Five-Minute Free Speech...
"Need for Youth-Only Spaces"
Im Seonghwa, a member of the Seo-gu Council in Gwangju, announced on the 21st that she proposed the establishment of a 'comprehensive sports facility for youth' necessary for a child- and youth-friendly city during a 'five-minute free speech' at the 2nd plenary session of the 328th extraordinary session on the 20th.
Im stated, "Seo-gu was certified as a UNICEF Child-Friendly City in 2017, and according to the law, everyone between the ages of 9 and under 18 is considered both a child and a youth. We must deeply reflect on whether we have actively gathered and implemented the opinions of children and youth as rights holders to ensure their rights."
Seonghwa Lim, member of the Gwangju Seo-gu Council, is delivering a "5-minute free speech" at the 2nd plenary session of the 328th extraordinary meeting held on the 20th. Photo by Seonghwa Lim
She continued, "Among the basic rights of children stipulated in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the 'right to development' includes the right to receive all forms of education, including formal education necessary for physical, emotional, moral, and social growth, as well as the right to enjoy play, leisure, information, and cultural activities. However, opportunities to enjoy this right to development are severely lacking in local communities outside the capital area."
Furthermore, she added, "According to related surveys, middle and high school students spend 11 hours sitting on weekdays and 9 hours on weekends, with sedentary time increasing. The 'participation rate in sports for all' among teenagers is the lowest among all age groups. Therefore, it is necessary to establish youth-only spaces and policies where young people can actively build relationships with peers and participate freely in activities."
She also explained, "Nowon-gu in Seoul is promoting active sports activities by creating spaces for young people, such as the Nowon X-TOP, which features youth hangouts, basketball courts, futsal fields, and multipurpose stadiums, utilizing sports like X-Games popular among the youth."
In conclusion, she said, "First, there is a need to create 'Seo-gu-style youth-only sports activity spaces.' Second, I propose holding the 'Seo-gu Youth Sports Tournament' to improve access to sports and promote new peer exchanges. The welfare of children and youth is the ultimate measure of a healthy community, democratic society, and good governance. I ask for warm and attentive administration so that youth can grow up happier."
Meanwhile, the 'Seo-gu Youth Activity Promotion Ordinance' proposed by Im during the same session passed the plenary session as originally drafted on the 20th after review by the standing committee.
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