A delegation from the WYA Europe was present at the French national March for Life which was held on January 22, 2012 in Paris. Around 30,000 persons participated to the march this year, in a friendly yet committed atmosphere, to call on the Government, the Parliamentarians, but also all the candidates to presidential elections (which will be held in May 2012) to include laws protecting life and the family in their political agenda. France is one of the first European countries having enacted a law to legalize abortion. The debate that raged in the early 1970’s is still present today and it seems that more and more young people are taking on this issue and engaging themselves to give a voice to the voiceless. According to the organizers, the number of participants to the march increased by one third since last year.
In this context WYA Europe’s delegation came to meet French youth, to spread the word about World Youth Alliance’s work, and to invite them to join the movement and add their voice to all members represented by WYA Europe at the European Institutions, Council of Europe, United Nations and OSCE through signing the WYA charter. More than 100 young people signed up this time!
It seems clear that today’s French youth is waiting for a solid education on issues surrounding the respect for life, family, freedom and dignity. Therefore WYA would like to develop its work in this country in order to participate in the effort of establishing a culture of life. If you are interested in getting involved and participating in the establishment of a chapter in your school, college, please contact us at europe@wya.net!
