RightsCon Tunis 2019

Across the developing world, and the Middle East and Africa in particular, young people typically make up 70% of the population. Yet they are largely excluded from public discourse. In this session we will explore ways to create alternative civic spaces in the digital realm that give young people a platform where they can freely express their needs and views. Participants will discuss how feedback can be channelled to decision makers and influencers in some of the most fragile settings, with our case studies from Yemen, Libya and Burundi. We will highlight best practices, discuss challenges and brainstorm ways to overcome them. These examples will provide context for conversation with the participants on how they approach the problem of shrinking civic spaces. Through interactive dialogue with the audience, we will develop a set of specific suggestions to inform strategies going forward. These strategies will include implementing methodologically sound surveys, adopting ethical codes to govern data collection and publication, and developing evidence on youth needs, aspirations, and behaviours for advocacy with influencers.