By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Terming the Draft Youth Policy as a “Piecemeal that still lack a comprehensive approach to the challenges faced by younger generations”, the Meghalaya Peoples Human Rights Council (MPHRC) has stressed that human rights based approach must be integrated in the Policy prepared by the Directorate of Sport & Youth Affairs.
“In recent years, young people have taken to the streets passionately demanding their fundamental human rights – in many instances at great personal risk,” Secretary General MPHRC Dino D.G. Dympep noted. “For the Youth Policy to be successful, its outcome must ensure that explicit human rights safeguards are in place.”
“Young people are critical stakeholders in all aspects of development, and their energy, motivation and vision are essential assets for positive social change.
In recent years, there has been increased recognition that young people must be placed at the very centre of the development agenda. However, we have much ground left to cover if we are to ensure that young people are not only ‘considered’, but have the opportunity to participate as equal partners in decision-making and action at all levels” said Dino D. G. Dympep.
“The present Draft therefore still needs cross-sectoral, comprehensive and long-term vision coupled with Action Plans before the Cabinet approval, since affirmative thought of what the youth really wants has not really been communicated in as articulate or in as powerful, a way that should be prepared keeping in mind that young people are a major human resource for development.’’