Young people have the right to be involved in the democratic structures and processes of the societies, they live in. They have the right to have their voice heard and to make their own decisions on issues that may have a direct or indirect impact on their lives. In practical terms this means that young people should be recognised as actors of the society who have rights and responsibilities. In the 21st century, young people have many privileges which allow them to have diverse experiences, ideas, skills and talents; unique resources for communities and for society.
The Council of Europe Congress has long been committed to promoting the active participation of young people in civic life as a means of securing social cohesion and anchoring democratic principles in a society based on respect for human rights. This approach was borne out by the adoption of the European Charter on the participation of young people in municipal and regional life in 1992. The Charter was revised in 2003 at the request of the young participants in a conference on “Young people – actors in their towns and regions”, organised by the Congress in Cracow (Poland) in March 2002 to mark the Charter’s 10th anniversary.
The Revised Charter is divided into 3 parts:
- Part I contains a review of 13 different policy areas – such as health, urban environment, education, etc. – and suggests a number of concrete measures that can provide the necessary support for young people’s involvement in their communities.
- Part II explores ideas and tools that can be used by local and regional authorities to enhance youth participation such as training, information services, information and communication technologies, youth organisations, etc.
- Part III concentrates on institutional participation and the sort of structures to support the Participation of Young People. These may include youth councils, youth parliaments or youth forums which, for example, should be permanent structures composed of elected or appointed representatives, should give young people direct responsibility for projects and influencing policies, and so on.
To read the full text of the Revised Charter please click here: HERE
“Have Your Say!”
According to the Charter, participation is about having the right, the means, the space and the opportunity and, where necessary, the support to participate in and influence decisions and engage in actions and activities so as to contribute to building of a better society. The manual “Have your say!” is an educational and practical tool to support local and regional authorities, youth organisations and young people to making that right.
You can read more here: (Brochure and Manual)
If you have any question please fill the form: https://goo.gl/forms/ursuGdxabY97emGI2
More info: HERE