Advancing Youth Civic Engagement and Human Rights

Why should resources be directed to young people just on account of their age? With many countries experiencing a so-called youth bulge, the answer to this question might be based on the fact that today youth con- stitutes a significant proportion of the population of regions like Asia and Africa. However, demographics alone are not enough. A satisfactory answer should also stem from the recognition that, despite the traditional emphasis of the international development community, youth need to stop being regarded as problem.

While there is a tendency to link them to delinquency, drug use, and violence, young people are actually a key resource in their adaptability, idealism, and inventiveness. They are strategic partners for solving many of the economic, environmental, political, and social challenges that the world faces today. In this sense, youth need to stop being regarded just as subjects of rights, for they are also sub- jects of responsibilities.