PREAMBLE:
-Whereas the right of the youth for a healthy and balanced development in an environment of equity, harmonious family relationship and social peace is recognised,
-Whereas social and economic opportunities like education, marketable skill acquisition, gainful employment, sound health and healthy recreation for youth create an appropriate atmosphere for peace, growth of democratic ethos and achievement of social justice,
-Whereas inadequate provision of such social and economic opportunities to the youth necessary for their participation in self and national-development process not only hurts their aspirations but also results in anomie, violence, gender insensitivity, drug abuse, health hazards and social degeneration,
-Whereas the youth have to be developed both as a productive human resource and harbingers of ethical, spiritual and cultural values to facilitate their active involvement in the development process,
-Whereas cooperation in the region is promoted by the cultural exchanges and friendly contacts between the youth of SAARC member nations,
Now, therefore, We, The Member Nations proclaim this SAARC Youth Resolution incorporating the rights, privileges and obligations of the youth and the commitment of society to the overall development of youth.
RIGHTS :
1. All youth irrespective of their socio-economic position, creed, religion, gender and race have equal rights to education, health, employment and healthy recreation.
2. All young persons have the right to cherish and express their idealism through their participation in national life.
3. The youth have the right to opportunities for market-responsive professional training and skill development so as to be able to overcome difficulties in securing gainful wage or self-employment.
4. The youth have the right to be safeguarded against rapid population growth, which results in shrinking opportunities, especially in areas of employment, health and education.
5. The youth have the right to a secure future through policies ensuring sustainable development.
6. All young women have the right to equality of opportunities for their overall development and protection against gender biases leading to their exploitation, which affect their lives adversely.
7. The youth have the right to be sheltered against drug abuse and consumption of alcohol and tobacco, which endanger their health and well-being.
8. The youth have the right to moral and health education, as they are most susceptible to the scourge of HIV/AIDS.
9. The youth have the right to healthy recreation, sports and entertainment opportunities and facilities.
10. The youth have the right to adequate, clean and hygienic housing and civic environment.
11. The youth have the right of access to their cultural heritage for a balanced development of their personality.
12. The youth have the right to privacy in and control over their personal lives.
13. The youth shall be protected against crimes and social evils like abduction, rape, incest, prostitution, pornography and drug trafficking.
14. The youth of the member countries have the right of access to information and sharing of experiences of mutual benefit.
15. The youth have the right to participate in the decision making process and involve actively in planning and implementation of projects having any bearing on their lives and careers.
16. The member countries shall strive to recognise the dreams and aspirations of the youth and encourage fulfillment of the same.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND OBLIGATIONS :
1. The youth shall have the responsibility to pursue self-development through creative endeavours and spirit of innovation.
2. The youth shall have the duty to contribute meaningfully to community, national and regional development.
3. The youth shall make concerted efforts to reduce and eliminate social injustice and economic exploitation, and promote social harmony, national unity and regional cooperation.
4. The youth shall have the responsibility to foster the spirit of peaceful co-existence among communities within the country and also among member countries.
5. The youth shall be actively involved in the spread of humanism, scientific temper and rationality.
6. The youth shall have the obligation to promote inter-generational understanding, where the wisdom of the elderly and the enthusiasm of the young shall be mutually complementary.
7. The youth shall work for promoting the rights of the disadvantaged sections of the society.
8. The youth shall endeavour to value and preserve cultural heritage.
9. The youth shall strive to prevent environmental degradation and promote sustainable development.
10. The youth shall strive for excellence in all spheres of human endeavour.
11. The Youth shall involve themselves through participatory approach in socio-economic upliftment of their region.
12.These rights and obligations of youth will be exercised in accordance with the spirit and principles of the SAARC.
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