Havana, August 11 (RHC) -- The First Secretary of the Young Communist League, the UJC, Yuniasky Crespo, said that Cuban young people will mark International Youth Day, on August 12th, with a full program of cultural and political activities.

In statements to the Cuban News Agency, Crespo, who is also member of the Cuban Communist Party’s Central Committee and of the Council of State, said that Cuban youth have many reasons to celebrate the date despite the realities of today’s world such as violence, poverty, war and exclusion.

The first thoughts will be for the people of Palestine, who are being subjected to Israeli aggression, said the youth leader who also referred to other human rights currently being violated by many around the world.

She also pointed to the opening in Nicaragua of the 17th Latin American and Caribbean Student Congress. It is also good to recall the establishment of International Youth Day by the UN General Assembly in 1999, said Crespo.

August 12th celebrations will take place throughout the island. In Havana, several cultural and sports activities will open the agenda in the morning, while in the evening a photo exhibit will mark the 88th birthday of Revolution leader Fidel Castro –- celebrated on August 13th -- followed by a music concert by renowned local musicians.