Brussels, 16/03/2011 (Agence Europe) - On 11 March, the European Youth Forum published a study “The Young and the Rightless?” The study, conducted by Mourad Mahidi, identifies the main challenges for the protection and promotion of youth rights in Europe. With young people becoming a minority in an ageing Europe, respect for their rights must be carefully monitored, the Youth Forum argues. The study starts from fundamental question: Are the rights of young people in Europe sufficiently protected by the existing human rights system or would it be appropriate to create new, dedicated instruments? After analysing the current situation and making a comparison with young people's rights in other continents (African Youth Charter) and other regional groupings (Ibero-American Convention of the Rights of Youth), the study identifies the specific challenges faced by young people in Europe, in contrast with children and older adults. It forms the conclusion that the Charter of Human Rights does not respond to all the challenges specific to young people. However, to put in place specific, appropriate instruments, further research and data-gathering are required. (I.L./transl.rt)