSTOVSKA, IFLRY Vice President elected last year at the IFLRY General Assembly in Macedonia, in which she resigns from her position in the IFLRY Bureau.

IFLRY Launches a New Web Site and Online Community

A completely redesigned and enhanced web site was launched today by the International Federation of Liberal Youth (IFLRY). With a fresh appearance, format and content, the new web site aims at becoming a true online community for liberal youth across the globe.

Call: IFLRY seeks Board of Editors for The Libel

The BoE will have to manage IFLRY's political magazine, the Libel, for the upcoming year. Five issues are annually distributed to every corner of the world, and there's also a special website available where the issues can be downloaded.

IFLRY announces details for its General Assembly 2006

You are invited to the next meeting of the Executive Committee and to the 28th Extraordinary General Assembly. The Executive Committee and General Assembly will take place on December 14-17, 2006 in Hotel Panorama, Andorra.