61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Item 8: General Debate. Statement delivered by intern Olena Tsybulko, 24 March 2026
Mr. Vice-President, distinguished delegates,
Human rights apply to everyone, everywhere. Today, as we reflect on the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, let us turn our focus to youth. Young people are not only inheriting a world shaped by conflicts, but are already experiencing its realities.
Young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow, but the voices and partners of peace today.
As a young person coming originally from Ukraine, I know this is not an abstract debate. For many young people, war means the loss of safety, education, family, and normal childhood. Their rights do not stop at the border of conflict.
We must move beyond symbolic inclusion. Meaningful participation means involving young people in designing the solutions that affect their lives, from peacebuilding to recovery and accountability processes. It also means protecting schools, ensuring access to education in wartime, creating safe spaces, and providing accessible, trauma-informed psychosocial support to address mental health without stigma —support that extends beyond emergency response.
Estonia supports youth-led initiatives and practical action. We reaffirm that human rights are universal and must be fully applied to young people everywhere.
We call on Member States to strengthen youth participation in peacebuilding and decision-making. Small in age does not mean small in impact. Youth dignity cannot wait for peace. It must be protected in conflict, and restored after it.
I thank you