After weathering the worst financial crisis in decades, Sri Lanka experienced a fragile economic recovery in 2024. However, rising prices, low wages, and high unemployment continue to weigh heavily on the population, particularly the most marginalized groups, including women and informal workers. Sri Lankan women are affected by enormous gender inequalities, reflected in their low participation in the workforce, significant wage disparities, and a disproportionate burden of unpaid domestic and care work.

The International Young Christian Workers (IYCW) joins the global community in commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. This day stands as a collective call to action, a moment to reflect on the persistent injustices faced by women and girls worldwide and to renew our shared responsibility to defend equality, dignity, and peace. Violence against women is a social and human rights crisis that undermines the very foundation of justice and humanity, and as such must be critically addressed.

In Peru, as in many countries, social, economic, and cultural inequalities limit young people's ability to play a leading role in defending their right to decent work. Public policies do not seek to bridge the gaps that discriminate against young people: in other words, young people's voices are not heard and their territorial context is not taken into account.

José Calatayud Velasco

Dear José, just a few weeks ago, you were at the IYCW office, with many stories to share as always, … a true living archive of our movement. After five hours of training for the team and the new secretary general, the shy and sincere smile remained on your face! We were tired but you seemed full of energy and motivation!

“Well, I'm retired... if you need me, I'm here to support you,” you said.

PUBLIC STATEMENT

Ladies and gentlemen, representatives of the diplomatic corps, delegates, representatives of European and Belgian institutions, partners from social, trade union, and community organizations:

It is an honor to present the result of a collective process of discussion and democratic construction that dates back to initiatives carried out in 2015 and continued in 2023. Also, since August of this year, we have been promoting a series of conferences with the aim of updating our reflections and proposals in preparation for the CELAC-EU Summit in 2025.