Summary
States should pursue policies encouraging the participation of the youth in public affairs and decision-making processes affecting them.
Election Parts
Issues
Criteria
- The state took proactive measures to promote voting by the broadest pool of eligible voters and ensure votes cast were counted
- Citizens were able to participate in public affairs through political parties and nongovernmental organizations
- The right to participate in public affairs was protected, including during the boundary delimitation process
- The state took the steps necessary to give effect to rights during voter education
- Voter registration promoted universal suffrage
Quotes
- State Parties acknowledge the need to eliminate discrimination against girls and young women according to obligations stipulated in various international, regional and national human rights conventions and instruments designed to protect and promote women's rights. In this regard, they shall: (...) b) Ensure that girls and young women are able to participate actively, equally and effectively with boys at all levels of social, educational, economic, political, cultural, civil life and leadership, as well as scientific endeavours.
- State Parties shall take the following measures to promote active youth participation in society: They shall: a) Guarantee the participation of youth in parliament and other decision-making bodies in accordance with the prescribed laws; b) Facilitate that creation or strengthening of platforms for youth participation in decision-making at local, national, regional, and continental levels of governance; c) Ensure equal access of young men and young women to participate in decision-making and in fulfilling civil duties.
- The following principles should be applied in all policies and activities concerning young people: (…) Participation: recognising that all young people are a resource to society, all policies and activities concerning young people should uphold young people's right to participate in the development, implementation and follow-up of policies affecting them by means of meaningful participation of young people and youth organisations. In this context, policies should be built in recognition of the changes brought about by digital communication affecting democratic and civic participation.
- The Council of the European Union and the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council invite Member States and the European Commission, within their respective fields of competence, to: - Encourage and promote inclusive democratic participation of all young people in society and democratic processes; - Actively engage young people, youth organisations and other organisers of youth work in the development, implementation and evaluation of policies affecting the lives of young people on local, regional, national and European level.
- The Council of the European Union and the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council invite Member States and the European Commission, within their respective fields of competence, to: (...) - Explore and promote the use of innovative and alternative forms of democratic participation, e.g. digital democracy tools and facilitate access in order to support youth participation in democratic life and engage young people in an inclusive way, whilst being aware that some young people do not have access to the internet and digital technologies, or the skills to use them.