A/HRC/39/47 F. Youth facing fragility, violence and opportunity 32. Fragile contexts impede the enjoyment of fundamental human rights by the society and threaten democratic institutions and processes. Youth, 11 in particular, face unique challenges and are especially vulnerable in uncertain environments. This is particularly the case because of the social construction of the transition between childhood and adulthood in which young people are made to bear the responsibilities of adulthood despite marginalization by society and restricted autonomy. For example, economic selfsufficiency is generally recognized as an important marker in the transition to adulthood. However, limited access to resources, education, training, employment and a lack of economic opportunities constrain youth’s prospects. 12 In extreme situations, a lack of opportunity may push young people to find alternative and sometimes illegal means to secure finances. 33. Despite accounting for one out of every six people worldwide,13 youth are severely underrepresented in national and international governing bodies. Age limits that prevent voting and running for office can disenfranchise young people at the national level, as can the lack of formal, dedicated structures to ensure youth participation in decision-making. 14 The space for youth participation in multilateral settings is particularly limited, raising the question of how responsive those forums are to the concerns of young people and future generations. 34. In addition, when States fail to provide an equal space for the economic empowerment of all, youth are particularly affected. Challenges to accessing quality and market-appropriate education affect the human development and economic prospects of young people. The paucity of paid occupational opportunities, whether they be entry-level employment positions, on-the-job training or apprenticeships, has long-term effects on the economic outcomes and political influence of young people. 15 Moreover, the fact that young people may legally be paid according to pay scales that differ from those of older adults can result in their exploitation. 16 For young women, issues such as lower employment rates, limited access to education and socially imposed constrictions reduce their economic and political power. 17 In contexts where the distribution of resources is skewed against them, youth may lose faith in the ability of democratic processes to restore economic equity. In some cases, this has led to youth becoming susceptible to recruitment by criminal gangs, separatist movements and terrorist organizations and has inadvertently made the State a common “object of aggression”. 35. The mandate holder would like to seek expert opinions and interrogate the nexus between youth, fragility, violence and opportunity. IV. Methodology 36. The Independent Expert will adopt several working methods to execute his mandate. These include, but are not limited to, thematic studies, expert consultations, country visits, participation in international forums, issuance of communications and cooperation with other mandate holders. 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Following the General Assembly definition, “youth” is defined as individuals aged between 15 and 24. See, for example, resolution 56/117, para. 15 and resolution 62/126, para. 25. United Nations, “Youth population trends and sustainable development”, Population Facts, May 2015, p. 1; and OHCHR, “Expert meeting on the human rights of youth: executive summary and outcomes”, 18 September 2013. United Nations, Population Facts, May 2015. See European Youth Forum, “Human Rights Council resolution 35/14: OHCHR study on youth and human rights”, p. 3. Ibid., p. 4. OHCHR, “Expert meeting on the human rights of youth”, p. 2. Ibid., p. 3. 9