Social and economic rights
For many young people, the journey to becoming independent is not easy.
They often face particular challenges that can have a harmful effect on their wellbeing, quality of life and financial stability.
For example, young generations are much more likely to experience unemployment, precarious working conditions and poverty.
The European Youth Forum stands up for all young people’s right to a quality job, social protection, decent housing, and access to mental and physical health services.
What needs to happen?
- Decision-makers must ensure that all young people have the right to stable, meaningful employment with decent working conditions, including fair remuneration, quality training and learning content.
- Decision makers should ensure young people have access to welfare, housing, education and social assistance. Social protection must be fair and allow a life of dignity above the poverty line.
- Decision-makers must ensure a future of work where all young people’s social and economic rights are met and the realities of young people are reflected in all discussions on this important issue.
Our must read!
Young people were disproportionately affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Our research, Beyond Lockdown: the 'pandemic scar' on young people is based on the findings of a survey of 4,500 young people across Europe as well as focus groups to get more detailed feedback from young people on their experiences.
Related news and publications
Calling for access to education, civic space and funding for young people and youth organisations in Türkiye
The European Youth Forum and our member organisations urge the government to strengthen access to education and adequate housing, civic space and funding for young people and youth organisations in Türkiye.
Mainstreaming youth rights in the UN human rights mechanisms
This paper analyses the extent in which young people’s rights are accounted for under three of the UN’s human rights mechanisms: the Universal Periodic Review, the UN Treaty Bodies, and the UN Special Procedures.
Making Digitalisation Work for Young People
Young people today are the first generation to have most of their lives reflected in online data, raising concerns about privacy, safety and wellbeing.