International electoral standards form the foundation for legal electoral frameworks. The rights to participate fully in a country’s political and electoral processes are basic human rights recognized in an extensive body of international and regional legal instruments, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR, 1948)[i] and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR, 1966).[ii]

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child[iii], adopted in 1989, established conditions for nations to endorse young people’s participation, but only relates to people under 18 years of age, and its main emphasis is on the protection of children.[iv] The only international treaty focusing specifically on the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of young people is the Ibero-American Convention on the Rights of Youth. It was signed in Spain in October 2005 and came into force on 1 March 2008. Article 21 of the Convention enshrines the right to political participation of young people.[v]

The Committee on the Rights of the Child released a “General Comment on the implementation of the rights of the child during adolescence,” (GC20, 2016). This General Comment builds on the definitions outlined in the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child and advocates for specific minimum ages as well as for the removal of other age limits entirely. While it does not mention age limits for voting and candidature, it does emphasize the realization of the rights of youth given their evolving capacities as they transition into adulthood.

Alongside the conventions, there are a number of global, regional, and national policies, which support and advocate for meaningful youth participation in decision-making, and offer concrete suggestions for how national, bilateral, regional, and multilateral agencies can increase political participation of youth. These have undoubtedly helped bring youth issues to the forefront of government priorities and into the focus of EMBs. See Annex: Timeline of International Youth Participation in Democracy and Peace, which includes more details on the international and regional frameworks in place to foster the political participation of youth.

During the 2010s, the international community re-affirmed its commitment to youth participation in several resolutions, charters and action plans. Examples are the African Youth Charter[vi] and the EU Strategy for Youth[vii], both of which highlight the value of increased information and capacity development to ensure that young people are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to become active citizens and leaders in their communities. With the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, 193 United Nations Member States pledged to ensure “no one will be left behind” and to “endeavour to reach the furthest behind first.” It is acknowledged that youth are among the left behind across the countries and the needs to empower youth in the field of governance is emphasized.

International instruments and frameworks provide a solid foundation for countries to develop legislation, policies, and practices to foster the full participation of youth in their political and electoral processes. A clear understanding of the international legal framework can likely help EMBs to ensure that electoral laws and processes comply with international standards and that youth-sensitive strategies and program are developed accordingly. See Annex: International Normative and Policy Framework