Guide to Recommendation CM/Rec(2015)3 of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe to Member States on the access of young people from disadvantaged neighbourhoods to social rights
Over the decades, in the hearts and surroundings of many cities, the social and economic imbalances have led to the development of so-called disadvantaged neighbourhoods, where cultural, ethnic, and other diversity is accompanied by poverty and often by marginalisation or exclusion. This unfavourable situation is often combined with different forms and levels of social segregation, discrimination and violence, both for individuals and for entire communities.
At times of economic and social crisis, feelings of powerlessness and anxiety about the future run the risk of seriously deepening local tensions and major conflicts. It is usually young people, who are at the centre of this tension because they are more emotional, more vulnerable and insecure. Moreover, they are more directly affected by uncertainties regarding the development of their autonomy as well as their participation in society and contribution to its development.
In 2015, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe adopted a Recommendation on access to social rights for young people from disadvantaged neighbourhoods, which included proposals for such policy measures for Member States to adequately and effectively address situations of exclusion, discrimination and violence affecting young people in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Taking It Seriously (2015) guide focuses entirely on the activities proposed in this recommendation, aiming to bring its content closer to policy makers, youth organisations and youth workers.
The publication also offers advice and examples of step-by-step actions to take and policies to develop, so that the social rights of young people are taken seriously by all actors concerned with social inclusion and social cohesion.
Tips, examples and suggestions for action include:
- providing accessible and financially acceptable public services;
- overcoming segregation;
- encouraging the participation of young people;
- combating discrimination;
- recognition of youth work and non-formal learning;
- promoting gender equality approaches to youth policy development.
*The publication is available with full online access in English, French, German and Russian on links below:
Sources:
- Council of Europe. Manuals and Handbooks. Council of Europe – official website: https://www.coe.int/en/web/youth/manuals-and-handbooks
- Council of Europe. 2015. Access of young people from disadvantaged neighbourhoods to social rights. Recommendation CM / Rec (2015) 3, adopted by the Committee of Minidters of the Council of Europe: https://rm.coe.int/168066671e
- Kevin O’Kelly, John Muir (Contributors); Mara Georgescu, Rui Gomes (Editors). 2015. Taking It Seriously. Guide to Recommendation CM / Rec (2015) 3 of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe to Member States on the access of young people from disadvantaged neighbourhoods to social rights: https://rm.coe.int/CoERMPublicCommonSearchServices/DisplayDCTMContent? documentId = 09000016806accfa