Summary

The present report is submitted pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 51/11 and General Assembly resolution 77/215. In the report, the Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order, Livingstone Sewanyana, focuses on the opportunities and challenges faced by youth in participating and engaging in intergovernmental forums. The Independent Expert explores promising practices and the need for young people to be involved internationally, both in terms of engagement in the public sphere in decision-making processes and in the civic space as young human rights defenders.

The Independent Expert also makes recommendations to address those challenges, in particular concerning the economic, social and political empowerment of youth, promoting the role of youth in local and international decision-making structures and processes, and adopting laws and strategies that enhance the presence and participation of youth in various areas that affect their future.