YOUTH ACTIVISM IN POLITICS AND CIVIC ISSUES Robert Ghazinyan September 29 ACNIS Youth Forum Yerevan 2010
YOUTH ACTIVISM IN POLITICS AND CIVIC ISSUES
Robert GhazinyanSeptember 29
ACNIS Youth Forum
Yerevan 2010
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Elections 2008
Two main opponents
Mostly young people were agitating for candidates
Their age was fluctuating from 15 to 22
The capabilities were not equal
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Youth movements
MIAK was agitating for Serzh Sarkisyan
Young people from opposition were agitating as well
After elections opposition youth groups HIMA and HATUK GUND were established
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Youth activism after elections and March 1st
HIMA and HATUK GUND were organizing opposition youth rallies
Police was trying to prevent rallies, but young people still struggled
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Young activists
Many young people were brought to the police stations
Tigran Arakelyan and David Qiramijyan were arrested and put in jail
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Civic movements
On the basis of MIAK, the MIASIN youth movement was organized
They are addressing corruption and environmental problems
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Civic movements
“Save Teghut” movement and Mariam Sukhudyan
Architects against the decision to dismantle “Moscow” theatre Summer Hall
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National issues and youth
Many young people participate in annual “March with Torches ” organized by Dashnaktsutiun party.
Youth were especially active in the movement against the Armenian-Turkish protocols in Armenia and throughout the diaspora as well
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Reasons of activism New generation since 1991, so called
“Generation of Independence”
after the collapse of USSR political life in Armenia has been re-activated
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Reasons of activism
Awareness of democratic values, human rights, freedom of expression
Experience on European standards & values Opportunities to connect and change ideas with
people all over the world
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Situation out of Yerevan
Difficult social-economic conditions
Difficulties of getting education and finding a job
Lack of awareness
Under-developed multimedia systems
Emigration
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What should be done
Special lessons in schools and universities about human rights and civil society
Force youth to think and make decisions in schools and universities
Create more space for work for the new generation in government and political parties
What should be done
Organize debates between young people of different parties
Not to use young people as a weapon against somebody or something
Support to youth movements and initiatives
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Thank you for your attentionThank you for your attention