A/HRC/39/33 Contents Page I. Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 3 II. Call for action ................................................................................................................................ 3 III. Youth: definition ........................................................................................................................... 4 IV. Normative and institutional framework......................................................................................... 5 A. Regional and international norms ......................................................................................... 5 B. Political commitments .......................................................................................................... 6 C. United Nations architecture on youth ................................................................................... 7 Challenges and discrimination against youth ................................................................................ 7 A. Participation in politics and public decision-making ............................................................ 8 B. From education to decent work: youth employment............................................................. 9 C. Access to health services, in particular sexual and reproductive health and rights ............... 10 D. Conscientious objection to military service .......................................................................... 11 E. Transitioning to autonomy in vulnerable situations .............................................................. 12 VI. Youth and peace and security ........................................................................................................ 13 VII. Initiatives to empower young people in the exercise of their rights .............................................. 14 VIII. Conclusions and recommendations ............................................................................................... 16 V. 2