Enhancement of Meaningful and Inclusive Youth Participation (AKRAN Project)

The Akran Project, officially titled “Enhancing Meaningful and Inclusive Youth Participation,” is supported under the Human Rights and Democracy Thematic Programme, the successor to the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR). The project is implemented by the Youth Services Center Association (GSM) and the Turkey Europe Foundation (TAV).

The Akran Project aims to bridge the gap between young people and decision-makers by promoting a human rights-based approach and fostering a youth-friendly, meaningful, and inclusive governance model. The project seeks to raise awareness among young people about their rights and ensure that each of their voices is heard.

The “Akran” project, officially titled ” Enhancement of Meaningful and Inclusive Youth Participation,” is supported under the EU’s Human Rights and Democracy Thematic Program and implemented by the Youth Services Center Association (GSM) and Turkey Europe Foundation (TAV). The project aims to bridge the gap between young people and decision-makers by promoting a human rights-based approach and inclusive governance. It works with the HAKLAR Network, bringing together civil society organizations, university groups, and activists across Turkey, to strengthen youth participation. Key activities include promoting youth-friendly governance in municipalities, building the capacity of grassroots organizations, organizing human rights advocacy training, and creating platforms to amplify youth voices and engagement.

The Akran Project:

Creates spaces that support youth participation and amplify young people’s voices.
Works in close cooperation with the HAKLAR Network, which brings together dozens of civil society organizations, university student clubs, and activists from across Türkiye.
Carries out activities to promote a youth-friendly, meaningful, and inclusive governance approach in municipalities.
Conducts capacity-building initiatives for grassroots civil society organizations to enhance meaningful and inclusive youth participation.
Organizes educational activities to empower young people in human rights advocacy.