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FOUNDATIONS FOR ENSURING AND PROTECTING THE RIGHTS OF
THE YOUNGER GENERATION AT THE INTERNATIONAL LEVEL
Shohzodbek O‘ktamov
Master's student
University of World Economy and Diplomacy
Tashkent, Uzbekistan
E-mail: oktamovshohzodbek@gmail.com
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16950042
Introduction.
The younger generation is the future of society, the primary
bearer of its aspirations, ideas, and potential. Their rights are not only crucial for
individual development but also a key factor in ensuring economic, social, and
cultural stability on a global scale. Today, a significant portion of the world’s
population consists of young people, and ensuring their rights to education,
healthcare, safety, and equal opportunities has become one of the most critical
tasks for the global community. However, factors such as poverty, conflicts,
climate change, gender inequality, and risks in the digital environment continue
to hinder the full realization of these rights for the younger generation.
At the international level, the protection and promotion of youth rights are
implemented based on key documents such as the United Nations Convention on
the Rights of the Child (1989). This convention and other international treaties
aim to guarantee the fundamental rights of young people, but their
implementation depends on countries’ economic capabilities, political stability,
and levels of social awareness. In particular, in developing countries, the limited
opportunities for youth to access education, employment, and participation in
decision-making processes remain a pressing issue of global inequality.
Additionally, the new challenges of the digital age, such as cybersecurity and
online violence, demand innovative approaches to protecting the rights of the
younger generation.
This thesis is dedicated to analyzing the legal foundations for ensuring
youth rights at the international level, the existing challenges, and the ways to
address them. The topic is examined not only in a global context but also locally,
using Uzbekistan as an example. The goal is to contribute to the sustainable
development of society by strengthening international cooperation in protecting
youth rights and developing practical recommendations. A society where the
rights of the younger generation are guaranteed is a just, prosperous, and
forward-looking society.
International legal foundations for youth rights.
The rights of the
younger generation are protected at the international level through a range of
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legal documents and the activities of various organizations, aimed at ensuring
their access to education, healthcare, safety, and equal opportunities on a global
scale. At the core of these legal foundations is the United Nations Convention on
the Rights of the Child (1989). This document guarantees the rights of
individuals under 18 to life, education, healthcare, family environment,
participation in cultural life, and freedom from discrimination. The Convention
obliges states to undertake legislative reforms and implement practical
measures to ensure children's rights. For instance, Article 37 protects children
from unlawful detention and violence, while Article 28 establishes the right to
free and compulsory primary education (UNICEF, 2023).
Additionally, the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) reinforces the fundamental rights
of the younger generation, including principles of equality, freedom, and respect
for human dignity. This declaration serves as a universal foundation for
protecting the social, economic, and cultural rights of youth (United Nations,
1948). International human rights covenants, particularly the International
Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (1966), focus on ensuring
youth rights in education, employment, and healthcare (OHCHR, 2016).
Similarly, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966)
guarantees young people’s rights to a fair trial and personal freedoms.
Other international documents also play a significant role in protecting
youth rights. For example, the International Labour Organization’s Convention
No. 138 (1973) aims to eliminate the worst forms of child labor, ensuring
protection from exploitation (International Labour Organization, 2022). The
United Nations’ World Programme of Action for Youth (1995) promotes youth
participation in education, employment, healthcare, and social integration,
identifying 15 priority areas and encouraging states to develop youth policies
(United Nations, 2023).
Statistical data highlights significant challenges in ensuring youth rights.
According to a 2020 OHCHR report, 145 million young people (aged 15–24) live
in poverty, limiting their access to education and healthcare (OHCHR, 2020).
Additionally, UNESCO data indicates that in 2022, 244 million children were out
of school, reflecting widespread violations of the right to education (UNESCO,
2022). In the digital environment, youth rights are also at risk, with a 2023 UN
report noting that 37% of young people aged 15–24 have experienced
cyberbullying (United Nations, 2023).
International organizations play an active
role in this field. UNICEF implements global programs to protect the rights of
children and youth, supporting millions through projects in education and
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healthcare (UNICEF, 2023). UNESCO promotes youth empowerment through
education and cultural development, particularly advocating for gender equality
and inclusive education (UNESCO, 2022). The UN Committee on the Rights of the
Child monitors state compliance with the Convention and requires regular
reports. These international legal frameworks serve as a critical foundation for
protecting youth rights. However, their implementation depends on countries’
economic capabilities, political stability, and levels of social awareness.
Strengthening international cooperation and aligning national legislation with
international standards are essential steps in ensuring youth rights.
Challenges and barriers in ensuring rights.
Numerous challenges and
barriers exist in ensuring the rights of the younger generation at the
international level, stemming from economic, social, political, and technological
factors. These barriers particularly restrict the rights of youth to education,
healthcare, safety, and equal opportunities in countries experiencing ongoing
war and conflict, such as Palestine and Ukraine. One of the primary global
challenges in ensuring youth rights is economic inequality and poverty.
According to UNICEF’s 2024 report, 333 million of the world’s 1.1 billion
children live on less than $2.15 per day, severely limiting their access to
education, food, and healthcare services (UNICEF, 2024). Significant challenges
also persist in education: UNESCO data indicates that in 2023, 250 million
children and youth were out of school, with 60% residing in developing
countries (UNESCO, 2024). This situation is particularly severe for girls, who
often face early marriage and economic exploitation.
War and armed conflicts represent one of the greatest threats to youth
rights. According to UNICEF’s 2024 data, 473 million children worldwide—one
in six—live in conflict zones, exposing them to death, injury, sexual violence, and
psychological trauma (UNICEF, 2024). A 2023 UN report recorded 32,990
serious violations against 22,557 children, the highest figure since monitoring
began (United Nations, 2024). These violations include attacks on schools and
hospitals, recruitment of children into military service, and deprivation of
humanitarian aid.
The situation in Palestine vividly illustrates the impact of war on youth
rights. Due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, by December 2024, over 85% of the
population was forced to flee their homes. According to UNICEF, thousands of
youth have been killed or injured, and many schools and healthcare facilities
have been destroyed (UNICEF, 2024). Humanitarian aid delivery is severely
restricted, with only 20% of aid trucks able to enter Gaza in 2023. This has led to
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youth being deprived of food, clean water, and medical services. Girls and young
women are particularly vulnerable to sexual violence and exploitation, with
their safety rights consistently violated. In Ukraine, the war has also put youth
rights at serious risk. According to an OHCHR report from March 2025, between
February 2022 and December 2024, 669 children were killed and 1,833 injured,
with the number of young victims exceeding 2,500 in 2024, a 50% increase
(OHCHR, 2025). UNICEF data indicates that one in three young people in
Ukraine struggles with daily activities due to psychological stress, and one in
five has lost a close relative (UNICEF, 2025). Attacks on schools have deprived
millions of youth of education, with 70 healthcare facilities completely
destroyed. Attacks on energy infrastructure during the 2024–2025 winter
caused power outages of up to 18 hours per day, further complicating the
fulfillment of youth’s basic needs. The following table illustrates:
Key indicators impacting youth rights in palestine and ukraine
Indicator
Palestine (Gaza)
Ukraine
Displaced
population
More than 85% of
the population (as of
December 2024)
47.2 million people
(end of 2023, total)
Youth killed or
injured
Thousands of
youths (exact number
unknown)
More than 2,520
(2024, killed or injured)
Attacks on schools
and hospitals
Many schools have
been destroyed
70 health
institutions destroyed,
510 damaged
Delivery of
humanitarian aid
Less than 25% of
trucks are able to
deliver aid
Struggling due to
the energy crisis
Psychological
impact
General lack of
hope and security
1/3 of youth fell
into hopelessness
(February 2025)
Technological challenges are also creating new obstacles in ensuring youth
rights. According to a 2024 UN report, 40% of young people aged 15–24 have
experienced online cyberbullying, which violates their right to safety in the
digital environment (United Nations, 2024). In particular, the spread of
misinformation on social media and the theft of personal data threaten young
people’s privacy. While these issues manifest differently in developed and
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developing countries, they create significant barriers to protecting youth rights
globally.
Gender inequality and social norms also play a significant role in restricting
youth rights. According to 2023 data from the International Labour
Organization, 29 million children and youth worldwide are exploited in the
worst forms of labor, many of whom live in rural areas (ILO, 2023). Girls, in
particular, are often deprived of education due to early marriage and family
obligations, which limits their opportunities for economic independence and
social development. The above challenges place serious responsibilities on
states, international organizations, and civil society in ensuring the rights of the
younger generation. Preventing wars, expanding humanitarian aid, ensuring
digital safety, and addressing economic inequality are considered critical steps
in protecting youth rights. The situation in countries like Palestine and Ukraine
underscores the need for international cooperation and quality assistance.
International mechanisms for protecting youth rights and the context
of Uzbekistan.
The protection of the younger generation’s rights at the
international level is implemented through a range of legal documents,
organizations, and monitoring mechanisms, which aim to ensure access to
education, healthcare, safety, and equal opportunities for youth. In the context of
Uzbekistan, this process is reinforced through national legislation and state
policy.
Protecting youth rights in the digital environment presents new
challenges. According to 2024 UN data, 40% of young people aged 15–24
experience cyberbullying, highlighting the need to develop international
standards for online safety and personal data protection (United Nations, 2024).
The OHCHR conducts training and educational programs to promote youth
rights, contributing to nondiscrimination and equality.
In the context of Uzbekistan, the rights of the younger generation are
designated as a key direction of state policy. The Constitution of Uzbekistan
guarantees youth rights to education, employment, healthcare, and social
protection. The Law “On Youth Policy” (2016) aims to enhance youth social
integration, education, and employment opportunities (Law of the Republic of
Uzbekistan, No. O‘RQ-406, dated 14.09.2016). Over 60% of Uzbekistan’s
population consists of young people, with approximately 1 million children born
annually, positioning youth as a strategic resource for the country’s
development (EU Reporter, 2021). The Uzbekistan Youth Union actively
participates in protecting youth rights, fostering their intellectual and creative
potential.
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Conclusion.
Ensuring and protecting the rights of the younger generation
at the international level is a critical task for the sustainable development of
global society. This process facilitates the comprehensive development of youth
by guaranteeing access to education, healthcare, safety, and equal opportunities.
While international legal documents, monitoring systems, and organizations
play a key role in protecting youth rights, barriers such as poverty, conflicts,
gender inequality, and risks in the digital environment complicate this process.
In countries like Uzbekistan, national legislation and state policies serve to
strengthen youth rights. In the future, enhancing international cooperation,
involving youth in decision-making processes, and applying innovative
approaches can further improve the protection of youth rights. This not only
enhances the well-being of young people but also contributes to building a just
and sustainable society.
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