IUSY Elects ARF Member Sarineh Abrahamian as Secretary General of the organization

Yerevan, 10 October 2024 – The International Union of Socialist Youth (IUSY) elected Sarineh Abrahamian, a member of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) and former IUSY Vice-President, as its new Secretary General. Abrahamian succeeds Bruno Gonçalves, who resigned from the position following his election to the European Parliament.

Sarineh Abrahamian has been an active voice within IUSY for many years, and has been elected as IUSY Vice-President and BSAC Coordinator since 2021. In collaboration with ARF Youth Office, she has played a key role in various projects, including advocating for the recognition, condemnation, and reparations of the Armenian Genocide. This effort resulted in a resolution adopted during the IUSY World Council in Yerevan in 2015.

In 2017 together with the ARF Youth Office, Abrahamian helped organize a successful study visit to Artsakh, involving IUSY and Young European Socialists (YES) leadership and members. Throughout her time at IUSY, she has been a driving force behind efforts for the international recognition of Artsakh and the right to self-determination of the indigenous Armenian population of Artsakh, as well as IUSY’s condemnation of Azerbaijan’s aggression. Through her advocacy, IUSY has consistently supported the rights of the people of Artsakh, including their collective right of return, and has condemned Azerbaijan’s ethnic cleansing policies. These positions have been expressed through several resolutions and official statements.

Additionally, Abrahamian has worked to highlight the democratic challenges in Armenia, including the suppression of dissent and the excessive use of police force by the current Armenian government. Her activism extends beyond Armenia, advocating for social democracy, social justice, and addressing climate change both regionally and globally. She continues to advocate for core IUSY values and principles such as justice, equality, freedom, and international solidarity.

Sarineh Abrahamian has also served as Director of the ARF Youth Office and currently holds the role of PR and Communications Director for the European Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy (EAFJD).

Reflecting on her election, Abrahamian said: “This is a significant opportunity not just for the AYF and ARF, but for Armenia and Armenians as a whole. IUSY offers a crucial platform to highlight Armenian issues on the global stage while at the same time we promote social-democratic and progressive values. I recognize the responsibility that comes with this position, representing both IUSY and ARF, and I am excited to lead this organization of over 160 social, social-democratic and labour youth organizations. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has supported me along this journey.”

Background: The International Union of Socialist Youth (IUSY) is a global umbrella organization for socialist, social-democrat, and labor youth movements. Founded in 1907 as the Socialist Youth International, IUSY now represents 163 member organizations across 110 countries. Its mission includes youth engagement, grassroots activism, educational events, campaigns, and global advocacy. The AYF is a full member of the organization.