explore their potential at all levels; and collectively call for young people’s
participation and meaningful engagement in decision making at all levels of
governance.
In the case of Zimbabwe, the underlying message of the theme is fundamental as the
country prepares for the 2018 harmonised elections. Historically there is a strong link
between elections and political violence in Zimbabwe, and youths have been used as
instruments for propagating electoral violence, either as instigators and/or
perpetrators. This regrettable legacy of violence has worked negatively for the young
people and limited opportunities for their development and contributed to the
perception of youth as political troublemakers. As a result Zimbabwean youth stand
stigmatized for bearing the majority of the social and political sins. Political parties
engage them to participate in political violence or ad hoc activities such as
demonstrations or mobilisation of citizens. In the end they gain nothing and are
disenfranchised from political processes.
As we commemorate Africa Human Rights Day, we invite all young people to reflect
deeply on their own value and take steps to reclaim their dignity. Instead of being
used as tools by political leaders, youths must become champions for the protection of
human rights and work for real empowerment not political bribes that come at
election times for the few, while the majority continue to languish in poverty.
In view of the 2018 elections, the Forum calls upon all political parties to treat the
youth of this country with respect, value and dignity to enable them to live up to their
full potential and for the nation to harvest the full demographic divided. We further
call upon the Government of Zimbabwe to put in place mechanisms to ensure the
protection of the youth against any form of violence during the 2018 elections.
Youths are key stakeholders in the attainment of a country’s goals, aspirations and
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Forum members
Amnesty
InternationalZimbabwe
Catholic
Commission
for
Justice and Peace in Zimbabwe
Civic Education and Network
Trust (CIVNET)
Counselling Services Unit
Gays
and
Lesbians
Zimbabwe
Justice for Children
of