80 Years of the World Federation of Democratic Youth

Eighty years ago, on November 10th 1945, the World Federation of Democratic Youth was born!

Today, as eighty years ago, the World Federation of Democratic Youth, with its motto “Youth Unite! Forward for Lasting Peace”, continues to be the worldwide anti-imperialist front that brings together and United progressive, revolutionary, communist, and anti-imperialist organisations under a single goal: the struggle for lasting peace and the defeat of imperialism.

When imperialism and fascism with their allies seek to destroy the aspirations of youth for a better life, for public education and work with rights, access to leisure and sports, to basic needs and the right to life and to their country, the World Federation of Democratic Youth, together with its organisations, asserts itself in every country and region in the struggle for the right of youth, and the construction of a world of peace and social progress.

Now more than ever, strengthening the World Federation of Democratic Youth and its struggle, strengthening anti-imperialist unity and internationalist solidarity with the peoples and youth of the world, remains essential.

Long Live Internationalist Soldarity!

Long Live the Anti-Imperialist Struggle!

Long Live the World Federation of Democratic Youth!

Solidarity With the Communist Youth of Syria

The Young Communist League – Ligue de la jeunesse communiste denounces in the strongest terms the ban on Communist Youth Organisations in Syria. Our entire membership stands in solidarity with our sister organisations in Syria.

On January 29, the ruling islamofascists in Syria suspended the constitution and outlawed several political parties and organisations including the two communist parties and their affiliated youth organisations, the Union of Democratic Youth Syria-Khalid Baghdash and Syrian Democratic Youth Union. Both organisations are active members of the World Federation of Democratic Youth and have been conduits for the young people of Syria in the patriotic defence against the Imperialist intervention and in the struggle against the previous Ba’ath government.

The ban was enacted by the jihadist military groups, who were once labelled terrorists by the Canadian state before taking Damascus and coming to power in December.

The Communist Youth Organisations were banned because they were staunch fighters against sectarianism, reaction, and capitulation to the interests of monopoly capitalism – that is imperialism. The new rulers of Syria have already demonstrated their submission to the dictates of globalised capitalism through their promises to Israel and NATO member Turkey, and the guarantees made to implement ‘market liberalisation’. The move to outlaw the young communists shows the world the true class nature of the former Al-Qaeda affiliates now calling the shots in Syria.

This dangerous attack on democratic rights must be condemned in the strongest terms. Solidarity efforts among the youth and students in Canada must be organised. Surely, this is only the first step before future attacks on the working class and oppressed masses in Syria.

As the opening line of Martin Niemöller’s cautionary poem goes, “First they came for the Communists and I did not speak out. Because I was not a Communist.”

The YCL-LJC stands in solidarity with our comrades, just like we did when the Canadian state dropped sanctions and bombs on the people of Syria. We call on all peace-loving organisations of youth and students in Canada to condemn this dangerous attack on youth in Syria.

Long live proletarian internationalism!

YCL-LJC Salutes the Palestinian people on Nakba Day

Central Executive Committee, May 14th 2020

On Nakba Day, The YCL-LJC reiterates its wholehearted support for the Palestinian people, and strongly condemns Israel’s occupation and annexation of Palestinian lands. Nakba Day is a day of commemoration for Palestinians who faced mass displacement following the Israeli Declaration of Independence in 1948. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were forced out of their towns and villages, many of which were entirely depopulated and destroyed. For 72 years, the Palestinian people have been fighting for recognition of their own state in the image of their national aspirations. Throughout this time, the Israeli apartheid state has organized the deadliest raids, in total violation of human rights and in total violation of international law.