The Generation Z Faces Authoritarian Practices and Mobilizes
Determination. Courage. Resistance. These words are embodied by the Generation Z today, in the face of repressive policies worldwide.
You could not turn a blind eye. Faced with failing public services, corrupt political elites, repression of minorities, social media censorship, and restrictions on freedoms, young people resist around the globe.
From Madagascar to Nepal, Cambodia to Morocco, Kenya to Georgia— they take to the streets, mobilize on social media, and reinvent resistance techniques to denounce injustices, inequalities, and the rise of authoritarian practices.
But this mobilization comes at a cost. Excessive use of force, live ammunition firing, mass arrests— these protests have been painful in various contexts. Because youth represents a strong counter-power, they face violence and repression from authorities seeking to silence them. These are the findings of our 2025/26 annual report.
For the past 65 years, Amnesty International’s annual report has assessed human rights in over 140 countries. Consult our report.
Therefore, we have chosen to amplify their voices, make their struggles visible, highlight their courage, and support their resistance. We have met with them, partnering with WeDoData to map their voices and mobilizations. Aged 13 to 28, they personify a youth that refuses to yield and demands respect for their fundamental rights.
Their stories narrate a harsh reality of living under authoritarian rule and the immense courage needed to break free, reclaim essential rights, and regain freedom.
Global Rights, Freedoms, and Resistance Against Authoritarian Practices
The demands and mobilization methods of youth are diverse, yet they share a common fight: defending justice, their freedoms, and fundamental rights like health, education, clean water, housing, and employment.
In Nepal, youth opposes corruption. In Ecuador, the battle is to protect the Amazon forest. In Hungary, the focus is on defending LGBTQ+ rights. In Georgia, the fight is to preserve European values amid growing Russian influence. In Iran, it challenges the regime’s repression. Even in Israel, refusal to serve in the army is a form of dissent.
“Speaking out loud is placing justice above fear. We raise our voices against the resurgence of authoritarian practices.” – Derry, 25-year-old Indonesian student
Social Media Platforms, New Spaces of Resistance
Online platforms have become hubs for democratic renewal and collective leadership worldwide.
To amplify their voices, youth innovates on social media. In Nepal, Discord played a pivotal role in appointing a new interim prime minister in September 2025. In Morocco, it served as a vital space for discussion and organization for the Gen Z 212 movement.
These platforms also transcend borders and cultures, spreading symbols like the Japanese manga flag of “One Piece” globally, becoming a youth resistance emblem.
A Global Repression
Instead of protecting these rising voices globally, authorities respond with violence and repression. Mass arrests, disproportionate force, imprisonment, and torture are used to silence dissent, instill fear, and crush resistance efforts. In Morocco, those speaking out before the media are arrested. In Kenya, social media becomes a tool for repression. In Nepal, authorities resort to firing live bullets at protesters.
“But in essence, this violence reflects the power of the younger generation and the threat they pose to those trying to restrict freedoms and rights.”
The Gen Z, a Powerful Counter-Power
Determined to defend its rights, youth represents a formidable counter-power. Their protests have led to significant advancements and victories. In September 2025, mobilizations led to the ousting of the Nepali government, triggering a democratic revival in March 2026.
Facing the Gen Z 212 demonstrations, Moroccan authorities increased education and healthcare budgets in October 2025. In August 2025, Indonesian authorities backed down on a controversial allowance for MPs and engaged in dialogue with students.
In a changing world, the Gen Z resistance is a beacon of courage. It serves as inspiration to combat the rise of authoritarian practices globally.
What Does Amnesty International Do?
Established over 50 years ago, with more than 10 million members globally, Amnesty International fights for human rights respecting, ending discrimination, protecting civilians, and seeking justice with strength and determination. It finances itself through public generosity and rejects any public or political party funding for independence and impartiality.
Rapport Annuel 2025/2026: Glimpse into Human Rights Worldwide
Amnesty International’s teams have independently and impartially investigated human rights across over 140 countries to compile the annual report. This report serves as a reference and advocacy tool to demand respect for rights.
[Context: The article focuses on the mobilization among the Generation Z globally, highlighting their resistance against authoritarian practices and the challenges they face.]
[Fact Check: The content refers to specific events and movements such as the Gen Z 212 in Morocco, protests in Nepal, and the role of social media platforms in activism. However, the veracity of individual quotes and incidents would need verification through official sources.]
