European Youth Forum adopts six resolutions

The European Youth Forum’s member organisations agreed on several resolutions at the Council of Members meeting this week (27th -28th November) in Madrid.

The six resolutions passed are:

“Now more than ever: together for diversity, peace and respect”

Following the terrorist attacks in Paris and around the world, now is the time to stand up for the universal human values that build all free, open and democratic societies. The Youth Forum calls for a response that does not answer violence with violence. The Youth Forum condemns all forms of xenophobic crimes, violence, terror, hate-speech and discrimination.

The resolution also reminds policymakers that youth organisations contribute to the fight against social exclusion. The Youth Forum calls on the European Union and its member states to make it easier to facilitate inclusion by youth work and youth exchanges by building up external structures that provide expertise to youth organisations and youth workers on how to prevent young people being tempted by violent extremism.

“Climate matters: The vision of European Youth for COP21”In the context of the ongoing global climate change negotiations, the European Youth Forum is calling on governments to commit to immediate action and an ambitious and binding agreement to adequately mitigate and adapt to climate change in a way that truly involves young people. Read more about the resolution here.

“Protection and Integration of Young Refugees in Europe”One in every 122 people worldwide is now either a refugee, internally displaced or seeking asylum, according to UNHCR. Nearly half of refugees worldwide are children. The crisis at hand demands swift cooperation that aims to ensure a respect for human, children and youth rights.

Youth organisations play an important role in creating an inclusive society and empowering young people to become active citizens. The Youth Forum agreed on a list of specific calls to action that focus on the precarious situation facing many minors. The Youth Forum calls for, among other things, a common EU policy on asylum, the abolition of detention of young and minor refugees and the establishment of a civil, European sea rescue operation.

“Students at Risk”

Dictatorships and fascist regimes often use expulsion from higher-education as a tool to silence the voices of students who stand up for human rights, democracy and freedom of speech. The Youth Forum agreed to support the “Students at Risk” programme, which aims to help students who have been expelled from higher education institutions for such reasons. It gives them the opportunity to finish their studies in another country. The Youth Forum believes it is important to see this programme introduced at EU level through Erasmus+.

“Better access to EU funding for youth organisations”The Youth Forum member organisations agreed that together the platform must prioritise advocacy for investing in youth organisations and young people in the coming year. 2016 will be a crucial year with several important opportunities to strengthen youth organisations including an interim evaluation of Erasmus+ and a review of the 2014-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework.

“A framework for the next Structured Dialogue cycle: Enabling All Young People to Engage in a Diverse, connected and inclusive Europe”

Youth participation in society is a necessary way to prevent social exclusion, and the Structured Dialogue is one way that European institutions are trying to encourage this. Structured Dialogue is a tool that provides young people with the opportunity to discuss their priorities for youth policy and to assess current policies. The Youth Forum calls for a focus on promoting the development of skills essential for young people to actively participate in society.