All Resolutions

Liberal International, 1 Whitehall Place, London SW1A 2HD
58th LI Congress
World Today Resolution
1 Preamble
2 The Congress expresses satisfaction with the reinvigorated work of the Liberal International Human
3 Rights Committee and welcomes the renewed role of Liberal International in the work of the United
4 Nations, especially in light of its delegation to the 19th Session of the UN Human Rights Council in
5 Geneva in March 2012. The Congress commends the recently submitted written and oral statements
6 to UNHRC on the on-going political and humanitarian crisis in Syria as well as the written statements
7 on the intensification of repression against human rights defenders, the intensification of human
8 rights violations in the Republic of Belarus, the universal abolition of the death penalty and the
9 deterioration of the state of LGBT rights around the world. The Congress expresses hope for the
10 continued strengthening of the cooperation between Liberal International and the United Nations,
11 and calls on the members of LI Human Rights Committee to continue with their efforts to promote
12 the human rights work of the organisation outside of the liberal family.
13
14 Liberal International expresses deep concern over the increased tendencies of homophobia around
15 the world and in particular the recent trend of re-introducing discriminatory laws and practices in a
16 number of countries which include the imposition of the death penalty on LGBT individuals. The
17 Congress commends the work of the LI Human Rights Committee in bringing awareness about these
18 negative developments and calls on the LI members to coordinate their efforts in promoting
19 tolerance of LGBT individuals and eliminating discrimination based on sexual orientation around the
20 world.
21
22 LI calls upon members and partners to acknowledge and improve the often dire situation faced by
23 indigenous peoples throughout the world. Too often, such communities lack basic health care,
24 education, and even sanitation. These issues must be tackled by liberal governments everywhere, to
25 ensure that basic human dignity is guaranteed for all citizens. It is essential that equal access to
26 health care, education, and social services become not just words, but reality.
27
28 Africa
29 Liberal International congratulates the Rassemblement des Rpublicains (RDR) and the Africa Liberal
30 Network (ALN) on excellent cooperation. Congress welcomes the continued growth of the ALN,
31 which has doubled in size over the past three years, and congratulates the network on the relocation
32 of its Secretariat to the National Head Office of the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Cape Town, South
33 Africa. LI congratulates the newly-elected ALN President and Executive Committee and encourages
World Today Resolution 58th LI Congress, Abidjan, Cte dIvoire 1

34 them to strengthen collaboration with the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, Africa,
35 Pacific and Caribbean (ALDEPAC).
36
37 Congress congratulates His Excellency President Alassane Ouattara on his achievements since taking
38 office in April 2011, including the successful hosting of the Congress. LI welcomes the steps he has
39 taken to consolidate peace, encourage national reconciliation, and revitalise the economy so that all
40 Ivoirians can enjoy liberty, security, and prosperity. LI further notes the positive steps made by the
41 Rassemblement des Houphoutistes pour la Dmocratie et la Paix (RHDP) Government towards
42 restructuring the public administration; tackling corruption, and reforming the security sector to
43 integrate opposed armed factions. As in any post-conflict situation, significant security challenges
44 remain to be addressed. Congress welcomes the report by the Independent Commission and calls on
45 the Government and opposition to accept the findings and bring those accused to justice. LI
46 encourages President Ouattara to remain resolute in dealing with the issue.
47
48 Liberal International notes with concern the situation in Mali following the coup dtat by members
49 of the armed forces in March 2012. Congress condemns in the strongest possible terms the
50 unconstitutional seizure of power in Mali, a country with a strong democratic culture and which was
51 preparing for elections. LI condemns the acts of barbarity in the North of the county where ancient
52 relics in Timbuktu have been desecrated by the resurgent of Tuareg rebellion. Congress further
53 notes the threats posed by Ansar Dine and other groups affiliated to al-Qaeda, particularly in light of
54 the influx of arms from Libya. LI calls for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
55 and African Union (AU) to resolve the conflict and pledges solidarity with liberal and democratic
56 forces in Mali.
57
58 Congress welcomes the peaceful handover of power in Senegal and congratulates HE President
59 Macky Sall on his victory. LI applauds the Senegalese people for having voted calmly in both the
60 presidential and legislative elections and congratulates outgoing President, LI Patron Abdoulaye
61 Wade, for recognising the outcome of the elections. Congress thanks Matre Wade for his
62 commitment to democratic and liberal values. During his time in office, he strengthened Senegalese
63 democracy, instilling a culture of regime change by the ballot box. Liberal International further
64 congratulates Matre Wade on his legacy in modernising Senegal.
65
66 Liberal International regrets that the Guinean people are unable to express their democratic will at
67 the ballot box. LI condemns the repeated postponing of parliamentary elections over the past five
68 years and calls for the organisation of fresh elections as soon as possible. LI congratulates the
69 leaders of the opposition, Mr Cello Dalein Diallo, President of Union des Forces Dmocratiques de
70 Guine, and Mr Sidya Tour, President of Union des Forces Rpublicains, on their continued
71 cooperation, and expresses support for a joint liberal list in the legislative elections.
72

73 Liberal International congratulates the Government of South Sudan for achieving independence, but
74 regrets the lack of political space in the worlds newest state, emphasising that this is necessary to
75 consolidate democratic development.
76
77 Congress notes the beginning of a transitional period in Ethiopia owing to the ill health of Prime
78 Minister Menes Zenawi. LI calls for calm during this period and for all actors to support a peaceful
79 transition. Congress notes the lack of a representative democracy in Ethiopia and expresses
80 solidarity with liberal forces, including the Ethiopian Democratic Party (EDP). LI further calls for the
81 municipal elections to be held as scheduled, and for these to be conducted in line with international
82 standards, noting that the 2010 legislative elections fell short in the eyes of international observers.
83
84 Liberal International congratulates the international community on its renewed commitment to
85 resolving the conflict in Somalia. LI welcomes the steps taken by the Transitional Federal
86 Government to implement a new constitution and elect a new leadership; while recognising that this
87 should not interfere with the independence enjoyed by the Republic of Somaliland and the right of
88 those people to pursue their own self-determination.
89
90 Congress condemns the on-going violence in the East of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and
91 the resulting displacement of people. LI calls for the March 23 rebel group (M23) and their
92 supporters in the Rwandan military to immediately surrender their weapons and begin peaceful
93 dialogue. LI calls on the Congolese Government to collaborate with United Nations (UN) forces,
94 including MONUSCO, to put an end to the conflict, and to work with the International Community to
95 prevent the pillaging of Congos natural resources, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1925
96 (2010). LI further calls for the UN to strengthen the mandate of its peacekeeping operations on the
97 border between DRC and Rwanda aimed at ending the violence. The Rwandan authorities must be
98 held accountable for their role in the conflict.
99
100 Liberal International welcomes the return to Burundi of political figures from the opposition,
101 including Hon. Alice Nzomukunda, President of Alliance Dmocratique pour le Renouveau (ADR) and
102 former Vice-President of the Republic. However, LI regrets the continued limits on the political space
103 in Burundi and the threats made to members of the opposition coalition, Alliance Dmocratique
104 pour le Changement (ADC), which boycotted the flawed 2010 elections. Liberal International
105 reminds the Burundian authorities on their dependence on international aid, and calls for the
106 immediate resumption of dialogue between the government and opposition, followed by fresh
107 elections as soon as possible.
108
109 Congress emphasises the importance of the upcoming elections in Kenya and calls on the
110 Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission and the political parties to respect their

111 commitments under the new constitution. LI expresses solidarity with liberal forces in the country
112 and calls for an election campaign free of violence, intimidation or ethnic hatred.
113
114 Liberal International recognises the positive impact of the new constitutional arrangements in
115 Zanzibar and congratulates the Civic United Front (CUF) on their performance in government.
116 Inspired by this case, Congress supports calls for reform of the Union constitution, so that mainland
117 Tanzania might also enjoy similar positive changes. CUF has the ability to play a crucial role in this
118 process.
119
120 Congress welcomes the discovery of offshore oil and gas reserves in Mozambique. These provide an
121 opportunity for development and prosperity; however, LI reminds the Mozambican Government
122 that it must first eliminate corruption, create open markets, and build a competitive democratic
123 society. Liberal International regrets that despite an abundance of natural resources in Africa,
124 insufficient wealth has passed into the hands of the people of Africa, particularly in oil-rich states. LI
125 fears that Mozambique will repeat the mistakes of Equatorial Guinea, Angola and Nigeria unless its
126 citizens are able to hold the government to account.
127
128 Liberal International welcomes the peaceful handover of power in Malawi, and congratulates HE
129 President Joyce Banda on a successful six months in office. Congress notes her positive steps to
130 reintegrate Malawi in the International Community; reinvigorate the economy; and defend minority
131 rights, including ending the persecution of LGBT persons. LI eagerly awaits the implementation of
132 the policies announced. LI calls for President Banda to organise municipal elections as soon as
133 possible and to ensure greater devolution of power in Malawi.
134
135 Congress regrets the continued impasse in Zimbabwe and delays to the implementation of the
136 Global Political Agreement (GPA). LI stresses that progress in implementing the GPA should lead to
137 an easing of sanctions. Congress welcomes positive steps towards the agreement of a new
138 constitution and calls for this to be enacted before new elections are called. LI commends the work
139 carried out by Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) Deputy Secretary-General, Hon. Moses
140 Mzila-Ndlovu, Minister for National Healing, Reconciliation, and 2009 Theme Rapporteur, Hon. David
141 Coltart, Minister for Education, Sports, Arts & Culture, under the most difficult circumstances.
142 Congress stresses the importance of unity among democratic forces in order to ensure a successful
143 challenge against ZANU-PF at the next elections.
144
145 Liberal International notes that, despite the general perception that Botswana is an island of
146 perfection in a difficult neighbourhood; the country remains a long way from being a mature
147 democracy. LI regrets the dominance of the ruling party, rising levels of corruption and nepotism,
148 and incursions on civil liberties. Congress calls on the government to re-evaluate its electoral system
149 in light of its under-representative nature. LI pledges its solidarity with liberal forces in the country,

150 including the Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) and its umbrella partners, and supports
151 their constructive approach towards further democratisation.
152
153 Congress congratulates the Democratic Alliance (DA) on its continued growth and excellent results
154 during the local elections. It commends the DAs endeavours to redress the imbalances of Apartheid
155 and take action to reduce youth unemployment through the youth wage subsidy. LI regrets the
156 objections of South Africas trade union movement to this initiative and calls for greater action from
157 the ANC Government. LI asserts that what the DA has achieved in Western Cape Province under the
158 leadership of Helen Zille is an inspiration to liberals across Africa and globally.
159
160 Liberal International notes with concern the slow progress in Madagascar since the coup dtat in
161 2009. LI stands in solidarity with liberal forces, including the Militants pour le Progrs de Madagascar
162 (MFM), led by Manandafy Rakotonirina. LI notes the inclusion of MFM in the Conseil Suprieur de la
163 Transition and the Congrs de la Transition; however, recalling previous resolutions, LI calls for the
164 implementation of the agreed roadmap, including the return of political exiles, and fresh elections as
165 soon as possible.
166
167 Congress regrets the continued impasse in the Seychelles, where the National Assembly still contains
168 only supporters of the ruling Parti Lepep (SPPF) following the boycott of elections by the opposition.
169 LI believes that the Seychelles belong to the community of democracies and calls on the Seychellois
170 Government to follow the aspirations of the people through demonstrating renewed commitment
171 to talks concerning the electoral law and the political space, followed by the organisation of fresh
172 elections as soon as possible. LI stands in solidarity with liberal forces in Seychelles, including the
173 Seychelles National Party (SNP) led by former Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Wavel Ramkalawan.
174
175 Americas
176 North America

177
178 LI stresses the importance of completing the negotiations for a free trade agreement between
179 Canada and the EU. The European Union is Canadas second-largest merchandise export market
180 after the U.S. Further at the end of 2011, the stock of Canadian direct investment in the EU totalled
181 more than 140 billion Euros. LI echoes the continuous support of the Liberal Party of Canada for free
182 trade as a valid tool for economic growth - with Europe and throughout the world. LI asks all
183 European members to stand behind an agreement that has vast economic, cultural and political
184 benefits for both Canada and the EU.
185
186 Liberal International welcomes the US government's efforts to respect human rights on international
187 level, in particular in the field of promotion of LGBT rights. However, the question of death penalty

188 remains a very dark spot in the US overall Human Rights record. LI expresses concern about the
189 growing negative impact of the US gun policy on society, and expresses condolences to the families
190 of all the victims of the recent gun attacks. Liberal International calls on the US authorities to end the
191 detentions of foreign nationals without charge in the US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba,
192 through transparent public inquiry and closure of the detention facilities.
193
194 Latin America
195
196 LI emphasizes the important role that RELIAL plays in the development of liberalism in Latin America.
197 Hence, it welcomes RELIALs organizational growth and the strengthening of its influence in the
198 region. LI Congress congratulates Ricardo Lopez Murphy for being elected new leader of RELIAL and
199 expresses full support in carrying his mission in the part of the world that is facing tremendous
200 challenges from the populist and dangerous policies implemented by the propagators of the
201 socialism of XXI century. LI recognizes the enormous potential of Latin America which can be truly
202 unleashed only through liberal democracy, rule of law, respect of human rights and free market.
203
204 LI Congress is deeply concerned by the continuing tendencies of the governments that propagate
205 socialism of the XXI century, including Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, Nicaragua and Venezuela, to
206 threaten freedom of press and speech by intimidating and assaulting the remaining independent
207 media. In addition, official media are conquering more time and space to display state propaganda.
208 Furthermore, these authoritarian governments constantly violate the system of Checks and Balances
209 and the Rule of Law. LI criticizes the constant presence of excessive import regulations, subjective
210 exchange controls, as well as expropriations without due process of law.
211
212 LI congratulates Guatemalas Partido Patriota and its leader President Otto Prez Molina for the
213 victory at the elections in 2011. The victory of Partido Patriota based on its liberal platform should
214 serve as an inspiration for the liberals in Central and Latin America. While the country is starting a
215 rapid process of modernization, LI echoes the campaign commitments of President Prez Molina to
216 govern firmly, fighting drug cartels, and guaranteeing democratic security and a functioning judicial
217 system. LI supports his aims to reduce informal employment, to foster infrastructural development
218 and to reform fiscal policy. President Molina is the first Central American President to have proposed
219 the legalization of drugs. LI expresses support and solidarity with President Molina and his
220 administration in his ambition to strengthen the democratic tradition in Guatemala based on liberal
221 values.
222
223 LI continues to be concerned about the situation in Nicaragua, where Daniel Ortega has been re-
224 installed as president for a new term through elections marred with irregularities, vote-buying and
225 violence. LI renews its call for unity among the liberals in the country, which continue to enjoy
226 support among the majority of the population of Nicaragua.

227
228 Congress expresses solidarity with Partido Liberal de Honduras ahead of the important elections in
229 2013. In the aftermath of the open and democratic internal primaries, Honduras needs a strong and
230 united PLH that will serve as a corrective to the current government with good chances for liberal
231 victory at the next elections.
232
233 Liberal International welcomes the reforms of President Juan Manuel Santos and Partido de La U of
234 Colombia aiming at strengthening democracy, rule of law, opening of towards the various
235 communities and free market as underlined during the meeting the LI President and his delegation
236 in Bogota. LI recognizes the determined efforts and achievements of the government in combating
237 terrorism and organized crime and in adopting legislation for compensation of the victims of the
238 armed conflict. LI commends the government of Colombia which in a short period of time has signed
239 free trade agreements with the major world economies, such as the United States and the European
240 Union. LI is convinced that the opening of the Colombian market, in combination with strong
241 environmental protection and respect for the local communities, will lead towards significant growth
242 and prosperity for Colombia.
243
244 LI acknowledges the constitutionality and legality of President Federico Franco, as confirmed by all
245 institutions of the Republic of Paraguay and even accepted by former President Lugo. Congress
246 reaffirms its position that it is on the Paraguayans to lead and decide their national issues and
247 leaders. LI congratulates President Franco and the governing Partido Liberal Radical Autentico for
248 ensuring calm and stability in the country, and calls for a meaningful dialogue with and among the
249 Paraguayan parties to advance their political system. LI believes that Paraguay has a capacity to
250 emerge out of the crisis as a stronger democracy through the next presidential elections scheduled
251 for 2013. LI expresses full support to PLRA in the next legislative and Presidential elections.
252
253 LI condemns the economic policies implemented by the President of Argentina Cristina Fernandez de
254 Kirchner marred with interventionism and nationalization, and decisions against the domestic and
255 international law. The Argentinean government is taking firm steps to give the state more power,
256 while the citizens are losing their economic and political freedom. Meanwhile, Argentina is
257 considered to be one of the most protectionist countries, due to its high restrictions, for example on
258 international trade. These illiberal tendencies will invoke long-term damages to the Argentinean
259 economy and will thus have negative repercussions on the prosperity of the people of Argentina. LI
260 calls on President Fernandez de Kirchner to revise the policies and make Argentina a trustworthy
261 member of the G20.
262
263 Ahead of the crucial elections in Venezuela, LI expresses full solidarity with the opposition forces
264 united behind Henrique Capriles Radonski. Even though the opposition is unified, it is currently
265 facing important challenges while contending with Hugo Chvez on an unequal state orchestrated

266 campaign for the presidential elections. The opposition cannot compete in terms of economic and
267 media resources, but is fighting in the grassroots and within the battle of ideas. LI hopes that the
268 people of Venezuela will abandon the destructive populist policies of President Hugo Chavez, and
269 will bring Venezuela back on the path of development and democratic rule.
270
271 LI notes the signs of opening by the communist regime in Cuba. Despite that, Cuba remains one of
272 the worst dictatorships in the world where people are not only denied their civil rights and liberties,
273 but continue to suffer shortages of food supplies and live below the poverty line. Congress expresses
274 condolences to the families of late opposition leader Osvaldo Paya and all the political prisoners who
275 have lost their lives or health in Cuban prisons. LI calls for the immediate release of political
276 prisoners, and the establishment a multi-party open democracy in Cuba.
277
278 LI acknowledges that Brazil and Mexico are growing in an important way, both at the national level
279 and within the international arena. In 2012 Mexico became the first Latin American country to have
280 assumed the G20 Presidency. LI Congress emphasizes that while Mexico enjoys macroeconomic
281 stability, maintains low inflation rates and has an increasingly empowered and participative middle
282 class that represents an enormous growth potential, the country still has a long way to go on its path
283 to development. LI calls for implementation of structural political reforms, as well as reforms in the
284 labour market and in the fiscal arena, for the country to remain and become even more
285 internationally competitive. Brazil, with its population of 190 million people, has a huge domestic
286 market, natural resources and a flourishing agricultural sector. LI recalls that Brazil has successfully
287 fought poverty, alleviating from poverty in the past few years about 5 million people, but still is
288 facing high levels of social and economic inequality. LI commends the campaign of the federal
289 government against corruption.
290
291 Asia
292 Liberal International congratulates the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) for actively
293 promoting and strengthening liberal values and democratic principles in Asia, and applauds its
294 organisation for the numerous successful conferences and workshops in various countries across the
295 region. Liberal International would particularly like to thank CALD for the success of the 57th
296 Congress of Liberal International which was held in Manila in 2011, and for organising the award
297 ceremony of the 2011 Prize for Freedom which was awarded to Dr. Chee Soon Juan. Liberal
298 International also welcomes Sam Rainsy as new chair of CALD.
299
300 Liberal International calls on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to enhance its
301 centrality in the sub-region by responding in a timely and appropriate manner to challenges and
302 threats to regional security and stability. Liberal International also calls on the regional grouping to
303 adopt an ASEAN Human Rights Declaration that is a product of democratic and inclusive processes,

304 and that is in accordance with international human rights instruments and commitments. Finally,
305 Liberal International calls upon the governments of the nations of Asia to extend, protect and
306 defend the civil and political rights of their people.
307
308 Liberal International commends Filipino President Benigno S. Aquino III of the Liberal Party for the
309 progress made by his government on the anti-corruption and social reform fronts. Liberal
310 International likewise welcomes the Aquino governments efforts to improve the state of the
311 economy, the success of which are already beginning to manifest themselves through robust
312 economic growth, strong currency and stock market, low inflation and interest rates, and increased
313 investor confidence. Liberal International is pleased that the liberal government is making
314 substantive progress in fulfilling its campaign pledge of addressing the twin problems of corruption
315 and poverty.
316
317 Liberal International condemns the repression of the fundamental freedoms in Cambodia and
318 Singapore, particularly on the Sam Rainsy Party and Singapore Democratic Party and their leaders.
319 Liberal International reiterates its call to drop all politically motivated charges against Sam Rainsy
320 and Dr. Chee Soon Juan, to restore fully all their civil and political rights, including the right to
321 participate in the political process and to contest elections.
322
323 Liberal International congratulates the Sam Rainsy Party for its decision to form, with the Human
324 Rights Party, a united democratic opposition under the banner of the Cambodia Democratic
325 Movement for National Rescue. Liberal International supports the calls of the Movement for
326 substantive election reforms in Cambodia, and for the immediate and safe return of opposition
327 leader Sam Rainsy and his full participation in the 2013 parliamentary elections.
328
329 Liberal International supports Dr. Chee Soon Juan in his efforts to settle his unjust and undemocratic
330 imposed bankruptcy.
331
332 Liberal International welcomes the relatively peaceful conduct of elections in Burma and Mongolia.
333 Liberal International recognizes, however, that in both countries there are still impediments and
334 challenges to free and fair competition which impacted negatively on the electoral chances of
335 opposition political parties.
336
337 Liberal International congratulates the Civil Will Green Party in Mongolia for its victories in the
338 parliamentary elections and for its representation in the parliamentary Government and in the City
339 Council of the Capital where it is represented for the first time. Liberal International hopes that
340 liberalism will continue to grow in Mongolia, bringing increased trade, development, and a
341 strengthening of freedom.
342

343 Liberal International expresses its support for the conduct of free, fair and credible elections in
344 Malaysia, and hopes that the next elections will see a strengthening and rejuvenation of the liberal
345 parties within the parliament. Liberal International hopes that the Government will soon repeal the
346 draconian Internal Security Act as promised in 2011.
347
348 Liberal International congratulates Burmas opposition leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her
349 colleagues from the National League for Democracy for their victory in the April 2012 by-elections.
350 Liberal International acknowledges that the strengthening of democratic institutions and the rule of
351 law, and the protection of equal rights of all ethnic groups, are requisites for ensuring the
352 sustainability of reforms and for the establishment of a truly democratic, just and harmonious
353 Burmese society. Liberal International applauds the historic reforms that Burmas President U Thein
354 Sein has initiated, particularly the release of more than 650 political prisoners, the cease-fires with
355 several ethnic groups, more press freedom and the free and fair by-election in April 2012, which
356 brought Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other NLD-candidates to parliament. LI commends the NLDs
357 unwavering commitment to human rights and the rule of law. LI remains concerned about on-going
358 violence, particularly in Kachin State as well as in Rakhine State and urges all sides to seek peaceful
359 solutions and political settlements that respect minority rights.
360
361 Liberal International commends the constructive role played by Democratic Progressive Party and
362 Democrat Party in Taiwanese and Thai politics respectively, particularly in serving as a democratic
363 check to the powers of the government of the day. Liberal International expresses particular
364 concern on Thailands ruling partys insistence for the swift passage of charter change and
365 reconciliation bills, moves which appear to undermine the rule of law and threaten political stability.
366
367 Liberal International continues to be gravely concerned over the deteriorating Human Rights
368 situation in the Peoples Republic of China, as stressed in the LI written statement to the UN on the
369 universal abolition of the death penalty, where China leads worldwide in the number of executions.
370 Liberal International especially denounces the authorities recent crackdown on political activists
371 and foreign journalists, and urges the Chinese government to adhere to its obligations under
372 international law, and to account for its use of arbitrary detention and disappearances. LI insists on
373 the need for respect of the ethnic and religious minorities, and calls on the Chinese authorities to
374 enter into a comprehensive dialogue with the legitimate representatives of the Tibetan people.
375
376 The Congress commends the visit of LI VP Chakarov to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan and welcomes the
377 positive developments in Kyrgyzstan in the field of independent media. LI underlines that twenty-
378 one years since becoming independent the political environment in Kyrgyzstan remains extremely
379 unstructured where the lack of political ideas leaves a threatening vacuum for extremism and
380 fundamentalism. LI calls on the authorities to work on integration of the society which seems to be
381 divided along social and economic lines.

382
383 LI notes with concern that the pre-election and election periods in Kazakhstan have demonstrated
384 that the country is becoming more authoritarian and increasingly repressive. A number of parties
385 were arbitrarily disqualified from contending on purely administrative grounds while political
386 activists were harassed. LI also expresses deep concern for the recently amended electoral law
387 which clearly portrays the newly elected multi-party Parliament as an orchestrated smoke-screen
388 rather than a real reflection of the Kazakh democracy.
389
390 Liberal International recognizes the need to entrench democratic principles and practices in South
391 Asia, amidst the explosion of civil and sectarian strife in the sub-region. Liberal International
392 emphasises in particular the importance of respect for religious freedom and minority rights as a
393 way to address civil and sectarian violence.
394
395 Liberal International welcomes the recent significant steps to liberalise trade and investment
396 between India and Pakistan. The socio-economic challenges facing both countries can undoubtedly
397 be addressed more effectively in the context of closer economic co-operation, while closer economic
398 ties can also contribute to the quest for peace and stability in the region.
399
400 Among the democracies of the world, India is both the largest and probably the one faced with the
401 most complex set of problems. LI notes with great interest the way in which Indian democracy,
402 especially at the state and local level, is generating new ideas and responses to these challenges,
403 showing that good governance and electoral politics need not be incompatible.
404
405 Liberal International recognises Pakistan's tremendous transformation from a military dictatorship
406 into a democracy. We acknowledge Pakistan's continued efforts to strengthen parliamentary politics
407 and federalism by the 18th constitutional amendment. We hope that despite constraints and
408 challenges in security and economy, the elected leadership sees its responsibility to clarify the
409 country's role in the region in a decisive manner. We urge stakeholders in politics and society to
410 address the violent extremism and the shrinking tolerance that threatens every sector of society, but
411 particularly religious and ethnic minorities.
412
413 Liberal International commends Bangladesh for its impressive record of economic and social
414 development since the re-establishment of democracy in 1990. LI calls upon the democratic
415 forces in Bangladesh to protect this achievement through successful and credible general
416 elections next year.
417
418 Liberal International welcomes measures by the Sri Lankan government to expedite implementation
419 of its National Human Rights Action Plan. It notes the establishment of Divisional Secretariat
420 Reconciliation Committees in the Northern and Eastern Provinces and encourages attention to

421 issues raised at such forums. Liberal International is concerned about the slow process of building a
422 pluralistic society in Sri Lanka after the end of the civil war. It strongly urges the government of Sri
423 Lanka to speedily implement the recommendations of its own Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation
424 Committee (LLRC).
425
426 Liberal International is greatly concerned at the breakdown of the process to draft a new
427 constitution for Nepal. It urges all democratic forces in Nepal to act with restraint and responsibility
428 to work out a new constitution that will bring reconciliation and stability to the country.
429
430 LI acknowledges the strong democratic developments in Indonesia under the leadership of President
431 Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and the LI member Partai Demokrat. The Congress encourages the
432 Indonesian authorities to maintain on the path of opening and reforming the Indonesian society,
433 introducing greater economic and political freedoms to its citizens.
434
435 LI expresses continuous solidarity with the people of Japan who suffered in 2011 from the effects of
436 the disastrous earthquake and tsunami. Liberal International welcomes the start of free trade
437 negotiations between the EU and Japan before the end of 2012.
438
439 Europe
440 Liberal International expresses its concern about the present economic and financial crisis in Europe
441 and specifically in the Euro zone. Together with ELDR and the ALDE group, Liberal International
442 strongly supports a strengthened Economic Monetary Union (EMU). In particular, Liberal
443 International calls for a policy of equilibrium and stability in peripheral countries, combining
444 austerity and fiscal equilibrium measures with growth seeking economic reforms.
445
446 Liberal International fully supports ELDR and ALDE proposals to avoid the reappearance of
447 antidemocratic nationalisms, and wants to express its support to all liberal policies seeking the
448 preservation and deepening of civic and political liberties in Europe.
449
450 Liberal International welcomes the efforts of governments and civil societies of troubled peripheral
451 European countries (Greece, Portugal, Ireland, Cyprus, Spain and Italy amongst others) to overcome
452 the economic and financial crisis through painful but needed fiscal adjustments, and urges the rest
453 of the EU and its institutions to deal with the crisis through responsibility, determination and with a
454 decidedly European perspective to preserve its accomplishments and liberal values.
455
456 Liberal International is gravely concerned by the impact of the financial crisis on the social and
457 political situation in Greece. The Congress is alarmed by the rise of nationalism and populism, and by
458 the election of members of a fascist party to the Greek Parliament. LI recalls that Greece has never

459 been run by a liberal government, and that the alternating socialist and conservative governments
460 have instilled a system based on corruption, cronyism, nepotism and clientelism. Expressing
461 solidarity and support with the people of Greece, LI calls on the current Greek authorities to seize
462 the opportunity to revive the Greek state based on liberal principles of rule of law, equal
463 opportunities, individual responsibility and respect of human rights, including rights of religious and
464 ethnic minorities.
465
466 Liberal International welcomes the EU accession treaty signed by Croatia and congratulates the
467 liberals in the country for their continued efforts in supporting the Croatian people on their path to
468 European integration. LI also welcomes the recent acceptance of Serbia as a candidate for EU
469 membership and the start of the EU accession talks of Iceland and Montenegro. LDP in Serbia
470 remains an instrumental political force for the democratic transformation of the society and for the
471 European integration of the country. LI welcomes the start of the visa liberalisation talks with
472 Kosovo, and calls on the EU to give the youngest European republic a status of a potential candidate
473 state. LI calls for the continuation of the EU enlargement policy towards the remaining candidate
474 and potential candidate states and urges for a continued dialogue between the EU and those states
475 whose accession efforts have reached a stalled point. LI reaffirms its position that bilateral problems
476 cannot be an obstacle for the European or Euro-Atlantic integration of the aspirant nation. In that
477 sense, and in the aftermath of the statements of the LI President during his visit to Macedonia, LI
478 renews its support to the Macedonian ethnic, linguistic and cultural identity.
479
480 Liberal International sees that Turkey may become a member of the European Union, on the
481 condition of fulfilling all the requirements that come with the membership application procedure,
482 for which no extraordinary exception may be made in positive or negative sense; recognises the role
483 of Turkey as a regional power, as well as the responsibilities for a country of such standing in
484 addressing responsibly and in full cooperation with its friends and allies the issues that are on-going
485 in the region; welcomes the constitutional reform in the country as an opening for democracy;
486 remains concerned that greater religious freedom should not mean Islamisation of general society or
487 of a particular group of society, but should encompass and complement in a larger liberal-
488 democratic context the freedom of all those who reside within the jurisdiction of the Turkish state.
489 Turkey should immediately end its illegal military occupation of the Northern part of Cyprus and
490 support a constructive dialogue between the Greek and Turkish communities, within the legal
491 framework of the Republic of Cyprus, leading to re-unification.
492
493 Liberal International welcomes the election of its full member the Liberal Party of Gibraltar into a
494 coalition Government in Gibraltar and reiterates its position that any decolonised future status for
495 Gibraltar must be freely and democratically decided by the people of Gibraltar.
496

497 Liberal International commends its member the Liberal Democrats for working on a liberal platform
498 in the coalition government and encourages their continued role in the rescuing, repairing and
499 rebalancing of the British economy. LI also commends the role of the party in the initiation of the
500 House of Lords Reform despite its blockage in Parliament as this further reaffirms the LibDems
501 stance as a mature and competent party of Government which can and does meet its obligations.
502
503 Liberal International congratulates Dutch LI members D66 and VVD on having conducted proud
504 liberal campaigns in the September 2012 elections. LI commends the parties for strengthening the
505 Netherlands international profile, for pledging to attempt to balance the budget, and for promising
506 to provide impetus to sustainable economic growth. LI looks forward to seeing the parties
507 intentions be implemented by a strong new government.
508
509 Liberal International continues to be concerned about the anti-democratic developments in
510 Hungary. The media is still under severe government control; the rule of law, the independence of
511 the judiciary is under attack by the government. The Prime Minister of Hungary openly ignores
512 decisions of the Constitutional Court and the ruling of the European Court of Human Rights. The
513 recent plan of the government to introduce voter registration before the elections aims at keeping
514 away swing voters from the poll. Liberal International calls upon the institutions of the EU to deal
515 with the democratic deficiencies in Hungary in a more effective way, in close cooperation with other
516 European institutions.
517
518 Liberal International expresses its deep condolences to the people of Norway following the massacre
519 committed in Oslo and Utya on July 22 2011 and offers its full support to its member Venstre. LI
520 firmly reiterates its stance against all tendencies of white extremism across Europe and calls on all
521 governments across Europe to fight such tendencies by introducing programs which further promote
522 the inclusion of all ethnic and religious minorities.
523
524 Liberal International welcomes the formal accession of the Russian Federation to the World Trade
525 Organization. LI expresses its extreme concern with the strengthening of Vladimir Putins
526 authoritarian regime, the enhancing of reprisals against activists of the democratic movement and
527 the reactionary and unlawful persecution of young people including Yabloko members. LI stresses
528 that by tightening the NGO legislation the Russian government is stigmatising civil and human rights
529 organisations. LI calls on the Council of Europe to take adequate measures against this breach of
530 Russias duties and obligations as a member of COE. LI expresses its full support to its full member
531 Yabloko in its constructive stance of creating a liberal democratic alternative to the current
532 authoritarian and corrupted regime in Russia.
533
534 Liberal International regrets the backsliding on the separation of powers in Ukraine since President
535 Yanukovych took office in 2010. Consolidation of power in the executive branch at the expense of

536 democratic development, a more restrictive environment for the media, selective prosecution of
537 opposition figures, instances of intrusiveness by the Security Services of Ukraine, a pliant Verkhovna
538 Rada (Ukraines parliament), an erosion of basic freedoms of assembly and speech, and widening
539 corruption are all worrying developments. LI calls for greater implementation of the criteria and
540 obligations that Ukraine signed when joining the Council of Europe.
541
542 The Congress welcomes Liberal Internationals written statement on the Intensification of Human
543 Rights violations in the Republic of Belarus and its conclusions as submitted to the 20th Session of
544 the United Nations Human Rights Council where LI has clearly reiterated its call for the release of all
545 political prisoners. LI notes with concern the increasing record of human rights violations taking
546 place in Belarus and expresses a high level of critique in regards to the abuse of the criminal system
547 against high profile detainees.
548
549 Liberal International follows the political situation in Bulgaria and expresses its full support for its
550 two liberal parties - Movement for the Rights and Freedoms and NMSS for their work in opposition
551 and their successful preparation of the 2013 General Elections. The election campaigns should set
552 the new course in Bulgarian politics based on a strategic liberal vision for the development of the
553 country in light of the EU membership and Europe 2020 program. Liberal International expresses its
554 condolences to the Bulgarian and Israeli people following the terrorist attacks on Israeli tourists in
555 Burgas in July 2012. LI reiterates its stance and commitment to continue to fight against such horrific
556 acts through the spread of basic liberal values such as liberty, equality, tolerance, human rights, and
557 social justice.
558
559 Liberal International follows the special political situation in Romania, where PNL as part of the USL
560 alliance (Social-Liberal Union) together with the social-democratic PSD took over the government in
561 May 2012, six months before regular General Elections. LI fully supports any developments towards
562 more democracy and rule of law in the country and expects that USL policy will be based on
563 European values, rules and standards. LI expresses deep hope that the election campaigns for the
564 General Elections and the possible Presidential Elections will set a new course in Romanian politics
565 based on a strategic liberal vision for the development of the country in light of its EU membership.
566
567 Liberal International follows closely the developments in the South Caucasus. In the run-up to the
568 parliamentary elections scheduled for October 1st, 2012 in Georgia as well as the presidential
569 elections to be held in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia in the year 2013. Acknowledging the difficult
570 economic and political conditions of the regional transition process, LI yet again calls on all three
571 South Caucasian governments to increase their efforts in promoting liberal reforms in state, market
572 and society and to take further steps in creating an environment conducive for regional dialogue and
573 cooperation.

574 LI strongly recalls that the overall ballot at the last Armenian elections failed to measure up to
575 international expectations with regard to transparency and equality of the electoral environment.
576 Furthermore LI notes with concern the current purges and clean-ups in the political landscape of
577 Armenia related to political infighting in the upcoming presidential elections in early 2013. LI calls all
578 sides for the demonstration of a greater will to meaningfully engage in peaceful competition and
579 dialogue amongst political parties.
580
581 LI welcomes the release of nine political prisoners in Azerbaijan in June 2012. Nonetheless, LI
582 deplores the growing political pressure and prosecution of political activists and media
583 representatives following the Eurovision Song Contest in May 2012. LI urges the Azerbaijani
584 government to seriously initiate and consolidate the democratic transition of the country. In
585 addition, LI encourages the Azerbaijani authorities to strengthen their efforts and to increase
586 transparency and accountability of all state institutions, improve conditions for economic freedom
587 and competition and to wholeheartedly fight crony capitalism and corruption.
588
589 The Congress welcomes LI study visit to Georgia in May 2012 acknowledging that the Government of
590 Georgia has achieved some progress in reforming its electoral code. LI expresses its serious concerns
591 about the growing political tension and polarisation in the run-up to the parliamentary elections. LI
592 urges the authorities to desist from all actions that restrict political plurality and participation and
593 endanger media freedom in the electoral process. Furthermore, LI encourages the Government of
594 Georgia to assume its responsibilities in consolidating human rights and civil liberties, ensuring
595 property rights and the principle of the rule of law and finally securing political plurality and equal
596 opportunities in the countrys electoral environment.
597
598 Middle East and North Africa
599 In the context of the Arab Spring, the 58th Congress of Liberal International, united in Abidjan, Cte
600 dIvoire on 20 October 2012 reaffirms its full support to the democratisation processes in all
601 countries in the region, and remains seized of the matter of each countrys societal progress with
602 curiosity and concern. Liberal International reiterates the need for all governments in the region to
603 act in correspondence with the will of their peoples while at the same time unequivocally
604 entrenching in both constitution and every-day society the rights of the minorities who reside within
605 the borders of their jurisdiction. Liberal International reaffirms the right of all people to express their
606 personal opinions, beliefs, convictions or qualities free of fear of prosecution or of stigmatisation
607 within the context of their own personal freedom. Liberal International reiterates that a right not to
608 be offended or insulted is incompatible with the rights and the integrity of the individual and on the
609 sanctity of the individuals own convictions.
610

611 Liberal International welcomes the initiative to set-up the Arab International Young Free Democrat
612 Alliance; Liberal International commends the work done by the Arab Alliance for Freedom and
613 Democracy. Liberal International emphasises the importance of the cooperation of all liberals and
614 democrats in the region; Liberal International recalls the 2003 theme report Islam and the West;
615 Liberal International recalls also the conference in support of ALDE in March 2012, hosted by
616 President of Catalonia Artur Mas in Barcelona. Liberal International welcomes the initiative by the
617 Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe of setting-up a network of Arab liberal leaders; Liberal
618 International commends the parties that have established cooperation with, and encourages parties
619 to further enhance dialogue and cooperation with the liberals in the region.
620
621 Liberal International regrets that the report of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI)
622 has produced no substantial change on the attitude of the Government of Bahrain and has not led to
623 the aimed political solution and democratization of the country. Violations by the Bahraini
624 authorities are increasingly reported, including extrajudicial arrests (more than 200 per month),
625 extrajudicial raids of houses, unfair trials, media attacks, intimidation and humiliation of citizens at
626 check points, massive discrimination at work and university, and so on. Liberal International calls on
627 at the Government of Bahrain to immediately cease using any forms of repression and to enter into
628 a meaningful dialogue with the opposition. The international community should reconsider the soft
629 diplomacy approach aiming at guaranteeing freedom of expression and assembly in Bahrain.
630
631 Liberal International acknowledges the important steps towards democracy realised in Egypt and
632 welcomes the establishment of an elected civilian government. While the rule of law and the
633 independence of the judiciary are indispensable prerequisites to democracy, it will be crucial to
634 restore a functioning and legitimate parliament as soon as possible and proceed in the constitutional
635 process in a transparent manner. The Egyptian people need a clear and reliable prospect of a
636 democratic future for their country. Liberal International expresses its hope that civil society
637 organisations supporting democratic transition will continue to be allowed to carry out their
638 activities without being subject to any illegitimate and politically motivated legal charges; Liberal
639 International applauds the end of the state of emergency in Egypt. Liberal International welcomes
640 the release of a number of prisoners of conscience, including blogger Maikel Nabil Sanad. Liberal
641 International commends the Egyptian people for holding the first peaceful and open elections in the
642 history of their country.
643
644 Liberal International expresses its great concern that the failing dialogue with the Islamic Republic of
645 Iran results in further regional destabilisation, which will have consequences for peace and security
646 around the world. While dialogue remains the best alternative, all measures need to be taken to
647 prevent an authoritarian and undemocratic Iran from becoming a nuclear power; Liberal
648 International applauds the Iranian democratic movement for their consistent and courageous
649 opposition to the dictatorial regime. Liberal International urges its member organisations to engage

650 proactively with members of the Iranian opposition, both inside the country and within the Persian
651 diaspora, to support their struggle for the basic rights and freedoms of all those, without regard of
652 their personal convictions, qualities or opinions, who reside within the borders of the Islamic
653 Republic of Iran.
654
655 Liberal International insists an immediate renewal of a direct dialogue between the Israelis and
656 Palestinians starting with a ceasefire and suspension of Settlement programme with the aim of
657 implementing United Nations' Security Council Resolutions and reaching a peaceful settlement to a
658 decades-long conflict.
659
660 Liberal International congratulates the people of Libya in liberating their country under the
661 implementation of the doctrine of the Responsibility to Protect. Liberal International welcomes the
662 establishment of democracy in Libya. Liberal International praises the liberal forces for their active
663 involvement and unity under interim Prime Minister Mahmoud Jibril which led to their victory at the
664 first democratic elections in the country. Liberal International calls for further active measures to
665 establish that Libya is not only a democracy but also a nation that flourishes, based on individual
666 rights and the equality of its diverse ethnic groups, men and women alike, on the rule of law and
667 access to equal opportunities for all those who reside in the country;
668
669 The international community extends its support for the democratic reforms undertaken by the
670 Kingdom of Morocco, characterized by authenticity and positivity. Morocco has embarked on a new
671 generation of reforms designed through a new constitution, drawn up following an approach based
672 on wide consultation and a legal and legislative procedures; a process culminated by democratic
673 early elections. LI raises the importance of strategic partnerships developed by Morocco, especially
674 in North Africa and its desire to revive the Arab Maghreb Union. LI acknowledges the role played by
675 Morocco in the stability of the Sahel region and its security.
676
677 Liberal International strongly condemns continued detention of Saudi blogger Raif Badawi, co-
678 founder of the Saudi Liberal Network, on charges of disobedience to his parents and blasphemy and
679 calls for immediate release of Raif.
680
681 Liberal International condemns the recent crackdown on the opposition, and on the freedom of the
682 media in Sudan. Congress regrets the on-going repression in Sudan and calls for the release of all
683 human rights defenders and political opponents jailed by the Khartoum regime. LI condemns the on-
684 going conflicts in Darfur and on the border with South Sudan and repeats its calls for President Omar
685 al-Bashir to be extradited to The Hague to answer for his indictment by the International Criminal
686 Court (ICC).
687

688 Liberal International applauds the courage of the former prime-Minister of Syria, Mr Riyad Hijab, to
689 defect. Liberal International expresses its belief in the need to create safe zones in the North and in
690 the South of Syria and guarantee humanitarian corridors. Just as it was the case in Bosnia, only an
691 international intervention will turn the tide of massacre. Liberal International reiterates that any
692 solution in Syria must be taken in accordance with the will of and with the full involvement of the
693 Syrian people, without whose cooperation any solution to the continuing crisis in Syria will not pose
694 a durable solution to the conflict. Liberal International views with great concern the deteriorating
695 situation in Syria and notes the risks of potential sectarian and ethnic confrontations. Liberal
696 International urges all parties to prevent a quest of freedom and democracy from dividing the Syrian
697 people along sectarian or ethnic lines.
698
699 Liberal International expresses its continuing involvement with the developments in Tunisia. Liberal
700 International welcomes the visit of the LI President to Tunisia. Liberal International believes that the
701 merger of the liberal and democratic forces should continue to aim at providing a real alternative to
702 the current government; Liberal International welcomes a delegation of Tunisian liberals of the Parti
703 Rpublicain to Abidjan, as it is promising and encouraging for liberals in other countries to see
704 liberalism gaining a foothold in the cradle of the Arab Spring. Liberal International welcomes the first
705 democratic elections in the country after the fall of the Ben Ali regime. LI cautions that the law on
706 blasphemy and the intentions of undermining the rights of women to be considered as equal to
707 men, could bring Tunisia on a reverse track from developing a free and inclusive society.
708
709 Liberal International stands in full solidarity with the democratic aspirations of the people of Yemen.
710 LI welcomes that Yemen's President Ali Abdullah Saleh has stepped down after 33 years in power in
711 the wake of the popular revolt. At the same time, LI expresses concern at moves to destabilise the
712 unity of the country and the threat posed by Al Qaeda in territories beyond the control of the
713 Yemeni Government forces.

58th LI Congress Theme Resolution
Promoting private investment and enhancing social responsibility
1 The 58th Liberal International Congress gathered in Abidjan, Cte dIvoire:
2 Recalls,
3 - The Theme Resolution on Good Governance adopted by the 51 st Congress of Liberal

4 International in Budapest in 2002, which noted the importance of well-functioning
5 government as a competitive factor for countries and committed Liberal International to the
6 fight against corruption in public life, and noted the importance of combining free trade and
7 free market economies with effective public policies towards sustainable development and
8 alleviation of poverty,
9 - The Resolution on Business and Human Rights adopted by the 52nd Congress of Liberal
10 International in Dakar in 2003, committing Liberal International to actively support the UN
11 Global Compact aiming to improve corporate social responsibility and calling on liberals to
12 pursue a White Paper on Corporate Social Responsibility in their respective national
13 administrations.
14 Notes,
15 - The 2012 Abidjan Congress Theme Report by Professor Ricardo Lpez Murphy, providing an
16 overview of the relationship between economic development, private investment and social
17 responsibility,
18 - The importance of upholding individual freedom, human rights, rule of law, equal
19 opportunities and social justice as core values in the face of economic and political
20 challenges,
21 - That freedom is understood as timeless, to be upheld for current and future generations
22 through sustainable development, accounting for both the immediate and long-term
23 economic, social and environmental impact of decisions made today,
24 - The need for a progressive, cosmopolitan and liberal vision of economic development that
25 centres on individual freedom, democracy, equal opportunities and social justice for all,
26 everywhere, forever.
27 Emphasises,
28 - That free markets and private investments are key to economic development, help improve
29 peoples standard of living and are conducive to the safeguarding of individual freedom,
Theme Resolution: Promoting private investment, enhancing social responsibility 1

30 - That education, technological advancement, inventions, innovation and entrepreneurship in

31 market economies lead to an increased standard of living,
32 - That private investment and free enterprise should be promoted through responsible
33 democratic governance, transparency, accountability, the rule of law, education, an
34 emphasis on equal opportunities, the elimination of corruption and the protection of private
35 property,
36 - That sustainable economic development and socially and environmentally responsible
37 investments can be promoted through corporate social responsibility as laid out in the UN
38 Global Compact and the ISO guidelines on social responsibility (ISO 26000), relying on
39 voluntary compliance and self-regulation in the private sector,
40 - That the central means by which we can achieve social justice are economic freedom, secure
41 property rights and access to economic opportunities, all of which are indispensable to
42 entrepreneurship, and an open and free market economy where agreements between
43 employers and employees are the result of fair negotiations.
44 Recognises,
45 - That a sustainable economy, based on private investment and entrepreneurship, is

46 necessary for the private sector to create employment opportunities, which in turn generate
47 the revenues that governments need to invest in health, education and infrastructure
48 services aimed at increasing productivity,
49 - That effective economic development should take into account the involvement of local
50 communities and primary stakeholders, including youth, women and civil society, which
51 should improve outcomes for both communities and investors,
52 - That free markets, essential for free societies, are subject to legal frameworks in order to
53 ensure freedom from exploitation, human rights violations and to ensure environmental
54 protection,
55 - That the right to form free, independent and democratic labour organisations, outlined in
56 article 23 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, is an essential part of democracy,
57 - That individuals, together, through their own initiatives and cooperation, can positively
58 contribute to the prosperity, harmony and sustainability of the communities within which
59 they live and work, and that spontaneous, positive initiatives in civil society should not be
60 suffocated by government regulation.
61 Acknowledges,
62 - That meeting the challenges of economic development requires a deeper understanding of

63 the importance of appropriate regulation, as witnessed during the on-going financial and
64 economic crisis, for all economic agents and governments to act responsibly and effectively,
65 - That effective financial markets are essential for private investments,

66 - That principles-based regulation of financial markets focusing on outcomes, rather than

67 rules-based regulation which focuses on prescriptive legislation, can help avoid future
68 financial crises by addressing the problem of creative compliance as noted by the UK
69 Financial Services Authority,
70 - That market failures and mechanisms should be addressed so that free markets and socially
71 responsible investments as such can contribute to the achievement of the UN Millennium
72 Development Goals,
73 - That approaches to promote social responsibility such as the UN Global Compact can play
74 an important role in addressing negative consequences and unethical behaviour of
75 economic agents,
76 - That the transparency of economic activities should be improved and that information
77 about their impact on the environment and on societies should be made readily accessible,
78 - That responsible consumers having access to relevant information can make informed
79 choices.
80 Underlines,
81 - That consumer sovereignty is the key to free market economies and that the chain of
82 pressure running from consumers through firms to investors is a key mechanism for the
83 promotion of social responsibility,
84 - That corporate and bureaucratic corruption stand as major inhibitors of social and economic
85 development, and that strong attempts to eradicate corruption are necessary in order to
86 achieve sustainable and socially responsible economic development,
87 - That free enterprise leads to innovation and social participation, and that it is important to
88 ensure that business practices do not lead to the violation of human rights and harmful
89 side-effects on the environment and on societies,
90 - The potential for making private investments more attractive by addressing current tax
91 regimes and subsidies, and ending subsidies that lead to socially and environmentally
92 irresponsible outcomes, thereby enabling investor communities to drive positive change,
93 - That the resources of the private sector, including knowledge, technical expertise, business
94 skills, financial resources and capital in line with good corporate governance foster
95 economic development.
96 Liberal International:
97 Commends,
98 - The 2012 Abidjan Congress Theme Report by Professor Ricardo Lpez Murphy, for clarifying
99 the challenges we are facing regarding economic development, the promotion of private
100 investment and the enhancement of social responsibility.

101 Calls upon Liberal Internationals members to urge their governments to,
102 - Acknowledge that the liberal principles of free markets and individual freedom are
103 complimentary and cannot be separated as the vehicle for the development of mankind.
104 Corporate and social responsibility should be promoted by governments but are in the end
105 the responsibility of producers and consumers and are different from the binding laws
106 enacted by governments under parliamentary scrutiny which should be respected by the
107 market parties in full,
108 - Issue statements of principles and develop national strategies for the promotion of private
109 investment, free trade and social responsibility, clarifying goals and timetables,
110 - Monitor progress through cabinet steering committees, annual progress reports and the
111 development of oversight mechanisms,
112 - Encourage their business communities to adopt standards of corporate social responsibility
113 such as the UN Global Compact and adhere to the ISO 26000 guidelines on social
114 responsibility,
115 - Work towards increased transparency of economic activities and facilitate both access to
116 information and the exchange of information, making use of information and
117 communications technologies, and consider the creation of an international register of
118 environmentally and socially irresponsible economic activities,
119 - Maintain or ensure a meritocratic public administration that is impartial and unprejudiced,
120 transparent, cost-effective, output-oriented and accountable without corruption, nepotism
121 or patronage,
122 - Develop strong measures to eradicate corporate and bureaucratic corruption at all levels of
123 society,
124 - Advocate the use of environmental, social and governance factors in evaluations of the
125 impact of policies and economic activities,
126 - Encourage companies to be transparent about the social and environmental impact of their
127 activities,
128 - Build trust in state institutions through open democratic governance and the rule of law, by
129 respecting property rights and fighting corruption in public life, and by the fair, transparent
130 and predictable application of the law.

Resolution number: 01
Title: Resolution on combating rise of extremism among youth
Submitted by: Yabloko (Russia)
The Congress of the Liberal International, convened in Abidjan, Cte dIvoire, on 20 October 2012
1 Expressing deep concern of a global rise of extremism and xenophobia among youth;
2
3 Considering that this is conditioned by replacement of individual freedoms and civil responsibility by groups
4 abstract interests; governments economizing on humanitarian development, education and culture; abolishment
5 by some political elites and authoritarian regimes of democratic values and moral principles; transfer of political
6 debates into confrontation and violence instead of political compromise and dialogue; use of public discontent for
7 arousing of ethnic, religious or social hatred;
8
9 States that liberals must tackle these challenges basing on liberal values of human rights, individual freedoms,
10 respect for the individual, tolerance and civil and moral responsibility of each person;
11
12 Notes that such a liberal response should include the following:
13
14 - public rejection of all forms of xenophobia, extremism, personality cult and revival of Nazism, Stalinism
15 and fascism; abolishment of superiority and crude force cult and manipulations with public opinion by
16 means of pseudo historical myths and conspiracy theories;
17
18 - broadening options for engaging youth in social and political life so that they would see their opinions
19 influencing governments politics, provision of free and fair elections and independence of the judiciary;
20 development of democratic and civil society institutions;
21
22 - protection of human dignity, persons immunity and freedom of individual choice; strengthening of
23 secular principles of the state, freedom of conscience and rejection of all forms of anti-Semitism;
24
25 - encouraging maximum integration and socialisation of the young into economic, political and cultural life;
26 gradual liquidation of barriers in the society and between the states; global expansion of visa-free
27 regimes, especially for young people;
28
29 - fostering of freedom of speech and open public debates on the most painful problems; development of
30 intercultural, interreligious, interethnic, inter-party and other forms of dialogue in the entire society,
31 creation of an atmosphere of trust in the society;
32
33 - development of contemporary arts contributing to such a dialogue; initiation of people into different
34 cultural traditions, reduction of aggression and intolerance in the society;
35
36 - ensuring of a responsible state ethnic policies;
37
38 - provision of an affordable high quality education, political education, citizenly upbringing of children and
39 youth and ensuring social lifts for all.
R.01, Resolution on combating rise of extremism among youth 1

Title: Green Economic Growth
Submitted by: D66 (Netherlands) and Centerpartiet (Sweden)
1 Recalling the
2
3 - 56th LI Congress resolution on Eco-efficient Economy in 2009,
4
5 - The failure of the international community to reach an ambitious agreement on climate change
6 at the Copenhagen Summit in December 2009,
7
8 Notes that
9
10 - The free movement of goods and services is a prerequisite for reducing the earth's total
11 environmental impact,
12
13 - Free trade is a force that makes it possible to lift people out of poverty and to simultaneously
14 change a pattern of consumption or behaviour,
15
16 - When tropical rainforests are deforested or when the oceans are overfished, the result is
17 reported on the plus side in the GDP statistics.
18
19 Recognises that
20 - With information technology, we have experienced an almost revolutionary development in the

21 past decades. A similar effect is required in order to make green-technology and commercial
22 green solutions available to more people. This is also an effective way to show solidarity with
23 the poorest countries, who often suffer the most, but are least able to adapt to environmental
24 changes,
25
26 - History shows, that the companies who chose to see possibilities instead of problems when
27 prerequisites for entrepreneurship has changed, often turn out to be the winners.
28
29
30 Calls on
31
32 - All member parties to acknowledge that the focus must be on making the whole economy more
33 environmentally sustainable;
34
35 - All member parties to acknowledge that successful environmental policies build on the
36 understanding of the interactions within the eco-system itself and the interaction of the eco-
37 system, the economy, and, society;
R.02, Green Economic Growth 1

38
39 - All member parties to promote clean and green production to help the world to a sustainable
40 ecological and economic development. A policy that emphasizes reduced production rather risks
41 inhibiting the development towards a cleaner environment and less impact on our climate;
42
43 - All member parties to make efforts in analyzing how resource allocation affects the economy as
44 a whole;
45
46 - All member parties to start and/or intensify their efforts to use taxes in order to achieve a green
47 tax shift. By increasing the taxes on environmentally destructive pollution, and, e.g. lowering the
48 tax on work and businesses. The overall tax revenue is neutral;
49
50 - All member parties to agree on establishment of additional robust, reliable and widely
51 recognised international indicators that in lieu of using GDP would provide a more accurate
52 picture of welfare gains.
53
R.02, Green Economic Growth 2

Title: Improve maternal health
Submitted by: Centerpartiet (Sweden), Folkpartiet (Sweden), D66 (The Netherlands) and Svenska
Folkpartiet (Finland)
1 Notes that the target of the UN Millennium Development Goal on improving maternal health is to
2 1. Reduce by three quarters, between 1990 and 2015, the maternal mortality ratio
3 2. Achieve, by 2015, universal access to reproductive health
4
5 - The progress to reach the UN MDG target for maternal health remains too slow. Pregnancy and
6 child birth still remain a major health risk for lots of women around the world, even as most of
7 maternal deaths in connection with birth are preventable.
8
9 - Globally, an estimated 287 000 women died during and following pregnancy and childbirth in
10 2010. The largest proportions of such deaths are caused by post-delivery obstetric hemorrhage,
11 eclampsia, sepsis and from complications of unsafe abortion;
12
13 - Maternal mortality is higher for women living in rural areas and among poorer communities;
14
15 - Some 220 million women preferring to delay or avoid pregnancy still lack access to safe and
16 effective contraception;
17
18 - The WHO estimates that satisfying the unmet need for family planning alone could cut the
19 number of maternal deaths by almost a third.
20
21 Recognises that
22 - Every casualty is a tragedy for the families and children affected but also devastating for the
23 societies where they occur, not least financially;
24
25 - The useless loss of lives, could be avoided by medical attention during pregnancy as well as
26 information regarding methods of contraception to avoid or delay childbearing.
27
28 Calls on
29 - All governments to intensify efforts to reach the UN Millennium Goals by 2015;
30
31 - All governments to provide the necessary funding for reproductive and maternal health
32 programs worldwide; including interventions to reduce maternal death from unsafe abortions;
33
34 - All governments to improve access to voluntary family planning, invest in health workers with
35 midwifery skills, and ensure access to emergency obstetric care when complications arise;
36
R.03, Improve Maternal Health 1

37 - All governments to incorporate into their foreign development strategies, measures to reduce
38 maternal deaths and to focus on the poorest and most vulnerable populations;
39 - All governments to incorporate into their SRHR and HIV/Aids strategies the MDG 5;
40
41 - All governments to recognize the right of every woman to legal and safe abortion, including
42 quality post-abortion care;
43
44 - All governments to strengthen incomplete civil systems for registration of births, deaths and
45 causes of death;
46
47 - All governments to continued efforts to ensure equal access of women and girls to education,
48 basic services, economic opportunities, health care services and gender equality reforms.
2
Title: Policy for the Arctic
Submitted by: Centerpartiet (Sweden)
1 Notes that:
2 - The Arctic is one of the regions on earth where the effects of climate change are most obvious.
3 A trend over the past six years shows that the ice and snow cover are melting more rapidly than
4 earlier with new all-time low records obtained continuously;
5 - Although natural fluctuations matter to some extent, scientifically there is no doubt that the
6 shrinking ice cover is an effect of global warming which in its turn is a result of human
7 influence;
8 - Short-lived climate forcers (SLCF) are the most important contributors to global warming
9 influenced by human activity after carbon dioxide (CO2) and the polar regions are especially
10 sensitive to SLCFs;
11 - One of the major priorities is to prevent and to limit the negative effects of climate change. This
12 calls for international support in adapting to the unavoidable changes.
13
14 Recognises that:
15 - The melting, in combination with new technology and an increase in commercial interests, will
16 emphasize even further the need for international agreements on how the untouched area now
17 opening up in the Arctic will be used;
18 - Development in the Arctic can create many opportunities but at the same time pose risks of
19 consequences to the environment as well as implications for security policy.
20
21 Calls for:
22 - Development in the Arctic to be handled with responsibility and a view to long-term
23 sustainability, in order to avoid undesirable side-effects;
24 - All governments to take immediate action in order to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and
25 SLCF, such as soot, tropospheric ozone and methane;
26 - The Arctic Ocean to be recognised as a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA) of the International
27 Maritime Organisation (IMO);
28 - All countries to act together to stop sensitive arctic environmental areas from being exploited,
29 by creating marine nature reserves and by achieving a new international binding agreement for
30 the Arctic to regulate developments and environmental aspects;
31 - All countries to agree on an oil moratorium in the Arctic;
32 - The European Commission, the Arctic Council and all concerned member states to have an
33 effective and broadened dialogue with the indigenous peoples on matters concerning them and
34 to respect the international rights, the culture and livelihood of the indigenous people;
35 - The Arctic to be a nuclear weapon-free zone.
R.04, Policy for the Arctic 1

Title: For an Effective, Coordinated and Results-Oriented Development Cooperation
Submitted by: FDP (Germany), German Group of Liberal International
1 Recognising, that
2 we have a common responsibility to uphold the principles of freedom, human rights, the rule of
3 law and democracy at the global level and that these are indispensable foundations of a more
4 prosperous and peaceful world,
5 attaining sustainable economic growth and worldwide development is not only our
6 responsibility, but also in our common global interest,
7 globalization can be a driving force towards our aim of reaching the Millennium Development
8 Goals,
9 despite our commitment to the aforementioned principles each country is first and foremost
10 responsible for its own development and improvement of its populations living conditions,
11 development should therefore not be perceived as a one-way-road and must be the result of an
12 equal partnership, considering the developing countries responsibility for, but also their
13 legitimate claim to ownership of the process,
14
15 Considering, that
16 economic growth is a prerequisite for poverty reduction because it not only creates jobs and
17 business opportunities, but also increases tax revenues for the respective governments,
18 only a competitive economy is able to generate sustainable growth,
19 sustainable growth needs the initiative and innovation of the private sector in order to create
20 local value chains,
21 economic development therefore is not exclusively a domain for government action, but needs
22 to recognize the different and complementary roles of civil society actors and private
23 enterprises,
24
25 Noting, that
26 transparency and mutual accountability is critical to delivering adequate results,
27 in the past, development cooperation has too often suffered from a lack of coordination and too
28 seldom been evaluated for its effectiveness,
29 in times of economic crisis and soaring debts, all governments have a particular responsibility
30 towards their constituencies for the effectiveness of their actions,
31 development cooperation thus needs to be effective, transparent, coordinated and results-
32 oriented to be legitimate,
33
34 Calls on all agents of development cooperation,
35 To treat development cooperation as an equal partnership and have faith in the abilities and
36 strengths of all partners involved,
37 Not to perceive development cooperation as an end in itself, but to recognize the importance of
38 development effectiveness and results-orientation,
R.05, For an Effective, Coordinated and Results-Orientated Development Cooperation 1

39 To constantly evaluate the effectiveness of their actions, to reduce fragmentation of

40 development assistance and to foster international and cross-sector coordination,
41 To include the expertise and the resources of private enterprise and civil society into their
42 efforts,
43 To encourage free trade and the fight against market-distorting subsidies in order to unleash the
44 full potential of both the developing and the developed countries economies.
R.05, For an Effective, Coordinated and Results-Orientated Development Cooperation 2

Title: Use of Energy compensation of damages
Submitted by: D66 (Netherlands) and Centerpartiet (Sweden)
1 Recalling
2 - LIs previous resolutions on Climate Change (2010), Eco-Friendly Economy (2009) and Carbon Emissions
3 and Global Climate Agreements (2008)
4 - that May 2012 was the 327th consecutive month in which global temperature exceeded 20th century
5 average
6 - Oil, coal and gas still account for more than 80% of the world energy production and global energy
7 use is growing.
8 Notes that:
9 Individual responsibility stretches into the future, ensuring future generations continuous access to
10 resources and a clean environment;
11
12 Liberals reject a closed energy market in which freedom is limited by the artificial competitive advantage
13 of the fossil fuel industry: a result of the industrys freedom to emit their main waste without paying for
14 the involved damages;
15
16 Individual freedom should only be restricted if it causes harm to others. The limits, in the case of global
17 warming, should be set by objective measures based on scientific studies and not by political
18 negotiations.
19
20 75 % of the world's oil is concentrated in the OPEC countries, and the oil market is dominated by a few,
21 large companies;
22
23 Subsidies that encourage consumption of fossil fuels increased to over $400 billion in 2010 1;
24
25 Only 8% of the billions spent subsidising fossil fuel consumption went to the poorest 20% of the
26 population 2. Fossil fuel subsidies are hence socially regressive and mostly benefit medium to high
27 income households;
1
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA)
2
Estimates published by the International Energy Agency (IEA)
R.06, Use of Energy Compensation of damages 1

28 Low fossil fuel prices disturb market transparency and halt incentives to transition to renewable energy
29 sources;
30 Believes that:
31 If the world remains dependent on fossil fuels we also remain dependent on a handful of major, often
32 undemocratic, producers;
33
34 A phase-out of fossil fuel subsidies, which are currently artificially low, will be helpful to internalize the
35 environmental and social costs of fossil fuels.
36 Urgently calls upon its members:
37 To commit to a phase out of fossil fuel subsidies that undermine sustainable development;
38
39 Install carbon taxes for fossil fuel carbon emissions that will be used to compensate the damages on the
40 environment, people and businesses;
41
42 Promote fair energy prices that will result in more realistic fossil energy prices as well as more
43 competitive clean energy prices;
44
45 Be themselves frontrunners in leveling the playing field for renewable energy sources.
R.06, Use of Energy Compensation of damages 2

Title: Prohibiting of all forms of female gender mutilation
Submitted by: Svenska Folkpartiet (Finland)
1 Recognising
2 - that all forms of gender-based violence constitute an unacceptable violation of fundamental
3 rights and a clear obstacle to gender equality,
4 - female gender mutilation is one form of violence against women that is particularly
5 unacceptable. Female genital mutilation is an expression of unequal power relations and a form
6 of violence against women.
7
8 Emphasising
9 - that female genital mutilation is an irreparable abuse that intentionally alters or causes injury to
10 female genitals for non-medical reasons, with irreversible consequences, which affect 140
11 million women and girls alive today. A further three million girls are at risk of undergoing the
12 procedure each year,
13 - that any form of female genital mutilation is a harmful traditional practice that cannot be
14 considered part of a religion, but is an act of violence against women and girls which constitute a
15 violence of their fundamental right to personal security and integrity and physical and mental
16 health, and of their sexual and reproductive health,
17 - that female genital mutilation causes very serious and irreparable injuries in the short and long
18 term to the physical and mental health and rights of women and girls who undergo it, and in
19 some cases can be even fatal.
20
21 Noting
22 - the Liberal International resolution on female genital mutilation, adopted at the 49th Congress
23 in Brussels 1999 and the inefficient international progress ever since,
24 - the request by the African Union Summit on July 2nd 2011 to end female genital mutilation
25 worldwide,
26 - the appeal for a worldwide ban on female genital mutilation to the United Nations General
27 Assembly 2012,
28 - the European Parliament Joint Motion for a Resolution on ending female genital mutilation as of
29 June 14th 2012.
30
31 Calls upon member parties and governments:
32 - to organise educational and awareness raising campaigns for ending female genital mutilation
33 worldwide by harmonizing the actions taken and by issuing recommendations and guidelines for
34 the development and strengthening of regional and international legal instruments and national
35 legislation
36 - to adopt and implement legislation in their respective countries to ban female genital mutilation
37 and to take all necessary legislative, political and operational measures aimed at ending the
38 practice,
R.07, Prohibiting of all forms of female gender mutilation 1

39 - to continue to ratify and implement through comprehensive legislation all international

40 instruments that prohibit all forms of female gender mutilation and provide for effective
41 sanctioning against the perpetrators and propagators of this practice.
R.07, Prohibiting of all forms of female gender mutilation 2

Title: Financial crisis: an opportunity to boost entrepreneurship
Submitted by: International Federation of Liberal Youth
1 Recalling the resolution The Global Financial Crisis, adopted at its 56th Congress in Manila, Philippines,
2 which identified a failure of stewardship as one of the causes of the crisis, while condemning national
3 protectionism and calling for efficient policies to support the economy in the short and longer term
4
5 Noting that the Financial Crisis has brought to the world a new wave of political measures that,
6 depending on how electors and governments are going to act, may result in great improvements or a
7 decreasing level of quality of life,
8
9 Fearing that due to new negative impacts, many policy-makers have been suggesting extensive
10 supervision and regulation of financial institutions aimed at stopping anyone from ever again losing
11 money in financial dealings, or have been promoting making huge expenses with tax-payers money to
12 bailout bankrupted companies,
13
14 Deeply concerned by the fact that these approaches not only strangle the economy and crush market
15 innovation but also represents an indirect way to a corporatism model,
16
17 Deplores the popular belief that consider some companies too big to fail, understanding that in a free
18 market economy collapses are necessary to promote innovation and to prevent monopolies;
19
20 Expresses its appreciation to developing economies that instead of bailing-out big companies are
21 reducing taxes and directing its public investments to enable the creation and development of new
22 business;
23
24 Condemns the use of trade barriers as it not only creates market bubbles by promoting
25 entrepreneurship development into non-competitive scenarios but also harms consumers who are non-
26 intentionally sponsoring higher prices due to market regulations afforded by tax-money;
27
28 Affirms that free trades main importance resides not in economic development but in the possibility of
29 promoting peace by bringing citizens and governments together;
30
31 Reiterates its firm belief in the classical liberal principle that the market is an instrument in the service
32 of economic progress and that liberals must put liberty in first place as a creative force that multiplies
33 opportunities for everyone;
34
35 And understanding the value of the aforementioned tax reductions, non-interventionism and free trade
36 policies,
37
R.08, Financial crisis: an opportunity to boost entrepreneurship 1

38 Congratulates governments and entrepreneurs that understands crisis as an opportunity to innovate

39 and generate wealth;
40
41 Calls for new policies directed to reward entrepreneurship and not lobbying skills;
42
43 Urges citizens to get engaged into policy-making debates and electoral campaigns in order to assure
44 that politicians will be guided not by the interest of companies but by the possibility of boosting life
45 quality, economic development and individual rights.
R.08, Financial crisis: an opportunity to boost entrepreneurship 2

Title: Achieving Education For All
Submitted by: International Federation of Liberal Youth on 08 August 2012
1 Noting that over 115 million primary-school-age children do not attend school and large numbers of
2 children drop out before they reach any degree, that there are 882 million illiterates in the
3 world, and that more than two thirds of the governments in the world allocate less than the
4 minimum of 6% of their GNP to education;
5
6 Concerned by the persistence of the gender gap in education, which is reflected by the fact that nearly
7 two thirds of the world's adult illiterates are women;
8
9 Considering that through empowering the individual, education is the most effective form of
10 development aid, and that literacy, especially functional literacy, and quality education
11 represent a lifelong necessity for all;
12
13 Affirming that, in accordance with the commitment made in the Dakar Framework for Action, all
14 governments have a responsibility to fulfill their obligation to human rights by providing, free
15 and compulsory basic education of good quality for all children, including girls, youth,
16 immigrants, indigenous students, children with special needs or in difficult circumstances and
17 those belonging to ethnic minorities;
18
19 Recognizing that it is not sufficient to improve enrolment figures without considering the quality of
20 education, and that partnerships between organizations is a key concept for the achievement of
21 education for all;
22
23 Calls upon governments to put in place a mechanism for information, consultations and negotiations
24 aimed at improving teachers' excellence and working conditions, learning materials and
25 equipment in schools, as well teacher education;
26
27 Acknowledges that state-run schools should be based on democratic participation and accountability to
28 civil society, by elaborating new ways of co-operation between school and parents, and between
29 schools and different sectors of the community;
30
31 Notes that, without putting into question the priority role of formal education, complementary forms of
32 educations, such as non-formal education provided by NGOs, can play a role in the context of
33 the objectives of education for all;
34
35 Pleads for a detailed plan of action by international institutions, such as the UN, the World Bank, IMF
36 and UNICEF, targeted towards the universal commitment to education for all, including a policy
37 and programme for debt reduction and increased allocations to public education at all levels in
38 the development co-operation budgets of the industrialised countries.
R.09, Achieving education for all 1

Title: Zero Under Eighteen - Child Soldiers
Submitted by: International Federation of Liberal Youth
1 Noting that more than 250,000 children have been forced to take up arms in conflicts, and that child soldiers are
2 fighting in at least twenty armed conflicts around the world;
3
4 Considering that child soldiers are often forcefully recruited or encouraged to join under false pretenses and that,
5 in many situations, children are engaged in direct combat, while others take on auxiliary roles as porters,
6 messengers and spies, while girls also face sexual exploitation by senior level commanders;
7
8 Affirming that the life of a child soldier violates the right of the child, denies them an education, and robs them of
9 their childhood;
10
11 Noting that UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict (SRSG-CAAC) has
12 launched the Zero Under 18 campaign, aiming at achieving universal ratification in 2012 of the Optional
13 Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict
14 (OPAC) ;
15
16 Subscribes to the goals of the Zero Under 18 campaign: to achieve universal ratification in 2012 (10th
17 anniversary of its entry into force), to encourage all States to raise the age of voluntary recruitment to a
18 minimum of 18 years and, if necessary, to amend their binding declaration under article 3 of the OPAC, to
19 raise awareness of States parties obligation to criminalize recruitment and use of persons under the age
20 of 18 years in accordance with article 4 of the OPAC, to promote the adoption and effective
21 implementation of relevant national legislation and to raise awareness of States parties reporting
22 obligation to the Committee on the Rights of the Child and encourage implementation of relevant
23 concluding observations;
24
25 Requests governments and the international community to assure that children who have been recruited or used
26 by armed forces or armed groups have the right and access to assistance for their physical and
27 psychological recovery and social reintegration.
R.10, Zero Under Eighteen Child Soldiers 1

Title: Make African Women Agents of Change towards Strong National Economies
Submitted by: INLW, endorsed by the LI President
1 Recalling:
2 - LI Resolutions Is Gender Equality a Dream? (2011), Womens Participation in the Economy for
3 Sustainable Development (2006) and Equal Opportunities for Women and Men in Politics
4 Considering:
5 - The Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against women

6
7 - The Millennium Development Goals
8
9 - The African Womens Decade: Gender Equality and Womens Empowerment, a Bottom Up Approach and
10 Road Map 2010-2020
11
12 - The adoption by the African Union of a legally binding protocol to the African Charter on Human and
13 Peoples Rights on the rights of women
14
15 Noting:
16 - that as elsewhere in the world, women in Africa are struggling for their fair share of political power and
17 economic opportunity;
18
19 - that, as elsewhere, gender inequalities remain deeply entrenched in many African societies;
20
21 - that Africa is shaking off its legacies of autocratic rule, social marginalization and economic disarray, while
22 women are claiming to participate fully in their continents promising future;
23
24 - that in Africa Ministries or Bureaus for Womens Affairs, womens NGOs as well as the thousands of
25 informal womens groups serve womens needs;
26
27 - that women can play a key role promoting economic growth, reducing poverty and
28 - improving social welfare and in pursuing sustainable livelihoods for both rural and urban poor;
29
30 - that hard work and commitment of grassroots women can make the difference: women farmers, traders,
31 entrepreneurs and activists who struggle every day to better their lives and improve the prospects for
32 their families, communities and nations;
33
34 - that gender mainstreaming of the economy should become an integral part of the process of building
35 strong sustainable economies, which are based on equality between men and women.
36
37 Liberal International calls upon governments, in particular those in Africa to:
38
R.11, Make African Women Agents of Change towards Strong National Economies 1
39 - seriously build good governance and real democratic systems, so women participate equally in these
40 systems. Systems bringing about inclusion, pluralism and diversity rather than patronage which upholds
41 old systems and prevents women participating fully;
42
43 - train, equip and encourage women to be active in the economic leadership by nominating women in
44 senior official positions at central banks, ministries of finance, planning and trade;
45
46 - provide the conditions for women to become the agents of change through providing education and skill
47 training, trade and womens know-how, adequate access to productive resources and access to finance;
48
49 - foster private sector development, domestic and foreign investments, creating rural area jobs and
50 agricultural produce and export production.
51
R.11, Make African Women Agents of Change towards Strong National Economies 2

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World Today Resolution 58th LI Congress, Abidjan, Cte dIvoire 1

World Today Resolution 58th LI Congress, Abidjan, Cte dIvoire 2

World Today Resolution 58th LI Congress, Abidjan, Cte dIvoire 3

World Today Resolution 58th LI Congress, Abidjan, Cte dIvoire 4

176 North America

World Today Resolution 58th LI Congress, Abidjan, Cte dIvoire 5

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World Today Resolution 58th LI Congress, Abidjan, Cte dIvoire 13

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World Today Resolution 58th LI Congress, Abidjan, Cte dIvoire 16

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World Today Resolution 58th LI Congress, Abidjan, Cte dIvoire 19

58th LI Congress Theme Resolution

Promoting private investment and enhancing social responsibility

1 The 58th Liberal International Congress gathered in Abidjan, Cte dIvoire:

3 - The Theme Resolution on Good Governance adopted by the 51 st Congress of Liberal

Theme Resolution: Promoting private investment, enhancing social responsibility 1

30 - That education, technological advancement, inventions, innovation and entrepreneurship in

45 - That a sustainable economy, based on private investment and entrepreneurship, is

62 - That meeting the challenges of economic development requires a deeper understanding of

Theme Resolution: Promoting private investment, enhancing social responsibility 2

66 - That principles-based regulation of financial markets focusing on outcomes, rather than

Theme Resolution: Promoting private investment, enhancing social responsibility 3

Theme Resolution: Promoting private investment, enhancing social responsibility 4

Submitted by: Yabloko (Russia)

R.01, Resolution on combating rise of extremism among youth 1

Submitted by: D66 (Netherlands) and Centerpartiet (Sweden)

20 - With information technology, we have experienced an almost revolutionary development in the

R.02, Green Economic Growth 1

R.02, Green Economic Growth 2

R.03, Improve Maternal Health 1

Submitted by: Centerpartiet (Sweden)

R.04, Policy for the Arctic 1

Submitted by: FDP (Germany), German Group of Liberal International

R.05, For an Effective, Coordinated and Results-Orientated Development Cooperation 1

39 To constantly evaluate the effectiveness of their actions, to reduce fragmentation of

R.05, For an Effective, Coordinated and Results-Orientated Development Cooperation 2

Submitted by: D66 (Netherlands) and Centerpartiet (Sweden)

R.06, Use of Energy Compensation of damages 1

36 Urgently calls upon its members:

R.06, Use of Energy Compensation of damages 2

Submitted by: Svenska Folkpartiet (Finland)

R.07, Prohibiting of all forms of female gender mutilation 1

39 - to continue to ratify and implement through comprehensive legislation all international

R.07, Prohibiting of all forms of female gender mutilation 2

Submitted by: International Federation of Liberal Youth

R.08, Financial crisis: an opportunity to boost entrepreneurship 1

38 Congratulates governments and entrepreneurs that understands crisis as an opportunity to innovate

R.08, Financial crisis: an opportunity to boost entrepreneurship 2

Submitted by: International Federation of Liberal Youth on 08 August 2012

R.09, Achieving education for all 1

Submitted by: International Federation of Liberal Youth

R.10, Zero Under Eighteen Child Soldiers 1

Submitted by: INLW, endorsed by the LI President

5 - The Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against women