Youth Advocacy for Peace: A Human Rights Lens on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
The European Youth Forum, the democratic platform of over 100 youth organisations, representing over 40 million young people across Europe, is strongly rooted in the values of human rights, intercultural understanding, peace and solidarity. As advocates for human rights and peace, we underscore the vital role of young people and youth organisations in conflict transformation, aligning our stance with the principles of the UN Security Council Resolution 2250 (2015) and 2419 (2018) on Youth, Peace and Security.
The conflict between Israel and Palestine has reached unprecedented levels since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
In light of these events, the European Youth Forum is in need of expressing it's profound concern with the situation, especially regarding the human rights crisis experienced by so many young people.
Related publications
The situation of youth organisations across Europe
Youth Organisations across Europe are facing an increasingly challenging situation. Political and economic circumstances are leading to shrinking civic spaces and therefore a shrinking chance of youth organisations to fulfil their purpose and represent the voice of young people. Read the motion to find out which of the European Youth Forum's members have been impacted and how, as well as what we commit to internally as part of our Strategic Plan and what we call for externally.
Protecting civil society and civic spaces in Georgia
In March 2023, the Government of Georgia initiated work on a legislative proposal on “foreign agents” that would have forced civil society organisations to be registered as being under foreign influence should they be receiving funding from sources outside of the country. As Georgia initiated negotiations for EU membership merely 6 months ago, this underscores how fragile Democracy and the Rule of Law are in our societies and how civic spaces must be protected tirelessly every day, everywhere.
Empowering Youth Voices: Defending Democracy and European Values
We cannot deny the European Union and its values are facing threats from both inside and outside. The European Youth Forum is committed to actively speaking out against these threats and protecting the values of intercultural understanding, democracy, respect, diversity, human rights, active citizenship, and solidarity.