Samarkand Conference: Focus on youth rights, digital space, and climate change
Panel discussions on key agenda items were held in Samarkand as part of the 12th IPU Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians.
The session “Preserving youth rights in times of conflict” focused on how armed conflicts and crises affect young people’s lives, their rights and interests, and their access to education.
The discussion included the UNHCR Representative for Central Asia, members of the IPU Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians and the Board of Young Parliamentarians, along with parliamentarians from Uzbekistan, Kenya, Serbia, and Thailand.
The speakers highlighted the importance of enhancing international cooperation to safeguard the rights of youth in conflict areas, offer social and humanitarian aid, and ensure continuous access to education. They also focused on the role of parliaments in refining legislative frameworks and increasing oversight of their enforcement.
During the session “Safeguarding digital rights in a digital era”, it was highlighted that digitalization broadens access to information and education. However, it also presents ongoing challenges such as safeguarding personal data, maintaining online safety, and protecting freedom of expression on the internet.
It was emphasized that maintaining a balance between digital development and human rights is crucial, along with strengthening principles of safety and responsibility in technology use and fostering international and interparliamentary cooperation in this field.
The session “Securing climate resilience now and for future generations” focused on safeguarding young people’s right to a secure, healthy, and sustainable environment.
Participants discussed human rights-based approaches to addressing climate change and shared their experiences with executing environmental projects.
Norgul Abduraimova, UzA
