Facing the rise of authoritarian practices, Generation Z, aged 15-30, is mobilizing. They are asserting their rights, defending their freedoms, and demanding a better world. To amplify their voices, Amnesty International France is meeting with these defiant young people. It’s a mapping of a youth that organizes, protests, and invents new forms of mobilization worldwide.
Determination. Courage. Resistance. These words embody Generation Z today, in the face of repressive policies worldwide.
You couldn’t look away. Faced with the failure of public services, political corruption, the repression of minorities, social media censorship, and freedom restrictions, young people resist globally.
From Madagascar to Nepal, Cambodia to Morocco, and Kenya to Georgia – they take to the streets, mobilize on social media, and reinvent resistance 2.0 to denounce injustices, inequalities, and the rise of authoritarian practices.
But this mobilization comes at a cost. Excessive force, rubber bullets, mass arrests – all these contexts leave a mark. Because they represent a powerful counterforce, youth face violence and repression from authorities seeking to silence them. These are the findings of our 2025/26 annual report.
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That’s why we have chosen to amplify their voices, make their struggles visible, highlight their courage, and support their resistance. Partnering with WeDoData, we have mapped their voices and mobilizations. Aged 13 to 28, they represent a youth that refuses to back down, demanding respect for their fundamental rights.
Their stories depict raw reality – what it’s like to live under authoritarian rule and the immense courage required to break free, reclaim essential rights, and regain freedom.
Everywhere, online platforms have become spaces of democratic renewal and collective leadership.
These platforms allow transcendence of borders and cultures, carrying symbols worldwide. It’s through them that the Japanese manga flag of “One Piece” became the global emblem of resisting youth.
Rather than protecting these burgeoning voices worldwide, authorities respond with violence and repression to silence dissent and instill fear. But ultimately, this violence reflects the power and threat the younger generation poses to those restricting rights and liberties.
The determination to defend their rights makes the youth a formidable counterforce, leading to significant advancements and victories. In September 2025, mobilizations led to a governmental change in Nepal and a democratic renewal in March 2026. Moroccan authorities increased education and health budgets in October 2025 due to the Gen Z 212 protests. Indonesian authorities reconsidered a controversial allocation for parliamentarians in August 2025 and engaged in a dialogue with students.
In a world in upheaval, Gen Z’s resistance is a beacon of courage. Now more than ever, we must draw inspiration from them to combat authoritarian practices worldwide.
Amnesty International, for over 50 years and with over 10 million members globally, ensures investigation, alerting, and action to uphold and defend human rights globally. We strive to ensure freedoms, end discrimination, protect civilians, and demand justice with strength and determination.
To ensure independence and impartiality, Amnesty International relies on public generosity and refuses public subsidies or political party funding.
[Context: The article discusses the mobilization of Generation Z globally in the face of rising authoritarian practices and the violent responses from authorities.]
[Fact Check: Amnesty International is an established human rights organization, known for its efforts to protect and promote human rights globally.]
