Panel Session | Strengthening the Rule of law and Youth Access to Justice for Healthy Democracies

Panel Topic: Strengthening the Rule of law and Access to Justice for Youth for Healthy Democracies
Brian Githinji - Moderator
Nthenya Munyae, Centre for Multiparty Democracy Kenya - panelist
Diana Pande , Speak Up Afrika - panelist
Brian initiated an engaging discussion on strengthening the rule of law by inviting participants to share their personal experiences with the legal system. He defined the rule of law as a fundamental principle where institutions, authorities, and citizens are all accountable under the laws of the republic. Reflecting on Kenya's history, he highlighted key moments such as the drafting of the Lancaster Constitution during the independence in 1962 amid the war, and the transformative 2010 constitution following post-
election violence. He encouraged participants to move beyond binary viewpoints and explore the complexities and nuances of the rule of law.
This session explored the crucial role of strengthening the rule of law and ensuring access to justice for youth, emphasizing its importance for maintaining healthy democracies. The panelists, Nthenya Munyae and Diana Pande, provided valuable insights into the challenges faced by young people and offered practical recommendations to enhance their engagement in democratic processes.
Nthenya Munyae discussed the work of the Centre for Multiparty Democracy Kenya, which collaborates with political parties to build capacity and provide civic education to the youth. A notable initiative is the People Dialogue Festival, an annual event aimed at fostering political engagement and dialogue among young people. Nthenya provided practical advice for young people looking for alternative avenues to justice:
-Use Organizations That Champion Human Rights: Young people should connect with organizations dedicated to human rights advocacy, which can offer the necessary expertise and support in legal matters.
-Leverage Social Media: While social media is a powerful tool for raising awareness and mobilizing support, Nthenya cautioned that it requires time and patience to navigate the correct channels for justice.
-Join Organizations Providing Avenues to Justice: By joining organizations that offer legal aid and support, young people can gain better access to justice and the necessary guidance to navigate the legal system.
Diana Pande noted the lack of youth leadership in most African countries, which undermines young people and leads to apathy. This lack of representation prevents young people from effectively participating in democratic processes. On Strategies for Building Partnerships, Diana emphasized the importance of building partnerships to raise funds and resources, citing examples such as the "Sisi Kwa Sisi" initiatives. She encouraged young people to network and speak out about their agendas to gain support and resources.
The session concluded with a discussion on the efficacy and ethics of civi c protests, particularly “Maandamano”, and the influence of financial incentives. Diana affirmed the value of peaceful protest as a fundamental right but cautioned against destructive actions that harm public property.
She emphasized the need for dialogue as a precursor to protests, advocating for constructive solutions to societal grievances. While acknowledging the historical significance of protests in effecting change, she stressed the importance of maintaining peace and respecting public property. In a hypothetical scenario as president, Diana highlighted her openness to dialogue and alternative approaches before resorting to
street protests, emphasizing responsible civic engagement and prudent decision-making. She closed by underscoring the importance of using social media responsibly and advocating for informed, lawful
actions in pursuit of justice and societal progress.
For any questions or inquiries, visit www.theyouthcafe.com

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