Welcome to the World Youth Movement for Democracy!

The World Youth Movement for Democracy (WYMD) is a global community of youth and their allies working non-violently for democracy. It was founded by a group of young people, like you, who believe in and work for fair elections, free speech, and human rights. We believe we can be stronger by working together. [Learn More]

WYMD Statement on Death of Wilman Villar Mendoza

18 January 2012

The World Youth Movement for Democracy holds the Cuban dictatorship responsible for the death of a young Cuban prisoner of conscience, demands an independent investigation, and extends condolences to the immediate family.

On November 14, 2011, Wilman Villar Mendoza, a member of the non-violent civic group, Cuban Patriotic Union, was unjustly beaten and imprisoned for exercising his fundamental rights of free expression in a nonviolent public demonstration. State Security had previously made threats to Villar, urging him to leave the group.

Ten days later, Villar was sentenced to four years in prison in a closed-door sham trial at the Contramaestre Municipal Tribunal. Villar was denied due process and was immediately transferred to the Aguadores prison. On that same day, he began a hunger strike to protest the injustices committed against him.

Cuban authorities responded by confining Villar to a punishment cell without clothes or water in an effort to break his spirit and force him to end the hunger strike. It was only when it appeared that Villar would die, that prison officials transferred him to a hospital on January 15, 2012 day 63 of the hunger strike.

On that same Sunday, 17 Ladies in White were brutally beaten and detained as they marched from the Cobre to Juan Bruno Zayas hospital, calling for Wilman Villar Mendoza’s  release. Fifteen Cuban Patriotic Union activists were also beaten and detained during the march.

Cuban prisoner of conscience Wilman Villar Mendoza died of multiple organ failure caused by pneumonia and generalized sepsis four days later at 6:30pm, in the city of Santiago de Cuba while in the custody of the Cuban prison authorities. He was 31 years old.

Wilman Villar Mendoza is not the first prisoner of conscience to die in Cuban custody under similar circumstances. Another prisoner of conscience, Orlando Zapata Tamayo, was jailed in March 2003 during the "Black Spring" crackdown against opposition groups.  He died in prison on February 23, 2011, after enduring cruel and unusual punishment and an 85-day hunger strike protesting the torture and unjust imprisonment.

Both Wilman Villar Mendoza and Orlando Zapata Tamayo were subjected to isolation in a punishment cell, confined without clothing, deprived of water and medical assistance, and transferred to a medical facility only when they were in a critical state of health.

The World Youth Movement for Democracy holds the Cuban dictatorship responsible for the death of Wilman Villar Mendoza and calls for an independent investigation to identify the officials responsible for his death and hold them accountable. The World Youth Movement also urges the Cuban government to stop its harassment of Cuban citizens for exercising their fundamental right to free expression and assembly. The World Youth Movement for Democracy also extends its heartfelt condolences to his wife, Maritza Pelegrino Cabrales and his two small daughters.

Signed by World Youth Movement for Democracy

To download or print the full statement, click here.

World Youth Movement Releases Statement in Solidarity with Maikel Nabil

18 January 2012

The World Youth Movement for Democracy (WYMD), a global community of young people working non-violently for democracy, expresses its solidarity with Egyptian blogger Maikel Nabil Sanad, who has been imprisoned for criticizing Egypt’s army and its role in repressing protesters.

Maikel Nabil is a young blogger from Egypt who began blogging in 2006. In April 2009, he founded “No for Compulsory Military Service Movement,” which opposes the obligatory military service in Egypt. He led a campaign demanding his right to a conscientious objection to military service. His campaign lasted until he received final exemption from the military service on November 2010. He has been arrested several times because of his political activities...

To read the full statement, click here.

Happy New Year from the World Youth Movement for Democracy!

January 2012 YouthSpeak!

Check out the January 2012 edition of YouthSpeak! This month's issue includes a special message from the WYMD Leadership Board, and features stories about youth activism from around the world.

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To contribute to the next newsletter, send pictures, stories, and opportunities to info@wymdonline.org. Please include "YouthSpeak" in the subject line. We welcome your feedback.

Youth in Action:

A Snapshot of Democracy

Congratulations to the Winners!

The World Youth Movement for Democracy is pleased to announce the winners of the first annual Snapshot of Democracy Global Photo Contest. Congratulations to Stevie Harison (Building a Movement), Majda Lovrenovic (Youth Igniting Change), and Ankit Agrawal (Democracy in Action)!

After receiving hundreds of submissions, an international committee of judges chose the fifteen semi-finalists. The public was then given the opportunity to cast their votes for their favorite pictures. Stevie, Majda, and Ankit will be invited to the World Movement for Democracy’s 7th Global Assembly, and the cost related to their participation will be fully covered.  

We thank all of the participants for their phenomenal photos, and for taking part in this historic contest.

Building a Movement

"Democracy is not only related to social and political issues, but also sports and healthy lifestyle. All youth communities are free to choose their preferences of outdoor activities to both create their own healthy lifestyles and develop their physical capabilities. In this picture, we see that to achieve those two purposes, the youngsters have to use some cooperation and collaboration with each other although every member has a different skill level. In my conclusion, subconsciously, they are learning democracy in ways of doing sports that they prefer.”

Stevie Harison, Indonesia

Youth Igniting Change

“It is well known, that one of the major goals of the contemporary society is: building Democracy. But, the question at this point is: Who is going to build “this Democracy”? The answer: Democracy can be built only by young people who are well educated and who can distinguish between political indoctrination and political education. So, the key difference between these two phenomena is the element of intellectual ability. According to one Chinese proverb: ‘If you are planning a year ahead, plant corn. If you are planning ten years ahead, plant trees. If you are planning for life, teach and educate people.’”

Majda Lovrenovic, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Democracy in Action

 “This is an image from ‘People’s March to Parliament’, a protest attended by thousands of communist party members and general public in Delhi. They were protesting against massive corruption in UPA Government, backbreaking price rise, anti-poor and anti-farmer policies, rampant unemployment and assault on people’s movements.”

Ankit Agrawal, India

Opinions expressed in the submissions do not necessarily reflect views of the WYMD or the World Movement for Democracy Secretariat.

Youth 'Ignite Change' as they Celebrate World Youth Day for Democracy around the World

Check out this month's special edition Youth Speak! Newsletter for a glimpse of young people celebrating the day in Nigeria, Burma, Iraq, and other countries.

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