Être jeunes malagasy et défenseurs environnementaux

This briefing by Natural Justice describes the role, challenges, and aspirations of young human rights and environmental defenders (DDHE) in Madagascar. It highlights their strategic demographic importance, their innovative use of digital tools for advocacy, and the systemic barriers they face in decision-making processes. The document calls for the institutionalization of youth participation and the adoption of national laws to protect defenders.

• Young people represent a strategic demographic in Madagascar, comprising nearly 72% of the population. Under Law No. 2015-38, 'youth' are defined as individuals aged 14 to 30, and are recognized as a 'force de changement' and a strategic resource for national development.
• Young human rights and environmental defenders (DDHE) leverage digital tools and social media to document violations, mobilize peers, and influence public opinion. However, they face significant digital risks, including misinformation, disinformation, and cyberattacks such as data theft and account hacking, leading them to adopt fact-checking and data protection practices.
• Youth participation in decision-making is often limited or symbolic. At the local level, barriers include socio-cultural dynamics in rural areas, geographic isolation, and intimidation from economic or political actors when youth intervene in sensitive sectors like mining or public infrastructure. Nationally, the lack of permanent participation structures often leads to 'Youthwashing,' where youth contributions are sought for legitimacy without real influence.
• Young defenders face security risks and legal obstacles, though they are increasingly transforming fear into resilience. Support is provided by various civil society initiatives, including the Maison des lanceurs d’alerte, Transparency International Initiative Madagascar's legal support center, Natural Justice's emergency fund for DDHE, and the MIARO network of the Rohy civil society movement.
• The document advocates for five concrete actions: implementing international commitments like Target 22 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework; creating permanent youth participation structures in public institutions; adopting a national law to protect human rights defenders in Madagascar; expanding capacity building for vulnerable or isolated youth; and strengthening secure whistleblowing cultures.

APA

Martens, C. (2026). Être jeunes malagasy et défenseurs environnementaux. Natural Justice. https://naturaljustice.org/etre-jeunes-malagasy-et-defenseurs-environnementaux/

Chicago

Martens, Claire. Être jeunes malagasy et défenseurs environnementaux. Natural Justice, 2026. https://naturaljustice.org/etre-jeunes-malagasy-et-defenseurs-environnementaux/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Martens |first1=Claire |title=Être jeunes malagasy et défenseurs environnementaux |publisher=Natural Justice |date=23 February 2026 |url=https://naturaljustice.org/etre-jeunes-malagasy-et-defenseurs-environnementaux/ |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{martens2026tre, author = {Martens, Claire}, title = {{Être jeunes malagasy et défenseurs environnementaux}}, institution = {Natural Justice}, year = {2026}, month = feb, url = {https://naturaljustice.org/etre-jeunes-malagasy-et-defenseurs-environnementaux/}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }