From Voice to Action: Youth Leadership for Human Rights and Social Cohesion in Gaza City

From Voice to Action: Youth Leadership for Human Rights and Social Cohesion in Gaza City

Ajyal Association for Creativity and Development, supported by Expertise France, project from 1 May 2026 to 31 March 2027.

The project strengthens youth-led civic engagement, human rights advocacy, and community action to promote social cohesion, democratic values, peaceful participation, and greater resilience. It will engage 400 young people aged 18–29 in Gaza City: 200 women and 200 men, with youth with disabilities representing at least 5 percent. Around 40,000 people will be reached indirectly.

A programme will equip 300 youth with skills in human rights, advocacy, active citizenship, leadership, democratic participation, social cohesion, and community initiative design. A specialised track will train 100 youth in advocacy communication, journalism, ethical documentation, verification, storytelling, and safe media production.

The project will establish youth teams to create rights-based civic and media content documenting community realities and amplifying youth voices. These teams will design and implement 20 local initiatives addressing social cohesion, rights, inclusion, democratic participation, and community engagement.

Activities include youth-led awareness sessions, dialogue with municipalities, human rights advocates, and community leaders, alongside a campaign through digital and community channels. A closing event will present lessons and recommendations. Implementation prioritises gender equality, disability inclusion, displaced and marginalised youth, conflict sensitivity, Do No Harm, safeguarding, and accountability. Through this approach, young people will move from recipients of assistance to civic leaders able to shape public narratives, influence communities, and advance dialogue, solidarity, and resilience.