This policy brief looks at the links between political participation and social justice and how the two reinforce each other. It explores the question of social justice and political participation to explore how political participation links in a mutual relationship with the betterment of the living conditions of all members of society. Human and inclusive development prioritizes social justice and, empowers people to participate in decision-making. At the same time, people organizing and mobilizing to achieve social justice build stronger and more effective institutions that can respond to the challenges of their context and ensure a more robust democracy.

The brief is an output of the Youth Civic and Political Participation Policy Labs, conducted by the Arab Renaissance and Democracy (ARDD) in partnership with the Center for Strategic Studies at the University of Jordan, as part of the New Generation Program. It highlights the fourth session on social justice and youth political participation, and what twenty political science and law students from the University of Jordan discussed in this regard. Following the labs´ work methodology, the session hosted human rights expert Dr. Riyad Sobh.

Policy Labs are part of ARDD’s research methodology, providing a dedicated space for discussing and researching public policy issues to enhance youth capacities and equip them with the necessary skills to engage in public policy-making processes. The labs also facilitate exchanging opinions with experts and researchers specialized in relevant topics, based on background papers prepared to address these issues.