New Zealand
15 March 2019
The Socialist International is shocked and saddened by the terrorist attack in Christchurch that has claimed the lives of 49 people. This horrific act, which the SI emphatically condemns, was targeted against innocent Muslim worshippers as they peacefully prayed in two mosques in the city, and is deplorable in its brutality and the hateful ideology espoused by those who carried it out...
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International Women's Day
Socialist International marks International Women's Day 2019
8 MARCH 2019
On the occasion of International Women's Day 2019, the Socialist International reiterates its unwavering commitment to gender equality and women's rights, causes which have always been and will remain at the heart of the agenda of the global social democratic movement. Today is a moment to reflect on the significant progress made globally towards gender equality, but equally to focus on the important challenges and obstacles that remain, and the ambition, dedication and political will required to overcome them...
IRan
SI condemns Iran's missile attack against Iranian Kurds in Iraq
10 SEPTEMBER 2018
The Socialist International expresses its outrage and condemns the missile attack carried out by the Islamic Republic of Iran over the weekend against the headquarters of two SI Iranian member parties, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP-Iran) and the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI), located in Northern Iraq. The headquarters of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP-Iran) was deliberated targeted while its central committee was in session with senior leaders, resulting in the tragic deaths of 16 of its members and the injury of close to 50...
iRAn
Ramin Hossein Panahi
10 SEPTEMBER 2018
The Socialist International is deeply saddened to learn of reports emanating from the Iranian Public Prosecutor’s Office that Ramin Hossein Panahi, who had been sentenced to death for his alleged membership of Komala, was executed by the Iranian regime on 7 September, despite numerous appeals by the international community and human rights organisations. The SI had drawn attention to the plight of Panahi and supported the campaign of the Komala KPIK, an SI member party, for his release. It is reported that Panahi was executed along with two other prisoners, Zaniar and Loghman Moradi, following a flawed trial. The SI denounces these acts in the strongest terms and sends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to the members of the KPIK.
Eritrea and Ethiopia
SI welcomes peace agreement between Eritrea and Ethiopia
10 JULY 2018
The Socialist International warmly welcomes the signing of a peace agreement by Eritrea's President Isaias Afewerki and Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, bringing to an end the state of war between the two countries that has persisted for two decades. Although a ceasefire had previously been reached, the border dispute at the centre of the conflict had been unresolved until Prime Minister Ahmed announced in early June that Ethiopia would fully accept the terms of the comprehensive peace agreement of 2000. The war, which lasted two years between 1998 and 2000, claimed 80,000 lives. This accord will have a profound and positive effect on the lives of the people of both Eritrea and Ethiopia, a process which has already begun with the resumption of telephone communications between the two countries for the first time since 1998. Both governments have also expressed their desire to open "a new era of peace and friendship"…
Greece - FYROM
SI welcomes agreement signed yesterday by Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
18 JUNE 2018
The parties belonging to the socialist family are committed to peace and cooperation among the peoples and the countries of the Balkans.
The parties of democratic socialism have a decisive role to play in these turbulent times. We oppose extreme right wing and demagogic forces that are bent on undermining democratic achievements and pluralistic societies. We oppose their authoritarian rhetoric and actions which threaten the basic democratic guarantees for every citizen, for their rights and the free expression of citizens’ voices. We oppose their attempts to divide through extreme nationalism, xenophobia and hate speech.
The peaceful resolution of pending conflicts through mutually agreed solutions is a one way street if we want to establish stability, security, rule of law and sustainable growth in the Balkan region...
PIERRE MAUROY
5th Anniversary of the death of Pierre Mauroy
7 JUNE 2018
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On 7 June, the fifth anniversary of the passing of Pierre Mauroy, former President of the Socialist International, the SI Secretary General joined former close collaborators of Pierre Mauroy in the cemetery of Lille to lay a wreath and pay respects on behalf of the SI. A former Mayor of Lille and Prime Minister of France, Pierre Mauroy served as Socialist International President from 1992 to 1999...
Middle East
Socialist International condemns killing of demonstrators in Gaza
15 May 2018
The Socialist International condemns the use of live fire by Israeli forces against protesters in Gaza, killing at least 60 people and injuring thousands. Monday's bloodshed bears terrible similarities to the events of 30 March this year, when several unarmed Palestinians were shot dead by the IDF during a major protest. Yesterday, Palestinians exercising their right to peaceful protest were once again targeted. Among the dead were a number of children under the age of 16. A loss of life on this scale has not been seen in Gaza since the end of the 2014 Israel-Gaza conflict and the SI stands today in solidarity with the people of Palestine. Those responsible for these killings must be held to account. Earlier this year, calls made by the UN Secretary-General, members of the international community and the Socialist International, for an independent inquiry into the killings were rejected by the Israeli government...
Nicaragua
Declaration of the Socialist International on Nicaragua
23 APRIL 2018
The death of nearly 30 Nicaraguan citizens as a result of the repression carried out by the national police and other armed groups against demonstrators during protests that have taken place in that country these last days following the Government’s announcement of reforms to the social security system, can under no circumstances be justified and is totally unacceptable. This loss of life and the deplorable violence used against the protestors have been a cause of deep consternation within the Socialist International. At the same time, we express our grave concern at the limitations imposed on the media and the undetermined number of detainees who should be immediately released...
Middle East
SI denounces killing of unarmed Palestinians by Israel along Gaza border
1 APRIL 2018
The Socialist International strongly denounces the killing of 16 Palestinians by the Israel Defence Forces during a major protest along Gaza's border with Israel on Friday. The protests were organised as part of a 'Great Return March' initiative in Gaza. In addition to the 16 killed, more than 700 are reported injured and required hospital treatment in Gaza, many of them having been shot with live ammunition. The use of deadly force against protesters and the scale of the loss of life represent a major escalation of the conflict in the region and a damaging blow to hopes for resuming the process for peace. The SI supports and echoes the call of the UN Secretary-General and others for an independent inquiry into these violent events and the deadly response by the Israeli military. Israeli troops have an obligation to follow human rights law and ensure that lethal force is only used as a last resort…
USA
SI heartened by massive youth protests in cities of the US and other countries against gun violence
26 MARCH 2018
The Socialist International is heartened by the massive number of young people who protested in cities across the United States and worldwide as part of the 'March for Our Lives' on Saturday 24 March. This diverse grassroots movement, led by young people whose lives have been profoundly affected by gun violence, has been truly inspirational, and should mark a turning point to bring about real reform on the issue of gun control in the US. By exercising their right to protest in order to stand up for what they believe in, these courageous young people have issued a clarion call to elected representatives. Those returned to enact the will of the people must now respond to the urgent calls for legislation to prevent school massacres from ever happening again, knowing that any who fail to heed those calls will be held accountable at the ballot box...
Burkina FASO
SI condemns terrorist attacks in Ouagadougou
03 MARCH 2018
The Socialist International unreservedly condemns the terrorist attacks perpetrated in Ouagadougou on 2 March, which targeted the Burkinabe army headquarters and the French embassy. These barbaric acts, which claimed the lives of dozens of people, will not weaken the resolve of those who are tirelessly working to rid Burkina Faso and the Sahel region of the threat of violence and terror. Burkina Faso has suffered multiple terrorist attacks in recent years, and the SI expresses its deepest solidarity with the Burkinabe people, and its member party in that country, the MPP, as they come to terms with this latest deadly incident. Terrorism destroys life and harms the wellbeing of all citizens affected, and is a major obstacle to economic and social development…
IWD
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Socialist International celebrates International Women's Day
8 MARCH 2018
The Socialist International today celebrates International Women's Day, in recognition of the continuing struggle for women's rights around the world. International Women's Day is of particular significance for the SI, as it was first marked as a result of a resolution of the Second International Conference of Socialist Women on the occasion of the 1910 Copenhagen International Socialist Congress. The cause of women's rights has been at the heart of the global socialist and social democratic movement since its inception, and remains key to its agenda to this day. Since the establishment of International Women's Day, a great deal of progress has undeniably been made in the pursuit of gender equality. Women have served at the highest level of elected office in many countries and have more opportunity than ever in large parts of the world when it comes to education and employment....
SYRia
The SI warns of a new humanitarian catastrophe in Syria
25 JANUARY 2018
The Turkish military incursion into Syrian territory has brought a dangerous new dimension to the conflict in that country, with severe humanitarian repercussions for the civilian populations in the targeted areas. These innocent victims of the latest surge of violence have previously suffered at the hands of both the regime and the terrorist forces and once again find themselves at the centre of a conflict they are powerless to prevent. According to United Nations spokespersons and conflict monitors in Syria, the Turkish offensive has already resulted in the loss of civilian life and displacement of at least 5,000 civilians, a number that is certain to rise. Of the 324,000 people that currently live in the affected area, as many as 40 percent were already displaced, many of them more than once. Those who are most vulnerable are reportedly unable to flee, placing them at even greater risk...
NIGERIA
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MIDDLE EAST
The unilateral decision on Jerusalem by the United States of America
6 DECEMBER 2017
The formal recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel is a deeply troubling act by the United States that will have damaging and far-reaching consequences for the pursuit of peace in the Middle East. The deep significance of Jerusalem as a historical holy site for Jews, Muslims and Christians makes its final status central to any durable resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The future of Jerusalem is therefore not one that can be decided unilaterally by any one nation, a fact that has long been recognised by the international community and previous US presidents, both Republican and Democrat. The foreign policy of the current US administration has been characterised by unilateral decisions taken with little regard for the global consensus or the wider outcome of such actions. Recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, while continuing to deny the legitimate claims of the Palestinian people for an independent state...
Balfour Declaration
The Socialist International on the centenary of the Balfour Declaration
02 NOVEMBER 2017
One hundred years ago today during the First World War, British Foreign Secretary Arthur Balfour conveyed the support of his country's government for the establishment of a "national home for the Jewish people in Palestine", in a declaration that has had a profound impact on the subsequent history of the Middle East and on the peoples of Israel and Palestine. Balfour's pledge paved the way for the declaration of an independent State of Israel in 1948 and later its acceptance as a member of the United Nations in 1949. On this anniversary, despite the conflicts, wars and human suffering of the past hundred years, we can appreciate that the aspirations and needs of one people led the international community to act positively to their quest for statehood. There remains, however, the challenge to equally respond to the aspirations and needs of the Palestinian people who have waited all these years for their rights to be recognised and respected…
Somalia
MYANMAR
SI call to protect the Rohingya people in Myanmar
08 SEPTEMBER 2017
The Socialist International has witnessed with growing concern the severe deterioration of the situation in Myanmar's Rakhine state. Renewed violence has led to multiple deaths and the displacement of many thousands of members of the Rohingya minority in that country, deepening the humanitarian crisis. Ethnic Rohingya refugees who have successfully fled to Bangladesh have reported massacres in their villages and the burning of hundreds of homes by the Burmese military, in an effort to remove the civilian Rohingya population from this area by forcible means. The government and authorities of Myanmar have a moral and legal responsibility to ensure the safety and security of all those living in the country, regardless of ethnicity and religion, and the SI calls on the government to now cooperate with the United Nations...
Spain
venezuelA
It is time to enforce the Democratic Charter in Venezuela
18 AUGUST 2017
The Socialist International strongly condemns the decision of the Venezuelan regime to usurp the powers of the National Assembly, the seat of the legislative power in that country. This unconstitutional and illegitimate decision does not only ignore the will of the Venezuelan people expressed in the ballot box in elections that took place at the end of 2015, in which its members were elected, but places, in an unequivocal and irrefutable way, the people of Venezuela under an authoritarian and dictatorial government. Under these circumstances, the international community, faced with the risk of having to witness an untenable internal situation of continuing violations of the Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of the Venezuelan people...
venezuelA
Venezuelan government deepens break with democracy and increases repression and violence
31 July 2017
The Socialist International has followed with grave concern the recent events in Venezuela, where yesterday the government of President Nicolás Maduro held a vote to elect members of a constituent assembly via a process that ran contrary to Venezuela’s current Constitution. This election in turn did not meet the minimum requirements and guarantees to ensure that the vote was fair and its results credible. It was also an election marked by repression and violence that cost the lives of more than 10 Venezuelans; these adding to the 120 fatalities that have already resulted from the repression that has taken place during demonstrations over the last few months...
Press coverage
BURKINA FASO
World Refugee Day
20 June 2017
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TurkeY
SI condemns sentencing of opposition MP Enis Berberoğlu
16 JUNE 2017
The Socialist International vigorously condemns the sentencing and arrest of Enis Berberoğlu, a member of parliament of the CHP, an SI member party, for allegedly revealing information about the secret supply of arms to Syria by Turkey’s intelligence agency MIT. Our International deeply deplores this latest act by the Erdoğan regime to silence the opposition and reaffirms its full support and solidarity with its members in Turkey. The Socialist International stands shoulder to shoulder with CHP leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu as he, along with members of the opposition, undertakes a protest march from Ankara to Istanbul demanding Justice...
DR Congo
SI Secretary General forced out of the DRC by Kabila regime
15 MAY 2017
Responding to an invitation by the leadership of the UDPS of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the SI Secretary General Luis Ayala arrived to Kinshasa on Friday 12 May to convey the Socialist International’s solidarity with the party and family of their deceased leader Etienne Tshisekedi, and to express the support of the organisation for their efforts and those of other political forces engaged in moving forward a transition to democracy in the country. However, agents of the regime were waiting for him at the airport upon arrival to ensure that he would not enter the country and, despite his protests, withheld his passport and forced him back to the aircraft upon which he had arrived. This action by the government of Kabila, which the Socialist International condemns, reflects once more the reality under which the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the political opposition live today...
belarus
SI condemns the latest abduction and detention of Mikalai Statkevich
29 APRIL 2017
The Socialist International vigorously protests against the latest abduction by government security agents and detention of Mikalai Statkevich, leader of the Belarusian Social Democratic Party NH, an SI member party, ahead of the forthcoming May Day celebrations planned to take place in Minsk. Since his sudden disappearance yesterday, it has been reported that he has been secretly charged, and will be held for five days. Recalling his violent abduction last month, and equally that of other members of the BSDP-NH, it is clear that these repeated acts of intimidation and violence by the regime will not deter the democratic opposition, or indeed any of the citizens of Belarus, from demanding their full rights and freedoms...
PARAGUAY
Democracy can only be protected and advanced in full view of the people and its institutions
02 APRIL 2017
The violent demonstrations that have occurred in recent days in Paraguay have generated serious concern in the region and the international community, and exposed a widely known truth, that democracy can only be protected and advanced when it is in full view of the people, in front of the nation and with full respect for its institutions. The discussion and processing of the constitutional amendments aimed at changing the rule of non re-election of the Head of State, which was established in 1992 after the end of a long period of authoritarianism under General Stroessner, has, at the very least, and on a matter that is so close to the soul and historical memory of the citizens of that country, lacked the necessary transparency...
VeneZUELA
The last vestiges of democracy have fallen in Venezuela
30 MARCH 2017
The decision that has just been adopted by the Supreme Court (TSJ) of Venezuela, declaring the National Assembly - nothing less than the legislative branch of power in the country - in contempt, and announcing that the Supreme Court is to simultaneously assume the functions of this institution of government, goes beyond the mere denial of the Assembly, it is a critical blow to the last vestiges of democracy in that Latin American nation. Democracy exists when there is a clear division of the powers of the State, and for some considerable time, the citizens of Venezuela have been observing how this has been violated, while their freedoms and rights were being restricted and the consequences of a grave political, social…
In Solidarity
venezUela
Venezuela at the centre of concerns of democrats the world over
14 JANUARY 2017
As 2017 begins, it is more evident than ever that the political, social and economic situation in Venezuela is becoming increasingly serious and urgent for millions of its inhabitants, and the international community cannot remain indifferent or absent in face of the critical circumstances of a nation which, thanks to the efforts of a whole generation some decades ago, was able to rise up and follow the path to democracy. Along with with the highest international records for inflation in existence today in a national economy and the largest number of deaths caused by homicides and criminal acts, this situation multiplies the human suffering...
D.R. Congo
A sign of hope for the DRC
5 JANUARY 2017
The new political agreement signed in Kinshasa by opposition leaders and the party of President Kabila at the end of 2016 is greatly welcomed by the Socialist International as a sign of hope and as a potential first step towards bringing reconciliation and peace to a country that has, for so long, been subject to internal divisions, political instability and conflict. Following the expiry of President Kabila’s term of office on 19 December 2016 and the absence of new elections, Congo saw a resumption of civil unrest and renewed violence on the streets. On 19 and 20 December alone, more than forty people were killed, shot by security forces....
Previous Posts
From this column
Venezuela
Socialist International Secretary General in Venezuela
22 February 2019
Leadership of the National Assembly of Venezuela with the SI Secretary General
The SI Secretary General, Luis Ayala, held a series of meetings in Venezuela from 18 to 22 February with the authorities of the National Assembly and with its three member parties in the country, Acción Democrática (AD), Un Nuevo Tiempo (UNT) and Voluntad Popular (VP), following the world Council meeting of the International held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, at the end of January, where the situation in Venezuela was discussed...
Press coverage
Dominican Republic
Meeting of the SI Council in Santo Domingo
28-29 January 2019
Latifa Perry
Representatives of Socialist International member parties from around the world and invited guests gathered in Santo Domingo on 28-29 January for the SI Council, hosted by the Dominican Revolutionary Party (PRD), the SI member party in the Dominican Republic. The agenda of the meeting centred on three main themes...
Press coverage
Climate Change
30 November 2018
‘A global call for a sustainable world society – before it’s too late’
Despite the efforts of the United Nations and many governments, international organizations and civil society movements against climate change, recent data prove that if we don't intensify our action it will be too late...
Read the full appeal
Read the full appeal
IPU
SI meeting at the 139th IPU Assembly
15 October 2018
Latifa Perry
An SI meeting during the 139th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Geneva was held on Monday 15 October 2018, providing a platform for parliamentarians from SI member parties attending the Assembly to exchange views on issues figuring on the agenda of this IPU assembly and to share information both on their national situations and on issues of particular concern...
Presidium
Meeting of the SI Presidium and Heads of State & Government, United Nations, New York
27 September 2018
Latifa Perry
The Presidium of the Socialist International held its annual meeting in conjunction with the high-level segment of the UN General Assembly at the United Nations headquarters in New York on 27 September 2018. The members of the Presidium, along with invited heads of state and government and a number of ministers from SI member parties, focused their exchanges on the key issues for the global social democratic movement at the present time...
Press coverage
Council
Meeting of the SI Council at the United Nations in Geneva
26-27 June 2018
Latifa Perry
The Council of the Socialist International met at the United Nations in Geneva (UNOG) on 26-27 June 2018 in order to discuss social democratic responses to issues of the utmost global significance. The agenda included three main themes: 'The contribution of social democracy to the resolution of conflicts and to international peace and security’, ‘Overcoming challenges to democracy around the world to secure freedoms and rights for all’, and ‘Responding with our values and principles to migration globally and to the current plight of refugees’...
Press coverage
CIS, Caucasus and Black Sea
Meeting of the SI Committee for the CIS, Caucasus and Black Sea, St Petersburg, Russia
25-26 May 2018
Sergey Mironov, leader of A Just Russia, SI SG Luis Ayala, SI Vice-President Alexander Romanovich
The SI Committee for the CIS, Caucasus and Black Sea convened in St Petersburg, Russia, on 25-26 May, hosted by A Just Russia, the SI member party in the Russian Federation...
Latin America and the Caribbean
Meeting of the SI Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean in Montevideo, Uruguay
17-18 May 2018
A meeting of the Socialist International Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean took place in Montevideo on Thursday 17 and Friday 18 May 2018, hosted by the SI member party in Uruguay, Nuevo Espacio (NE)...
Press coverage
Guinea Bissau
SI denounces violation of freedom of assembly and other rights in Guinea Bissau
02 February 2018
SI SG and Presidium members, PAIGC leader and other local leaders and international guests
In the capital of Guinea Bissau, amid deep tensions, the IX Ordinary Congress of the SI member party, PAIGC, which was scheduled to be held in Bissau from 30 January to 4 February, was forcefully impeded from opening by government authorities and police, in a violation of freedom of assembly and other rights, which SI guests to the Congress firmly denounced...
IPU
SI meeting at the 138th IPU Assembly
25 March 2018
The SI held its meeting of parliamentarians from SI member parties in the context of the 138th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, IPU, which on this occasion took place in Geneva from 24 to 28 March. The meeting, which was attended by parliamentarians from all continents, offered the opportunity for participants to exchange...
Paraguay
Conference in Paraguay
22 February 2018
In advance of the forthcoming general elections in Paraguay, to be held on 22 April 2018, the SI member Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) of Paraguay hosted a conference in Asunción on 22 February under the heading “United building the future: Experiences of Alliances in Government”, with the participation of Efraín Alegre, the presidential candidate of the alliance “Gran Alianza Nacional Renovada” (GANAR) of which the PDP is a member, along with SI guest speakers and other invited political personalities.
Council
Meeting of the SI Council in Barcelona, Spain
24-25 November 2017
The Council of the Socialist International met on 24-25 November in Barcelona, hosted by its member party in Spain, the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party, PSOE. Delegations from all continents, representing SI member parties and invited guests, gathered to discuss three main themes: Building the future with the left: democracy, equality and solidarity; Working for stability and peace in a world of multiple conflicts; and Promoting human responses to humanitarian crises...
Press coverage
Africa
Meeting of the SI Africa Committee in Luanda, Angola
12-13 December 2017
Latifa Perry
The African member parties of the Socialist International convened in Luanda on 12 and 13 December 2017, hosted by the SI's member party in Angola, the MPLA. The Committee´s discussions centered on the two main themes of : "For humane, just and democratic policies - our role and our commitment in Africa" and Securing peace and resolving conflicts in the Great Lakes Region", as well as the national situation in a number of countries of the region...
Press coverage
Latin America and the Caribbean
Meeting of the SI Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean
03-04 November 2017
The Socialist International Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean convened in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on 3-4 November, hosted by the SI member party in that country, the PRD. On the occasion, twenty parties of the social democratic family from that region shared their views on the priorities of the continental agenda, the challenges their democracies face and their national situations...
Press coverage
IPU
SI at the 137th IPU Assembly in St Petersburg, Russia
14-18 October 2017
Latifa Perry
The 137th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) was held in St. Petersburg, Russia, from 14 to 18 October 2017. The inaugural session included an address by the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, along with outgoing IPU President, Saber Chaudhury and the heads of both the Council of the Federation and the State Duma of Russia...
Presidium
Meeting of the SI Presidium and Heads of State & Government, United Nations, New York
21 September 2017
The Presidium of the Socialist International gathered at the headquarters of the United Nations in New York on 21 September 2017 for its annual meeting in conjunction with the high-level segment of the UN General Assembly. The main items on the agenda of this meeting were the pursuit and maintenance of international peace and security and the promotion of sustained economic growth and sustainable development, issues which are central to the work of the SI and its members...
Press coverage
Council
Meeting of the SI Council at the United Nations in New York
Strengthening Multilateralism for Peace
11-12 July 2017
Latifa Perry
The SI Council held its first meeting since the XXV Congress on 11-12 July 2017, returning to the United Nations headquarters for two days of discussions on strengthening multilateralism, reaffirming social democratic values and defending democracy...
Press coverage
Turkey
Adalet! Marching for Justice in Turkey
28 June 2017
The Socialist International Secretary General, Luis Ayala, has joined CHP leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu on his march from Ankara to Istanbul demanding justice for all the Turkish citizens who are suffering the consequences of the crackdown on rights and freedoms in the country. With them is SI Vice-President Umut Oran, and other members of the opposition. The march, which began in Ankara on 15 June, is due to end in Istanbul on 9 July...
Press coverage
IPU
SI at the 136th IPU Assembly in Dhaka, Bangladesh
02 April 2017
On the occasion of the 136th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) held in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from 1 to 5 April 2017, the Socialist International held a meeting of parliamentarians attending the Assembly from our global political family. Chaired by the SI Secretary General, the meeting on 2 April included representatives from all continents, who met to exchange views on the key issues being addressed by this Assembly of the IPU and to share information on developments and issues of concern affecting their countries.
XXV SI Congress
XXV Congress of the Socialist International, Cartagena, Colombia
For a world in peace, with equality and solidarity
02-04 March 2017
Under the heading “For a world in peace, with equality and solidarity”, the Socialist International held its XXV Congress in Colombia, lending its global voice in support of the momentous peace process underway in that country following the recent peace accord reached between the government and the rebel group FARC. The Congress took place in the historic city of Cartagena from 2 to 4 March 2017, hosted by the SI member party, the Colombian Liberal Party (PLC), and was inaugurated with the participation of His Excellency Juan Manuel Santos, President of the Republic of Colombia...
SI Committee for the CIS, Caucasus and Black Sea
Working meeting of members of the SI Committee for the CIS, Caucasus and Black Sea
06 February 2017
A working meeting of members of the SI Committee for the CIS, Caucasus and Black Sea was held in Chisinau, Moldova, on 6 February 2017, hosted by the Democratic Party of Moldova, DPM. The meeting was held to focus on the political context in the region in advance of the XXV SI Congress, and to hear the contributions from SI member parties to the resolutions to be adopted at the Congress. It also offered the opportunity for updates on the situation in countries in the region...
Latin America and the Caribbean
Working meeting of members of the SI Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean
30 January 2017
A working meeting of members of the SI Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean was held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on 30 January 2017. The discussions focused on the political context in the region at the time of the XXV SI Congress, issues relating to the region to be addressed by the Congress, contributions from parties in the region to the preparation of the general resolutions to be adopted by the Congress, a review of the elections to be held at the Congress in relation to candidates from the region and brief reports on national situations.
The Gambia
Democracy restored in Gambia
27 January 2017
H.E. President Adama Barrow returned to The Gambia on Thursday 26 January to be greeted by multitudes of its citizens celebrating his homecoming, which heralded a new chapter in the political life of the nation. On the day of his arrival, President Barrow held a fraternal meeting with the United Democratic Party, UDP, leader Ousainou Darboe, and the Secretary General of the Socialist International, Luis Ayala, at his home in the capital, Banjul...
The Gambia
Adama Barrow sworn in as President of The Gambia
19 January 2017
The Socialist International congratulates the new President of The Gambia, Adama Barrow, of the SI member party the United Democratic Party (UDP) and candidate of an alliance of opposition parties, who was sworn in today at the Gambian Embassy in Dakar, Senegal, as outgoing President Yahya Jammeh, who has been in power for 22 years following a military coup in 1994, refuses to step down.
Mediterranean
Meeting of the SI Mediterranean Committee
Málaga, Spain
16-17 December 2016
The Socialist International Mediterranean Committee held a meeting in Malaga on 16-17 December 2016, hosted by the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE), focussing its discussions on “The current challenges to ensuring democracy, freedoms, rights, and peace in the Mediterranean” and “Strategies for reaffirming our vision and values in the Mediterranean region”...
Gambia
Free by the will of his people
05 December 2016
Ousainou Darboe, imprisoned UDP leader, is released
The Socialist International welcomes the release today of Ousainou Darboe, imprisoned leader of the SI member party, the United Democratic Party, UDP, arrested in April 2016 and sentenced to three years’ imprisonment, along with 18 party members and sympathisers, who were jailed following a peaceful protest in Gambia’s capital...
IPU
SI meeting at the 135th IPU Assembly in Geneva
24 October 2016
The Socialist International meeting at the 135th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva, Switzerland, was held on Monday 24 October 2016, with the participation of parliamentarians from SI member parties attending the IPU Assembly. In the discussions, participants exchanged views on the different emergency items on the agenda of the IPU that had been presented for adoption by the Assembly, and shared information on issues of national and international concern.
Africa
Socialist International focuses on Africa at meeting in Accra, Ghana
07-08 October 2016
H.E. President Mahama with participants at the meeting of the SI Africa Committee in Accra, Ghana
Under the main theme of: “Advancing our social democratic vision in Africa”, the Socialist International held a meeting of its Africa Committee in Accra on 7-8 October 2016, hosted by the National Democratic Congress, NDC, the SI member in Ghana. Bringing together member parties from all parts of the continent, the meeting took place at the Kofi Anan International Peace-keeping Centre in Accra, a symbolism that was not lost on participants, particularly at a moment when António Guterres, a former President of the Socialist International, was announced as nominated by the UN Security Council for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations...
United Nations
SI congratulates António Guterres on nomination as UN Secretary-General
06 October 2016
The Socialist International offers its warm congratulations to António Guterres, who was confirmed today by acclamation as the formal choice of the UN Security Council as its nominee to become the ninth secretary-general of the United Nations. The consensus reached is a strong symbol of unity and cooperation. The UN General Assembly is now expected to adopt a resolution confirming his appointment...
Presidium
Meeting of the SI Presidium and Heads of State & Government, United Nations, New York
21 September 2016
Latifa Perry
The annual meeting of the SI Presidium in conjunction with the high-level segment of the United Nations General Assembly took place on 21 September in New York, the eighth such occasion since 2008. The agenda of the meeting focused on the role of the social democratic movement in promoting collective action to confront prevailing challenges to security, democracy and sustainability in different parts of the world and the outcome of the UNGA high-level debate on the crisis of refugees and migrants...
Council
Meeting of the SI Council at the United Nations in Geneva
01-02 July 2016
Latifa Perry
The Council of the Socialist International convened at the United Nations in Geneva on 1-2 July 2016. Its discussions focused on three main themes: 'Strengthening the political and humanitarian response to current international crises’, ‘Defending and securing democracy: supporting the struggle for rights and freedoms where they are under threat’, and ‘The need for an economy that works for all - defeating inequality in the world economy’...
Commission on Inequality
Defeating inequality in the world economy - a global plan of action
03-04 June 2016
Latifa Perry
The Socialist International Commission on Inequality held its first meeting on 3-4 June in Brussels, hosted by the Socialist Party of Belgium, PS. The Commission had been established by the SI to put forward new ideas, innovative concepts and policies to defeat inequality in the world economy. With a view to drawing on the accumulated experience at the helm of government on matters related to the issues in the remit of the Commission...
Dominican Republic
SI delegation observes elections in Dominican Republic
13-16 May 2016
A delegation of the Socialist International was in the Dominican Republic from 13 to 16 May to observe the Presidential, Parliamentary and local elections held in that country on Sunday 15 May. The alliance, including the PLD and the SI member party, the PRD, has won a majority in these elections and the incumbent President, Danilo Medina, has been re-elected in the first round of voting with close to 62% of the vote...
Press coverage
SI in the News
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♦Intergovernmental Conference on the Global Compact for Migration
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♦‘A global call for a sustainable world society – before it’s too late
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♦Inauguration of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, Mexico
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♦Parliamentary delegation from Mongolia headed by SI Vice-President and former Prime Minister S. Batbold in London
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♦Let voters pick the socialist leader for EU election, by George Papandreou
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♦SI Secretary General meets with new President of Congress of Mexico
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♦Meeting of the SI Presidium, United Nations, New York
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♦SI Secretary General in Angola for the 6th extraordinary congress of the MPLA
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♦The SI congratulates H.E. Ibrahim Boubacar Keita on his re-election as the President of Mali
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♦SI Secretary General in Mali for Presidential elections
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♦Meeting of the SI Council, United Nations, Geneva
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♦SI SG in Angola
- ♦The Socialist International congratulates Pedro Sánchez
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♦Meeting of the SI Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean
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♦SI at the commemoration events on the 20th anniversary of the death of José Francisco Peña Gomez
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♦SI attends 23rd session of the Palestine National Council
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♦SI in Paraguay for elections
- ♦SI SG at the VIII Summit of the Americas
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♦SI SG at the 84th INC Congress
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♦Founding Congress of The Movement for Change, Kinima Allagis
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♦Socialist International SG in Costa Rica
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♦Meeting of the SI Africa Committee in Luanda, Angola
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♦SI Council in Barcelona
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♦Meeting of the SI Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean
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♦Socialist International SG in Baghdad following the passing of President Talabani
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♦Inauguration of newly elected president of Angola
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♦Meeting of the SI Presidium and Heads of State & Government, United Nations, New York
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♦SI in Angola to observe elections
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♦It is time to enforce the Democratic Charter in Venezuela
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♦Venezuelan government further deepens the breakdown of democracy and increases repression and violence
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♦SI SG calls for release of imprisoned journalists
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♦Meeting of the SI Council at the United Nations in New York
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♦Adalet! Marching for Justice in Turkey
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♦SI President in China
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♦SI Secretary General forced out of the DRC by Kabila regime
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♦The last vestiges of democracy have fallen in Venezuela
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♦SI on the illegal captivity of Mikalai Statkevich
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♦XXV SI Congress, Cartagena, Colombia
In Memoriam
In remembrance of friends and colleagues
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venezuela
SI welcomes the release of political prisoner Manuel Rosales
02 JANUARY 2017
The release from prison of Manuel Rosales, leader of Un Nuevo Tiempo, UNT, of Venezuela, an SI member party, has been warmly welcomed by the Socialist International. He was unjustly imprisoned following his arrest in October 2015, returning to the country after six years in exile. While celebrating his release, we vigorously protest against the conditions imposed on his freedom, including the need for him to regularly report to authorities, and forbidding him from leaving the country. The International salutes his courage and strength, and expresses its support and solidarity to his family, friends, and comrades...
IRAN
SI condemns terrorist attack against member party KDP-Iran
21 DECEMBER 2016
The Socialist International firmly condemns the terrorist attack against the party headquarters in Arbil of the SI member Kurdistan Democratic Party, KDP-Iran, which took place on 20 December. The attack was carried out as party members were leaving a memorial ceremony honouring former party leader Abdulrahman Ghassemlou, who was assassinated in Vienna in 1989.
Four party members, a member of the youth organisation and a security guard died in the attack and several others were seriously injured.
Our International extends its deepest condolences to the families and comrades of those killed. The SI reiterates its strong solidarity with all members of the KDP-Iran at this difficult time.
gambia
02 DECEMBER 2016
SI congratulates President-Elect Adama Barrow on his election victory and welcomes a new era for democracy in Gambia
POLITICAL PRISONERS
Political Prisoners
turkey
SI calls for respect for democracy in Turkey and the release of detained HDP leaders
4 NOVEMBER 2016
The Socialist International firmly deplores the arrest this morning of Selahattin Demirtaş and Figen Yüksekdağ, Co-Chairs of the People’s Democratic Party (Halkların Demokratik Partisi), HDP, an SI member party, and the detention of 11 other HDP parliamentarians, in a further blow to Turkish democracy following earlier crackdowns and restrictions on the freedoms and rights of the citizens of that country. The HDP is the third largest political party in Turkey and won seats in parliament in June 2015 despite the existing 10% threshold, and again in the elections re-called in November 2015. In May this year, the immunity that MPs usually hold from prosecution was removed from HDP members. Party members have subsequently protested against repeated raids of their homes and offices...
veneZuela
SI Declaration on Venezuela
21 OCTOBER 2016
The Socialist International deplores the decision adopted yesterday, Thursday 20 October, by the Electoral National Council (CNE) of Venezuela to postpone until a new judicial order the process of collection of 20% of signatures required to activate a recall referendum on the government of Nicolás Maduro scheduled for 26, 27 and 28 of this month. In its public declaration, the CNE bases its decision on compliance with the Constitution and observance of precautionary measures adopted by the criminal courts of Valencia, San Fernando Apure, Aragua and Bolivar, after accepting complaints for alleged electoral crimes against the political forces which are members of the Mesa de Unidad Democrática (MUD), an alliance which includes member parties of the SI, in the process to activate the recall referendum...
SYRIA
Socialist International calls for an immediate end to the ongoing bloodbath in Syria and for united efforts by the international community to end the conflict
14 OCTOBER 2016
As the world continues to witness the tragedy taking place in Syria, the Socialist International calls for renewed concerted efforts by the international community to stop the carnage and human suffering which has intensified following the breakdown last month of the brief ceasefire that lasted less than a week. The Syrian people are hostages to a conflict that transcends their country and whose solution today lies primarily outside their borders. According to United Nations figures, some 13.5 million Syrians are today requiring humanitarian assistance…
COLOMBIA
Standing with Colombia for peace
Colombia
Standing with Colombia for peace
26 SEPTEMBER 2016
The Socialist International greets the historic signing today in Cartagena of the Peace Accord between the government of Colombia and the FARC, successfully concluding a process which began more than four years ago in Havana. Our International is among those accompanying this significant event, maintaining its commitment and support for peace in Colombia today and for the post-conflict period of disarmament and reconciliation.
BElarus
Parliamentary elections bring no true democracy and no real change in Belarus
13 SEPTEMBER 2016
Despite the election of opposition parliamentarians for the first time in twenty years, legislative elections in Belarus have not delivered true democracy to the people of that country. The Socialist International reiterates its firm support and solidarity to all those in Belarus engaged in the fundamental struggle for democracy and human rights. On 11 September 2016, Belarusian citizens went to the polls for parliamentary elections, the results of which are now known. The new parliament contains two opposition MPs, the first elected since 1996, but remains overwhelmingly dominated by those who support President Alexander Lukashenko....
GamBia
SI denounces the sentencing of opposition leader in The Gambia
22 JULY 2016
The Socialist International firmly denounces and condemns the sentencing of Ousainou Darboe, leader of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) of Gambia, an SI member party, along with 18 other party members and sympathisers, to 3 years imprisonment, having been arbitrarily detained since 16 April 2016 following a peaceful demonstration. The SI utterly deplores this travesty of justice and calls for their immediate release. We equally call on the international community to join forces in denouncing the conduct of the dictatorial regime of Yahya Jammeh and calling for an end to the continuing violation of human rights in that country...
- ♦ 23 August 2016
- With great sorrow the SI has learned of the death while in jail of Ebrima Solo Kurumah, UDP party member, the second such case in five months. The SI calls for an urgent full investigation into the circumstances of this tragic death. The Socialist International remains extremely concerned about the lives of all those protestors incarcerated as we have now seen two political prisoners of this group who have lost their lives in the last few months.
TURKEY
SI condemns coup attempt and supports democracy in Turkey
16 JULY 2016
The Socialist International condemns the attempt by military forces in Turkey last night and in the early hours of this morning, to bring down the legitimately elected government of the country. Our organisation wholeheartedly shares and fully supports the clear and unequivocal statements made by the leaders of the CHP and the HDP, members of our global political family, as the coup attempt unfolds. Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, leader of the CHP, said that the country had suffered previous coups and these developments should never be repeated in Turkey, adding that his party fully depends on the free will of the people, indispensable to Turkey’s parliamentary democracy…
venEZUELA
SI denounces ruling against amnesty and reconciliation law in Venezuela
12 April 2016
The Socialist International denounces the grave disregard of the sovereign will of the Venezuelan people and the usurpation of powers by the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) of the country, which yesterday declared as unconstitutional the Amnesty and National Reconciliation Law that had been approved by a majority in the National Assembly on 29 March this year. The resounding electoral victory in the elections to the National Assembly at the beginning of December 2015 was based on a clear proposal...
CIS, Caucasus and Black Sea
SI calls for an immediate end to the confrontation between Azerbaijanis and Armenians
04 APRIL 2016
The Socialist International has followed with great concern the hostilities and attacks that have taken place in the last 48 hours between Armenians and Azerbaijanis with a regrettable loss of numerous lives. Our International calls for an immediate ceasefire and for an end to these hostilities, and at the same time reiterates the urgent need for a resumption of dialogue within the framework of the Minsk Group, a body accepted by both Armenia and Azerbaijan and recognised by the multilateral organisations, to resolve through negotiation and in accordance with the principles of international law...
PAKiSTAN
SI Solidarity with the Pakistani people
28 March 2016
The Socialist International expresses its solidarity with the people of Pakistan as they come to terms with the horrendous terrorist attack carried out yesterday near Lahore. Over 70 people lost their lives as they enjoyed a Sunday afternoon in the park, including numerous women and children, and over 300 were injured. We strongly denounce this violent act, as we have other such terrorist attacks in Pakistan and elsewhere. Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of the deceased and our sympathy is with all those injured and suffering as a result...
Uganda
In support of democracy in Uganda
22 FEBRUARY 2016
In recent years the people of Africa have continued advancing and moving forward democratic governance in an important number of countries of the region. Today, more and more people in that continent enjoy freedoms and rights, a precondition for progress, development and peace. Members of the Socialist International in a good number of countries in Africa have been protagonists and actors of an era of change that has been bringing new opportunities and a new face to the political life of the continent. Nevertheless, authoritarianism, oppression and other evils of the past still linger in the political life of some of the countries in the region...
Socialist International
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T: (44 20) 7627 4449
T: (44) 7825 149 076 E: Socialist International
T: (44 20) 7627 4449
T: (44) 7825 149 076 E: Socialist International