By Sylvia Mesesi
Thank you for this opportunity. I speak on behalf of Christian Council International and many faith-based young people who feel left out of global human rights discussions.
We are often told that youth are the future. Yet many of us are excluded because our faith convictions are labeled as anti-rights. This is not true. Faith traditions uphold the dignity of every person, defend life from conception to natural death, and affirm the vital role of the family. These beliefs are at the root of social order and strengthen human rights; not weaken them.
Across Africa, young volunteers support faith-based organizations as they run hospitals, schools, and community programs that bring hope and dignity to countless lives. They advance human rights every day, yet their voices remain absent from the tables where decisions are made. This was evident in the Summit of the Future and ICPD+25, where faith-based youth perspectives were largely excluded.
We urge this Council to be intentional about including all youth perspectives in implementing the Pact for the Future and other youth-based global frameworks. Decisions should reflect the values and experiences of every voice in society.
I thank you.