Democratic Youth Organizing The countries of Central Asia are generally categorized as hierarchical societies in which citizens and civil society have little influence on the political system. Marked by age-based hierarchies, the societies of the region grant little voice to young people, and decisions that affect young people and their futures rarely embrace the perspectives of the youth. For the last five years, independent voices in Central Asia have been forced to deal with increased repression as a result of continued pressure from authorities. Civil society groups face restrictions imposed in the name of law and order, and their work has been increasingly stigmatized and criminalized. The existence of better opportunities for civil society organizations has a direct correlation with the health and quality of a democracy.
As an example, in Kyrgyzstan – a country generally depicted as a democratic oasis in comparison to its neighbors – there are several factors that severely limit young people’s ability to actively and meaningfully participate in civil society. Because of persistent state corruption, as well as a lack of knowledge and advocacy channels, the youth of Kyrgyzstan experience difficulties in being able to exert influence on their life situation as well as claim their human and democratic rights.
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