In a plea to the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Southern African Youth Solidarity Network (SAYSN) called on governments in the region to address the pressing challenges confronting young migrants.
The youth Non-governmental Organization (NGO) told SADC secretariat that political conditions are driving many young people to migrate to neighboring countries.
In a position paper on youth migration, SAYSN indicated that the grim reality of political violence, persecution, and oppressive regimes compels these youths to flee their home countries in search of safety, security, and freedom.
“Many young people are forced to migrate to neighbouring countries because of adverse political conditions at home,” partly reads the paper.
The paper revealed that the aforementioned factors include shrinking civic space, political instability, conflicts, and human rights abuse.
“These may range from shrinking civic space, political instability, conflicts, and human rights abuses. Violence, persecution, and oppressive regimes force youth to flee their home countries in search of safety, security, and freedom,” reads the paper.
To effectively tackle the issue, the youth NGO insisted that regional states must prioritize ensuring that individuals and civil society organizations are able to freely express themselves, participate in public affairs, and advocate for their fundamental rights.
It also urged governments in the region to uphold international human rights standards, review and reform laws that restrict civic space, and establish an inclusive environment that encourages youth engagement and civil society involvement.
“To address this, States should ensure individuals and civil society organizations are able to freely express themselves, participate in public affairs, and advocate for their rights.
“Governments in the region must uphold international human rights standards, repeal or reform laws that restrict civic space, and create an enabling environment for youth participation and civil society engagement,” reads the paper.
The youth NGO added that by actively promoting youth participation, safeguarding rights, and creating socioeconomic opportunities, the region can alleviate the impact of shrinking civic space and foster a more sustainable and prosperous future for its young population.
