Almost one
week after the Mexico YouthForce convened a pre-conference for more
than 250 of the world’s leading youth movers and shakers of the HIV
and AIDS movement, it is only fair that we pause to set the agenda for
youth at the XVII International AIDS Conference. 

For the past
four to six years, young people have been crying in the wilderness for
their voices to be heard as a contributing force to preventing the further
spread of HIV and to providing the treatment, support, and care needed
for persons living with, and affected by, HIV and AIDS. Well, at AIDS
2008, the voice is even more resounding and stands on four central pillars:
Rights! Respect! Responsibility! Resources! Sounds familiar,
doesn’t it?  

It is not by
chance that children and young people in India and countries in Asia,
Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, and other regions of the world, are being
denied comprehensive, evidence-based sexuality education. It is not
by chance that young people who use drugs, engage in diverse sexual
activities, or simply those who are homeless or poor are at greater
risk of contracting HIV/AIDS. It is not by chance that almost 50 percent
of all new HIV infections are among young people. Instead, it is by
choice that governments, schools, parents, teachers, and educators CHOOSE
to withhold vital information young people need to lead informed lives
when it comes to their sexual and reproductive health and HIV and AIDS.
Similarly, young people CHOOSE how they want to live their lives. Although
society may not necessarily agree with CHOICES we make as young people,
we have a right to choose. We also accept that access to a wide range
of sexual health information is our right that ought to be respected. 

Despite the
social injustices that plague our generation, we as young people have
been clamoring for our voices to be heard and for our requests to be
put into action by those who yield so much power and authority. We believe
that this power and authority makes up the 25,000 plus people attending
the conference and more. While the youth voice is just over a thousand
strong, we have not left the comfort of our homes to come to Mexico
and idle, but instead to demand change and to partner with the many
others who are in this fight as well. Our asks are simply asks–yet
stakeholders refuse to act RESPONSIBLY! 

How can they
act responsibly?  They can put their money and action where their
mouths are and give full and undivided support to the forums, sessions,
and activities organized by and for young people. It is not acceptable
for a small portion of journalists to attend press conferences organized
by the Mexico YouthForce or for only a few high-ranking officials to
share in the youth leadership forum held on the third day of the conference.

In addition,
what about the Youth Pavilion and the Youth-Adults Commitments Desk?
How many people have taken time out of their busy schedules
to visit the Youth Pavilion and make commitments as to how they will
mainstream youth participation in the fight against HIV and AIDs? Will
we go through another large conference and two more years without meaningful
ACTION that supports young people’s ability to protect themselves
from HIV and AIDS and to lead positive lives for those of us who are
already living positively? 

Let’s stop playing politics
with HIV and AIDS and young people. Recognize our RIGHTS, RESPECT those
rights, and take RESPONSIBILITY by providing the RESOURCES and opportunities
for young people to lead change in their own communities.