This Charter of Youth Rights ( CYR) is based on the principle that Human Rights to life, to freedom, to equality and to livelihood need to be contextualised for young people and for youth-hood as a unique stage in Human life. The Charter draws on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the fundamental rights framework of the Indian Constitution and the Directive Principles of State Policy to articulate youth rights and responsibilities in the Indian context.
I. Youth Rights to Equality
The right to equality under the Indian Constitution establishes equality before the law and the equal protection of all citizens under the law. For young people who are striving to build their lives and livelihoods, the Right to Equality includes :
1. The Right to access quality and affordable higher education after school.
2. The Right to access information and take decisions about their careers and jobs.
3. The Right to nutritious food and physical wellbeing, mental health and crisis support.
II. Youth Rights to Freedom
For young people whose decisions , opinions and choices are not respected or accepted by family and community the right to freedom is related to freedom to choose one’s politics and ideology, to choose a gender or sexuality, the right to choose one's life partner without fear and the right to pursue a career based on interest . The right to freedom for young people would be:
1. The Right to Freedom of thought and expression.
2. The Right to sexuality education and the Right to build relationships based on their own choices, irrespective of gender, religion and caste.
3. The Right to form student associations to fairly represent the views of students.
III. Youth Rights Against Exploitation
Young people enter the world of work without adequate education, experience or the power that comes with age and seniority. As a result youth are often under duress to accept jobs on terms that undermine dignity, with little time for rest or leisure, at wages that make survival precarious. Youth rights against exploitation are:
1. The Right to fair and safe employment and including safety during migration for work
2. The Right to form unions at the workplace or across companies for fair representation of concerns of young workers.
3. The Right against human trafficking and all forms of sexual exploitation.
IV. Youth Right to Freedom of Religion
Individuals born into particular religions and are expected to live and profess the religion of their parents for the rest of their lives. However some young people, after a process of reflection and introspection, and after examining other faiths, may wish to choose a religion aligned with their beliefs. The youth right to freedom of religion is:
1. The Right to choose and practice their faith and religion of their choice after a process of self reflection and introspection.
Please fill the form below to endorse the the Charter of Youth Rights. To read the main Charter document please click this link
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yDK4Gcxls8M9QsgJ26M9r0b89AQN_L6rus_IpwkLLGs/edit?usp=sharing