Youth Dialogue “Youth Empowerment for Political Participation”

Basic human rights should be recognized and protected, and youth’s participation in the society can play an important role in advancing human rights. In Cambodia, there has been an unexpected and unprecedented surge in political interest and engagement among young Cambodian people in recent years, on human rights related issues. This emerging trend may be a result of growing young demographics, better education, increased job opportunities, and the rise of social media in the Kingdom.
 
Despite the growing interest and expectations among youth in civic life, challenges remain. Limited education, limited experience of deliberative decision making at home, and lack of exposure to positive examples of civic engagement, including role models in one’s community, hinder youth ability in participating in political discourse in a meaningful manner.  The lines between freedom of expression and abuse of those freedoms are often obscure to many.  Formal and informal sanctions for engaging “politically” are often applied subjectively and unpredictably.
 
How can youth and the general public exercise their rights to freedom of expression fully, effectively and responsibly?
 
There are many definitions of politics, but put simply, politics is the practice of influencing other people. The word “politics” at its roots it means “relating to citizens”. Cambodia’s future relies on young people and a range of organizations led by young people to create an accountable system of governance while promoting evidence based policies at all levels.  Official sanctions on expression, such as for posts about color revolution, run the risk of being interpreted as warnings for youth to not be engaged in politics.
 
Facebook has undoubtedly offered young men and women ways to stay connected and informed of what is happening in their community and society at large. We have seen the positive potential of social media platforms. Yet, Facebook use among youth often falls short of enriching the kind of deeper policy debate that ultimately strengthens institutions of governance.  
 
What role should youth have in Cambodian political discussions beyond solely praising leadership or alternatively uttering grievances?  What can we learn from those who are involved in the deliberative processes and policy debate on how they have strengthened governance? 
 
The objectives of this dialogue session are to:
 

• Increase youth’s understanding on what political participation means today
• Raise awareness about political rights, duties and freedoms
• Identify common challenges to youth political participation in Cambodia

Share ways for youth to fully, effectively, and responsibly engage in political discussion Basic human rights should be recognized and protected, and youth’s participation in the society can play an important role in advancing human rights. In Cambodia, there has been an unexpected and unprecedented surge in political interest and engagement among young Cambodian people in recent years, on human rights related issues. This emerging trend may be a result of growing young demographics, better education, increased job opportunities, and the rise of social media in the Kingdom.
 
Despite the growing interest and expectations among youth in civic life, challenges remain. Limited education, limited experience of deliberative decision making at home, and lack of exposure to positive examples of civic engagement, including role models in one’s community, hinder youth ability in participating in political discourse in a meaningful manner.  The lines between freedom of expression and abuse of those freedoms are often obscure to many.  Formal and informal sanctions for engaging “politically” are often applied subjectively and unpredictably.
 
How can youth and the general public exercise their rights to freedom of expression fully, effectively and responsibly?
 
There are many definitions of politics, but put simply, politics is the practice of influencing other people. The word “politics” at its roots it means “relating to citizens”. Cambodia’s future relies on young people and a range of organizations led by young people to create an accountable system of governance while promoting evidence based policies at all levels.  Official sanctions on expression, such as for posts about color revolution, run the risk of being interpreted as warnings for youth to not be engaged in politics.
 
Facebook has undoubtedly offered young men and women ways to stay connected and informed of what is happening in their community and society at large. We have seen the positive potential of social media platforms. Yet, Facebook use among youth often falls short of enriching the kind of deeper policy debate that ultimately strengthens institutions of governance.  
 
What role should youth have in Cambodian political discussions beyond solely praising leadership or alternatively uttering grievances?  What can we learn from those who are involved in the deliberative processes and policy debate on how they have strengthened governance? 
 
Enrich Institute with the support of the Asia Foundation organized this dialogue session with the following objectives:
 

• Increase youth’s understanding on what political participation means today
• Raise awareness about political rights, duties and freedoms
• Identify common challenges to youth political participation in Cambodia
• Share ways for youth to fully, effectively, and responsibly engage in political discussion 

The event took place on May 28, 2016 at Tonle Bassac 2 Restaurant and was attended by 50 youths from political parties, NGOs, and universities.

H.E Chheoun Bunnarath, Member of the Permanent Committee of Union of Youth Federation of Cambodia.

H.E Hing Sok San, Deputy-Secretary General of the National Assembly and President of CNRP Youth Movement

Mr. Silas Everett, Cambodia Country Representative, The Asia Foundation

Panel Discussion on what can be done to empower youth to participate in politic more effectively and responsibly?

Mr. Bin Yan, Ethnic minority youth representative

H.E Hing Soksan, President of CNRP Youth Movement

Mr. Cham Bunthet, Member of Club of Young Independent Analyst