On June 30th, the Human Rights Council of the United Nations adopted a resolution on Youth and Human Rights, which emphasises the importance of young people’s political participation and calls for a panel on youth and human rights in the autumn at which youth organisations should be represented.

The European Youth Forum welcomes the Resolution, which as well as highlighting the role of youth organisations, emphasises the importance of giving young people real opportunities for full, effective and constructive participation in society. It also anticipates that the UN should work towards identifying and addressing the obstacles to young people enjoying their full human rights.

The Human Rights Council also points out in its Resolution that today’s generation of young people is the largest the world has ever seen and – if the challenges that are specific to young people, as well as their potential, is not addressed by policy making – then the wellbeing and livelihood of future generations will be impacted.

Stefano Beccari, Board Member of the European Youth Forum, comments:

“The Youth Forum is pleased to see youth rights being tackled at such a high level within the United Nations. Without access to their rights, young people are blocked from achieving their full potential and playing their rightful part in society. We wholeheartedly welcome the recommendation of a panel and report to further examine youth rights and it is vital that – as recommended in the resolution – youth organisations are fully involved in this.”