During the 27th session of the UN Human Rights Council ( September 8 to 26 , 2014) IIMA and VIDES have contributed to the Periodic Review of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Costa Rica and Nicaragua with a Joint Oral Statement for each country during the  item 6 ( Universal Periodic Review , UPR consideration of outcomes ) . Also presented was another oral statement on the empowerment of young people (Youth Empowerment: a human rights perspective) during Item 8 (General Debate on Follow Up) . The latter was a response to the recent side event (Youth Empowerment: a Human Rights perspective, March 11, 2014) on the situation of young people in the world, co -sponsored by 25 states and by the UNOHCHR .

As for the statement on the UPR of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica and Nicaragua, IIMA and VIDES took the opportunity to express satisfaction in seeing that these countries accepted most of the recommendations relating to the protection of children’s rights, young people and women; especially those most vulnerable (migrants and Indigenous people). Recommendations were given that they put remedies and measures in place in order to combat violence against women and children, promote the right to education for all and protect the rights of children especially the ones living in the most difficult situations (those in the street, migrants, indigenous and rural areas).

The oral statement on youth highlighted that recently, even more than in the past, we assist to the tragic involvement of young people in the most dramatic conflicts currently experienced in several countries. As victims or as perpetrators of human rights violations, young people are protagonist in many current conflicts and social tensions. The most dramatic acknowledgment stems from the recognition that youth have the capacity to significantly contribute to sustainable development. Youth have the potential to play a key role in conflict resolution and human rights’ implementation for the society at large, if they have access to conducive conditions to foster positive changes.  

IIMA and VIDES addressed recommendations to the Member States, encouraging them to take concrete actions in order to achieve the empowerment of youth and protect their human rights; to ensure youth’s rights are addressed by all human rights mechanisms of the United Nations and to devote a Panel Discussion on youth as part of the Human Rights Council.

To access the videos of the Oral Statements follow the link below. Proceed to minutes 46, 45, 35 and 54 to see them directly.

http://m.webtv.un.org/meetings-events/watch/item8-general-debate-32nd-meeting-27th-regular-session-of-human-rights-council/3800922175001

http://m.webtv.un.org/search/costa-rica-upr-report-consideration-26th-meeting-27th-regular-session-human-rights-council/3794615869001

http://webtv.un.org/search/democratic-republic-of-the-congo-upr-report-consideration-22nd-meeting-27th-regular-session-human-rightscouncil/3791799737001

http://webtv.un.org/watch/nicaragua-upr-report-consideration-27th-meeting-27th-regular-session-human-rights-council/3794909286001