Working class internationalism and solidarity

JOIN THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNIST YOUTH MOVEMENT, FROM HAVANA TO JOHANNESBURG TO KERALA.

The YCL is Britain’s affiliate to the World Federation of Democratic Youth (WFDY), one of over 180 progressive and anti-imperialist youth organisations from more than 100 countries that are members.

WFDY organises campaigns as well as solidarity brigades in support of peace, self-determination for all people and social and economic progress.

For example, WFDY campaigns against the U.S. blockade of Cuba and for freedom and justice for the Palestinians and Sahwari.

In addition, WFDY organises the World Festival of Youth and Students every four years. WFDY has consultative status with the United Nations (ECOSOC) and a relationship with UNESCO.

As a member of WFDY, the YCL has participated in solidarity brigades to places like Venezuela and Syria in support of people’s struggles against war and imperialist interference in their sovereignty.

The YCL is also a regular attendee at congresses and festivals of our sister Communist youth organisations, such as the Fête de l’Humanité (France) and Avante (Portugal).

WFDY was founded at the World Youth Conference on 10 November 1945 in London, where delegates representing over 30 million young people pledged to build international unity and friendship, eliminate fascism, racism and other prejudices, maintain a peace in which young lives would never again be wasted, and fight for progress.

We pledge that we shall remember this unity, forged in this month, November 1945

Not only today, not only this week, this year, but always

Until we have built the world we have dreamed of and fought for

We pledge ourselves to build the unity of youth of the world

All races, all colours, all nationalities, all beliefs

To eliminate all traces of fascism from the earth

To build a deep and sincere international friendship among the peoples of the world

To keep a just lasting peace

To eliminate want, frustration and enforced idleness

We have come to confirm the unity of all youth, salute our comrades who have died, and pledge our word that skilful hands, keen brains and young enthusiasm shall never more be wasted in war.

The League and its members are active supporters of a number of solidarity organisations in Britain, at local and national levels.

For example:

  • Cuba Solidarity Campaign
  • Venezuela Solidarity Campaign
  • Palestine Solidarity Campaign
  • Liberation, formerly the Movement for Colonial Freedom (MCF)
  • Solidarity with Antifascist Resistance in Ukraine (SARU)

The YCL also played a leading role in the Lexit campaign to leave the European Union on a left-wing basis.

Read more about our position and campaign work against the European Union here.

You can also read more about our international and solidarity campaign work and statements here.

Ed. June 2020