V. Marginalized youth

Young people from vulnerable and marginalized groups have a range of experiences on the internet, some of which are significantly different from one another. In large parts of the world, organizations working with gender and sexual minorities, people with disabilities, those living with HIV, indigenous groups and/or ethnic minorities, have never had an open space to work in. For these groups, the idea of “closing space” is not a shift—it’s been their daily reality for decades. Since the advent of the internet, particularly social media, marginalized individuals and groups have used the platform to make their voices known. However, these spaces are becoming more restrictive and civic spaces for these groups are shrinking. When discussing closing space for civil society, it is vital to consider the day-to-day reality for minorities.

Marginalized groups are thus compelled to organize and find new ways to articulate their interests and make their voices heard. However, whilst identity-based activism can certainly facilitate the social and political inclusion of excluded groups, it also has the potential to reinforce differences in society and state governance. 

Key entry points on this topic include (but are not limited to) the following:

• What are the experiences of marginalized individuals and groups with regards to civic participation?
• What challenges do excluded groups face in engaging with the SDGs?
• What organizations are working with these groups in Asia and the Paci­fic and what risks do these organizations face?
• How can these groups be meaningfully engaged in the implementation of the SDGs?
• What is the role of governments in creating space for traditionally marginalized groups to engage in the SDGs?