Human Rights Day 2019: A day to encourage young people to stand up for Human Rights.

Young people
represent the majority of the population in most developing countries, where
they are often directly exposed to the effects of climate change, conflict, exclusion
or economic instability

But in many
parts of the world, it is still difficult for youth to be heard and to
influence decision-making processes.

In spite of
these challenges, every day, across the globe, young people stand up for rights
and against racism, hate speech, bullying and discrimination.

 On Human Rights Day, we recognize the
leadership and courageous efforts of young people to Stand Up for Human Rights.

And 71 years
after its adoption, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights continues to
serve as a fire of light for all, to come together to meet new and existing
challenges.

The United
Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works with national actors to promote a
culture of human rights with young people at the centre.

On this
Human Rights Day, let us commit to doing all that we can as individuals and
organizations, to ensure that young people have safe and inclusive spaces and
can participate in all decisions that impact on their wellbeing and their
communities’ development.

As we enter
this crucial Decade of Action for the Sustainable Development Goals, UNDP is
proud to continue to help empower young people to better know and claim their
rights, which is critical to help build a brighter, more sustainable and more
inclusive future.