•WELCOME TO THE Black Sheep Republic' declared the banner at the entrance to the 13th International Youth Camp held in Amarante, Portugal in July 1996. Hundreds of young rebels from 16 European countries flocked to attend the annual event organised by the Fourth InterWe discussed the capitalist crisis in Europe, the theme of the camp, planned new campaigns and exchanged experiences. There was plenty of time to party. Bands sympathetic to the FI o'ared a tree concent tor us and modsands of local youth.
The event was big news in Portugal, a maior item on the television news and in the papers The PSR. the Portaguese secion of the Ft, can atract cut headlines berause of the renutston mey nave gained championing youth struggles They lead campaigns rights, free education and an end to military service.
The need for a socialist alternative io the capitalist crisis in Europe is visible everywhere in Portugal. Old age pensioners beg on the streets. Immiarants and gosies hive in shanty. houses. A blind man was on hunger strike outside Parliament demanding work. On the way to Amarante. we met a 17 year old self-professed communist who told us of her heroin-addicted best friend's death in her arms. In her words, "You must fight, fight, fight".
The camp had its young veterans of struggle. The French described the December events, Dutch comrades told of their march to Chernobv against nuclear power, and the Germans how they faced imprisonment under anti-terrorist laws for supporting Kurdish self-determination. Solidarity was planned in discussions on Cuba, East Timor and Bosnia. Comrades from the Basque country and Quebec spoke of their struggles for self-determination. The camp received greetings from the Zapatistas.
The proportion of women at the camp was the highest ever at 48%. A day of discussions was devoted to 'Being a young feminist today'. Throughout the week activities and meetings were held in the spaces for women and lesblans and gays. We held workshops on sexual liberation and lesbian and gay liberation.
In tradition the final forum was drowned out in the singing or revolutionary songs in many languages.
The goodwill which exists at the camp provides a taste or me ruture socialist society. Every year is another step towards it. • The 1997 camp is in Denmark.
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