United Nations – International Youth Day – 12 August
Youth need safe spaces where they can come together, engage in activities related to their diverse needs and interests, participate in decision making processes and freely express themselves. While there are many types of spaces, safe spaces ensure the dignity and safety of youth. Safe spaces such as civic spaces enable youth to engage in governance issues; public spaces afford youth the opportunity to participate in sports and other leisure activities in the community; digital spaces help youth interact virtually across borders with everyone; and well planned physical spaces can help accommodate the needs of diverse youth especially those vulnerable to marginalization or violence.
Ensuring that safe spaces are inclusive, youth from diverse backgrounds especially those from outside the local community, need to be assured of respect and self-worth. In humanitarian or conflict prone settings for example, youth may lack the space to fully express themselves without feeling uncomfortable or unwelcome. Similarly, without the existence of safe space, youth from different race/ethnicity, gender, religious affiliation or cultural background may feel intimidated to freely contribute to the community. When youth have safe spaces to engage, they can effectively contribute to development, including peace and social cohesion.
Go to United Nations International Youth Day to learn more about this year’s International Youth Day #MySafeSpace #SafeSpaceForYouth
and for a chance to participate in their Contest for the International Youth Day 2018!
https://twitter.com/UN4Youth www.instagram.com/UN4Youth www.facebook.com/UN4Youth
Family Services Windsor-Essex offers a safe space for youth looking for support and counselling. Contact us at 1-888-933-1831 for more information.