The International Federation of Liberal Youth (in which the Young Democrats of America represent the United States) have issued the following statement on the situation in Iran:

After the much contested presidential elections on May 9th, 2009 in Iran, violence broke out as young Iranians were protesting on the streets of Tehran, their natural rights to peaceful assemble were disregarded. The protesters were harassed, beaten and forcibly ejected by the police and members of the Basij. Now, weeks after the elections, riots, brutal murders, torture, and detention of innocent civilians without due process of law continues to be at play.

The International federation of Liberal Youth (IFLRY) expresses our solidarity with the Iranian youth and their people in their right to expresses their grievances towards the establishments of Iranian society through peaceful and non-violent means. We vehemently condemn the on-going violence and suppression of independence through infiltration of communications and the internet by the government.

Taking into account of Iran’s unique and sensitive situation where elections are farcical and there is no genuine right of political participation: we view the current riots as the natural result of built-up frustration by young people within a system that does not take their voice into account.

IFLRY believes in the freedom of expression and individualism. While we recognize that religion can be important part of people’s lives, a certain life style cannot and should not be enforced upon a person by state and much more with the use of coercion. We adhere to the ideal that each generation needs to define its own paths of life: the young Iranians should have a chance to decide upon theirs. We are in full support of all Iranian citizens especially the youth who embrace the values of freedom, human rights, civil liberties and rule of law. IFLRY continues to affirm the importance of democratic and fair elections. No government should rule without a clear and clean mandate from its people.

We also recognize the invaluable contribution of Iranian women, who bravely take a lead in the struggle for their native Iran as shown by Neda Agha Soltan’s sacrifice, she is now Iran’s iconic symbol for greater freedom and justice.

In conclusion, the International Federation of Liberal Youth calls upon the Iranian government and its leaders to be magnanimous in accepting the people’s clamor for a clean, honest and manipulation-free election. We urge the Iranian government to veer away from their violent and brutal treatment of young people peaceful protesting to express their view and exercise their universal human rights.

While it is not for us to determine the fate of Iran and its people, IFLRY reaffirms its strong conviction that the Iranian people should enjoy the right to express their views about the future of their country freely, without intimidation and fear.

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We would like to invite candidates to apply for the IFLRY seminar: “Human Rights: Tools of the trade” in Budva, Montenegro on June 2-8, 2008.

This IFLRY event is held with the support and enthusiasm of the Youth Forum of the Liberal Party of Montenegro (YFLPMNE) and is sponsored by the Council of Europe.

Should trade be used as a tool to influence human rights? Should boycotts or embargos be used to influence human rights situations in particular countries? How effective are they? What should we as young liberals do with such a dilemma?

Nomination forms must be sent to office@iflry.org by a supporting member organisation to be considered. Please find details of the seminar in the invitation located in our Document Centre >

Nomination Form > Due May 1, 2008

Seminar Invitation > For details and description

This event is limited to 30 participants where applications must be sent by May 1 , 2008.

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YDA Welcomes IFLRY, IFLRY Welcomes YDA

Today was a historic day for the International Federation of Liberal Youth as it welcomed the Young Democrats of America as a full member organization, following a very successful seminar organized by both organizations and attended by close to 100 young liberals from over 30 countries on the challenges facing Liberalism.

IFLRY’s member organizations present at its extraordinary General Assembly in Dallas overwhelmingly voted in favor of welcoming the Young Democrats as a voting member, following more than two years of very active participation of YDA members in several IFLRY-sponsored seminars, statutory events and committees.

We would like to thank YDA President Chris Gallaway and International Officer Clinton Bench for spearheading their organization’s involvement within our movement and helping us organize this terrific events. We are convinced that the Young Democrats will become a leading member organization within the federation and that this partnership will tremendously improve and expand the scope of IFLRY.

Welcome, YDA!

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