By Marjolaine Olwell, Delegation at UQAM (Montreal, QC)
This spring, a team from Rights & Democracy made up of the Democratic Development Officer, the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Officer, and the Network Coordinator, implemented a project allowing Rights & Democracy’s partners from Colombian civil society to organize a parallel event for youth at the General Assembly of the Organization of American States in Medellin to discuss democracy and human rights. As part of this initiative, two members of the Network, including the author of the article below, as well as a representative from Quebec Native Women, had the chance to take part in this unique event.
'In June 2008, Medellin, Colombia’s second largest city, was the host of the General Assembly of the Organisation of American States (OAS), and the theme this year was “Youth and Democracy”. Of course, a huge event like this inspired the organization of a parallel event – the youth movement offered some alternatives (JOEA, as it is known in Spanish) – which offered a voice to civil society which did not feel represented during this large diplomatic event, which in this case, was the voice of youth.
The Indigenous Organization of Antioquia (OIA) and the Instituto Popular de Capacitación (IPC), supported by Rights & Democracy, invited about a hundred youth from across the American continent – from Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, and Canada – to meet and listen to the realities of youth in Colombia, in Latin America, and across the Americas. The objective of the meeting was to write a common Declaration to shine light on the greatest problems facing the continent related to living conditions and democracy, and how these realities affect the daily life of youth. To come to a coherent declaration in such a short time with so many participants, the participants were divided into four groups, addressing civil and political rights, economic, social, cultural and environmental rights, the militarization of society, and the fate of indigenous peoples. The conclusions of each of the panels were then combined and submitted to the General Assembly of the OAS so that it will have the results of the thoughts of many youth from the Americas. For the participants, the event offered inspiration for the desire for change, contagious passion, inter-continental solidarity as well as personal enrichment. It also emphasized the very significant involvement of youth in human rights and social movements across Latin America, and was a reminder of their presence – as organized advocates – to political leaders. On top of that, the JOEA reminded youth from the North about the importance of solidarity with youth from the South, and how closely interconnected with them their demands are. For the three young Canadians, the experience in Colombia was a rich, intense, and unforgettable experience.'
Check out the next issue of the Network Newsletter for a video by Jean-Sébastien Marier from York University’s Glendon College, about his experience in Colombia.
