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Youth Forum at the UN Human Rights Council

5.GENERAL INTRODUCTION

Introduction:

Don’t miss your opportunity to participate in the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva this June.

The HRC constitutes one of the most important international mechanisms responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe. The World YWCA, with support of partners, is convening the 2nd Youth Forum prior to the 35th HRC in Geneva, in June 2017. If you’re a young man or young woman who is passionate about human rights and active and interested in advancing knowledge, influencing policy and amplifying youth voices and leadership on Human Rights, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

If you are selected to participate, you will join 150 young people from around the world for a week of discussion, debate and learning how to engage with HRC processes.  As a participant in the Youth Forum, you will not only discuss global issues concerning young people, but also help draft a declaration to be presented during HRC 35. 

The Youth Forum provides as a unique opportunity to represent young voices in your country and to gain valuable experience that you can use to pursue your commitment and passion for young people’s rights when you return home.

Scholarships for young people from specific countries

There are scholarships to attend the HRC for young men and young women from specific countries. If you wish to apply for a scholarship to attend the HRC, you must be between 18 and 29 years old on 1 June, 2017. You must also complete the application form and send it to the World YWCA by 5 April 2017. You must be available to arrive in Geneva latest on 1 June and depart on 8 June. 

Please note that scholarships are available to young men and young women who are citizens of and living in the following countries only: Benin, Malawi, Uganda, Bangladesh, India, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Ukraine, Romania and Colombia. If you are citizen and living in one of these countries, you are eligible to apply.

Scholarships will cover the following expenses:

  • Airfare to Geneva and back to your home country
  • Your accommodation in Geneva
  • Your meals and transport in Geneva
  • Health insurance during your stay in Geneva
  • Reimbursement of fees for your Swiss visa

Note that if you are not selected for a scholarship, you may still attend the HRC Youth Forum, but you will be responsible for any costs associated with your participation, including visa, transportation, and accommodation. 
Criteria for Selection to participate in the HRC

For all participants:

  • The ability to speak on behalf of  young people and the critical issues young people face  in your  country along with a  creative desire to learn and contribute to the dialogue and sessions of the Youth Forum and Human Rights Council.
  • A willingness to make presentations, create messages on social media, write blogs, facilitate and act as a scribe.
  • A strong commitment and dedicated passion to achieve human rights for young people, in  particular young women's rights and leadership.
  • A good working knowledge of either English or French (oral and written) is essential. 
  • You must be between 18 and 29 years of age on 1 June 2017.
  • Knowledge of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the connections and ability to work in your country on achieving the SDGs
  • A commitment to talk and follow up action back in your country
  • A commitment to participate in pre Human Rights Council consultations and online dialogues.

Additional criteria for scholarship participants:
  • You must be a citizen and live in your country (see list above under “Scholarships for young people from certain countries”)
  • You must be available to be in Geneva between 1 and 8 June, 2017

Deadline for application: Wednesday 5 April, 2017                       

Please Use English, or French Language (une version française est disponible sur demande à programme@worldywca.org ) 
A completed application should include
  • Responses to three critical questions and a motivational message
  • Current biography following the guidelines in the application form
  • One reference letter to be emailed to programme@worldywca.org by 5 April - with subject line: HRC Youth Forum application - reference letter - Full name - Country

This application form must be typed and submitted online (or hard copy by request at programme@worldywca.org) and completed in full. Note that we are not able to consider incomplete applications.

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