August 12 – World Youth Day, the necessity of their participation in society and accompanying their wishes
August 12 – World Youth Day – Youth, the source of new ideas and the heirs of tomorrow’s world
On the International Youth Day, may the memory of the young people of Iran who sacrificed their lives for the freedom and prosperity of the country be honored. Those who were tortured in dark prisons, shot in the streets, or suffered in exile from their homeland, are all clear examples for the younger generation.
World Youth Day is celebrated on August 12, at the initiative of the United Nations. And UNESCO, to emphasize the vital importance of the young generation in shaping the future of societies. Youth, as the main driving force of development, innovation and progress, play an irreplaceable role in all societies.
They not only constitute the current and future workforce, but are also the driving force behind social change and technological advancement. Courage, creativity and the energy of young people have made them the main factor of transformation and progress. However, in many societies, especially in Iran, young people face various challenges such as unemployment, inequality, and social and economic restrictions. For this reason, dedicating an international youth day is an opportunity to pay attention to the importance of supporting young people and empowering them to create a better future.
Here is the message from UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova on the occasion of International Youth Day, August 12, 2012:
“On International Youth Day, let us focus more on the potential of young women and men to establish peace and foster development. Youth are the inheritors of the world’s future, and they are already shaping that future today.
Half of the world’s population is under the age of 25 and faces deep challenges. They are more exposed to the world’s inequalities and injustices than the previous generation and are significantly affected by them. Many of them live in poverty and are unable to realize their potential talents and abilities. Only a small number of these young people are able to acquire the skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary for employment in today’s rapidly changing job markets.”
In the past 25 years, significant progress has been made in youth affairs around the world, but in Iran, where fundamental human rights principles not upheld, the problems facing young people increasing daily. Nevertheless, the role of youth in Iran’s political and social transformations cannot be ignored. Many young Iranians, despite the challenges, are striving to bring about positive changes in their society and are active in various fields.
To better understand the situation of youth in Iran, it is essential to comprehensively examine factors such as economic, social, and cultural policies.
The Cultural Revolution in 1980, which led to the closure of universities and the expulsion of critical professors and students, clearly showed that the new government intended to have complete control over the educational and intellectual institutions of society. In the following decades, the government’s policies towards young people, especially students, were pursued with a security-oriented approach. The mass deployment of young people to the war fronts in the 1980s and the mass executions of political prisoners, including students, are examples of this approach. According to some reports, tens of thousands of students and young people were imprisoned or executed during this period. Additionally, the spread of addiction and unemployment among young people was used as a tool for social control and reducing their protest potential. These policies not only weakened Iran’s young generation but also contributed to the deepening of gaps between different generations.
The Role of Youth in the Uprisings and Revolution Against the Ruling Regime in Iran
Despite widespread repression, Iranian youth remain at the forefront of the struggle for freedom and justice. The uprisings of 2009, 2017, and 2022, each with its own characteristics, reflect the continuation of this struggle. From Neda Agha-Soltan and Kianoush Asa to other young martyrs of the 2017 nationwide uprising. Such as Mehdi Kohzadi, Hassan Torkashvand, Farzad Chegini, and Vahid Heidari.
From the martyrs of the 2019 uprising, like Javad Shiyazi, Mohammad Javad Abedi. Amir Hossein Sadeghi, and Mohammad Mirzaei, to other young martyrs of the 2022 nationwide uprising, such as Mahsa Amini. Nika Shakarami, Kian Pirfalak, Kian Lawajayi, and Abolfazl Adinezadeh.
The name of each of these young martyrs symbolizes the resistance and determination of Iran’s young generation. These uprisings not only indicate the depth of the people’s dissatisfaction with the current situation. But also demonstrate the fighting spirit and hope for a better future among the youth. The suppression of these uprisings carried out with extreme violence. But the spirit of resistance among the youth remains steadfast. And keeping alive the hope for a free and democratic future in Iran.
Iranian youth, consciously and determinedly, seek a better future for their homeland. They demand a democratic government based on social justice and equal rights for all. In their dream, Iran is a country with freedom of expression, assembly and thought, where the rule of law casts a shadow on everyone, and corruption and discrimination are eradicated.
What to do?
This generation, inspired by universal values of democracy and human rights, seeks to create a dynamic and progressive society. For this reason, they are as the greatest threat to the human rights-violating government in power in Iran. And they consequently subjected to repression. Iranian youth, especially young women and girls, by standing up against injustice and tyranny, have shown that they will not hesitate to make any effort or sacrifice to achieve their ideals.
Iranian youth, inspired by these sacrifices, must stand united against oppression and tyranny. We must keep their ideals alive. And continue to fight for the realization of a free, just, and democratic society that upholds human rights.
A bright future awaits us, a future in which Iran will be a prosperous, free, and democratic country. Let us remember that the blood of these martyrs has planted the seed of hope in our hearts. And we are responsible for turning this seed into the strong tree of freedom.
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