Young Activists Leading the Charge for Human Rights

Young people around the world are taking action to address growing inequality, exclusion, and attacks on human rights. Pablo, Dina, and Christopher are three examples of young activists who are part of Digital Disruptors, an Amnesty International project that supports young people in seeking justice for the issues that matter to them.

## Addressing LGBTIQ+ Rights Pablo Mendoza, a 24-year-old activist from Guatemala, is working to create a Care Platform for the Community, aimed at LGBTIQ+ young people living on the outskirts of large and small cities. The platform will provide access to information on mental health, sexual health, support networks, and opportunities, as well as stories that reflect the diversity of their lives. Pablo's work is personal, as he experienced rejection and fear when he came out at the age of 15. He hopes that his project will provide the support and information that he lacked at that time.

## Combating Gun Violence Dina Alami, a 30-year-old activist from Sweden, is part of Kollectiv Sorg, a movement that began as an open letter to address gun violence and street crime in Sweden. The movement has grown into a collective grief support group, where people can share their experiences and find solidarity. Dina's work is connected to her own experience of loss, having lost someone close to her through violence. She believes that grief can be a catalyst for action and that young people don't need to wait for permission to lead.

## Protecting Digital Rights Christopher Arunga, a 28-year-old activist from Kenya, is working on the Linda Data campaign, which aims to protect personal data and promote digital rights. Christopher's own experience of having his personal data shared without his consent led him to become a digital rights activist. The campaign has surveyed hundreds of young people and found that unauthorized access to personal data is a major concern. Through campus visits, community conversations, and online advocacy, the campaign is helping young people understand their rights and promoting greater accountability from tech companies and institutions.

## Empowering Young People The work of these three young activists demonstrates the power of young people to create change and promote human rights. Through their projects, they are providing support, information, and solidarity to marginalized communities and promoting greater accountability from institutions. Their experiences show that young people don't need to wait for permission to lead and that collective action can lead to real change. As Dina Alami said, 'Grief doesn't have to end in silence. It can become action, and compassion can become leadership.'