Unconstitutional changes of government are an overthrow of a constitutionally elected government. Therefore, elections are an integral aspect of the definition of UCG. Defined under article 23 of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance, in universal terms, are determined as having to be conducted with integrity if it is based on the democratic principles of universal suffrage and political equality as reflected in international standards and national constitutional and legal frameworks in which the freeness and fairness of the process are guaranteed. Its management must also reflect that constitutional and legal imperative and respect for human rights such as freedom to form political parties, freedoms of expression, association, and of the press among others.
Africa Continental Framework For Youth, Peace And Security | Strengthening The Capacity Of Young People In Peacebuilding And Conflict Prevention
It is incontrovertible that the peace and security challenges experienced in Africa from the 1990s put continental and international attention on the key roles played by young men and women in episodes of armed conflict and insecurity. Successive wars and violations of formal peace agreements and processes across the continent further heightened the attention and concern of policy institutions to the participation of youth in armed conflicts and violence. Across the divide, young people continue to constitute the core of combatants, while also representing a significant number of those affected by armed conflicts, violent extremism, banditry, violent protests and gender-based violence in Africa. For instance, in addition to disruption of education and youth-sensitive socio-economic activities, “estimates of direct conflict deaths in 2015 suggest that more than 90 percent of all casualties involved young males.”
Young People Championing Post Pandemic Futures | Policy Recommendations From The Youth Cafe
During these unprecedented times, it is more important than ever that governments, policymakers, academics, business leaders and civil society come together to find innovative ways of supporting communities and providing hope to younger generations. The pandemic has further highlighted and exacerbated the existing inequalities in our societies, with respect to access to resources, information and power dynamics. Children and young people are among the hardest hit; girls and young women in particular have been disproportionately impacted.
PRINCIPLES ON RELEVANT|EFFECTIVE SUPPORT TO MEDIA AND THE INFORMATION ENVIRONMENT
A well-functioning independent media system is critical to sustainable social and economic development, and a bulwark of peaceful, economically prosperous societies. Greater citizen engagement, stronger accountability and lower corruption are all attributable to the presence of professional news media. A vibrant news sector is also fundamental as the first line of defence against democratic backsliding and autocratisation, whose first step is often to undermine media freedom and financial viability. Credible news media provide sunlight on critical social, economic and political issues to ensure a well-informed civil society and accountability of industry and private interests
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Youth: Why it Matters
The values of diversity and inclusion are no longer just buzzwords for policy-makers, the public service, and other governmental or non-governmental institutions. When these organizations truly embody such values, it not only ensures representation of the society they serve and limits groupthink but also fosters public trust, equity, accessibility, transparency, and impartiality.
Take Action: 10 Ways You Can Help End Violence Against Women, Even During A Pandemic
The pandemic of violence against women is not new. Even before COVID-19 hit us, globally, 243 million women and girls were abused by their intimate partners in the past year. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified the violence, even as support services faltered and accessing help became harder. This year the United Nations, together with our partners, are demanding four critical actions, summarized by our 2020 campaign theme: FUND, RESPOND, PREVENT, COLLECT.
Why Is International Youth Day Important?
How do we shift our systems and mechanisms for the opportunity to support youth post-pandemic? There is a lot of collaboration and information sharing among young people and between countries. There is a borderless quality to youth engagement and activity going on right now that is exciting and offers a lot of potentials. Even though we're experiencing a pandemic, there is so much room for youth and PYD, for youth to step up and lead and articulate what kind of future they want. We need to keep this momentum going.