HRC54: Joint Statement of the Republic of Lithuania, on behalf of a group of countries, on Youth participation in decision-making process
Updated 2023-10-04
Youth participation in decision-making process.
Thank you, Mr. President,
I have the honour to deliver this Joint statement on behalf of 54 countries.
Finding solutions to modern challenges requires the involvement of everyone. There are 1.8 billion young persons worldwide. They represent a substantial part of our societies, and they should be involved in decision-making regarding their future.
As stated in the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, every person should participate actively in the realization of their fundamental human rights and freedoms. We welcome the efforts by the OHCHR and Member States to include youth participants, including adolescent girls, in the work of the Human Rights Council – it is important to hear their voices and take their opinions into account.
To further strengthen their active and meaningful engagement and representation in decision-making processes on local and global levels, we invite States to take additional actions to:
• Support capacity-building programs for young leaders, particularly for adolescent girls, equipping them with the skills and knowledge required for effective participation in decision-making processes.
• Foster platforms that enable intergenerational dialogue, allowing youth to collaborate with experienced policymakers and experts in shaping policies that impact their future.
• Consider ensuring direct youth input into human rights discussions and resolutions.
• Promote research and data collection on youth perspectives and experiences, providing evidence-based insights to guide policymaking.
• Encourage Member States to enact legislation and policies that protect the right of young people to participate in decision-making without discrimination or exclusion on any grounds.
In conclusion, we firmly believe that full and meaningful participation of all young persons is essential for the advancement of human rights and freedoms. By investing in and empowering our youth, we pave the way for a brighter and more inclusive future for all.
I thank you.
List of co-sponsors:
1. Andorra
2. Armenia
3. Austria
4. Belgium
5. Bulgaria
6. Bolivia (The Plurinational State of)
7. Canada
8. Croatia
9. Costa Rica
10. Colombia
11. Cyprus
12. Czechia
13. Denmark
14. Ecuador
15. Estonia
16. El Salvador
17. Finland
18. France
19. Georgia
20. Germany
21. Greece
22. Hungary
23. Iceland
24. Ireland
25. Italy
26. Japan
27. Kazakhstan
28. Latvia
29. Lithuania
30. Luxembourg
31. Malaysia
32. Malta
33. Mexico
34. Mongolia
35. Montenegro
36. Morocco
37. Netherlands (The Kingdom of)
38. North Macedonia
39. Norway
40. Panama
41. Peru
42. Poland
43. Portugal
44. Republic of Korea
45. Romania
46. Slovakia
47. Slovenia
48. Spain
49. Sweden
50. Thailand
51. Timor Leste
52. Ukraine
53. United Kingdom
54. Vanuatu
