Photo by Anoush Abrar

Human rights are our common good, but young people play a specific role in their defence. As individuals and within youth organisations, they defend human rights in areas where they are particularly present - places of learning, leisure and online - as well as in the context of their work and in society at large. Like all of us, young people need to know how to access, protect and promote human rights. More generally, democracy needs young people who understand its principles and commit themselves to advancing them. Their participation in civic and democratic life is therefore of paramount importance — and this is a priority for the Council of Europe. Reykjavík's principles for democracy call for investment in our democratic future by ensuring that everyone, including young people, has the opportunity to play their part.

Compass is the Council of Europe's globally recognised practical tool and resource that addresses the need for human rights education and training by, for and with young people. The manual has helped tens of thousands of volunteer and professional youth leaders and civil society actors, as well as educators in formal and non-formal learning environments, to integrate human rights education into the lives of young people.

Available in more than 30 languages, Compass is a reference book that shapes rights-based approaches in work and youth policy. It empowers learners to intervene throughout their lives. This is essential, because our European democracies are not established once and for all. On the contrary, we must defend them day after day, continuously, in all regions of Europe.

I am convinced that "Compass" will continue to guide youth leaders, human rights educators and others who are aiming at the common goal of promoting democratic security and peace throughout Europe.

Alain Berset