AYV News, October 4, 2023
The Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) is currently collaborating with Oxfam and the ECOWAS Parliament to establish a formal ECOWAS Youth Parliament for young people in the sub-region.
According to the Chief Executive of CHRDI, Abdul M. Fatoma, the move is part of their mandate to promote citizen participation in governance and also ensure youth participation in democracy and governance in ECOWAS.
The Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA), the Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI), and the West African Youth Alliance, which includes young people from Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Burkina Faso, make up the partnership.
“Public institutions must change how they interact with youth and empower them to reach their potential to increase youth participation in public governance. Youth participation is essential for the development of inclusive, sustainable, and stable communities by 2030,” Mr. Fatoma said.
He stated that when established, the ECOWAS Youth Parliament will be the first in the African Union (AU) Community and one of the few in the world to recognise young people’s sociopolitical value beyond simple voting.
He added that the platform is intended to prepare young people for leadership positions and educate them on how to utilise their diversity to impact and expand the region.
“Youth from across ECOWAS will collaborate with the Parliament to realise the community’s vision via the ECOWAS Youth Parliament,” the CHRDI Chief Executive added.
