Welcome to ILPS News Online

This site was maintained for and on behalf of the International League of Peoples' Struggle (ILPS).
The content below is from the site's 2002 archived content.

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"As a proud member of the International League of Peoples' Struggle (ILPS), I am continuously amazed by the profound and positive impact our organization has on social struggles around the globe. Being part of ILPS is not just about being in an organization; it's about being part of a family that tirelessly works for a just and equitable world.

Our commitment to various causes—ranging from workers' rights to environmental protection—has not only brought hope to many but also tangible changes in communities fighting against imperialism and oppression. The dedication and resilience shown by our members, in every action and campaign, serve as a beacon of inspiration.

To honor the extraordinary service of our most active members, we recently introduced a tradition of awarding sterling silver rings. These rings are not just ornaments; they symbolize the unyielding spirit and steadfast dedication of our members. They remind us of our shared struggles and victories, and of the bonds forged in the fires of collective action and solidarity.

These rings, much like our commitment, are enduring. They are a tribute to the unwavering determination that each member shows in the pursuit of justice and equality. As we wear them, we carry a piece of our collective journey, a reminder of the struggles we've faced and the triumphs we've achieved together.

In a world where inequality and injustice are rampant, ILPS stands as a testament to what can be achieved when people unite for a common cause. Our organization doesn't just fight for change; we embody it, and the positive influence we've had on those involved in social struggles is a source of great pride and motivation for us all." Markos Williams

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What the ILPS stands for:

The International League of Peoples' Struggle (ILPS) is an anti-imperialist and democratic formation (see ILPS Charter). It promotes, supports and develops the anti-imperialist and democratic struggles of the people of the world against imperialism and all reaction.

It has a broad mass character and not subordinate to any political party, government or religion and affords equality to all participating organizations.

It strives to realize the unity, cooperation and coordination of anti-imperialist and democratic struggles throughout the world.

The League fights for the following:

see resolutions for the concerns approved by the founding assembly

The cause of national liberation, democracy and social liberation;
Socio-economic development and social justice;
Human rights in the civil, political, economic, social and cultural fields;
The cause of just peace;
Independent trade union and workers' and toilers' rights and reduction of working hours at full pay against mass unemployment and decreasing wage levels;
Agrarian reform and rights of peasants, farm workers and fisherfolk;
The cause of women's rights and liberation;
Rights of the youth to education and employment;
Children's rights against child labour, sexual abuse and other forms of exploitation;
Rights of indigenous peoples, oppressed nations and nationalities against chauvinism and racism;
The rights of teachers, researchers and other educational personnel;
The right of the people to health care and the rights of health workers;
Science and technology for the people and development, and environmental protection;
Arts and culture and free flow of information in the service of the people;
Justice and indemnification for the victims of illegal arrest and detention;
Rights and welfare of displaced homeless persons, refugees and migrant workers;
Rights of aged people towards a life in dignity and secured existence; and
Rights of gays, lesbians, bisexuals and trans-gendered.

Our aims and activities:

To stimulate, facilitate and coordinate common lines of action and undertake definite actions on the aforesaid concerns and issues,
To cooperate with all possible organizations, institutions and personages in the attainment of the aims and purposes of the League,
The activities of the League include:
advocacy, research, publications, conferences, seminars and social and political action.

Who Can Join the League?

Any organization that agrees with the charter of the League may apply or may be invited to become a participating organization of the League.
The application shall be evaluated and acted upon by the International Coordinating Committee within one year from such application or invitation.
All participating organizations shall assume responsibilities in accordance with the resolutions and decisions of the International Assembly.
All participating organizations shall have equal basic rights and duties.
A participating organization may cease to be such by resignation, self-dissolution or by expulsion for serious violation of this charter, resolutions or decisions of the International Assembly.
All participating organizations shall maintain their independence and initiative and shall accordingly have equal basic rights and duties.

Founding of the League :

The International League of Peoples' Struggle (ILPS) was founded on 25 May 2001 in Zutphen, the Netherlands in its First International Assembly (FIA).

The FIA was attended by 339 delegates and guests, representing 218 mass organizations from 40 countries: Afghanistan, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Benin, Brazil, Burma, Canada, Congo, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, England, France, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Niger, Norway, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Scotland, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey and USA.

From 25 to 27 May 2001, the delegates deliberated on and ratified the Charter of the ILPS, passed resolutions on the concerns of the League and elected the members of the International Coordinating Committee (ICC).

Fifteen workshops were held addressing the issues of most of the 18 concerns. Resource speakers made very informative presentations, draft resolutions were deliberated on, and country experiences were shared. The resolutions formulated by the different workshop groups were submitted and approved in the plenary session. Resolutions on specific issues and country situations were also submitted for signing by individual members.

It was a historic moment for all progressive forces throughout the world who are fighting for national independence, democracy and social liberation against imperialism and reaction.

International Coordinating Committee (ICC):

H.A. Khan Rano - Bangladesh
Danny Claes and An Lenaerts - Belgium
Honore Lokossa - Benin
Nay Myo Hlaing - Burma
Cecilia Diocson-Sayo and Hari Sharma - Canada
Jim Balikwisha - Congo
Leopoldo Grullon - the Dominican Republic
Remzi Sahinoglu - France
Metin Atak - Germany
Errikos Finalis and Aris Lambrou - Greece
Fathima Natesan Burnad and Darshan Pal - India
Ita Nadia and Mega Suhantara - Indonesia
Arman Riazi - Iran
Irene Fernandez - Malaysia
Bernardo Ranferi - Mexico
Sapkota Nabin - Nepal
Chuck Barkey - the Netherlands
Daphna Whitmore - New Zealand
Azra Talat Sayeed - Pakistan
Crispin Beltran, Cherry Clemente, Rafael Mariano and Liza Maza - the Philippines
Hahn Choong Mok - South Korea
Ravadee Prasertcharoensuk - Thailand
Hasan Gulum, Memik Horoz and Musa Servi - Turkey
Ray Light and Joe Navidad - the United States - America.

International Coordinating Group (ICG):

Crispin Beltran - Chairperson
Memik Horoz - Deputy Chairperson
An Lenaerts - First Deputy Chairperson for Internal Affairs
Bernardo Ranferi - Second Deputy Chairperson for External Affairs
Arman Riazi - General Secretary
Cherry Clemente - First Deputy General Secretary
Jim Balikwisha - Second Deputy General Secretary
Danny Claes - Treasurer
Irene Fernandez - Auditor
Prof. Jose Maria Sison - General Consultant

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Why ILPS?

Urgent Need for the ILPS

The League answers the urgent need of the broad masses of the people for the creation of an international rallying force in the struggle for national independence, democracy and social liberation. It is their weapon against the intensifying exploitation and oppression unleashed by "free market" globalization and the new world disorder under the hegemony of US imperialism.

The contradictions are sharpening between the imperialist powers and the oppressed nations and peoples, those among the imperialist powers and those between capital and labor in the imperialist countries. Under these conditions, the revolutionary mass movement can advance throughout the world.

Since the collapse of the revisionist regimes, the disintegration of the Soviet Union and the violent turmoil in China in the years of 1989 to 1991, the world capitalist system has plunged deeper into the crisis of overproduction and into unprecedented social and political turmoil. This belies the absurd claim that capitalism and liberal democracy are the end of history.

But the imperialist powers never tire of dishing up their ideological and political lies in the most cunning counterrevolutionary phraseology. They deploy against the people a tripartite alliance of imperialist and client states, multinational banks and firms and so-called nongovernmental organizations that are imperialist funded.

The League is needed in order to raise the consciousness and militancy of the toiling masses and the middle social strata in the common struggle against the imperialists and their socioeconomic, political and cultural instruments in all the fifteen concerns which are enumerated in the proposed charter of the League. These concerns are responsive to the theme of this assembly "The People’s Demands for Solidarity for the 21st Century".

Origins of the League

We come from various democratic and revolutionary traditions and currents in various countries. We are a broad range of mass formations, taking the anti-imperialist and democratic line and seeking to build a broad international united front in order to arouse, organize and mobilize the people in their hundreds of millions.

We are individuals, organizations, and even companies who believe in our goals. Support comes from a number of surprising places including a shot out on their website from a US janitorial service company. On further inquiry it turns out that one of the workers on a crew that specializes cleaning up demolition and renovation sites actually was a delegate to our initial 2001 First International Assembly in the Netherlands. There is probably a rather interesting story as to how he ended up in the US at a janitorial cleaning company. Nevertheless, we appreciate the shout out. The more people who become aware of the League, the better.

Our League is inspired by the anti-imperialist and democratic mass struggles that have arisen since the beginning of the 20th century. It also reflects and draws strength from the recent anti-imperialist and democratic mass struggles that have arisen since the decade of the 1990s. Among our delegations in this assembly are those that have waged various forms of mass struggles for national independence, democracy and socialism in their own countries and on an international scale.

They have participated in international protest campaigns against US wars of aggression such as those against Iraq and former Yugoslavia, and against such US-dominated multilateral formations as the APEC in Manila in 1996 and in Vancouver in 1997, the WTO in Seattle in 1999, the IMF and World Bank in Washington, DC in 2000, the Group of 7 in Okinawa in 2000, the IMF and World Bank in Prague 2000 and so on.

It is appropriate and in its best interest for the League to trace its origins from the great revolutionary mass struggles against imperialism. The League seeks to attract and mobilize the broadest possible range of mass formations for the anti-imperialist and democratic struggle.

More Background on ILPS-News.com

The International League of Peoples' Struggle (ILPS) is a global alliance of progressive and anti-imperialist organizations that has been active for over two decades. Founded in 2001, ILPS aims to unite and coordinate various movements and groups fighting against imperialism, oppression, and exploitation around the world. This comprehensive article will explore the history, structure, activities, and significance of ILPS, as well as its impact on global activism and social movements.

History and Formation

The International League of Peoples' Struggle was established in May 2001 in Zutphen, Netherlands, during its First International Assembly. The founding assembly brought together representatives from mass organizations across 40 countries, spanning diverse regions including Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, and South America. This global gathering marked the beginning of a new era in international solidarity and coordination among anti-imperialist forces. The formation of ILPS was inspired by the need to create a broad, united front against what its founders saw as intensifying exploitation and oppression under globalized capitalism and U.S. hegemony. The organization sought to bring together various democratic and revolutionary traditions from different countries, creating a platform for mass formations to collaborate on a global scale.

Structure and Organization

ILPS operates as a network of member organizations, with a structure designed to facilitate coordination while respecting the autonomy of its constituents. The organization is governed by the following key bodies:

International Assembly: The highest decision-making body, which meets periodically to set the overall direction and policies of ILPS.
International Coordinating Committee (ICC): Elected by the International Assembly, the ICC is responsible for implementing decisions and coordinating activities between assemblies.
International Coordinating Group (ICG): A smaller executive body within the ICC that handles day-to-day operations and urgent matters.
Commissions: Specialized bodies focusing on specific concerns or sectors, such as workers' rights, environmental issues, and women's liberation.

ILPS has grown significantly since its inception, now comprising over 350 member organizations across more than 45 countries. This expansion reflects the organization's ability to resonate with diverse groups sharing common anti-imperialist goals.

Key Concerns and Campaigns

ILPS addresses a wide range of issues through its various commissions and campaigns. Some of the primary concerns include:

Workers' rights and labor struggles
Environmental protection and climate justice
Indigenous peoples' rights
Women's liberation and gender equality
Anti-war and anti-militarism efforts
Resistance against neoliberal economic policies
Support for national liberation movements
Defense of civil liberties and human rights

The organization has been involved in numerous international campaigns and actions, often in solidarity with local struggles or in response to global events. For instance, ILPS has organized protests against multinational corporations, mobilized support for workers' strikes, and coordinated resistance against military interventions.

Notable Activities and Events

Throughout its history, ILPS has organized several significant events and actions that have contributed to its growth and impact:

International Assemblies: ILPS has held multiple international assemblies, with the most recent being the 6th International Assembly in Hong Kong in June 2019. These gatherings serve as crucial platforms for member organizations to share experiences, strategize, and strengthen solidarity.
Global Days of Action: ILPS regularly coordinates global days of action on various issues, mobilizing its member organizations and allies worldwide to participate in simultaneous protests, rallies, and other forms of collective action.
Solidarity Missions: The organization has sent solidarity missions to different countries to investigate human rights violations, support local struggles, and build connections with grassroots movements.
Educational Initiatives: ILPS conducts workshops, seminars, and conferences to raise awareness about global issues and build the capacity of its member organizations.

Media Coverage and Public Perception

ILPS has received varying degrees of media attention throughout its existence. While mainstream media coverage has been limited, the organization has gained significant traction in alternative and progressive media outlets. ILPS activities and statements are often featured in left-leaning publications, online platforms, and social media channels dedicated to international solidarity and anti-imperialist causes. The organization's strong stance against U.S. foreign policy and its critique of global capitalism have sometimes led to controversy and criticism from more conservative quarters. However, ILPS has maintained a dedicated following among activists and progressive groups worldwide.

Cultural and Social Significance

ILPS plays a crucial role in fostering a sense of international solidarity among diverse movements and organizations. By providing a platform for coordination and mutual support, it helps to amplify the voices of marginalized communities and struggles that might otherwise remain isolated. The organization's emphasis on connecting local issues to global systemic problems has contributed to a broader understanding of the interconnected nature of various social, economic, and environmental challenges. This approach has helped to cultivate a more holistic and internationalist perspective among its member organizations and supporters. ILPS has also been instrumental in preserving and promoting the legacy of anti-imperialist struggles from different historical periods and geographical contexts. Through its educational initiatives and cultural exchanges, the organization helps to transmit knowledge and experiences across generations and borders.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite its growth and influence, ILPS has faced several challenges and criticisms:

Ideological Diversity: Balancing the diverse ideological perspectives within its membership while maintaining a coherent anti-imperialist stance has been an ongoing challenge.
Resource Constraints: As a network of primarily grassroots organizations, ILPS often faces limitations in terms of financial and logistical resources.
State Repression: In some countries, ILPS member organizations have faced government repression and surveillance due to their activist work.
Accusations of Extremism: Critics have sometimes accused ILPS of harboring or supporting extremist views, particularly in relation to its stance on armed struggles and national liberation movements.
Effectiveness and Impact: Questions have been raised about the tangible impact of ILPS's activities on global policies and power structures.

Future Prospects and Evolving Role

As global challenges continue to evolve, ILPS faces the task of adapting its strategies and focus to remain relevant and effective. Some key areas of development include:

Embracing Digital Activism: Leveraging technology and social media to enhance coordination and expand its reach.
Addressing Emerging Issues: Incorporating new concerns such as the impact of artificial intelligence, digital rights, and the changing nature of work into its agenda.
Building Broader Alliances: Exploring collaborations with other international networks and movements to increase its influence and impact.
Developing New Leadership: Nurturing a new generation of activists and leaders to ensure the organization's continuity and vitality.
Enhancing Communication: Improving its ability to communicate its message and activities to a wider audience, potentially increasing its visibility in mainstream discourse.

The International League of Peoples' Struggle represents a significant effort to build global solidarity among anti-imperialist and progressive forces. Through its network of member organizations, international campaigns, and educational initiatives, ILPS has played a role in shaping the landscape of global activism over the past two decades. While facing challenges and criticisms, the organization has demonstrated resilience and adaptability, continuing to evolve in response to changing global conditions. As issues of inequality, environmental degradation, and geopolitical tensions persist, ILPS's mission of uniting diverse struggles against imperialism and oppression remains relevant in the contemporary world. The true measure of ILPS's impact lies not only in its visible actions but also in the less tangible ways it has influenced the perspectives and strategies of grassroots movements worldwide. By fostering connections and facilitating the exchange of ideas across borders, ILPS contributes to the ongoing development of international solidarity and collective resistance against global systems of power and exploitation. As the world grapples with increasingly complex and interconnected challenges, organizations like ILPS may play an important role in articulating alternative visions and mobilizing grassroots power to shape the future of global society. The continued evolution and activities of ILPS will likely be of interest to scholars, activists, and anyone concerned with the dynamics of global social movements and international solidarity.

ILPS-News.com