General Assembly Vienna, 2015

Resolutions adopted at the 38th General Assembly

2nd – 5th April 2015, Vienna, Austria

Resolution 1: The possible participation of Russian troops in the military conflict in Ukraine.

Submitted by Civil Forum Belarus, YDM “Vesna”, Russia

Considering that:

While Russian officials, federal Russian TV channels and other media outlets claim that Russia has not sent its troops to the territory of Ukraine to conduct military operations in Donbass, there are ample evidences that this information does not match the reality.
In independent Russian media and in the Internet space there are evidences that the Russian troops have been sent to fight on the side of the so-called militias against the regular army of Ukraine.
Russia’s participation in the hostilities in Donbass like sending troops to the conflict zone, as well as weapons supply of terrorist gangs Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics is unacceptable. Such actions of the Russian state are becoming one of the reasons for the large number of victims among the civilian population of Ukraine, jeopardize the issue of territorial integrity of Ukraine, and have rendered sanctions against Russia by the Western powers, which is extremely negative impact on the economic and social situation in Russia.
In addition, according to the number of different sources, there is information that Russian soldiers who are sent into a war zone in Donbass, being misled by their commanders, about the allegedly sent to military trainings, but in reality are sent to fight against the Ukrainian army.

Taking into account the fact that the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs categorically denies the presence of Russian troops in Ukraine, IFLRY urges:

The UN Security Council to initiate a thorough and comprehensive international investigation of all publicly available evidence of Russia’s participation in the armed conflict in the Ukraine.
The OSCE to increase the presence of its observers on the border of Russia and Ukraine.
The OSCE to explore all publicly available evidences of Russia’s participation in the armed conflict in the Ukraine.

Resolution 2: The Arctic Ocean: An internationally neutral territory

Submitted by Radikal Ungdom

Taking into consideration:

That multiple natural resources, as for instance gasses and potential oil reserves, are in the substratum of the Arctic Ocean.
That several countries have intentions of – or already have – claimed the sovereignty of parts of the area.
That the Arctic Ocean is the area on earth containing the largest amount of nuclear weapons.

Acknowledging:

The existing sea borders of adjacent countries.
The parliament of Greenland’s reluctance to extract natural resources from the substratum in the Arctic Ocean.

Recognizing:

The potentially catastrophes impact on global security a military conflict over the sovereignty of the Arctic continent would cause.

IFLRY encourages the adjacent countries to recognise the Arctic area as internationally neutral territory.

IFLRY recommends a complete preservation of all natural resources in the substratum of the Arctic Ocean.

Resolution 3: An ambitious strategy for a sustainable future

Submitted by Radikal Ungdom

Guided by:

The IPCC Fifth Assessment Report`s conclusion that CO2 emission must be reduced massively in order to minimize the increasing global temperature. ^[1]

Deeply concerned:

About the global rising CO2 level and the consequently increase in temperature.
That the increase in the consumption of fossil fuels will make it near impossible to stop the mechanisms driving the global warming.

Recognizing:

That further industrialization will lead to a rise in CO2 emission.
The importance of increased consumption and production of renewable and sustainable energy resources to lower worldwide CO2 emission.
The importance of a sustainable and persistent development in the developing countries.

IFLRY recommends further attention to taxing emissions of greenhouse gasses, measured in CO2- equivalents on a national or transnational level, targeting individuals and corporations.

IFLRY recommends further attention to measures that aim to decrease emissions of greenhouse gases, measured in CO2 equivalents.

IFLRY encourages an increased focus on readjusting development aid to foster sustainable and renewable economic growth in the developing countries, through investments in education, research, renewable and sustainable energy energy and focus on long term solutions.

IFLRY calls upon all members of the United Nations to set out ambitious climate goals by aiming for 60% of all energy consumption to be produced by renewable energy in 2050 and reaching Co2 neutral in 2100. ^[2]

Resolution 4: Promoting Liberalism in Central Asia

Submitted by Junge Liberale (JuLis), Germany

Considering:

The recent re-election of Islam Karimov (90% of votes) in Uzbekistan (March 2015).
The upcoming re-election of Nursultan Nazarbayev in Kazakhstan (April 2015).
The results of the parliamentary elections (victory for Emomali Rahmon’s party; reported electoral fraud; defeat of regime critics) in Tajikistan (March 2015).
The recent adoption of “foreign agent” laws (March 2015) as well as the plans for an Anti- LGBT Bill (March 2015) in Kyrgyzstan.
The authoritarianism and lingering isolation of Turkmenistan.

Acknowledging:

IFLRY’s hopes for a regime change opportunities (see “Successor Search is a Unique Chance for Democracy in Central Asia”, adopted at the EC in Bangkok 2013) have been disappointed.
The suppression of oppositional forces has created a radicalization of underground movement in several Central Asian countries (especially in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan where there is open support for ISIS).
The worsening of the situations in Tajikistan (suppressed opposition), Kyrgyzstan (even dropping the Freedom House index), and Uzbekistan (increasing cases of forced labour).
The lack of attention from the European Union towards this region.

The International Federation of Liberal Youth (IFLRY) calls for:

A new Central Asia Strategy of the European Union and a shift of attention from security matters towards democratization, political education, securing human rights and civil liberties, and the creation of civil societies.
Raising awareness for the need for political action in Central Asia within Liberal International and IFLRY’s member organizations as well as within further international organizations.
A formal Central Asia plan of the IFLRY bureau in order to establish connections to liberally-minded organizations and to facilitate events and seminars in the region.

Resolution 5: The Armenian Genocide

On April 24^th, commemorations of the 100^th anniversary of the Armenian genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire in 1915 will take place in many countries around the world. The genocide resulted in the death of around 1.5 million people.

On 24 May 1915, the UK, France and Russia issued a joint statement condemning the massacres of the Armenian population in the Ottoman Empire. And in 1919-1920, the Ottoman government prosecuted the heads of the Young Turks party and, as a result, a large number of high level officials in the government and the party were imprisoned and some were even executed.

The annihilation of the Armenian population of the Ottoman Empire fully corresponds to the Convention for the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 9 December 1948. The Convention entered into force on 12 January 1951 and its 2-nd Article defines the nature of the crime of “genocide” in five points and all of them coincide with the circumstances of the national tragedy befalling the Armenian people in 1915-1923.

IFLRY, emphasising the importance of the recognition and condemnation of all genocides as an essential precondition for preventing future possible genocides, on the basis of the historical realities and the UN Convention, as well as aiming to support the efforts for reconciliation of the Armenian and Turkish people, the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two republics and the stability and development of the region:

Condemns the Armenian Genocide.
Hopes that the Turkish public and the Turkish state will manifest the necessary courage to face their own history.
Supports the efforts for the reconciliation of the Armenian and Turkish peoples.
Calls on Armenia and Turkey to establish diplomatic ties and start a comprehensive economic, cultural and political cooperation.

Resolution 6: The assassination of Boris Nemtsov

Noting:

That Boris Nemtsov, an outspoken critic of current stance of Russian politics, was gunned down on the “doorstep” of the Kremlin.
The large amount of politically motivated assassinations conducted in and related to Russia (Anna Politkovskaia, Aleksandr Litvinenko, Zelimkhan Yandarbiyev, Stanislav Markelov, Natalia Eastemirova, Sergei Iushenkov and Iurii Shchekochikhin).
The serious international debate on the state of human rights in Russia.

Considering:

The necessity of the rule of law.
This event has been described by many as the “most significant political murder in recent Russian history”.
That the Former deputy PM was due to lead major rally a few days after his assassination.
The questionable state of the judiciary in the Russian federation and actualization of process laws hindering the rights of the participants.
That the Russian Federation is a full member of the Council of Europe and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, having committed itself to the rules of democracy, rule of law, and respect for human rights.

Condemning:

The atrocious assassination carried out on an acting opposition politician – Boris Nemtsov.

Calling for:

An investigation of the causes of the assassination conducted in the most full, rapid, independent and transparent manner.
An extensive international monitoring of the investigation and trial by the Council of Europe.

Resolution 7: Support for Tunisia

Noting that:

Since the 2010 popular uprisings started in Tunisia and spread to the rest of North Africa and the Middle East, Tunisia is the only country to successfully hold democratic elections.
In 2014 the Parliament adopted and implemented a new constitution in which freedom of religion, freedom of speech and gender equality are guaranteed and this was the most important step towards a democracy in Tunisia since 2011.
Tunisia became a civic state in which there’s a clear distinction between politics and religion.
Tunisia is still situated in a volatile an unstable region.
Other countries where popular movements rose against dictators or oppressive regimes have, for various reasons, been less successful in establishing democratic systems.
Tunisia is one of the best examples nowadays in the region when it comes to democratization and is an inspiration for democratic reformers in neighboring countries.
The horrific attack on the Bardo Museum has been widely condemned by the Tunisian people.
This attack caused social depression and widespread feelings of insecurity for the Tunisian people.
The European Commission has started a review of the European Neighborhood Policy (ENP), with the first consultation summit for the southern partners scheduled for April 13th in Barcelona.

Considering that:

The international community and in specific the European Union should support democratic transitions in Tunisia.
The European Neighbourhood Policy could be an effective mechanism that can help Tunisia counter terrorism so that Tunisia can continue with democratic transitions.
In order to be successful the scope of the ENP needs to be widened to integrate all the instruments that the EU can offer into a coordinated effort, including (but not limited to) support in the areas of finance, politics and security.
The attack on the Bardo museum illustrates the continuous threat to stability in Tunisia.
Democracy cannot be achieved by one election and the implementation of a new constitution and needs to be thoroughly supported, both internally and externally.
The Tunisian example of democracy in the region is unique, but is still a recent and vulnerable development.
To withstand threats from extremist and undemocratic forces the Tunisian government needs stronger international support.

The IFLRY General Assembly therefore calls upon:

The international community in general and the European Union in particular to launch an ambitious, integrated support program for Tunisia to strengthen civil society, political participation of youth, support security forces and further economic ties to increase trade and stimulate the local economy.
The international community in general and the European Union in particular to put supporting Tunisia on the agenda of the ENP review summit in Barcelona on April 13th.
The IFLRY bureau to organize an expert session on social stabilization in response to the recent events after the Bardo Attacks.

Resolution 8: Action against micro-plastics in the marine environment

Submitted by Svensk Ungdom – Swedish Youth of Finland

Noting that:

There are approximately 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic, weighing 269,000 tons, floating around in the worlds’ oceans.
The term “micro-plastics” is relatively new, referring to small particles of plastics, originally coming from bigger pieces of plastics (“macro-plastics”), such as bottles and shopping bags that has slowly disintegrated to tiny pieces by wind, waves and the sun.
Micro-plastics origin from laundered nylon clothing and many common cosmetics and toothpastes containing plastic grains.
It has become evident that the distribution of particles is a global concern.

Taking into account that:

The micro-plastics are smaller than five millimetres in size, but are likely to pose a massive environmental and human health risk.
Studies have shown that animals, such as seabirds, marine mammals and turtles ingest plastics, which may lead to their death.
Large pieces of plastic can strangle animals such as seals, while smaller pieces are ingested by fish and then fed up the food chain, all the way to humans.

Deeply concerned about:

Smaller organisms are also exposed to plastic particles in various sizes. Identified effects of that is desorption of persistent, bio-accumulating and toxic (PBT) substances from plastics, leaching of additives from the plastics and physical harm. Consequences on individuals are still unknown.
Researchers predict that the volume of plastics will increase due to rising production of throwaway plastic, with only 5% of the world’s plastic currently being recycled.
We still do not know the long term effects micro-plastics may have on the oceans as it has only been studied for a decade.
Micro-plastics may endanger the marine biodiversity worldwide.
Awareness on the use of plastics, on the non-renewable resources needed to produce plastics and on the consequences of plastic waste is alarmingly low.
Neither resellers nor producers of consumer goods packaged in plastic are held responsible for plastic waste’

IFLRY:

Calls for reducing the use of plastics in general to lessen the amount of plastic waste in the oceans.
Calls for limiting the amount of microplastics in industrial wastewater.
To raise awareness about micro-plastics by launching a campaign on the issue.
Calls for improving the completion of product chains and waste chains, thereby closing the gaps between producer, user and re-user, creating truly circular chains and ultimately limiting the amount of waste such as microplastics.

Resolution 9: An international economy free from tariff barriers

Submitted by: Venstres Ungdom, Denmark

Noting that:

Developing countries are being excluded from the world economy because they are forced to compete on uneven market terms due to the tariff barriers guarding certain regions, for example Europe. The tariff barriers prevent the economic growth of the developing countries as well as a truly free and global market place.

Believing that:

Removing tariff barriers will increase global market competition by allowing developing countries to compete in a fair market and thereby drive economic growth. Free trade is the most effective path to create economic growth and thereby freeing the people from poverty.

Recommending that

Recommending that all countries and trading blocs abandon tariff barriers and aspire to free trade agreements and the fluid movement of goods and people, pursued by bilateral and multilateral negotiations within the spirit of legal framework of WTO.

Calls upon:

The Bureau of IFLRY to further promote global free trade through abolishing of trade tariffs.
To create a working group on free trade.

Resolution 10: IFLRY Supports Student Movement Rights

Submitted by: Venstres Ungdom, Denmark

Considering that:

Education is the foundation of a free, democratic society and must be available to every individual. Its purpose is not only to give the individual labour market skills, but also to give them the knowledge and tools to act as a free individual. From a young age each individual should have the opportunity to participate democratically in the society and student democracy is a good way to encourage this.
The student’s freedom of speech and freedom of association must be protected within the education system. IFLRY is strongly against any government that uses the education system as a tool to supress its citizens.

Noting that:

In recent time there has been several freedom and democracy seeking youth movements in different parts of the world. Recent examples of this include the Umbrella Movement in Hong Kong, the student protests in Venezuela and the Sunflower movement in Taiwan. These movements are, however, being met with violent suppression by their governments.

Acknowledging that:

IFLRY has in the year of 2014 been very supportive of these movements by helping the suppressed liberal youth organizations in their work or even participating in the activities held by the movements. This political involvement by IFLRY is of high value as well as continued necessity to succeed.

The General Assembly of Vienna 2015 calls upon:

The international community to condemn the governments’ disregard of basic human rights in these political conflicts and to help the youth movements in their fight for political, democratic freedom

It also calls upon:

The IFLRY Bureau continuously support these democracy seeking youth and student organizations in their fight for liberal values.

Resolution 11: An open and indiscriminating internet

Noting that:

The internet is a vital and unprecedented tool for the effective exchange of ideas and information.

A free and open internet effectively facilitates and promotes widespread entrepreneurship.

Internet service providers are necessary to provide access to internet web pages.

Taking into account that:

An effective exchange of ideas and information is vital for a well-informed populace and an open and enlightened public debate.

Widespread entrepreneurship contributes to personal wellbeing, the continued improvement of societies and healthy economies.

Acknowledging that:

A well-informed populace has intrinsic value and is crucial to develop, sustain, and improve healthy, peaceful and democratic societies.

An open and enlightened public debate is an effective tool for the continuous improvement of societies.

Differentiating the accessibility to internet webpages could severely limit the internet’s effectiveness as a tool for exchanging information and facilitating entrepreneurship.

Considering that:

Internet censorship hinders the effective exchange of ideas and information.

There is an economic incentive for internet service providers to differentiate the accessibility of internet webpages.

IFLRY:

Decrees that the internet should remain available to everyone and free from any government censorship.

Decrees that the internet should remain available to everyone and free from any government censorship except for in such cases where it is in accordance with law and is necessary for the protection of the human rights of others.

Call on the legislative organs of the world to pass legislation requiring internet service providers to provide equal accessibility to all internet web pages.

Resolution 12: Boko Haram

Submitted by JD and JNC

Noting that:

The terrorist organization Boko Haram is killing people on a daily basis.
Women in particular are at a great risk to be kidnapped, taken as human shield or become the victims of sexual violence by Boko Haram.
Boko Haram is increasingly using children for military and terror purposes, forcing them to become suicide bombers or child soldiers.
Up until now the Nigerian government has not reacted in an effective, careful or active manner to the terrorist activities of Boko Haram.
Different international NGO’s, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have accused the Nigerian government of torturing and arbitrarily arresting people suspected of terrorism; thereby legitimizing popular grievances and benefiting Boko Haram.
President Johnson has postponed the general elections in Nigeria until March 28th, claiming that he will stabilize the region and defeat Boko Haram first.

Considering that:

The attacks of Boko Haram and the failure to stop them by the Nigerian government are disrupting the social, economic and political development in Nigeria, destabilizing the region.
It seems that the President is either incompetent or the current government is deliberately destabilizing Nigeria and the region in an effort to remain in power.

IFLRY therefore calls upon the international community in general and the African Union in particular to:

Speak out against the government and policies of President Goodluck Jonathan and his failure to guarantee the safety of his citizens.
Support the Global Counter Terrorism Forum in formulating a joint effort to counter Boko Haram.
Should this fail, gather a substantial international support for a UN or AN force (significantly larger than the current 7,500 troops) that would be able to forcefully defeat the terrorist organization and stabilize the region.
Pledge funds and assistance to an international civil-support mission to start post conflict actions such as (re-) building civil society and democratic institutions.

Resolution 13: Inclusive and sustainable growth in Africa

Submitted by JD, Radikal Ungdom, JNC

Noting that:

Economic growth in Africa is mainly sparked by natural resource exports, yet traditional economic sectors supporting the majority of the population- such as artisanal farming and fishing – are lagging behind.
Population growth, high percentages of youth population, unemployment, poverty and food security remain critical issues in the development of the continent.
Western export-subsidies create a market deficiency in parts of Africa, making Africa a net importer of food.
The economic inclusion of young people is an essential factor in African development;
The African continent has a huge potential for development in sustainability.

Considering that:

Geological factors and the acceleration of economic growth have enabled the rise of the sustainability sector which, notably South Africa and Kenia, is already successful and contributing to an improved society.
Both innovation and sustainable development follow from personal and economic freedom, easy access to financing and education for all.
Inclusion of young people in economic and political systems will drive much needed innovations in vital sectors such as farming and fishing, allowing these sectors in Africa to increase their competitiveness.
Economic growth that excludes large vulnerable groups such as young people cannot be sustained for a significant period of time.

Concludes that:

Sustainable infrastructure and access to education and financial systems for all should be actively pursued.
Agricultural productivity will benefit from sustainable development.
Members of the World Trade Organization should look critically at their protective agricultural subsidies and abandon unethical and destructive policies.
This will allow Africa to grow to the level of being a net exporter of food – supporting both African and global food security.

The congress therefore calls upon the IFLRY Bureau:

To include in their regional working group a focus on supporting young people to take their place in society and help them drive sustainable growth.
To include in their Africa program a focus on liberal economic policies that advocate people, planet and profit through the sustainable development of infrastructure and access to finance and education for all members of society.
To actively lobby for the eradication of protective and destructive agricultural subsidies and make this a top priority.

Resolution 14: Reforming the Dublin-system asylum policies

Submitted by JD, Radikal Ungdom, Norges Unge Venstre

Noting that:

More than 50 million people in the world today have been forced to flee their country because of war or unwarranted and arbitrary prosecution.
These refugees often put their lives at risk in order to get into Europe; they flee on overcrowded boats over sea, or through life-endangering smuggling routes where they often become victims of human trafficking.
Not investing in refugees can be a missed opportunity; leaving them uneducated and unskilled can delay the return to peace in their countries.
We acknowledge that migration is a human right.

Considering that:

The international community has the responsibility to protect these refugees.
The lack of a common approach to manage migration and the current Dublin-system (requiring refugees to go through the asylum procedure in the country they arrive first) has lead to a disproportionate burden on certain countries like Italy, Greece and Turkey.
Irregular migration and human trafficking has cross-border effects and therefore fighting it requires a common cross-border approach of EU member states and third countries.
Intensive cooperation and harmonization of asylum policies benefits refugees, because it gives them legal certainty concerning their rights.

Calls upon the IFLRY bureau and its MOs to:

Urge the European Union via its mother parties, LYMEC, the ALDE Party and the ALDE group in the European Parliament.

To eliminate the Dublin System and replace it by a balanced, common asylum policy based on solidarity and justice.
To invest in accommodation and education in the region of conflict areas, in order to prevent the development of a lost generation in refugee camps and to guarantee refugees a safe place to stay.
To cooperate with countries next to the European borders on border control through coordination, the exchange of information and to make agreements on leading and restricting migration flows.
To realize a fair distribution mechanism based on the capacity and resources of a country, to make sure the burden of refugees does not lie only with countries at the European borders.
To provide for a legal and safe alternative to irregular migration, in order to prevent smuggling, human trafficking and fatal accidents on the sea, for example by making it possible to start the asylum procedure outside EU member states.

Resolution 15: The Upcoming Presidential Elections in Belarus

Submitted by Civil Forum of Belarus

Considering that:

Presidential elections are supposed to be in November 2015.
The Belarusian government pledged to consider recommendations made by OSCE/ODIHR for the improvement of the electoral process and the electoral law to make it compliant with international standards many years ago.
Despite amendments that were introduced into the Belarusian electoral code in 2010 and 2011 and 2013 the electoral process is far from being in line with OSCE commitments and international standards

Noting that:

In addition the term of limitation for appeals against violations will be shortened and election observers from inside the country will be forced to seek accreditation just like international observer missions.
There were a lot of falsifications during previous election in the country (local elections).
The main candidate from democratic forces Nilolay Statkevich is still in the prison from previous president elections which were hold in 2010.

Recalling that:

The regime used massive repression against political organizations and civil society organizations in general throughout the last years.
Several political- and human-rights activists remain in Belarusian prisons.
The government retains absolute control over state media and uses propaganda intensively to exhaust political opposition and civil-society activists in public opinion.

IFLRY:

Urges the Belarusian government to take immediate steps to bring the electoral law in compliance with international standards and to guarantee legal status of opposition parties as well as unimpeded participation in the upcoming elections.
Urges the Belarusian government to ensure the registration of all eligible candidates for the upcoming presidential elections, to guarantee open campaigning and equal access to state controlled media, and to allow the representatives of democratic parties and movements to be equally represented in electoral commissions.
Demands again the immediate release of all political prisoners and the nullification of the verdicts already spoken against opposition- and civil society activists.
Calls on the Council of Europe, the European Commission, the EU High Representative and the OSCE to closely monitor the electoral process contrary to the normal assertion that local elections are not as important as parliamentary or presidential elections.
Calls on the IFLRY Bureau and the IFLRY Belarus Programme to raise awareness for the situation throughout the presidential elections and create elections observation mission together with Belarusian partners organizations.
Calls on the IFLRY Member Organizations to actively increase awareness for the Belarus cause within the liberal family and in society and to support the struggle of the Belarusian youth for a democratic future.

Resolution 16: Women, peace and security

Submitted by JD, Radikal Ungdom, Norges Unge Venstre, JNC

Noting that:

Women are often excluded from full participation in African society and therefore prohibited from contributing economically, societal and politically to their continent.
Women have shown many times that they can be the driving forces of positive change.
Traditionally women are the driving forces of the family and therefore they are often targeted in conflict situations.
The safety of women is continually undermined. Women are subject to high levels of gender-based violence such as rape, human trafficking and Female Genital Mutilation.
Security and economic barriers, as well as their traditional role within the family, make women’s participation in the workforce and decision-making impossible or at least challenging.

Considering that:

Women’s participation and safety are basic human rights.
Continued exclusion of women results in a lack of adequate access to health resources; high unemployment, a lack of access to income generating activities and self-employment and challenging gender-issues in the decision-making process.
Continued exclusion and marginalization leads to insecurity and destabilized societies.

Concludes that:

Nations with gender-challenges should develop and coordinate social protection programs through inter-ministerial and inter-sectorial coordinating bodies at the highest levels of government. The top down approach is necessary to first make sure these significant needs are guaranteed on government level before bottom-up or civil society initiatives can be developed. The governmental institutions should facilitate these kind of initiatives and make sure capacity is available.
The African member states that have not until now done so, such as Nigeria, should implement security resolution UNSCR 1325 to ensure that gender perspectives are incorporated in all peace and security efforts.
Laws should be enacted and enforced to prohibit all forms of violence against women including rape, regardless of whether the violence takes place in private or public.

The congress therefore calls upon the IFLRY Bureau:

To include in their Africa regional working group this year a focus on supporting women to take their place in society and in specific the political decision-making process.
To include in their Africa program this year the integration of gender issues in international seminars.
To include in their Africa program this year the promotion of gender issues during the elections in African member states to make sure gender issues are incorporated in all liberal campaign strategies.
To actively lobby within its member organizations, LI, UN ECOSOC, ALDE and the UN Women Council.

Resolution 17: Situation in Russia

Submitted by Yabloko Youth

Take into account that:

Peaceful assemblies are criminalized by the authorities of Russian Federation.
The new amendments to legislation in July 2014 introduce the possibility of up to 5 years imprisonment for participation in a rally.
Movements and organizations backed by the Kremlin such as Anti – Maidan, threaten political activists and organize counter-action on opposition rallies.

Recognizing that:

The actions of the authorities and pro-government movements displace peaceful actions from the field of Legal Basis.
The risk of violence on actions of oppositions increasing both from the police and from activists of pro-government movements.
The murder of a famous opposition politician Boris Nemtsov and the reaction of Russian media, the pro-government movements and extremist groups to this event demonstrates that the situation is out of control of the Russian authorities.

Believing that:

Our colleagues are aware of the danger posed by destabilization of the situation in Russia not only for neighboring countries but also for the whole world.
Our colleagues, international organizations, UN, OSCE ready to make an effort to prevent civil war and Russia.
IFLRY calls our colleagues from around the world, the UN, OSCE join the development of the following tools to stabilize the situation in Russia region.
Develop a mechanism for the emergency response of the international community to the violation of the rights to freedom of assembly in Russia, including the departure of OSCE representatives in Russia as soon as possible.
Ensure cooperation of international observers with Russian NGOs for rapid response to violations.
Ensure the permanent presence of the OSCE Mission to Russia.

[1],2 IPCC Fifth Assessment Report (http://www.ipcc.ch/pdf/assessment-report/ar5/syr/SYR_AR5_SPMcorr2.pdf)