The North-South Centre of the Council of Europe (NSC) and the joint initiative between the European Union and the Council of Europe ‘South Programme V’ will officially launch the Rule of Law Youth Network (RoLYN) on 4 March 2024 in Tunis, from 9.30am to 1pm. The launch conference will feature the participation of Chokri BEN HASSAN, Head of Cabinet, Ministry for Youth and Sports of Tunisia, Pilar MORALES, Regional Coordinator of the Council of Europe Neighbourhood Policy with the Southern Mediterranean and Executive Director of the NSC, and Tom ASHWANDEN, Head of Cooperation, Delegation of the European Union in Tunis.

RoLYN is a key outcome of the 29th edition of the Lisbon Forum "Human Rights, Environment, and Economic Crimes: Youth at the forefront", held in Lisbon in 2023. It comprises twenty young people from Europe, the Southern Mediterranean, and Sub-Saharan Africa, all representing youth organisations and initiatives addressing youth participation, good governance, anticorruption, and environmental protection at local, national, or international levels.

Over the course of two years (2024-2026), RoLYN members will focus on exploring the interconnections between corruption and environmental degradation through capacity building activities, followed by grant opportunities to develop projects within their communities. This two years’ project aims to empower youth organisations and facilitate interregional collaboration to promote a culture based on the principles of Human Rights and the Rule of Law while fostering youth-led anti-corruption initiatives based on Council of Europe and other international standards.

The launch conference initiates a discussion featuring institutional representatives, emphasizing the role of young people in promoting a culture of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, as well astheir efforts in combating corruption to protect the environment.

Pilar MORALES stated that “The participants of the RoLYN network underscore the importance of young people’s role in driving change towards the Rule of Law. By promoting their understanding of the added value of European standards, we reinforce their capacities to lead initiatives supporting their effective implementation. The South Programme V and the North-South Centre have joined efforts in the endeavor to provide a holistic approach to the creation of a common legal space.

RoLYN activities will include a combination of in-person and online training sessions, as well as awareness-raising campaigns. The Network provides a platform for targeted training, in-depth dialogue, and action emphasising the importance of young people in driving positive change.

For more information: Rule of Law Youth Network - North-South Centre (coe.int)