All over the world, many human rights defenders are young adults, engaged as activists, demonstrators or politicians. However, these young human rights defenders are constantly facing a number of barriers, such as harmful media discourse, few financial resources and limited freedom of expression.

During recent years, young people have played a key role in Sweden. For example, they have sued the state for insufficient climate action, raised awareness of the Gaza war and advocated rights for the Indigenous Sami people.

The seminar gives the floor to three young human rights defenders from Sweden, who are committed to environmental protection, Palestine and Sápmi. We will discuss the motivations behind their involvement, their movements’ strategies despite structural challenges, and possible alliances between different human rights struggles. This will be an opportunity to highlight the contribution of young people to our democratic society and to reflect on ways to better promote their fight for the earth, peace and Indigenous rights.