Youth Representative sets out the Millennium Development Goals, Hobart, 2008
UNYA Australia has an strong policy focus, with Divisions actively consulting with young people at conference, day forums and specific policy events around the country. Policy is generated in response to members' or youth concern, as contributions to policy consultations by the government or community sector, or in response to current issues.
Young people too often live on the margins of our democracy; they are not consulted and are not encouraged to participate; but given them half a chance and they will astound you. The youth of Australia represent the future leaders of our society and are mapping the direction that our community will take in addressing challenges yet to come.
The 2009 Youth Declaration is a culmination of a week of debate and discussion that has been formulated entirely by young people.
The discussion, consultation and debate that have culminated in the Youth Declaration 2009 also demonstrate something else: that young people have the capacity and deserve the opportunity to contribute and should be recognised as leaders of today. This Youth Declaration is a testament to the ability, enthusiasm and motivation of young people and the insightful approach, unburdened by the prejudices of past generations, which young Australians bring to our society's challenges.
On 10 December 2008, the sixtieth anniversary of the passage of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Attorney-General, Hon. Robert McClelland, launched the National Human Rights Consultation. The consultation is designed to seek from Australians and Australian organisations their views on how human rights should be protected in the future.
This submission is based on UNYA Australia's extensive experience in working with and consulting young people and advocating for greater respect of the rights and role of young people in Australian society, and on UNYA Australia's role as an advocate for the promotion of human rights through the values of the United Nations.
UNYA Australia develops peer-reviewed policy documents in the form of Blue Papers. Blue Papers are initiated by Divisions, before being ratified by the National Council of UNYA Australia and incorporated into the UNYA Australia policy platform.