Can the police just search you?
No, not normally. Everyone has a right to privacy and to bodily integrity. That means that you decide what happens or does not happen to your own body, who touches it or what actions are carried out. If the police or anyone else wants to search you, they must have a good reason according to the law. For example, if they think you are carrying something dangerous, or if you are under arrest. They cannot just search you without a reason.
And if they search you, they must only look at what is necessary and it must not take too long.
OK, so human rights are rights that everyone has, like the right to be safe and the right to say what you think. They are important for all people, not just some. You know, democracy is a way of governing in which people like you and me can say what we want and use our rights. In the European Union, there is the European Parliament, and its job is to make sure everyone gets those rights.
And you know what? Now young people as young as 16 can vote for the European Parliament. That's cool, because young people also have things they care about, and they should be able to choose who stands up for those things in politics. Politics is about everything that happens in our lives, big and small.
So, it is important for young people to be involved in what happens in the world, in politics and in those human rights. When young people participate in making decisions, they see how it affects their lives and their freedom. And voting is the best way to get involved. Every vote counts!
This initiative is a collaboration with Rule of Law Day.
Do you have any other questions?
Can your parents just read your messages? Or do you have a right to privacy?
Yes and no. Actually, as a young person, you do have a right to privacy, but that does not mean that your parents should never watch. Read more here!
Can you just post or comment whatever you want online and does that fall under the right to free speech?
Not quite. You are allowed to express your opinion and talk about things you are for or against. That's part of the right to freely express your opinion. But there are rules. Read more here!
Can I still say no to my lover when touching, kissing or having sex if I have previously said yes?
Of course, you may still say no, even if you have previously said yes. It is important that you feel comfortable with what is happening. Read more here!