URI (United Religions Initiative)’s Post

The importance of youth participation in shaping policy. The future is now.

Happy International Youth Day! As UNOY Peacebuilders, we advocate for more consultative processes led by youth, for youth and non-youth actors. To celebrate International Youth Day, we are launching our brand new 'Guide on Inclusive Youth Consultations'! Within the peacebuilding field, intergenerational dialogues are increasingly seen as a consultative process for fostering lasting and sustainable peace. This shows a recognition of the importance of youth voices and perspectives in these dialogues, nonetheless youth engagement remains largely ad hoc and tokenistic without adequate preparation and meaningful follow up. Moreover, even with a tendency to over-request youth participation, there is often limited consideration of how representative these youth actors are of the group on whose behalf they speak. Oftentimes, youth actors which are consulted come from complex context and are dealing with complex issues, and therefore increased awareness about issues of inclusivity are also vital to make these dialogues more meaningful. This consultation guide aims to address these challenges and provide actionable points for actors working on these intergenerational consultation processes, taking into account their context and status. The guide also seeks more broadly to promote the idea that young actors need to be co-creators of these consultation processes rather than simply participants in the processes. 🔗 Read the guide on our website: https://lnkd.in/egg7hnwb Written by Larissa Ahanhanzo and João Souza Funded by IREX Illustrations by Menah Marleen Wellen & graphic design by @Tjade Boema. #Youth4Peace

On this extraordinary Thursday, March 21st, 2024, I am profoundly moved to celebrate Human Rights Day, a pivotal milestone in our ongoing pursuit of justice, equality, and freedom. For me, this day resonates deeply within the core of my being. Freedom and equality aren't just ideals to strive for; they're the guiding principles that shape my life. As I navigate the professional landscape and the intricacies of the workplace, advocating for these fundamental rights remains not only a passion but a personal commitment. Today, more than ever, I am reminded of the importance of standing up for what is right and just, both in my own life and in society as a whole. Tracing its origins back to the first Human Rights Day observed in South Africa, we are reminded of a pivotal moment in history. South Africa’s Human Rights Day commemorates the Sharpeville Massacre of 1960, a tragic event where 69 peaceful protesters were killed by apartheid police forces. This day not only marks the struggle against apartheid and the fight for civil liberties in South Africa but also symbolizes the universal quest for human dignity and freedom. Human Rights Day isn't just about remembering; it's an invitation to join hands in making a difference! It's an opportunity for all, particularly the #youth, to play an active role in creating a world where every person's rights and dignity are respected and honored. Let us carry the message of Human Rights Day in our hearts and actions, today and every day, as a reminder of our shared humanity and our collective responsibility to each other, fueling a never-ending quest to create societies where freedom, respect, and dignity flourish. #history #southafrica #humanrights #equality

The voices of diverse #youngpeople impacted by #warinUkraine need to be heard both in response to the ongoing #humanitarian response but also across all reconstruction and recovery efforts. Plan International calls for the participation of young people in all local, national and international decision making processes relating to #Ukraine. Listen here to why youth inclusion is so important. Plan International East and Central Europe #youthvoices #youthempowerment #youthpeacesecurity #warinukraine

I believe that youth to youth cooperation can be a gamechanger. Backed by United Nations Youth initiatives like : 1. WPAY -  World Programme of Action for Youth under the authority of United Nations General Assembly and United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs provides a policy framework and practical guidelines for national action and international support to improve the situation of young people around the world. 2. #Youth2030 - The United Nations Youth Strategy aims to empower young people to realize their full potential and actively contribute to sustainable development, human rights, peace and security. 3. Generation Unlimited - launched by UNICEF , their mission is to unleash the full potential of the world's 1.8 billion young people. By providing them with the right skills and opportunities, they can be at the forefront of creating a better, more equitable world. Campaigns like "Not Too Young to Run" led by Yiaga Africa and adopted by the UN, African Union and ECOWAS Commission play a crucial role in promoting youth engagement in politics, empowering young leaders, and ensuring that political systems are inclusive and representative of all age groups.

Human Rights Day - South Africa As the sun rises on Human Rights Day in South Africa, we pause to reflect on the sacrifices made and the battles fought for dignity, equality, and justice. Today, we honour those whose names may not always be heard but whose legacies resonate deeply in our collective consciousness. In the quiet of this day, let us remember the countless individuals who have courageously stood up against oppression and injustice. From iconic leaders to ordinary citizens, their names are etched into the fabric of our nation's history. Their names is not just an act of remembrance; it is a commitment to carrying forward their unfinished work. We acknowledge the strides we've made towards a more inclusive and equitable society. Yet, we also recognise the persistent challenges that continue to undermine the rights and dignity of many. It's a moment to reflect on how far we've come and how far we still have to go. As we we move forward, let's recommit ourselves to the ongoing struggle for justice. Let's pledge to amplify the voices of the marginalised, to challenge systems of oppression, and to ensure that the principles of human rights are upheld in every corner of our nation. Today, as we remember their names, we are the champions of change they envisioned— for a South Africa where every individual is treated with dignity, respect, and equality. We remember the past, reflect on the present, and resiliently move towards a future where we all can live with dignity and freedom. Happy Human Rights Day South Africa! #HumanRightsDay #SouthAfrica #SayTheirNames #Justice #Equality

Today, I had an honour to speak at the United Nations #SummitofTheFuture Action Days event in with over 400 participants dubbed #YouthLead : Governance in human rights, peace and security and political processes organized by Club de Madrid Education Above All Foundation Major Group for Children and Youth My Life My Say United Nations Human Rights UNDP UNESCO, UN Youth Office. My Recommendations: ✔️Young people to create alliances & networks with youth organizations, students movements , civil society organizations as well as Intergenerational spaces to gather support to address human rights challenges. ✔️The United Nations 🇺🇳 to reinforce capacities of youth in human rights advocacy and participation in decision making processes using existing resources such as the youth advocacy rights toolkits launched as a Youth Empowerment System. ✔️States should include human rights and civic education as an integral part of their education systems. #OurCommonFuture #SummitOfTheFuture #UNGA

📣 It's the European Youth Week! Let's use this opportunity to highlight the importance of investing in youth and creating opportunities for young people to participate and develop into active citizens. We asked youth workers why youth should be included! 🎯 --- Follow our EGL in Action series to learn how good practices in local youth work create change and support youth participation and active citizenship in Europe. #localyouthwork #europegoeslocal #europeanyouthweek

📢 "Our main call for governments and civil society is to include #youth in their discussions, in their actions and in their implementation plans, to make sure we are targeting the most vulnerable communities around the world, since 31% of all international migrants worldwide are under 30," says Aryan Sanghrajka, Youth Rapporteur and member of the Migration Youth & Children Platform, at the 14th Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) Summit. 📚 "Young people face structural barriers in terms of access to education and basic services when they go into new communities. They are often excluded from implementation plans, for example, or the provision of language, aid, or services. It's so crucial to include them because they are not only tomorrow, but also today. They have solutions and innovations to global challenges, which they are already implementing in local communities." 🤝 "If we can work together through spaces like the GFMD and connect young people with decision makers, policymakers and across mechanisms and sectors, then we can create a better world for all together." Aryan was interviewed during the Civil Society Preparatory Meeting to the 14th GFMD Summit, which took place in Geneva, Switzerland, on 22 January 2024. 👇 Watch the full interview #CSGFMD14 #CSRoadtoGeneva #GFMD14

Am late to the party but it is said better late than never. I would like to appreciate and celebrate Africa Human Rights Day, as it is celebrated annually on October 21st. On this day, we commemorate the adoption of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) and reflect on the progress made in promoting and protecting human rights across the continent. Africa Human Rights Day arrives at a time when the world, and Africa in particular, continues to face significant challenges in the areas of human rights, governance, and socio-economic stability. The theme of this year’s observance, its a time we reflect and reaffirm the continent’s commitment to addressing inequalities that continue to hinder the full realization of human rights for all. This day marks an opportunity to reflect on the progress made and the challenges that remain in achieving equality and justice in Africa, as enshrined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights. As we celebrate Africa Human Rights Day 2024, let this event day be a rallying cry for collective action to reduce inequalities and advance human rights across the continent. Governments, regional bodies, civil society, and international partners must work together to: Strengthen the enforcement of human rights laws and policies that promote equality. Provide platforms for marginalized voices to be heard and included in governance and decision-making processes. Foster inclusive development that leaves no one behind, ensuring that all Africans, regardless of gender, socioeconomic status, or geographic location, have equal access to rights and opportunities.