186 young people from all regions of the Republic of Moldova, including from the Găgăuzia region, from the left bank of the Nistru River, as well as refugees from Ukraine, attended the summer camp "#YOUthAct - Youth for Justice", where they discovered the importance of human rights and how the justice system works. The participants learned about digital security, financial literacy, juvenile delinquency, the risks of online and offline sexual abuse, consent, non-discrimination and vulnerable groups, emotional intelligence and self-confidence.

The camp was organized by UNDP Moldova for the third consecutive year. The current edition took place with the financial support of the Governments of Germany and Japan (with resources provided through the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security).

"This camp was not only about justice, but it has very useful lessons for the 21st century that every young person needs to know but that are rarely discussed in school and rarely in the family. It's time to face taboo topics and prepare young people for reality," says Alexa Ichim from Chișinău, a participant of the camp "#YOUthAct - Youth for Justice".

"Human rights are an essential aspect of our lives and they come with great responsibility to act in a faithful way. The summer camp’s  topics were designed especially for your age and for your understanding in order to empower you to become drivers and advocates for a comprehensive implementation of these and other fundamental rights," said Margret Maria Uebber, Ambassador of Germany to the Republic of Moldova. 

Together with Yoichiro Yamada, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Moldova and Daniela Gasparikova, UNDP Resident Representative to the Republic of Moldova, they handed over the participation diplomas to the young people of the last round of the camp and discussed access to justice and overcoming the multiple crises facing Moldova.

"We have been strong supporters of peace, human rights, and multilateral approach. We have been trying to realize welfare and security at the grassroots level in the world. That's why we focus on vulnerable people, their protection and empowerment. We call this agenda 'human security'," said Yamada Yoichiro, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Moldova. 

Conceived around the idea of "accessible justice for all", the "#YOUthAct - Youth for Justice" summer camp contributed to strengthening young people's knowledge about their own rights and how to claim them. Participants learned about the institutions and mechanisms designed to protect them; developing solutions to promote human rights at the local level and empowering young people to become human rights ambassadors in their own communities.

"I strongly encourage each of you to use the summer camp experience to further develop knowledge, skills and build values, vision and understanding what human rights are. You can start by volunteering with local and national organizations that resonate with your values. It’s the best way to build your skills in the field whilst having a real impact on people," said Daniela Gasparikova, UNDP Resident Representative to the Republic of Moldova.

Ecaterina Ungurean, one of the 186 young participants, would have liked the camp to last at least ten days rather than five. "It was an opportunity to create new friendships and learn things that are probably on the surface but that nobody prefers to talk to us about. I was particularly impressed that I learned this information directly from professionals, with whom I had the opportunity to talk as an equal, honestly but respectfully," said the young woman from Bălți.

The participants have learned new information and developed new skills, mostly through interactive activities and games. Trainers included justice professionals. Lawyers Tatiana Chebac and Ion Bambuleac talked to attendees about their rights, especially those of refugees and asylum seekers. Daniel Mazepa, a trainer at the "Stefan cel Mare" Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, spoke to the camp participants about the importance of online and offline security and juvenile delinquency. Elena Sîrbu, president of the Roma Association, explained what non-discrimination means and which groups are most vulnerable. Banking consultant Gheorghe Andres challenged young men and women to discussions on cyber security and financial education.

In a discussion with special guests Marcela Nistor and Eugen Sinchevici—among the youngest MPs in the current Parliament—and Ioana Vatamanu-Mărgineanu, an advisor in the Prime Minister's office recently returned from her studies abroad, students discussed the importance of civic involvement and the possibility of changing things for the better in their communities

"Such activities should be a priority for the country and I regret that there are no similar opportunities in my region that would allow young people to develop and become leaders. It is a great investment in the future of young people," says Evgheni Cara, one of the seven participants from the Găgăuzia region.

The "#YOUthAct - Youth for Justice" summer camp was organised in four five-day rounds from 10 July to 4 August.