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Angela S. Bushati
decision making and how they help youth in order to promote youth participation and
agency. Moreover, it would be interesting to question youth opinions and experiences
and especially from youth who do not come from privileged circumstances or youth
belonging to specific communities such as Roma Youth. Social factors such as gender,
ethnicity, class etc. play an important role also in different degrees that youth might
exercise their rights or have knowledge more specifically about participation. In some
regions, where income is very small and patriarchal forms of family are still existent,
possibilities for youth to participate still remain very limited. On the other hand, it should
be mentioned that although the notion of participation seems quite ubiquitous and it
appears on all levels of concern from most policy makers and stake holders, it should
not be forgotten that the way it is implemented and put to life on the ground, is really
what makes the difference. Therefore, youth participation should not just be considered
but also practiced through youth directly, by giving them access to resources and be
granted a “carte blanche”, as well as power to act.
Conclusion
The UN does indeed take under consideration youth participation, but nevertheless
better attention should be provided by state parties and stakeholders towards the en-
forcement and the promotion of young people’s right to participation. As all other youth
rights, the right to participation is crucial and should not be ignored, since this right is
deeply related and works along with all other rights. If the right to participation is not
taken under consideration, the voice of youth will not be heard and the opportunity to
understand their needs and their best interest will not be put to life. In addition, it should
be well considered that adults needs to learn how to leave space and cooperate more
closely with young people in order to allow them to change their realities and make an
impact in their environments. Youth organisations are a good form of youth participation
since they allow young spirits to discover new solutions in a creative and collaborative
way and achieve new skills and knowledge by exercising practical participation in deci-
sion making processes.
In conclusion, what should be considered the most, is the lack of knowledge and infor-
mation given to youth in general regarding their rights and how they can bring change
into their realities. This needs to be improved, probably by better training of both parents
and teachers, but also a greater awareness of the right to participation in the society in
general.
