-On Behalf of Youth in Africa-
Ladies and Gentlemen, Esteemed Delegates,
We understand that democracy and elections play a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of countries around the world. In Africa, where many nations have struggled with authoritarian leadership and political instability, the importance of democracy and fair elections cannot be overlooked. It is widely believed that democracy allows for the voice of the people to be heard and for leaders to be held accountable to their constituents. However, recent findings on Kenya’s election by the Youth Cafe (2023) showed that there was a decline of 5.17% of the registered youth in 2022 compared to the ones registered in the 2017 elections. The low youth participation was attributed to the general idea that the votes do not count in the elections, lack of trust and confidence in the political system and the youth’s unemployment issues. As such, it is important to provide meaningful economic engagements, provide improved democratic processes such as digital and free civic education and provide free and fair election processes.
We The Youth Café, a steadfast advocate for youth empowerment, human rights, and democratic values in Africa. stand here today to convey the collective voice of the youth on the African continent, addressing the esteemed assembly of the Global Democracy Coalition Forum 2024. We commend the efforts of the Global Democracy Coalition in fostering global dialogue, collaboration, and advocacy for democracy. The Forum's commitment to amplifying diverse voices and fostering regional discussions reflects a significant stride toward a more inclusive and robust global democracy agenda. We support sustainable development by promoting economic growth, social progress, environmental protection, and democracy to ensure that benefits are distributed equitably among all citizens. A democratic society values the participation and input of all its citizens, and sustainable development plays a crucial role in enabling citizens to thrive and contribute to the nation's well-being. By championing sustainability, democratic societies can foster a more inclusive and equitable environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
The Youth Café's Call to Governments:
We fervently call upon African governments to take decisive actions to bolster democracy and governance, particularly focusing on youth empowerment and inclusion. In light of recent events indicating a decline in democracy and the alarming trend of coups in some African countries, it is imperative for governments to prioritize measures that safeguard democratic principles and protectthe rights of all citizens, especially the youth. The situation of democratic decline in some countries in Africa is deeply concerning and requires urgent attention. Democratic values and institutions are essential pillars of a just and inclusive society, and any erosion of these principles poses a significant threat to peace, stability, and progress in the region. The recent coups in Africa further underscore the fragility of democratic governance and highlight the need for concerted efforts to uphold democratic norms and principles.
With several African countries scheduled to hold elections in 2024, it is a critical moment for democracy on the continent. Elections provide an opportunity for citizens to exercise their democratic rights and hold their leaders accountable. However, it is essential to ensure that these elections are free, fair, and transparent, with meaningful participation from all segments of society, including youth. We fervently call upon African governments to take decisive actions to bolster democracy and governance, particularly focusing on youth empowerment and inclusion
Our call resonates with specific and impactful measures:
Prioritize Youth Inclusion: Ensure meaningful representation of youth in political processes and decision-making bodies and create platforms for continuous dialogue between governments and youth organizations.
Invest in Digital Literacy: Allocate resources to implement comprehensive digital literacy programs for youth and foster an environment supporting responsible and informed use of technology in civic engagement.
Combat Disinformation: Collaborate with tech companies, civil society, and youth-led initiatives to counter disinformation and develop and enforce regulations that hold purveyors of misinformation accountable.
Amplify Grassroots Initiatives: Recognize and support grassroots youth-led initiatives making a positive impact on democracy and facilitate partnerships between governments, NGOs, and youth organizations to scale impactful projects.
Advocate for active inclusion of youth voices in decision-making processes and promote youth representation in key government positions to ensure their perspectives contribute to inclusive policies.
Encourage mentorship programs and capacity-building initiatives for young individuals aspiring to leadership roles and advocate for the establishment of youth-focused government initiatives addressing unique needs and aspirations.
Safeguard the right to freedom of expression for young people and oppose any measures restricting youth from expressing themselves freely, both online and offline.
Develop campaigns and initiatives encouraging young people's active participation in political processes and advocate for policies lowering the voting age, recognizing the informed perspectives of young individuals.
Integrate human rights education into school curricula to foster understanding of fundamental rights and responsibilities and empower youth-led organizations to promote a culture of respect for human rights, inclusion, and equality.
The Youth Cafe's Recommendations for Electoral Improvement:
To enhance the effectiveness of electoral processes and youth participation:
Improve Online Communication: Enhance online communication strategies targeting youth through music, sports, arts, and entertainment for voter education programs.
Encourage public–private partnerships for financing, civic education, and access to information, utilizing corporate workspaces for civic education.
Streamline the process of acquiring identity cards for youth, possibly regularizing the process, and enabling community leaders to speak on behalf of youth.
Invest in continuous and cascading digital reforms and capacity-building programs for grassroots engagement.
Capacity Building for Youth: Develop sustained capacity-building programs for party members, elected youth, and nominated representatives through mentorship and leadership programs.
Increased Budget Allocations: Increase budget allocations for the Elections Management Bodies and youth-focused Special Interest Groups (SIGs) to enhance political participation.
Foster positive attitudes, behaviors, and active agency towards democratic and governance processes, emphasizing meaningful societal governance changes.
Consolidate advocacy and activism around respect for human rights and the rule of law during elections, promoting adherence to electoral laws and international best practices.
Develop programs promoting gender inclusivity and young women's empowerment, particularly in pastoralist communities, building on successful projects.
The Youth Cafe's Global Call for Action:
Beyond regional initiatives, we call upon the international community to take the following actions:
Meaningful Participation: Ensure meaningful youth participation in decision-making processes, incorporating youth voices into policies shaping present and future human rights.
End Age-Based Discrimination: Eliminate age-based discrimination, recognizing and taking youth perspectives more seriously.
Building Communities: Provide concrete support for building global and regional networks connecting activists, defenders, and organizations, facilitating information sharing and pooling resources.
Access to Funding: Support local and global CSOs through core, accessible funding, and capacity-building with simplified administrative processes.
Capacity Building for Activists: Enhance training and capacity-building programs for young activists and defenders, ensuring awareness of HRD protection mechanisms.
Protection Policies: Advocate for the adoption and implementation of comprehensive HRD protection policies covering mental health, cyber-attacks, online threats, and conflict resolution.
Combat Disinformation and Online Threats: Strengthen support to address state-driven disinformation campaigns, misuse of social media, and counter digital surveillance and hate speech.
Address Structural Inequalities: Implement stronger measures to fight structural inequalities, gender-based discriminations.
We call upon governments across Africa to prioritize and actively engage in realizing these key priorities. By doing so, governments can contribute to the establishment of a democratic environment that is inclusive, participatory, and reflective of the diverse perspectives and aspirations of the youth. Youth Cafe remains committed to collaborating with governments to advance these priorities and collectively build a stronger democratic future for all. In conclusion, we, The Youth Cafe, and the youth of Africa, reaffirm our commitment to actively contribute to the advancement of democratic values. As we move forward, we look forward to continued collaboration within the Global Democracy Coalition, forging a path towards a more inclusive, resilient, and democratic future for Africa and the world.
Thank you for your attention and collaboration in shaping a democratic world that embraces the aspirations of the youth.