What is fascism?

Fascism both during its development and ultimately in its seizure of state power represents the terroristic and violent suppression of democratic movements in the interests of imperialism, spreading hatred of other groups, peoples, and nations in order to divide the workers and students both domestically and across borders. The development of fascism and the fascist dictatorship itself takes various forms depending on the social, economic, and historical conditions of each country, but invariably serves the interests of the ruling classes at the expense of working people, students and youth. Therefore:

1. We recognise that fascism is a product of the contradictions inherent to the global system of imperialism, functioning on a global scale, and thus requires a united and internationalist approach, and solidarity among the youth and students of Canada and all countries.

2. We acknowledge that conditions of austerity, fear, ignorance and impoverishment create fertile ground for far-right and fascist movements, and that we must strive to offer an effective alternative in order to prevent the growth of these reactionary ideologies amongst the youth.

3. We assert that fascism is a revolt against truth, which must also be combated in the spheres of culture, journalistic media, and academia.

What is the purpose of this Congress?

Today, far-right and fascist movements pose an urgent and immediate threat to peace, human rights, and to the environment, and therefore demand an urgent response. The purpose of this Congress is to bring together youth and students from various communities in order to combat fascism through unity, solidarity, and education. This event alone will not change the course of history, but it can provide opportunities for new connections, friendship, and knowledge in order to help us move forward together, and to act as a springboard towards next steps.

The date of the Congress, May 9th, 2025, marks the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi fascism in Europe, a victory which this event salutes and honours.

The Congress will feature an array of community leaders and experts who will lead workshops and speak on panels discussing various aspects of the issue, ranging from militarism and war, zionism, colonialism and neocolonialism, fascist ideology, and more. Therefore:

1. We affirm the urgent necessity to stand united in solidarity against the global threat of fascism in its various expressions, including imperialism, militarism, colonialism, neo-colonialism, zionism, and discrimination of all-kinds.

2. We declare our commitment to building a broad and united global movement of antifascist resistance in joint struggle for a more just and peaceful world based on democratic principles of mutual respect and friendship between peoples of all countries.

If you wish to participate in the Congress, please fill out the registration form as soon as possible to receive accreditation. Link: https://forms.gle/ViNx×9uwhLwE9Ywn7

All participants in the Congress agree to uphold the following principles as our shared basis of unity. Discrimination or hatred of any group based on nationality, race, ethnicity, gender, or religion is unacceptable and will not be tolerated by participants in the Congress. Violations of any of the principles below may result in revocation of accreditation and potential expulsion from the Congress.

1. Freedom of thought is sacred

a. lt is important that people come to their beliefs at their own volition; ideas can and should be challenged meaningfully.

b. Therefore, we are obligated to care about access to education and fostering critical thinking skills.

2. Dignity is a human right

1. Even for our enemies (it is impossible to take away someone else's dignity for free, the action/attempt to do so will only reveal your own indignity.)

2. What does living with dignity look like? Being able to make a living, not having basic needs withheld from you, the ability to make choices with the minimal number of external pressures.

3. Therefore, we are obligated to care about community empowerment.

3. Living in community enriches life

1. Human interaction and connection-making make fear-mongering and division harder to achieve.

2. Therefore, we are obligated to resist hyper-individualism and living in isolation from one another; this means we have to acknowledge our responsibilities to one another & our impacts on the community.

4. Supremacism, in every form/instance, is both illogical and immoral

a. The value of a human life cannot be determined based on nationality, race, ethnicity, gender, or religion.

i. Denying the dignity of a group of people is a symptom of supremacy. if. Limiting freedom of thought is a symptom of supremacy. ill. Preventing community care is a symptom of supremacy.

b. Therefore, we are obligated to resist supremacism and any system enabling it.