Participation is a fundamental right. It is one of the guiding principles of the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights that has been reiterated in many other Conventions and Declarations. Through active
participation, young people are empowered to play a vital role in their own development as well as
in that of their communities, helping them to learn vital life-skills, develop knowledge on human
rights and citizenship and to promote positive civic action. To participate effectively, young people
must be given the proper tools, such as information, education about and access to their civil rights.