Youth are making the transition from childhood to adulthood. Their needs sometimes may not fit into either of these categories, creating a need for the articulation of a unique set of rights. Youth are expected to follow and fulfil decisions and expectations that have been set up by their parents, families and communities.
However, youth should be making autonomous choices without the fear of reprisals or adverse effects. This needs to be recognised by the state with provisions of adequate protections where necessary. Further, youth are constantly being seen as leaders and citizens of tomorrow, their present needs and vulnerabilities being unrecognised.
With families stressing on young people’s obligations, colleges focusing on academic grades, and the state perceiving youth as drivers of ‘nation-building’ or beneficiaries of ‘youth services’, we need to raise the notion of young people being entitled to rights.