Treaty of Middelburg
What would you like to change in the world when it comes to freedom? I would like to see a world where freedom is not conditional—where the right to speak out, protest, and advocate for justice is genuinely protected, not just in principle but in practice. Too often, freedom is granted selectively, depending on political convenience, economic interests, or national security narratives. Whether it’s environmental defenders facing criminalization, marginalized communities being silenced, or youth-led movements being dismissed, the ability to exercise fundamental rights is increasingly at risk. One key change I would push for is ensuring that environmental justice and civic freedom go hand in hand. People fighting to protect land, water, and ecosystems should not have to risk their safety to do so. Governments and corporations must be held accountable for their role in suppressing environmental activism, and legal frameworks should actively safeguard those on the frontlines of climate advocacy. Another critical shift is challenging the normalization of state control and surveillance, particularly in times of crisis. As we see governments across the world expand their military budgets and tighten security policies—especially in response to conflicts like the war in Ukraine—freedom is increasingly framed as a privilege rather than a right. I would like to see greater transparency in decision-making, stronger protections for digital rights, and a firm stance against the use of national security as an excuse to curtail civic liberties. Finally, I want to see a world where young people are truly empowered to shape the future, not just as symbolic voices but as key decision-makers. Freedom should mean more than just the absence of repression—it should be about actively creating spaces where youth movements, grassroots organizations, and local communities have the resources, support, and legal protections needed to drive systemic change.
Team members
- ■ Margaux Duillet
Why do you want to participate?
I want to participate as an Embassy Dot with YERA Hub because I believe that environmental justice and human rights are deeply interconnected. Through my work in legal research and advocacy at YERA Hub, I focus on protecting communities affected by environmental degradation and ensuring that legal frameworks uphold their rights. At the same time, my initiative Let Us Speak has shown me the importance of freedom of expression and the right to protest in securing these rights. Environmental defenders and activists are often silenced, and I want to contribute to a movement that reinforces their voices and pushes for systemic change. This initiative offers a vital space to connect with like-minded advocates and develop collective strategies to safeguard both the planet and fundamental freedoms.
What does freedom mean to you?
To me, freedom means the right to speak out, to organize, and to demand justice—especially in the face of environmental and social crises. It is about ensuring that communities have a say in decisions that affect their land, water, and future. Without freedom of expression and civic engagement, environmental destruction continues unchecked, and those fighting to protect ecosystems and human rights face intimidation and violence. True freedom exists when people can advocate for change without fear, and when laws protect both their voices and the world they seek to preserve.
What are the biggest challenges?
What do you think are the biggest challenges regarding freedom for young people today? One of the biggest challenges regarding freedom for young people today is the shrinking civic space and the increasing repression of activism. Whether it’s climate activists being criminalized, student protests being restricted, or journalists facing censorship, young people who speak out for change often encounter significant barriers, including legal threats, surveillance, and disinformation campaigns. Another major challenge is the intersection of freedom with environmental justice. Many young people are at the forefront of climate action, yet they face systemic pushback from governments and corporations that prioritize short-term profits over sustainability. The right to protest, access information, and participate in decision-making processes is increasingly at risk, making it harder for young activists to push for necessary policy changes. Additionally, the rising militarization of governments—especially in Europe, where defense spending has surged due to the war in Ukraine—poses a significant threat to freedom. As states focus on security and armament, there is a risk that civic liberties, including the right to dissent, will be curtailed under the guise of national security. Investments in military expansion often come at the expense of urgent global priorities, such as addressing climate change and ensuring social justice. In times of conflict, disinformation spreads more easily, surveillance tightens, and governments justify restricting freedoms in ways that disproportionately impact young people and activists. Finally, digital freedoms are increasingly under threat. While social media has empowered youth movements worldwide, it has also become a tool for control—through surveillance, censorship, and algorithmic bias that amplifies certain voices while silencing others. The challenge lies in ensuring that online spaces remain open platforms for activism rather than tools for suppression. Ultimately, the fight for freedom today is about securing meaningful participation, ensuring that young people’s voices are not just heard but lead to real change, and protecting their right to challenge the status quo—whether in the streets, in courtrooms, or online—without fear.
Do you have a message?
I don’t have a fixed message, but I know the best ideas come from discussion. I’m excited to hear different perspectives and see how we can make civic participation more meaningful. Too often, decisions are made without those most affected. I hope these conversations will inspire new ways to ensure young people and communities have a real say in shaping their future.
