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Senegal is a predominantly young country often cited by the international community as a hotbed of hope capable of meeting major development challenges, with nearly 13.5 million people aged between 15 and 35, representing approximately 70 percent of the population.
This demographic category, recognized as a vehicle for development by all international texts, especially the African Youth Charter, still faces major challenges, including an unemployment rate of around 16% and chronic underemployment. These obstacles exacerbate the instability and growing despair of this age group.
Today, extreme poverty, deficient education systems, violence, inequality and climate change pose real threats and obstacles that profoundly affect the lives of young people in Africa in general and in Senegal in particular.
According to data released by the Spanish authorities, nearly 27,640 migrants arrived on the coast of the Canary Islands on 822 boats between January 1 and July 31, 2024. This figure is 12% higher than in the same period last year.
These alarming figures reflect the growing desperation of our young people who, without seeing any future prospects, choose to bravely die in the hope of a better future. Moreover, these unprotected migrations are in violation of the Palermo Protocol against Illegal Trafficking of Migrants by Land, Air and Sea, to which Senegal is a signatory.
Despite the gravity of the situation, the Human Rights and Friendship Action (ADHA) regrets that no concrete and effective measures have been taken by the competent authorities. The suffering of young people, exacerbated by high unemployment and an inadequate education system, is a cry of pain that public authorities must respond to. So far, the initiatives taken have been largely inadequate and often not adapted to the realities on the ground.
The lack of response to the growing phenomenon appears to demonstrate a worrying apathy.
The lack of concrete and effective action to address the root causes of this phenomenon represents a serious failure to comply with the obligations to protect the rights of adolescents, as provided for in articles 12 and 20 of the Senegalese Constitution and in the relevant international conventions. Economic, social and cultural rights.
In the face of this emergency, ADHA makes the following recommendations:
1. Strengthen awareness-raising campaigns: Civil society, in collaboration with public authorities, must step up awareness-raising campaigns on the risks associated with irregular migration.
2. Adopt ambitious public policies: The Senegalese State must urgently develop and implement public policies that are consistent with the objectives of the National Economic and Social Development Strategy (SNDES) and aimed at creating job opportunities for young people, especially in the agriculture, crafts and information technology sectors.
3. Reform of the education system: In line with the commitments made within the framework of the education plan, an in-depth review of the education system must be conducted to adapt it to the needs of the job market, with a particular emphasis on technical and vocational training. Actions for the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20).
4. Strengthen the role of the Ministry of Youth: The Ministry must fully assume its responsibility to protect and promote the rights of young people by strengthening its sectors and services in line with the guidelines of the Plan Senegal Emerging (PSE) to provide viable alternatives to migration.
5. Development of an active employment policy: Concrete measures must be taken to promote the professional integration of young people, in particular by providing tax incentives to companies that recruit young graduates, as provided for in Law 2020-06 on Investments.
This will involve implementing active employment policies, with a particular emphasis on creating decent jobs for young people. This includes supporting entrepreneurial initiatives and encouraging self-employment. An audit of the employment sector is also necessary.
6. Reform of higher education: The higher education sector must be thoroughly reformed in accordance with the International Labour Organization (ILO) guidelines in this field so that the courses offered are adapted to the needs of the labour market.
In conclusion, Action for Human Rights and Friendship calls on all positive forces in the country to end this human hemorrhage that is weakening our societies and endangering our future. Our young people must no longer become the first prey of trafficking networks. It is our responsibility to provide them with a dignified and secure future in our own country.
M. Adama Mbengue
Chairman of the Action for Human Rights and Friendship (ADHA)
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