2013 International Youth Day:
Youth Migration, Moving Development Forward
Join Green Cameroon and the world this year’s 12 of August in the commemoration of International Youth Day 2013. Not only will we be encouraging young people across the world to celebrate the Day by focusing on the topic of youth migration but we will be using this Day as an opportunity to join the UN to launch the 2013 World Youth Report!
On 17 December 1999, in its resolution 54/120, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed the recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth (Lisbon, 8-12 August 1998) that 12 August be declared International Youth Day.
The theme of International Youth Day 2013 is “Youth Migration: Moving Development Forward.“Young people make up a significant share of the global number of international migrants. In 2010, there were an estimated 27 million international young migrants (UNO). While migration can often offer valuable opportunities and contribute to the development of communities and society at large, it can also pose risks and lead to unacceptable situations, including discrimination and exploitation.
The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stated that; “It is important to emphasize the positive contribution young migrants make to societies of origin, transit and destination – economically and by enriching the social and cultural fabric. Most work hard to earn a living and improve their circumstances. The remittances they send to support families in their home countries are a major contributor to economies worldwide.”
This 2013, Green Cameroon holds that observance of International Youth Day will raise awareness of the opportunities and risks associated with youth migration, share knowledge and information stemming from recent research and analysis on this topic, and engage young people in discussions on their migration experiences.
Youth are recognized as one of the most mobile social groups in the context of migration – they form about 30% of international migrants (UN) Yet very little is known about the livelihood struggles and opportunities that migration presents for young migrants and other youth who are affected by migration. We need to raise awareness about the situation of these young people as well as the role of youth-led organizations in addressing migration issues!
The ILO Global Trends in Youth Labor Migration report, which presents findings from research conducted in nine different countries and at the level of two regions on the motivations and experiences of young people who leave their home countries in search of employment and the policy implications from these trends, will also be launched on this day.
We also note with concern cases of human trafficking, which have largely affected the youth especially children and young women. We urge the youth to be weary of opportunities advertised by strangers or un-registered agencies. We call upon the government to expedite the negotiation of bilateral agreements with sending and destination countries spelling out shared responsibilities and obligations with regards to migration in order to ensure the protection of the rights of migrant workers including right to equal treatment, equality of opportunity and non –discrimination. We also urge the government to adopt and enforce international standards on migration
To commemorate this Day, you as individuals are encouraged to organize events or activities in your communities. Below, are some ideas about what you can do in your community and how you can effectively spread the message:
– Educational radio or TV shows Contact popular local/national radio or TV stations to request a slot to have a discussion with distinguished individuals and youth migrants.
– Organize a public meeting or debate to discuss the risks and benefits of youth migration and the innovative ways youth can tackle the challenges of migration at the in local, national, and international level.
– Organize a Hangout to bring together young people and relevant stakeholders from all over the world to discuss experiences of youth migration.Initiate round table discussions among adults and young people to promote intergenerational understanding and partnerships on the issue of youth migration.
– Organize a youth forum to exchange ideas and discuss the social, economic and cultural backgrounds of migrants in order to help young people accept others and popularize a culture of non-violence and tolerance.
– Organize a concert on youth migration and development to promote International Youth Day. Invite your local musicians and combine it with a panel discussion or invite a politician or policy maker to hold the key note speech.
– Create an “info point” about youth migration-related issues in the center of town/village, at high schools, or at university centers.
– Organize and exhibitions; get permission to use a public space for an arts exhibit, which showcases the challenges of young migrants today or how young migrants including returnees are contributing to development at home and abroad. Try to involve young people in the domains of culture, arts and music; to raise awareness on youth migration related issues.
– Write to your minister of youth to inform him or her about the challenges young migrants, potential youth migrants and other youth face in their daily lives and to suggest solutions.
Join Green Cameroon to make an impact!
Happy International Youth Day
