UN I T Y

CO M M
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ICA

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youth pPO P U L AR VER S I O N

July 2014
 f r i c a n c o m m u n i t y
East A
p o l i c y
co n t a c t u s
ty
y o u th
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an integrated East African
x : +2 ac.i
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ch Community where its youth are
empowered to fully participate
and benefit in all facets of the
region’s development.

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2 EAC YOUTH POLICY - Popular Version (2014) EAC YOUTH POLICY - Popular Version (2014) 3
 WHO A R E

YOUTH
The youth are defined by the Constitution
of each EAC Partner State. In Kenya, youth
are persons in the age bracket 18 to 35
years, whilst in Burundi and Tanzania,
youths are defined as persons between
the ages of 15 and 35 years. Ugandan’s
Constitution defines youths as any male
and female between the ages of 18 and 30

s
years, while the Rwandan National Policy

ac r o n y m defined the youth as females and males

between the ages of 14 and 35 years.
For the purpose of the EAC Policy, youth
are persons between the ages of 15 to 35
years.

"
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

For the purpose

AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome of the EAC Policy,
youth are persons
CSOS Civil Society Organizations between the ages of
15 to 35 years.
EAC East African Community
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
ent
EAYC East Africa Youth Council
tab
li shm
E s
the unity rate
HIV Human Immune-deficiency Virus ty fo r
m m o p e
Trea an Co l y co- elfaret
e
MDGS Millennium Development Goals ) o f th t Afric o closeocial wpmen
2 0 (c e Eas a k e t ld of s evelo ards ng
e 1 of th t
er e fie “the d h towcludi
cl n d
NGOS Non- Governmental Organizations Art
i
a te s u s in th hers, proac ps, in s with f,
t
n e r St selve ong o on apd grou ersonision o n
t m m p o
SMES Small and Medium Enterprises e Par st the to, ama com inalize y and d provducati
“th ong pect n of arg erl an e, e
am h res ptio nd m the elditationlthcar
STIS Sexual Transmission Infections wit d adoaged aouth, habil s, hea
an vant he y gh re ome ng.”
d ,t u h ni
UN United Nations disa ildrenes thro foster d trai
ch biliti hers, an
s a t
di ong o
am

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4 EAC YOUTH POLICY - Popular Version (2014) EAC YOUTH POLICY - Popular Version (2014) 5
 1. objectives

overall objective
To guide the East African
Community on the planning,
implementation, monitoring
and evaluation of programmes
to address youth issues in the
linkages
region while assuring sustain-
able social, economic and This Policy does not
political development. in any way seek to
neither undermine
///////////////////////////////////////////////////
nor challenge the
various existing
detailed objectives guiding principles National, regional
(i) Mainstream youth
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// and Global Policies,
The key principles that underlie the policy are: Strategies, Treaties

es
issues in policies, laws and

ectiv
programmes at the Community and Protocols, but

obj
level;
a. Respect of Cultural Belief b. Equity and Accessibility.
Systems and Ethical Values. The policy subscribes to it is consistent and
The policy respects the cultural, the principles of equal opportunities
(ii) Sensitize national and
religious, customary and ethical and equitable distribution of pro- complementary
regional policy makers on the
need to identify and mainstream
backgrounds of the people in the grammes, services, and resources. It to inter alia
region and conforms to universally also endeavours to promote access the following
youth issues in the development
recognized human rights, without to socio-economic opportunities for
of the Community;
discrimination based on gender, race/ the youth. instruments:
origin, age, ethnicity, creed, political
(iii) Empower the youth to
affiliation or social status. a) The Treaty for the Establishment of
develop their potential, creativ- the East African Community (1999).
ity and skills as productive and

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
dynamic members of the Com- c. Gender Inclusiveness. f. Youth Participation.
munity; The EAC youth policy policy vision The policy underscores the
need to promote a gender-inclusive
The Policy seeks to promote
youth participation in democratic and
b) The National Youth Policy 2012 of
Burundi
(iv) Ensure meaningful Prescribes strategic priority areas approach to the development of decision making processes as well as
“An integrated East African Com- youth. It seeks to promote gender in community and civic affairs while c) The National Youth Policy for Youth
youth participation in political and actions to guide the implemen- munity where its youth are empow- Development 2007 of Kenya
processes and peace building for tation and address youth challenges equity and equality, including work- ensuring that programmes are youth
ered to fully participate and benefit ing to eliminate gender discrimina- centred.
political, social and economic in all facets of the region’s develop- d) The National Youth Policy of Rwanda
stability of the East African Com- Articulates the need for har- tion and violence.
ment.” 2008
munity; monizing definitions of the youth,
related legislation and programmes g. Youth Empowerment.
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////// The policy respects the e) The National Youth Development Policy
(v) Ensure meaningful carried out across the region
youth participation in the design, d. Good Governance. cultural, religious, customary and 2005 of Zanzibar and Tanzania 2007
The policy seeks to promote ethical backgrounds of the people in
implementation, monitoring and
evaluation of national
and regional de-
Is based on guiding principles
which underline the respect for
cultural, religious and ethical val-
policy mission the values of good governance, a just
and tolerant society, promotion of
the region and conforms to universal-
ly recognized human rights, without
f) The National Youth Policy 2001 of
Uganda
velopment plans, transparency and accountability and discrimination based on gender, race/
ues, equity and accessibility, gender “To create an enabling environment a spirit of nationhood and patriotism. g) The African Youth Charter, 2006
policies and inclusiveness, good governance and origin, age, ethnicity, creed, political
for effective youth participation and em- affiliation or social status.
strategies; national unity, youth participation, powerment in developing and sustaining h) International World Programme of
youth empowerment, team work the East African Community.” Action for Youth to the year 2000
(vi) Mobilize re- and partnerships
sources for youth
e. Mainstreaming Youth Issues. and Beyond
The needs, opportunities h. Networking and Partnership
programmes and Is developed within the context The Policy underscores the
and challenges facing the youth are i) The Beijing Declaration and Platform
projects at all levels; of existing national, regional and promotion of networking, team work
concerns for the Community. The for Action (1995)
and international policy frameworks and and collaboration among all the
youth policy aims at ensuring that
charters including National Youth youth issues are reflected in all sec- stakeholders to champion the youth j) The Commonwealth Programme of
(vii) Promote the Development Policies, National de- agenda in the integration processes.
tors of national development, on both Action for Youth Empowerment to the
values and ethos outlined in this velopment plans, the African Youth the micro and macro levels, within year 2017
policy. Charter and the World Programme the public, private sectors and civil
of Action for Youth to the Year 2000 society. k) The Lisbon Declaration (1998)
and beyond among others;
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6 EAC YOUTH POLICY - Popular Version (2014) EAC YOUTH POLICY - Popular Version (2014) 7
 2. youth rights & freedoms

Community, and
ii. Compete for posi
tions in regular, free
and fair elections in
accordance with the
appropriate laws.

b) The Right to participate

in Decision-making
processes.
The Youth shall have the
right to fully participate in the
decision-making processes of
their respective Partner States
and at the Community level

13. Right to Access Justice

e
a) The youth

e
asRrifgerhedoms
shall have the right to a fair trial;
to be tried by tribunals, previ-

nd
ously established by law, that are

ts a
independent and impartial; not to
be charged for offences that are
4. Freedom of Expression 9. Right to Own Property not defined by the law and their punish-
Every youth shall Every Youth shall have the right to
freedom of thought, conscience and
Every Youth shall have the right to
own and to inherit property and not be
ments not prescribed; to legal represen-
tation.

d
have the right to

ir
religion; this right includes freedom to arbitrarily deprived of such property.

as a b
change his or her religion or belief, and
freedom of thought, freedom, either alone or in community
b) Youth detained, imprisoned or
in rehabilitation centres have the right

f
conscience and with others and in public or private,
to manifest his/her religion or belief in
religion. teaching, practice, worship and obser-
vance.
5. Freedom of Association
Every Youth shall have the right to
freedom of association and to lawful and
peaceful assembly
This policy recognises that youth shall be entitled
to the enjoyment of the rights and freedoms 6. Freedom of Thought,
Conscience and Religion
///////////////////////////////////////////////////
10. Right to Development
Every youth shall have the right to
social, economic, political and cultural
development with due regard to their
freedom and identity and in equal
enjoyment of the common heritage of
mankind.
11. Right to Gainful Employment
Every youth has the right to:
i. Freely choose a lawful
occupation;
not to be subjected to torture, inhumane
or degrading treatment or punishment
and to participate in programmes that
will lead to reformation, social rehabilita-
tion and re-integration.
14. Right to Education and Skills
Development
Every youth shall have the right to
education of good quality.

recognized and guaranteed in this policy consistent
with the universal declaration of human rights...
1. Right to Life and security of
person
Every Youth has the inalienable right to
life and personal national and international
security
2. Right to Non-Discrimination
Every youth shall be entitled to the enjoy-
ments of the rights and freedoms recognized
and guaranteed in this Policy irrespective of
their race, ethnic group, colour, sex, language,
8 EAC YOUTH POLICY - Popular Version (2014)
religion, political or other opinion, national and
social origin, fortune, birth or other status
3. Freedom of Movement
All Youth shall have the right to freedom of
movement and residence within the borders
of Partner States for purposes of education and
employment and to participate in social, eco-
nomic or cultural activities as provided by the
laws of the respective Partner States
Every youth shall have the right to
freedom of thought, conscience and
religion.
7. Protection of Private Life
No youth shall be subject to the
arbitrary or unlawful interference with
his/her privacy, residence or correspond-
ence, or to attacks upon his/her honour
or reputation
8. Right to form a Family
Youth of full age as provided for by
the law who enter into marriage shall do
so based on their free consent and shall
enjoy equal rights and responsibilities
ii. Receive equal pay for equal
work;
iii. Work under equitable and
satisfactory conditions that
respect their dignity:
12. Right to Participation
The Youth shall have the right to be
involved in the design, implementation,
monitoring and evaluation of national
and regional development plans, policies
and poverty reduction strategies
a) Right to Participate in Political
Processes
The Youth shall have the right
to:
i. Take part in public affairs,
directly or through their elected
representatives, at the
15. Right to adequate standard
of Living
The Youth have the right to a stand-
ard of living adequate to their health
and wellbeing including food, water and
sanitation, and shelter/housing.
16. Right to Health Care
Every youth shall have the right to
enjoy the best attainable state of physical
and psychological/mental health.
17. Right to Leisure and Recrea-
tion Activities
Every youth shall have the right to
leisure and participate in recreational
activities for their physical and mental
wellbeing.
EAC YOUTH POLICY - Popular Version (2014) 9
 3. TARGET GROUPS
4. responsibilities

TARGeT I E S O F
GROUPS I B I L I T
S P O N S u t h
T o
nity for

E
es a u n ique opportu

R THE y
Policy pro vi d Youth.
he EAC Youth r al l East African r
e quality o f li fe fo identified fo
improving th o ri es o f yo u th have been m stan ce s
er, ce rtai n categ erab il ity an d circu
How ev ln
tion due to th
eir vu rogrammes.
special atten th er efo re n eed special p
e groups
of living. Thes
They include:
ployed youth
a) The unem

b) Orphans
i l i ties ly
c) The femal
e yo uth migrants
o n sib fami n
re sp diate frica
d) Urban yo
uth migrants
h ave me East A nal
e) The rura
l yo uth
s h all her im, the rnatio
u th is or state inte

E
the informal
sector o
y y ards h y, the d the
f) Youth in
e r
v ow t n the
i e a . e
g) The street
yo uths t
d soc unity unity ro m ot ca
ri ders
rvants /help
er s an omm omm : P
to Eas t A f
el of
h) Domestic
se
C c e d n d
youth
o blig f the nts a spirit
The illiterate o e n
l beciples or par in the fully i n
i)
cies a l
j) Youth in
security agen
th sh prin ect f eed ake cisio re
Yo u tal e s p o f n Part , de whe
k) Youth wit
h disability
ry en er es s; ng rk .
ally ill Eve ndamy; Hav in cas value g voti ity wo ilities
l) Youth wh
o are termin
fu unit em ican udin
th f r l m un onsib
youth m st A inc om sp
Comd assi e East uties and c ther re
and nomadic
m) Pastoral

th in sch o ols /training in

stitutions
an ositiv hip d ance ny o
n) You
ict and disas
ter areas p zens ern m a
co n fl
v g
citi g, go amon
ar m ed
situations of
o) Youth in
ed /affected wit
h HIV/ AIDS
a kin vant
p) You th in fe ct
m ele
d ro p o u t and out of
school youth r
q) Sch o o l
d youth
an d in te rn ally displace
p s
refugee cam
r) Youth in
substances
ad d ic te d to drugs and
s) You th
prisons
o se ju st re leased from
-mates and th
t) Youth in
age of 18.
p lo ye d yo u th below the
u) Em

10 EAC YOUTH POLICY - Popular Version (2014) EAC YOUTH POLICY - Popular Version (2014) 11
 5. PRIORITIES

strategiC priorities
1
SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS AND YOUTH
EMPOWERMENT
To empower the youth to develop their potential, creativity and skills
as productive and dynamic members of the Community through tak-
ing all appropriate measures with a view to achieving full realisation of
the right to gainful employment .
6



SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT AND
PROMOTION OF THE
ENVIRONMENT
To ensure youth participation in the design, implementation,
monitoring and evaluation of national and regional develop-

2
ment plans, policies and strategies in sustainable develop-
ment .
EDUCATION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

7
To empower the youth and develop their potential, creativity
and skills as productive and dynamic members of the commu-
nity through enhancing equal access to high quality education
. GENDER DIMENSIONS
To mainstream gender in youth
and training.

3
issues, policies, laws and programmes
at the national and regional level.
HEALTH

8
To ensure the health wellbeing of youths in East Africa, able
to perform to their maximum potential . LEISURE, RECREATION
AND SPORTS
To ensure talent and skills develop-

"
ment for gainful employment and the
This Policy proposes actions on healthy wellbeing of the youths in
EAC .
intervention areas which are structured
around the objectives of this policy and
the issues identified under under the
resposibilities for the youth section
9 CULTURE
To ensure the appreciation of cultural
diversity for peace and sustainable
development in the EAC region .
12 POvery eradication
& Social-economic
integration
to promote economic empower-

4
ment of youth through meaningful participation in all devel-
opment programmes .

INFORMATIOn COMMUNICATION
TECHNOLOGY
To empower the youth to develop their potential, creativity
and skills as productive and dynamic members of the society
through the development of their creativity, and
technological competence .
10 COMMUNITY SERVICE
AND VOLUNTEERISM
To promote the spirit of volunteer-
ism and community service among
the youth as a means of building a sense of responsibility for
community development and regional integration .
13
To mainstream meaningful youth
participation in all
EAC processes
DECISION MAKING
PROCESS

5 PEACE &
SECURITY
To ensure youth par-
ticipation in political
processes and peace
building for political, social and
economic stability of the East African
Community .
11

yOUTH IN THE
DIASPORA
To ensure meaningful participation
of youth in the Diaspora in all politi-
cal and economic processes for the
development and stability of the Community .
14 NETWORKING &
PARTNERSHIPS
To promote effective youth
participation in all EAC pro-
cesses through well estab-
lished national and regional coordination mechanisms .

12 EAC YOUTH POLICY - Popular Version (2014) EAC YOUTH POLICY - Popular Version (2014) 13
 6. implementation

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implementation
Mechanisms To this end the
EAC Organs
& Institutions
stipulated next
shall have
The implementation of the Policy will be the the stated
responsibility of the EAC secretariat and the Partner obligations
States. in the
implementation
I
n that context, various implementation instruments will be developed to
operationalise the policy. These include, an elaborate Youth Action Plan. In
addition, the Partner States shall develop country specific policies, strategies, lines of
of the EAC
action, legislation and establish institutional arrangements for addressing youth concerns Youth Policy:
in line with the EAC Youth Policy. The EAC secretariat shall work closely with relevant EAC
organs and institutions and Partner States institutions in the execution of regional programs,
projects and activities emanating from the Policy. This will be achieved through
strengthening and mobilizing of capacities of existing relevant institutions and facilities in
the region to meet pressing youth challenges.

14 EAC YOUTH POLICY - Popular Version (2014) EAC YOUTH POLICY - Popular Version (2014) 15
 7. organs & Institutions 8. YOUTH COUNCIL

orga n s &
institu tions

EAC YOUTH COUNCIL

n
The East Africa
ll, through
Community sha
nd organs,
its institutions a
ner States
ensure that Part
mitments
respect the com
the duties
made and fulfil
Policy.
outlined in this

EAC Secretariat
a) Coordinate and guide the overall
implementation of the policy and its strategic
plan;

b) Report on the implementation progress of the

Policy to the Sectoral Council.

East African Legislative

Assembly
Spearhead enactment of youth friendly Legislation
and Policies and ensure establishment of youth
regional institutions.
" This policy shall seek to establish
an East African Community Youth
Council within the East African
Community to provide a platform
EAC Sectoral Council on and a reference body for the
Gender, Children, Youth,
Social Protection and youth of East Africa. It will seek
Community Development to effectively engage the youth in
a) Be responsible for the preparation of a
comprehensive implementation programme and the integration process of the East
African Community.
the setting out of priorities with respect to the
youth;

b) Monitor and keep under constant re-

view the implementation of the programmes of
the Community with respect to the youth.

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16 EAC YOUTH POLICY - Popular Version (2014) EAC YOUTH POLICY - Popular Version (2014) 17
 9. ROLES & dUTIES

S OF STAKEHOLDERS
ROLES & DUTIE
PARTNER STATES csoS, pcoS & oTHER iNTEREST GROUPS Development Partners

a) Partner States shall recognize the rights, freedoms Acknowledging the increased role of civil society and Development Partners will work closely with the EAC
and duties enshrined in this EAC Youth Policy private sector in the management and provision of social services, Secretariat, the Partner States, youth focused organizations and
civil society and private sector shall ensure that the rights, freedoms other key stakeholders to provide technical and financial support
b) Partner States shall undertake the necessary steps,
in accordance with their Constitutional processes, to adopt such and duties outlined in this Policy are upheld and respected.
legislative or other measures that may be necessary to give effect to
the provisions of this Policy

18 EAC YOUTH POLICY - Popular Version (2014) EAC YOUTH POLICY - Popular Version (2014) 19
 UN I T Y
CO M M
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ICA

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F R

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A

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EAS T

youth p PO P U L A R VER S I O N

Publishing Supported by: East African Community

East African Community Headquarters
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