Led by human rights officer Maria Smirnova, youth and student representatives reviewed the submission of information mechanism, a form utilized by experts to examine a case and take remedial action. Participants also discussed the communications procedure, a tool used by United Nations Special Rapporteurs and other independent experts to draw the attention of governments and non-state actors to alleged human rights violations; ask that violations be prevented, stopped, or investigated; and raise public awareness on individual and group cases.
Anna Weinrich, Steering Committee member at the Global Student Forum, notes, "The Global Student Forum is keen to amplify youth and student cases, draw attention to violations, and contribute to holding violators to account. The submission of information, alongside the communications procedure, offers an invaluable lifeline for at-risk youth and students worldwide."
Henry Wright, chair of the Youth Democracy Movement, adds, "The information session, pursued with the support of the Office of the Special Rapporteur on the right to education, implicitly affirms the expertise inherent to youth and student experience, offering a novel source of first-hand information on violations of human rights."
Maria Smirnova, human rights officer at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, concludes, "The Office of the Special Rapporteur on the right to education recognizes youth-led NGOs and student unions as partners and stakeholders, not just in the defense of youth and student safety, but also in the protection and promotion of the international human rights system. "
In order to submit information, youth and students are encouraged to use the online form.
