FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 6 JULY 2007

Youth Parliament: speaking out for issues that affect us all

Save the Children New Zealand congratulates the many young people participating in the upcoming Youth Parliament and welcomes this opportunity for them to experience parliamentary process. The youth press gallery is an excellent opportunity for young people to be supported by the mainstream media, providing a public forum for to raise issues and have their voices heard.

“It’s exciting to see young people raising the issue of the 0.7% target for international aid. This is a very timely discussion given that 07/07/07 marks the halfway point to achieving the Millennium Development Goals in 2015,” says John Bowis, Executive Director of Save the Children New Zealand.

Save the Children New Zealand supports moves that encourage young people to take part in the civic process. The recently announced Civics Education and Voting Age Bill is an example of looking at ways of encouraging young people to participate in the democratic process.

“If we truly want to encourage young people to have a voice in the public arena and to participate in the decision-making process then we must consider a range of options to encourage interest in the issues that affect them.“

“Young people should be recognised as active participants in our society. I look forward to hearing the recommendations the youth MPs put forward and wish them well for their busy week ahead.”

ENDS

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