Democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights are bedrocks of resilient and peaceful societies. For this to be applicable, there is a need for inclusive participation in building this political culture. This year’s theme on the International Day for Democracy, celebrated annually on the 15th of September, is centered on: Empowering the Next Generation.

Youth empowerment is a process that involves the young population in decision making, within a community or state. Youths have the voice, capacity and ability to bring about significant change in various sectors, and when presented with an avenue to make their voices heard, they ignite the flame of their power towards the development of society.

The international community has an important role to play promoting youth empowerment in decision making and reaffirms its commitment to youth participation through the UN General Assembly resolution 58/133, which reiterates

“the importance of the full and effective participation of youths and youth organizations at the local, regional, national and international levels in promoting and implementing the World Programme of Action and in evaluating the progress achieved and the obstacles encountered in its implementation”.

The UN Secretary General’s Remarks to the General Assembly High Level Meeting on Youths, 2011 states that:

“…The United Nations is doing a considerable amount to invest in youths. We are acquiring knowledge and best practices about the issues affecting young people today. And we are making greater efforts to engage youths in our negotiating and decision-making processes. Still, I do not think we have gone nearly far enough …”

As international establishments continue to foster youth initiatives through inclusivity and empowerment, youths face challenges at the national level, mostly in developing countries like building trust and sustainable relationships with institutions that promote development. What role does civil society play as key actors in enhancing democracy and promoting youth empowerment in addressing these issues?

CHRDA (Center for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa) is a well-known organization for promoting, protecting and enhancing the respect of human rights and democracy in Africa. For the past years, we have worked closely with other organizations and state institutions to promote youth participation in civic engagement and political processes, at the municipal, regional and national levels. Youth empowerment includes creating a space where youths can share their thoughts and represent their communities in decision making.

In partnership with Elections Cameroon (ELECAM), CHRDA has continuously engaged in the mobilization of young people for voter’s registration, this activity is geared towards creating a sense of awareness amongst young people, that they can create change through decision making by voting and engaging in politics.

Through the Civil Service Peace program by GIZ (Gesellschaft fϋr Internationale Zusammenarbeit), CHRDA has implemented a project, strengthening civic engagement of youths in the Southwest region aimed at promoting civil society cooperation and active participation of young people in social processes as a contribution to the prevention of violence and enhance peacebuilding in Cameroon through mentoring and capacity building.

CHRDA continues to promote youth engagement in strengthening social processes, through civic engagement, political participation and leadership roles, in amplifying youth voices and Democracy in Cameroon.

CHRD is an affiliate of ISHR in Cameroon.