Youth participation is nation-building

Statement of solidarity with the youth of Asia claiming their rightful future against corruption and violence

The Association for the Rights of Children in Southeast Asia (ARCSEA) stands in unwavering solidarity with the people of Indonesia, Nepal, and the Philippines, especially the youth who are taking to the streets to express their disgust and protest against the widespread and systemic corruption in their respective governments.

The actions of young people in the streets of Jakarta, Kathmandu, Manila, and other cities in Asia shatter the cynical notion that today’s children are apathetic or disengaged. They are demonstrating an awareness and commitment that should be heeded, not suppressed. By organizing, speaking out online and offline, taking direct action, and demanding change, they are actively engaging in civic duty and nation-building. 

Corruption is not an abstract problem. It has a direct and devastating impact on children’s lives today and robs them of a chance for a better tomorrow. Every peso, rupee, or rupiah stolen through corrupt practices by those in authority, is money taken away from schools, hospitals, protection systems, and from programs that ensure children’s survival, development, and participation. The long-term effects of corruption, including political instability, economic stagnation, and the erosion of the rule of law strip young people of their dignity and opportunity. They face a future with fewer job prospects, greater inequality, and the painful choice of having to emigrate to look for the future stolen from them at home.

At the same time, we condemn in the strongest terms the violence being inflicted on these young protesters by state forces. The use of police brutality against peaceful protests has resulted in arrests, injuries, and tragically, even deaths of young people. These are gross violations of human rights, children’s rights, and international law. Children and young people have the right to express their views freely, to participate in matters that affect them, and to join others in demanding accountability from those in power. States have the primary obligation to respect, protect, and fulfill these rights. The use of excessive force is never acceptable. We demand prompt, independent, and impartial investigations into all allegations of police brutality, and that those responsible be held fully accountable, and not whitewashing these violations. Societies are judged by how they treat their young and governments that brutalize youth for demanding justice fail this test.

We call on the governments of Indonesia, Nepal, and the Philippines to recognize the legitimate grievances of their youth, to stop the violence, and to immediately and transparently address the systemic corruption that is eroding the foundations of our societies and the rights of our youngest citizens.

Children’s voices must be heeded, not silenced. Their courage must be met with justice, not violence. Their demands for accountability must be answered with action, not indifference or condemnation. 

We draw strength from the youth who are demanding honesty in government, justice for all, and a future that is truly worthy of its children.