Strengthening the capacities of youth leaders and activists for democracy to play an active role in the democratic future of the country is essential to enable positive change and hope in Belarus. Youth participation in decision-making processes improves their quality and effectiveness and strengthens democratic institutions, as underscored in the Reykjavik Summit Declaration.
Supporting Belarusian youth is an investment in the democratic future and the stability of the European continent. These were some of conclusions from the exchange with members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) on revitalising democracy in Belarus with and for young people, which was organised as a side event to the PACE spring session on 17 April.
“Democratic Belarus, when it comes to the Council of Europe youth sector, is already a part of the organisation," stated Matjaž Gruden, Director for Democracy, citing the membership of the Belarusian National Youth Council (RADA) in the Advisory Council on Youth. He also emphasised in his opening remarks the importance of youth involvement in strengthening democratic processes and institutions, a point echoed in the Reykjavik Summit Declaration.
Assembly member Kimmo Kiljunen (Finland, SOC) outlined the steps taken by the Assembly to increase the participation of the Belarusian democratic forces in the work and activities of the Assembly. This included the regular presence of Belarusian democratic forces at the Assembly part-sessions, and their own/dedicated office in the Council of Europe.
Marharyta Vorykhava, Vice-Chair of the Advisory Council on Youth and Chairperson of RADA, underlined that half of the political prisoners in Belarus were young people. She added that young Belarusians never experienced democracy and were living in a state of constant fear and insecurity, knowing that not only they but their friends and family members could be persecuted. “By standing with Belarusian youth, we not only support a fight for a democratic future but also contribute to broader European stability. Investing in youth and building their capacity for leadership and innovation is essential for the continued strength and vitality of the European community,” Vorykhava concluded.
The event was a part of the Council of Europe Youth Department's overall efforts to strengthen the capacity of Belarusian youth leaders and activists for democracy and bring the concerns and priorities of Belarusian youth closer to political decision-makers.
The Youth Department activities are implemented in the context of the work of the Council of Europe Contact Group on Co-operation with Representatives of Belarusian Democratic Forces and Civil Society and its action plan to support civil society and democratic representatives in their efforts to bring the human rights standards of the Council of Europe to Belarus.
