ADVOCATES FOR YOUTH

Young Voices Cry Out in the IAC's Wilderness

By Andrew, August 7, 2008
Posted on RH Reality Check

Andrew is a member of the International Youth Leadership Council . He writes from the XVII International AIDS Conference in Mexico City, Mexico.

Almost one week after the Mexico YouthForce convened a pre-conference for more than 250 of the world's leading youth movers and shakers of the HIV and AIDS movement, it is only fair that we pause to set the agenda for youth at the XVII International AIDS Conference.

For the past four to six years, young people have been crying in the wilderness for their voices to be heard as a contributing force to preventing the further spread of HIV and to providing the treatment, support, and care needed for persons living with, and affected by, HIV and AIDS. Well, at AIDS 2008, the voice is even more resounding and stands on four central pillars: Rights! Respect! Responsibility! Resources! Sounds familiar, doesn't it?

It is not by chance that children and young people in India and countries in Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, and other regions of the world, are being denied comprehensive, evidence-based sexuality education. It is not by chance that young people who use drugs, engage in diverse sexual activities, or simply those who are homeless or poor are at greater risk of contracting HIV/AIDS. It is not by chance that almost 50 percent of all new HIV infections are among young people. Instead, it is by choice that governments, schools, parents, teachers, and educators CHOOSE to withhold vital information young people need to lead informed lives when it comes to their sexual and reproductive health and HIV and AIDS. Similarly, young people CHOOSE how they want to live their lives. Although society may not necessarily agree with CHOICES we make as young people, we have a right to choose. We also accept that access to a wide range of sexual health information is our right that ought to be respected.

Despite the social injustices that plague our generation, we as young people have been clamoring for our voices to be heard and for our requests to be put into action by those who yield so much power and authority. We believe that this power and authority makes up the 25,000 plus people attending the conference and more. While the youth voice is just over a thousand strong, we have not left the comfort of our homes to come to Mexico and idle, but instead to demand change and to partner with the many others who are in this fight as well. Our asks are simply asks--yet stakeholders refuse to act RESPONSIBLY!

How can they act responsibly? They can put their money and action where their mouths are and give full and undivided support to the forums, sessions, and activities organized by and for young people. It is not acceptable for a small portion of journalists to attend press conferences organized by the Mexico YouthForce or for only a few high-ranking officials to share in the youth leadership forum held on the third day of the conference.

In addition, what about the Youth Pavilion and the Youth-Adults Commitments Desk? How many people have taken time out of their busy schedules to visit the Youth Pavilion and make commitments as to how they will mainstream youth participation in the fight against HIV and AIDs? Will we go through another large conference and two more years without meaningful ACTION that supports young people's ability to protect themselves from HIV and AIDS and to lead positive lives for those of us who are already living positively?

Let's stop playing politics with HIV and AIDS and young people. Recognize our RIGHTS, RESPECT those rights, and take RESPONSIBILITY by providing the RESOURCES and opportunities for young people to lead change in their own communities.

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