Ga verder naar de inhoud

European youth stand with young Americans who say ‘Never Again’

02/03/2018

Once again young people have been the target of violence in a place that should provide the most safety; school. The latest mass school shooting in the United States left 17 victims dead and dozens more injured. In the wake of this tragedy, young voices have risen up to strongly call for change.

The European Youth Forum stands behind the young activists, who are demonstrating the true importance of including young people in decision-making and in the defense of peaceful societies.

While we are encouraged by the international attention gained by the student-led #NeverAgain’ campaign, it is outrageous and unacceptable that it took such tragic loss of life before political leaders showed willingness to engage with youth movements.

Throughout history young people have always been at the forefront of calls for justice and political change, in Europe, in the United States and around the world. However, young voices have also been ignored, dismissed and silenced for far too long. So many more young activist movements, particularly those led by African American youth and marginalised groups continue to receive disproportionate levels of support and political engagement.

The organisation of protests, demonstrations and nation-wide social movements not only over the past weeks but the past years in the USA are a true reflection of how much young people are committed to make a change. Much of this political activism comes from youth still considered too young to hold the right to vote, yet they continue to make their voices heard and use their right to participate in democracy.

As the European Youth Forum we so often find ourselves repeating to policy-makers: ‘nothing about us, without us’. It is critical that all young people no matter their background have a real say in issues that directly impact them, including the right to security. Young lives are being put at risk, simply by attending school. The urgency for change in the way we do politics cannot be overstated.

We stand in solidarity with all young people fighting for their rights and urge politicians in the United States and across the globe to not deny young people their voice. Young generations are speaking up, it’s about time they are listened to.

Related articles & publications

European Youth Capital

How Lviv and its young people are changing the culture of education

05/06/2025

In Lviv, the European Youth Capital 2025, learning has long gone beyond school desks and university lecture halls. It begins where curiosity meets courage: with the desire to explore, try, make mistakes, improve and create something new. It is precisely this vision of education that has shaped one of the key directions of the European Youth Capital 2025 programme, as well as the new Lviv youth strategy, which will guide the municipality’s work on youth in the years to come.

Fresh Faces, Big Decisions: General Assembly 2025 wraps up in Brussels

12/05/2025

On May 9 and 10 2025, hundreds of young people gathered in Brussels for our General Assembly (GA). They all came together for two days of democratic decisions, in depth discussions and conversations around the issues that really impact and matter to young people all over Europe.

Join the European Youth Capital 2028 Focus Group
European Youth Capital

Join the European Youth Capital 2028 Focus Group

16/04/2025

Do you have experience in fostering young people's participation in cities? Have you implemented European youth policies at a local level, or through the European Youth Capital title?