From March 26 to 29, 2026, the first international antifascist conference was held in the Brazilian city of Porto Alegre. The conference was organized, among others, by political forces such as the Workers’ Party of Brazil (PT), the Socialism and Freedom Party (PSOL), the Landless Workers’ Movement (MST), and the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation. It took place in the context of increasing international mobilization against the far right. These include mass protests in Argentina against the government of Javier Milei and commemorations of the military coup 50 years ago, antifascist demonstrations in England, as well as protests in the United States against the presidency of Donald Trump.
During the four-day conference, participants discussed the global situation and the deep crisis of the capitalist system, which manifests in economic, social, and moral disruptions. According to the final declaration, this crisis has produced a global offensive in which neoliberal policies, militarization, and the resurgence of fascist forces interact.
Increase in the aggressiveness of imperial policy
It was emphasized that although these developments manifest differently depending on the country, they share common features. These include restrictions on democratic rights, the weakening of labor rights, rising structural unemployment, the privatization of public services, and intensified austerity policies. At the same time, the spread of hate discourse is increasing, including racist, sexist, and anti-LGBTQ+ narratives that deliberately channel social tensions toward marginalized groups.
Another focus was on the international dimension. Conference participants criticized the growing aggressiveness of imperial policies and pointed to military interventions, economic sanctions, and violations of international law. The situation in Palestine was particularly highlighted: Israel was accused, in connection with its actions in Gaza, of committing genocide with the support of the United States. In this context, the conference reaffirmed the right of peoples to self-determination and declared its solidarity with struggles worldwide—from Latin America to Africa and the Middle East.
Goal: International coordinating body of antifascist forces
At the same time, it was emphasized that antifascist resistance must not remain limited to parliamentary processes or electoral campaigns, highlighting the need for comprehensive social change. The final declaration outlined concrete approaches, including expanding democratic participation, protecting labor rights, addressing the climate crisis, and implementing structural reforms such as agrarian reform and strengthening food sovereignty.
Further organizational steps were also proposed during the conference and it was decided to establish an international coordinating body of antifascist forces. In addition, further regional conferences and a second international conference are also planned. Support was also announced for various global initiatives, including protests against NATO, counter-summits to the G7, and the World Social Forum.
Perspectives from Kurdistan
Within the program, perspectives from Kurdistan and the Middle East were also presented. Representatives of the Kurdish women’s movement, together with the Academy of Democratic Modernity (ADM), presented the concept of Democratic Confederalism as a political alternative to nation-state structures and as an approach in the struggle against authoritarian developments.
The experiences from Rojava were also discussed, particularly the role of the women’s revolution as an ongoing social process. According to the speakers, this model demonstrates that alternative forms of social organization are possible that can counter authoritarian and fascist structures. The situation of PKK founder Abdullah Öcalan, as well as current developments in the peace process, were also addressed.
The final declaration concludes with a call for joint organization: “The forces fighting against the rise of the far right are diverse and pursue different approaches. Precisely for this reason, collective action is necessary.” The full final declaration is available in Portuguese at: https://antifas2026.org/
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