Foro Juventudes, hosted by the United Human Rights Foundation at FIU, emphasized the connection between democracy and development, encouraging student involvement in human rights advocacy. The forum featured personal testimonies from young activists from Venezuela and Nicaragua, who shared their experiences combating authoritarian regimes and the importance of youth empowerment in achieving democratic change.
The Foro Juventudes event, organized by the United Human Rights Foundation at Florida International University, highlighted the intrinsic link between democracy and development. Aimed at students interested in human rights and international relations, this forum allowed attendees to hone skills in project creation, countering misinformation, and conflict resolution while sharing personal accounts of resistance under authoritarian governance. Yonnathan Carrillo, a Venezuelan student leader, shared harrowing experiences of persecution linked to his activism against Maduro’s regime. He emphasized the necessity of raising awareness about Venezuela’s struggles, declaring, “We are making this known because we believe it is important that what is happening in Venezuela does not become a lost cause.” His narrative echoed the personal sacrifices faced by those opposing oppressive regimes, illustrating the profound effects of fear and caution on daily life. Zuleika Meneses recounted her family’s flight from Venezuela to escape the cruelty of police persecution following the recent elections. Her hope for returning echoed resilience against oppression, stating, “We’ll go back to Venezuela and we’ll work hard for the reconstruction of the country to achieve the change that we have all been waiting for.” Meneses’s story exemplified the human cost of political turmoil. Yunova Acosta spread her activism roots from Nicaragua, where she fearlessly aided protesters against Ortega’s regime. She detailed the risks she faced for her dedication, expressing, “Many of my classmates were arrested until last year…” Acosta’s journey from activist to founder of Foro Juventudes illustrated her commitment to empowering youth and establishing support networks against authoritarianism. Through Foro Juventudes, these trailblazers work to provide resources and strategies to mitigate the struggles they faced, creating pathways for future students to engage in democracy without fear of persecution. Their story reflects a determination to learn from the past to shape a brighter, more inclusive future in Latin America and beyond. In bringing together voices from the heart of activism, Foro Juventudes aspires to unite Latin and American communities, fostering discussions on human rights and diplomacy while reinforcing the importance of youth in democracy.
The Foro Juventudes event encapsulates the ongoing fight for democracy and human rights in democratic and authoritarian settings. It aims to empower students—particularly those from Latin America—who have directly experienced the impacts of oppressive regimes. By providing a collaborative environment, it fosters skills necessary for effective activism and offers a platform for sharing poignant personal experiences.
The Foro Juventudes initiative serves as a beacon of hope for young activists, uniting efforts across borders in the pursuit of democracy and human rights. Through their personal narratives and shared struggles, Carrillo, Meneses, and Acosta exemplify resilience and the vital role youth play in shaping political landscapes. Their commitment to empowering the next generation reflects an earnest desire to cultivate impactful activism that promotes justice and equity.
Original Source: panthernow.com
