PROTECTING THE RIGHTS OF YOUTH IN CRISIS
How Are Young People Around The World Standing Up For Their Rights In Times Of Crisis And Shaping Protection Systems That Work For Them?
Climate change hazards, disease outbreaks, and conflicts are causing forced displacement across African communities, resulting in escalating humanitarian needs and rights protection challenges in crisis settings. As youth responders and human rights advocates, we know that in times of crisis, young people, especially young women, face the greatest protection risks.
The 2023 youth-led vulnerability assessments conducted in Ethiopia, Nigeria, Uganda, and Zimbabwe under ActionAid International’s Youth in Crisis programme revealed critical insights. These assessments aimed to:
- Understand young people’s awareness of their rights to protection in fragile contexts.
- Explore their ability to manage multiple intersecting risks.
- Identify pathways for young people, particularly young women, to realize their rights and build resilience in crisis-prone environments.
These findings emphasize the need for integrated responses that recognize diverse experiences and intersectional vulnerabilities, empowering young people to advocate for systemic change.