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