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Coexistences: Space for Youth Dialogue for Peace

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Coexistences: Space for Youth Dialogue for Peace

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L'avant-projet

Le choix des participants se fait dans les deux communautés auprès de personnes issues de milieux très divers, pour réunir des personnes ouvertes, curieuses de l'expérience et de l'autre. Dans la mesure du possible les groupes sont composés d'un nombre égal de participants des deux communautés.

Dialoguer et comprendre

Des médiateurs professionnels israélo-palestiniens facilitent les rencontres et aident les participants à mieux se connaître : culture, traditions, religion, rôles des femmes et des hommes, histoires individuelles et collectives... pour tenter de vaincre les peurs et briser les stéréotypes.

Cette approche identitaire de l'autre se fait par le biais de discussions dont les thèmes sont suggérés par les membres du groupe, par des jeux de rôles, des ateliers et des week-ends dans le désert. Le canevas du travail se fonde sur la vie et le développement du groupe et intègre les événements de l'actualité. Ainsi, pendant la guerre de Gaza de fin 2008, des rencontres ont eu pour thèmes les valeurs humaines de chacun et le contrecoup violent et cruel du conflit dans lequel chacun s'est trouvé impliqué, au moins moralement.

UNE SEMAINE INTENSE

Le séjour en Suisse va bien au-delà d'une récompense et d'un divertissement, car le travail entamé en Israël se poursuit pendant les dix jours du voyage à raison de rencontres quotidiennes; ce sont dix jours continus et denses de coexistence durant lesquels ils sont accueillis en paire par famille et partagent une même chambre. Ils passent également trois jours en immersion totale dans un chalet de montagne. Libérés du contexte stressant du conflit, face à un environnement étranger et dans une situation de coexistence intense, longue et positive, la dynamique du groupe se transforme et une solidarité émerge.

Après avoir accueilli plus de trente groupes, nous avons constaté que le séjour aboutit toujours à une cristallisation du groupe et à la formation d'amitiés profondes entre les participants.

Continuer

Après ce séjour fécond qui leur a ouvert de nouvelles perspectives, les rencontres des groupes se poursuivent en Israël et en Palestine. Certains ont témoigné publiquement de leur expérience et continuent à s'engager pour le dialogue et la reconnaissance mutuelle.

Pour en savoir plus sur tous les projets déjà réalisés et à venir, merci de vous reporter à l'onglet RÉALISATIONS

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Le choix des participants se fait dans les deux communautés auprès de personnes issues de milieux très divers, pour réunir des personnes ouvertes, curieuses de l'expérience et de l'autre. Dans la mesure du possible les groupes sont composés d'un nombre égal de participants des deux communautés.

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The PACEY Award provides three annual awards of €5000 each for youth projects relating to international peace, nuclear abolition and/or climate protection. The winners are decided and the awards given at the annual Intergenerational Forum on Climate, Peace and Nuclear Abolition which Basel Peace Office and Youth Fusion organise as part of the Basel Peace Forum.

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Save the Children (2016) A youth participation best practice toolkit - Part II

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Save the Children (2016) A youth participation best practice toolkit - Part II

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Available at: https://resourcecentre.savethechildren.net/document/youth-participation-best-practices-toolkit-part-ii/

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Save the Children 2016 A youth participation best practice toolkit - Part II

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Save the Children (2016) A youth participation best practice toolkit - Part I

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Save the Children (2016) A youth participation best practice toolkit - Part I

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Available at: https://resourcecentre.savethechildren.net/document/youth-participation-best-practices-toolkit-part-i/

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Save the Children 2016 A youth participation best practice toolkit - Part I

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Youth participation at terre des hommes schweiz

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Youth participation at terre des hommes schweiz

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At the project level, young people are specifically involved in the brainstorming, planning, implementation and evaluation of projects. The degree of participation and the methods are always adapted to the young people concerned in order to avoid the risk of overburdening them. Adapted to the prerequisites such as age, educational level, experience with participative processes, the young people make as many decisions as possible themselves. The process support is always based on the resources and needs of the respective young people.

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Youth participation | terre des hommes switzerland

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Through co-determination, young people take active influence and responsibility for the development of their environment.

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African Youth Advocacy Team: https://unoy.org/our-network/our-teams/african-youth-advocacy-team/ | Asian Youth Advocacy Team: https://unoy.org/our-network/our-teams/asian-youth-advocacy-team/ | American Youth Advocacy Team: https://unoy.org/our-network/our-teams/american_youth_advocacy_team/

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The A-YAT advocates for the participation of youth in peacebuilding processes and decision-making institutions through annual advocacy missions to various divisions of the African Union; online and in-person workshops and campaigns; publications on crises or threats to peace within Member States; and ongoing grassroots activities contributing to the continent's peace and development.

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Njoroge (2021) Youth Engagement in Peace Processes in Africa

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Njoroge (2021) Youth Engagement in Peace Processes in Africa

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Introduction

Since International Youth Day was celebrated on 12 August 2020, it is a good time to take stock of the youth and their role in peacebuilding and peace processes in Africa. With the youth, peace and security agenda gaining ground in recent years, this is an opportune time for youth-focused organisations to strengthen their work on youth and peacebuilding, while contributing to the ongoing discourse.

The youth, peace and security agenda is currently backed by three United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions adopted between 2015 and 2020, namely UNSC Resolutions 2250 (2015), 2419 (2018) and 2535 (2020). Among other priorities, the resolutions emphasise the importance of youth as agents of change in the maintenance and promotion of peace and security; reiterate the need for stakeholders to take young people's views into account and facilitate their equal and full participation in peace and decision-making processes at all levels; and recognise the positive role young people can play in negotiating and implementing peace agreements and in preventing and resolving conflict. The third resolution, adopted in July 2020, also establishes a regular biennial reporting requirement on youth, peace and security by the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, which is a great step forward in mainstreaming the youth, peace and security agenda into the work of the UN - especially since youth engagement in peacebuilding and peace processes is ad hoc and intermittent. The reporting requirement will therefore provide a snapshot of ongoing processes and how engagement can be enhanced and deepened in future processes.

The first phase of The Protecting Children in Armed Conflict in Sub-Saharan Africa programme offered training on child protection to troop-contributing countries. UN Photo/JC McIlwaine

The Protecting Children in Armed Conflict in Sub-Saharan Africa programme, implemented by Save the Children, is now in its third phase and includes a component on youth and peacebuilding. Its main objective is to enhance the meaningful engagement of youth in peacebuilding processes through organised groups, as well as to advocate for well-established platforms where youth can articulate their needs and wishes. The programme has run for two phases: the first phase ran from 2013 to 2016, and the second phase from 2017 to 2019. The first phase of the programme was mainly focused on offering training on child protection to troop-contributing countries that deployed troops to African Union (AU)-mandated peace support operations. Since then, the programme has incorporated other components of child protection for children living in situations of armed conflict, such as accountability for violations committed against children, designing and delivering advocacy strategies to various stakeholders, and child participation. As defined by World Vision International, child participation is one of the core principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which asserts that children and young people have the right to freely express their views and that there is an obligation to listen to children's views and to facilitate their participation in all matters affecting them within their families, schools, local communities, public services, institutions, government policies and judicial procedures. The right of children to express themselves and participate in matters affecting them is also enshrined in the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC), specifically Articles 4 and 7. The youth and peacebuilding work was birthed from the child participation work carried out from 2017 to 2019, incorporating research, advocacy and campaign initiatives through engaging with children, where a gap was witnessed in the transition from childhood to adulthood. How do children successfully transition to adulthood while still being empowered to fight for their rights? How do we ensure that the rights of children and youth are advocated for, without leaving one group behind or focusing on one group at the expense of another?

From the consultations and collaborative research of the Protecting Children in Conflict programme conducted with children in Mali, Somalia, South Sudan and Sudan in 2018 and 2019 as part of the child participation work, one thing was clear from the children who shared their experiences: "We want peace, we want it now. And we want to be part of the story, the process, the struggle to achieving peace." But as the children get older and they have to fend for themselves, they are not supported to continue with their work and therefore fall into the risk of recruitment into armed groups and lack of employment opportunities, as evidenced by children and youth who experience lost years of schooling and poor-quality education in conflict-affected areas. This impedes young people's chances of achieving economic independence, as seen in West Africa and Central Africa. This is compounded by the fact that young people's views are frequently left out of the conversations on conflict resolution and peacebuilding. Young persons and children affected by armed conflict struggle to influence the decisions that have impact and influence on their lives. It is encouraging that the impact of armed conflict on youth and children is increasingly considered in the African political agenda, and that various mechanisms are in place to prevent and respond to violence against children affected by armed conflict. However, the reality is that these are rarely informed by the demographic whom they are designed to protect. Decisions, policies and processes that do not involve the youth in their design will naturally not respond as effectively to the needs of young people. An example of this is with the annual open session on children and armed conflict held by the AU, where there has been no meaningful participation of children, either directly or indirectly, to date.

Grassroots youth organisations are well placed to contribute to high-quality analysis and experience-based responses to conflict, as they have extensive networks within their communities and an in-depth understanding of local dynamics. Farouk Batiche/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

The Role of Children and Youth in Building and Fostering Peace in Africa

Save the Children, in collaboration with other child- and youth-focused organisations, is well positioned to deepen its work on youth and peacebuilding, and in supporting child human rights defenders to continue with their work into adulthood and even mentor younger activists and defenders who are fighting for the rights of their peers living in conflict. This can be achieved through hosting capacity-building sessions for child human rights defenders, and devising and implementing advocacy and campaign initiatives with children and youth taking the lead and adults acting as facilitators and support mentors. Research has shown that grassroots youth organisations are well placed to contribute to high-quality analysis and experience-based responses to conflict, as they have extensive networks within their communities and an in-depth understanding of local dynamics. Their role in peace processes should be recognised and harnessed for their peace and mediation capabilities, even though no practical frameworks target the specific and meaningful inclusion of youth in peace processes and political dialogue in Africa. While UN Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security calls for the representation of youth at all levels of political decision-making, much remains to be done to enable and ensure young people's participation is equivalent to others at decision‑making levels. The youth, peace and security agenda will gain new ground with meaningful and impactful support of youth peacebuilders, especially in Africa, where various peace processes and peacebuilding initiatives are underway - for example, in Mali, South Sudan and Sudan, where there are active peace agreements - yet the voices of youth are not considered in their implementation.

Related to peacebuilding is the involvement of children and youth in human rights and transitional justice processes. An example can be found in Rwanda, where a children's summit was held in June 2004 and the children stated that gacaca (the traditional judicial system) did not include the participation of children. Children mentioned that they saw what happened during the genocide of 1994 and knew that some of the adults were not telling the truth. The children wanted to be involved as protected witnesses. As a result, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has been discussing child participation, through creating various spaces and structures where children can be engaged, with the Ministry of Justice. The National Children's Summit began in 2004, when children requested that the president of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, provide them a platform for child participation and dialogue with decision-makers and development partners.

The National Children's Summit began in 2004, when children requested that the president of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, provide them a platform for child participation and dialogue with decision-makers and development partners. Paul Kagame Flickr

There are various challenges related to the lack of meaningful and sustained engagement of children and youth in peacebuilding and peace processes:

Differences between and across local cultures and contexts when defining a child and youth and taking into account cultural sensitivity, depending on the context: The age of majority is attained at different periods according to different religions, cultures and legal systems. In many cultures, "youth" is not measured by either physical or intellectual development alone, or by laws. The situation of conflict exacerbates the issue, where growing up is a necessity for survival, sometimes turning a child into the sole caretaker of the family. There are also limits on definitions, especially on the definition of a child as used by non-governmental organisations. An example is where many former adolescent soldiers in the Sierra Leone disarmament, demobilisation and reconciliation programme were "aged out" of family tracing and reunification programmes because they had turned 18.[11]

Considering the diversity of children and youth's situations and agendas: Youth is often treated as a homogeneous category that is usually isolated from the rest of society. Activities and programmes targeting youth must be complemented by an understanding of youth as a transition from childhood to adulthood. Youth should also be involved in the design and implementation of programmes, thus increasing their power and self-esteem when engaged and active.[12]

Children and youth being involved at different stages of peacebuilding programmes, rather than at the beginning: Children and youth should be involved in the entire process of designing and implementing programmes, so as to ensure that the unique needs of the target groups are met.[13]

Material constraints: Programmes aiming at empowering children and youth often suffer from insufficient funding and short-term perspectives. Their needs are also not integrated in policies and programmes from the outset.[14]

Young people have a clear idea of what peace should be, and have a strong desire for a future without violence. Peace processes must ensure meaningful inclusion of these views in their design and implementation. Yannick Tylle/Corbis via Getty Images

According to the progress report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on Resolution 2250, titled The Missing Peace: Independent Progress Study on Youth, Peace and Security, five findings and recommendations were made on how young people can play a greater role in peacebuilding:

1. Support youth visions of peace: Even when they have not known life without conflict, young people have clear visions of what peace should be, and have a strong desire for a future without violence. Peace processes must ensure meaningful inclusion of these views in their design and implementation. A young person in Azad Jammu and Kashmir said that he considers peace as children playing in the common fields or grounds.

2. Create space for youth to engage in political processes: Many youth feel excluded from political processes, and from making meaningful contributions. It is crucial that governments make sustained commitments to rebuild young people's trust and confidence in governments - for example, through appointing a focal point at the national level on youth, peace and security to implement commitments made by the government. There are also additional challenges facing women and girls in gaining access to public spaces that need to be addressed, due to traditional gender norms which undermine the role of women and girls in public participation. Young people interviewed in Afghanistan stated that they had few opportunities to participate politically outside their homes, let alone participate in the peace process at a local or national level.

3. Facilitate and support dignified livelihoods: Greater economic opportunities for youth are necessary to motivate young people to pursue peaceful and productive paths in their lives. Youth are keen to increase their opportunities to learn skills and develop entrepreneurial capacities, but these need to be made available to them.

4. Support education and capacity-building for peace: Access to education is fundamental to facilitating young people's positive engagement in peace. The youth who were interviewed for the UNFPA study suggested specific and practical ways this could be realised, including reforms to civic education, and the introduction of peace education.

5. Facilitate intercommunity dialogue and exchanges: Distrust, stereotypes and prejudices of youth as a unique and homogenous group of society, resulting in exclusion from meaningful civic and political participation, can be tackled by initiatives such as exchanges, which encourage continuous dialogue and engagement between youth from different communities. It is particularly important that young people who have been directly victimised by conflict are involved, such that further distrust and exclusion is not exacerbated.

Africa is characterised by, among other things, a large youth population, especially in countries with ongoing conflict and violence such as in Mali, the Central African Republic and Somalia. Currently, African youth account for 226 million (19%) of the global population, and by 2030 the number of youth in Africa will have increased by 42%. On the continent, the AU, through its Agenda 2063, seeks to remove all forms of systemic inequalities, exploitation, marginalisation and discrimination of young people to ensure that youth issues are mainstreamed in all development agendas. Various initiatives of youth participating in peacebuilding can be found in Sierra Leone, where the Africa Youth for Peace and Development organisation works with national governments to obtain input from youth on how to be the drivers of peace; Burundi, where UNICEF is developing the leadership and peacebuilding skills of youth and adolescents to strengthen their resilience against violence through livelihood programmes; and South Sudan, where theatre has become a tool to activate the role of young people in enhancing the pace of reconciliation.

On the AU front, various initiatives have taken root, which will continue to advance progress of the youth in engaging with peace processes and peacebuilding. The Peace and Security Council has dedicated an annual open session on youth, peace and security during its sessions, for youth peacebuilders to brief the Council on their work in peacebuilding, the challenges they may be facing, and their recommendations to the Council on achieving and maintaining peace. In 2019, a Continental Framework on Youth, Peace and Security was also adopted. The overall objective is "to facilitate the meaningful engagement and participation of African youth in all spectrums of peace and security at national, regional and continental levels". A Youth for Peace (Y4P) Africa programme of the Peace and Security Department also exists. This programme seeks to promote the meaningful participation of youth in all spectrums of peace and security by engaging them as leaders, partners and implementers of peace initiatives. In addition, African Youth Ambassadors for Peace for the five regions of Africa have been selected. These ambassadors will engage their peers in their respective regions on dialogues for peace, and how they can contribute to the discourse.

In as much as these initiatives are promising, the results of the initiatives should flow from the continental level all the way to the national level. Youth, especially those from marginalised and vulnerable populations, should be part of and participate in the initiatives emanating from the continental level and own the processes and results, especially being involved in the initiatives that have been devised by the Office of the AU Special Envoy on Youth. Without buy-in from various groups of youth, such initiatives will not work and will not produce the desired results expected. Youth should also be part of the monitoring, evaluation and learning of the initiatives, and how they can be improved for future phases.

Continental, regional and national institutions should play a vital role in supporting African youth to become effective and impactful peacebuilders, as this cannot be the responsibility of just one organisation or institution.

Africa is characterised by, among other things, a large youth population, especially in countries with ongoing conflict and violence. UN Photo/Marco Dormino

Conclusion

As the theme of 2020's International Youth Day stated, "Youth Engagement for Global Action", the time is now to ensure meaningful and sustainable engagement of youth in peacebuilding and for it to be mainstreamed in broader peacebuilding programmes at various levels, by involving the youth in key decision-making processes. Activities and programmes led by youth activists and youth-focused organisations need to be linked for maximum impact, from the grassroots level all the way to the continental level. The participation of youth in peacebuilding and peace processes should be mainstreamed, with youth having a regular platform where they can voice their concerns and express their recommendations on fostering peace. The biennial reporting requirement to be established by the UN will provide a comprehensive overview of how youth participation in peacebuilding is being conducted, and what challenges and opportunities exist for youth.
Maryline Njoroge is the Child Participation Coordinator for Children Affected by Armed Conflict at Save the Children, and is responsible for the engagement and empowerment of influence decisions and processes on conflict resolution and peacemaking.
Endnotes

Conciliation Resources (2018) 'Five Ways to Support Youth Inclusion in Peacebuilding', Available at: <https://www.c-r.org/news-and-insight/five-ways-support-youth-inclusion-peacebuilding> [Accessed 30 October 2020].

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Youth Engagement in Peace Processes in Africa - ACCORD

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The expanding youth, peace and security agenda in Africa calls for the full participation of youth in peacemaking processes at all levels

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Ben-Achour & Hofs (2017) Youth Consultations on Peace and Security:
Findings from Focus Group Discussions and Individual
Interviews Including Hard to Reach Youth in Niger

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Ben-Achour & Hofs (2017) Youth Consultations on Peace and Security:
Findings from Focus Group Discussions and Individual
Interviews Including Hard to Reach Youth in Niger

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Available at: https://peacenexus.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/NIG709_UNSCR_2250_Report_Niger_SFCG_Final_Revised_171031-copie.pdf

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Ben-Achour & Hofs 2017 Youth Consultations on Peace and Security

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Strassburger & Rieger (2019) Partizipation kompakt

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Strassburger & Rieger (2019) Partizipation kompakt

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Available at: https://www.beltz.de/fachmedien/sozialpaedagogik_soziale_arbeit/produkte/details/39312-partizipation-kompakt.html

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Die Partizipationspyramide von Gaby Straßburger und Judith Rieger mit Erläuterungen der Urheberinnen

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UNOY: Journal of Youth, Peace & Security

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UNOY: Journal of Youth, Peace & Security

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The Journal of YPS is edited, peer-reviewed and published by the members of the YPS Research Network. The first issue of the Journal was published in 2021 and was written entirely by YPSRN members, whereas the second issue of the journal, published in 2023, welcomed submissions from young authors who wanted to publish in relation to policy, practice and scholarship of youth and peacebuilding.

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Are you planning a longer stay abroad or are you unsure for other reasons whether you can "commit" yourself for 2 years? Contact us, we will find a solution for almost everything.

Below you will also find an outline of the program and the time required (subject to change).

2023: In the first year of the program, you will meet with the other participants for the first time at a preparation weekend in November. You will deal with urgent topics such as peace, justice, education, environmental protection or intercultural sensitivity. You will also form a tandem with an international youth ambassador and exchange ideas with him/her.

2024: In the second year you are part of the two-week visit of the international youth ambassadors in Switzerland. As a host, you will discuss with them the issues that concern you and experience fellowship with people from over 10 countries. You will also prepare for your trip abroad.

2025: In the summer of 2025 you will travel for two to three weeks in a small delegation to a partner country of Mission 21 in Africa, Asia or Latin America. You will gain insight into the local way of life and get to know the projects of Mission 21's partners. You will make international friends, acquire transcultural skills, and share your experience with others around you.

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14+ countries Network and get to know people from Asia, Africa, Europe and Latin America. 60+ participants Become part of a network of over 60 alumni and current Youth Ambassadors. "I haven't experienced 'safe places' many times before. So the time in Switzerland with the other youth was like a miracle to me....

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Spalding et al. 2021 Making Noise and Getting Things Done: Youth Inclusion and Advocacy for Peace - Lessons from Afghanistan, South Sudan and Myanmar

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Spalding et al. 2021 Making Noise and Getting Things Done: Youth Inclusion and Advocacy for Peace - Lessons from Afghanistan, South Sudan and Myanmar

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Available at: https://eprints.qut.edu.au/227089/

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Spalding et al. 2021 Making Noise and Getting Things Done

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Available at: https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/4014684?v=pdf

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UN 2021 If I Disappear - Global Report on Protecting Young People in Civic Spaces

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Berents (2022) Power, Partnership, and Youth as Norm Entrepreneurs - Getting to UNSC Res 2250 on YPS

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Berents (2022) Power, Partnership, and Youth as Norm Entrepreneurs - Getting to UNSC Res 2250 on YPS

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Available at: https://academic.oup.com/isagsq/article/2/3/ksac038/6645832?login=false

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Berents 2022 Power, Partnership, and Youth as Norm Entrepreneurs - Getting to UNSC Res 2250 on YPS

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Berents et al. 2024 Youth and Sustainable Peacebuilding

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Berents et al. (2024) Youth and Sustainable Peacebuilding

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Berents et al. (2024) Youth and Sustainable Peacebuilding

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'With the participation of the youth in contemporary peacebuilding processes, we face two main challenges. First, young people are often seen as a problem or potential agent of conflict, and second, even if their potential as an agent of peace is recognized, the basis of their participation is often tokenism at best. This is why Youth and sustainable peacebuilding is a must-read for researchers and practitioners, as this volume tackles both challenges head-on with excellent contributions on a myriad of critical issues, processes, and cases.'
Alpaslan Özerdem, Dean of the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, and Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies, George Mason University

'How do young people participate in both formal security spaces and in informal processes? What do we learn from perspectives that pay attention to people's views? To what extent are the complexities of the Youth Peace and Security (YPS) agenda are captured by official institutions and community practices? In this exciting and inspiring volume, these questions are addressed in creative and thoughtful ways.
The aspirations and lived experiences of young people are at the heart of this book. Rich in detail, the compelling and fresh interpretations unmask both tensions and possibilities of the YPS agenda. Contributors reveal underlying injustices, oppression, and co-optation of young lives. We learn how inherently securitised, environmental, and economic stresses marginalise young people.
The empirical evidence persuasively tells us that collective sharing of knowledge and a radical vision of youth participation and inclusion are prerequisites in the transformative practices of peace.
A must-read for academics and practitioners of youth, sustainable peace, and justice.'
Bina D'Costa, Professor of International Relations, Australian National University

'In focusing on youth-centered activism and approaches to peace, this volume challenges - and potentially contributes to changing - what 'experts' and policymakers believe they know about peacebuilding.
This agenda-setting volume offers a rich contribution to the Youth and Peace and Security (YPS) agenda - at the intersection of policy, practice, and scholarship, as well as in the ways that local YPS practice can sophisticate and define global policy.'
Graeme Simpson, Principal Representative (NY) & Senior Peacebuilding Adviser, Interpeace. Former Lead Author of the Independent UN Progress Study on YPS: The Missing Peace

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Manchester University Press - Youth and sustainable peacebuilding

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Youth and sustainable peacebuilding - Browse and buy the Hardcover edition of Youth and sustainable peacebuilding by Helen Berents

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This is an occasional newsletter, with reflections, observations, and commentary on the YPS agenda and on approaches to youth-inclusive peacebuilding more broadly, written by Dr Helen Berents.

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The Youth, Peace and Security Observer | Helen Berents | Substack

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This is an occasional newsletter, with reflections, observations, and commentary on the YPS agenda and on approaches to youth-inclusive peacebuilding more broadly, written by Dr Helen Berents. Click to read The Youth, Peace and Security Observer, by Helen Berents, a Substack publication. Launched 6 months ago.

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The United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2250, adopted on 9 December 2015, is the first ever resolution to recognize and support the positive and important role played by the youth in peacebuilding.
This website is an independent and purely youth-led initiative to present data on assessing leadership, participation and inclusion of young people in the implementation of the Youth, Peace & Security (YPS) agenda at the national level, with specific attention given to the different forms and levels of youth participation in these efforts. The data can be searched by country and processes. For more information about the research, see About section.

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The United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2250, adopted on 9 December 2015, is the first ever resolution to recognize and support the positive and important role played by the youth in peacebuilding.

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Global Partnership for Children and Youth in Peacebuilding (2015) Evaluation of Child and Youth Participation in Peacebuilding

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Global Partnership for Children and Youth in Peacebuilding (2015) Evaluation of Child and Youth Participation in Peacebuilding

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Available at: https://resourcecentre.savethechildren.net/document/evaluation-child-and-youth-participation-peacebuilding/

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Global Partnership for Children and Youth in Peacebuilding 2015 Evaluation of Child and Youth Participation in Peacebuilding

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Conciliation Resources (2021) Supporting Diverse Youth Engagement in Peacebuilding

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Conciliation Resources (2021) Supporting Diverse Youth Engagement in Peacebuilding

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Available at: https://www.c-r.org/learning-hub/supporting-diverse-youth-engagement-peacebuilding

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Conciliation Resources 2021 Supporting Diverse Youth Engagement in Peacebuilding

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Natil ed. 2021 Youth Civic Engagement and Local Peacebuilding in the Middle East and North Africa

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Natil (2021) Youth Civic Engagement and Local Peacebuilding in the Middle East and North Africa

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Natil (2021) Youth Civic Engagement and Local Peacebuilding in the Middle East and North Africa

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This book investigates the ways in which young people engage with and contribute to civil society, community development, and local peacebuilding in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

Youth engagement and contribution to civil society and local peacebuilding can play a crucial role in development; however, there is often a lack of effective engagement, policies, and opportunities for young people in policy and practice. This book analyses their experiences of civic engagement and community participation and the challenges they face, across diverse areas including youth empowerment, freedom of expression, mobilization, ideologies, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding. Drawing on cases from Yemen, Syria, Iran, Morocco and the Palestinian Territories, this book offers new insights on how youth not only are shaped by, but also react to policies, conflict, constraints, and challenges.

The insights drawn from this interdisciplinary collection will be of interest to researchers of civil society, youth, peacebuilding, and development, as well as to policymakers, donors, and NGO staff.

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Youth Civic Engagement and Local Peacebuilding in the Middle East and North Africa: Prospects and Challenges for Community Development

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This book investigates the ways in which young people engage with and contribute to civil society, community development, and local peacebuilding in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Youth engagement and contribution to civil society and local peacebuilding can play a crucial role in development; however, there is often a lack of effective engagement, policies, and opportunities for young people in policy and practice.

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Available at: https://www.ohchr.org/en/documents/tools/youth-rights-advocacy-toolkit

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Hagerty (2017) Data for Youth, Peace and Security

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Hagerty (2017) Data for Youth, Peace and Security

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Available at: https://www.youth4peace.info/system/files/2018-04/16.%20TP_Youth%20affected%20by%20violent%20conflict_IEP.pdf

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Hagerty 2017 Data for Youth, Peace and Security

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Available at: https://www.usip.org/publications/2023/05/youth-centered-peacebuilding-framework

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Get out there.
Don't just expect young people to show up. Formal processes, from peace negotiations to international policy forums, are usually not designed for young people and so young people often think they don't have a place there. Be proactive, go out to the young people in your community or constituency. Talk to them, listen to them, have a meaningful conversation.

Don't treat youth as a side issue.
Youth participation must be a core component of any peacebuilding efforts and not siloed off to the side. If you are organising a meeting or event, don't organise a separate youth event: Invite youth to the main event instead. Include youth at all levels, at all times. At the same time, remember that they might need different types of support to be able to contribute than older people do. Be youth-sensitive in designing programs and spaces into which youth are invited.

Widen your understanding of peacebuilding.
Building peaceful societies means different things to different people. For societies to be built on sustainable peace, it's important to acknowledge that the needs of young people might be different from the needs of their seniors and take this into account in peacebuilding activities. Young people might identify different problems than those who are older, maybe even ones that have not traditionally been considered within the realm of peacebuilding.

Support young people's initiatives.
You don't have all the answers. Support youth in developing their own peacebuilding projects, for example with technical support or with appropriate and accessible funding. They know what they're doing, but they need your support to make it work.

Make sure your work doesn't hinder young people's participation.
Unfortunately youth participation in peacebuilding is often hampered by misguided policies or programs, such as counter-terrorism strategies. If you want youth to play an active and positive role, take a serious look at your own work and make sure it's not unintentionally counter-productive.

This fourth and final pivotal protection blog explores mental health and wellbeing from a personal and non-practitioner perspective. topic introduction Mental health and wellbeing have captured our attention. Corporate brands, like Dove, are running self-esteem...
Read More...

Introduction At UNOY Peacebuilders, we firmly believe that gender and peacebuilding are inextricably linked. The dominant patriarchal structures pose significant barriers to the meaningful involvement of gender diverse and young women peacebuilders. Holistic and sustainable...
Read More...

the role young people played in the process I'm Joseph Akilimali, co-chair of the Congolese Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) coalition, and this is how the first National Action Plan (NAP) on YPS came to...
Read More...

This fourth and final pivotal protection blog explores mental health and wellbeing from a personal and non-practitioner perspective. topic introduction Mental health and wellbeing have captured our attention. Corporate brands, like Dove, are running self-esteem...

Introduction At UNOY Peacebuilders, we firmly believe that gender and peacebuilding are inextricably linked. The dominant patriarchal structures pose significant barriers to the meaningful involvement of gender diverse and young women peacebuilders. Holistic and sustainable...

the role young people played in the process I'm Joseph Akilimali, co-chair of the Congolese Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) coalition, and this is how the first National Action Plan (NAP) on YPS came to...

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Youth participation 101: Five simple tips for including youth in peacebuilding

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Get out there. Don't just expect young people to show up. Formal processes, from peace negotiations to international policy forums, are usually not designed for young people and so young people often think they don't have a place there. Be proactive, go out to the young people in your community or constituency.

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AU Commission 2020 Continental Framework for Youth, Peace and Security

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AU Commission (2020) Continental Framework for Youth, Peace and Security

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AU Commission (2020) Continental Framework for Youth, Peace and Security

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Available at: https://au.int/en/documents/20200821/continental-framework-youth-peace-and-security

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AU Commission (2020) Continental Framework for Youth, Peace and Security

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Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland (2021) Youth, Peace and Security, Finland's National Action Plan 2021-2024

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Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland (2021) Youth, Peace and Security, Finland's National Action Plan 2021-2024

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Available at: https://julkaisut.valtioneuvosto.fi/handle/10024/163334

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Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland 2021 Youth, Peace and Security, Finland's National Action Plan 2021-2024

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UN Inter-Agency Network on Youth Development (n.d.) Guiding Principles on Young People’s Participation in Peacebuilding

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UN Inter-Agency Network on Youth Development (n.d.) Guiding Principles on Young People’s Participation in Peacebuilding

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Available at: https://www.undp.org/publications/guiding-principles-young-peoples-participation-peacebuilding

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UN Inter-Agency Network on Youth Development n.d. Guiding Principles on Young People’s Participation in Peacebuilding

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Available at: https://www.unyouth2030.com/about

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Worldvision (2011) Guidelines for Empowering Children and Youth as Peacebuilders

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Worldvision (2011) Guidelines for Empowering Children and Youth as Peacebuilders

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Available at: https://www.wvi.org/peacebuilding-and-conflict-sensitivity/publication/guidelines-empowering-children-and-youth

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Worldvision 2011 Guidelines for Empowering Children and Youth as Peacebuilders

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UNOY & Search for Common Grounds 2020 Translating Youth, Peace & Security Policy into Practice - A Guide to Building Coalitions

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UNOY & Search for Common Grounds (2020) Translating Youth, Peace & Security Policy into Practice - A Guide to Building Coalitions

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UNOY & Search for Common Grounds (2020) Translating Youth, Peace & Security Policy into Practice - A Guide to Building Coalitions

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Available at: https://unoy.org/downloads/translating-youth-peace-security-policy-into-practice-a-guide-to-building-coalitions/

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UNOY & Search for Common Grounds (2020) Translating Yoth, Peace & Security Policy into Practice - A Guide to Building Coalitions

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United Nations and Folke Bernadotte Academy 2021 Youth, Peace and Security - A Programming Handbook

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United Nations and Folke Bernadotte Academy (2021) Youth, Peace and Security - A Programming Handbook

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United Nations and Folke Bernadotte Academy (2021) Youth, Peace and Security - A Programming Handbook

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Available at: https://fba.se/en/about-fba/publications/youth-peace-and-security-a-programming-handbook/

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United Nations and Folke Bernadotte Academy (2021) Youth, Peace and Security - A Programming Handbook

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Global Coalition on Youth, Peace and Security 2022 Implementing the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda at Country-level - A Guide for Public Officials

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Global Coalition on Youth, Peace and Security (2022) Implementing the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda at Country-level - A Guide for Public Officials

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Global Coalition on Youth, Peace and Security (2022) Implementing the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda at Country-level - A Guide for Public Officials

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Available at: https://www.un.org/youthenvoy/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/YPS-Guide-for-Public-Officials.pdf

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FID–CSO Youth Working Group 2010 Youth Participation in Development - A Guide for Development Agencies and Policy Makers

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FID–CSO Youth Working Group (2010) Youth Participation in Development - A Guide for Development Agencies and Policy Makers

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FID–CSO Youth Working Group (2010) Youth Participation in Development - A Guide for Development Agencies and Policy Makers

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Available at: https://www.youthpolicy.org/library/documents/youth-participation-in-development-a-guide-for-development-agencies-and-policy-makers

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FID–CSO Youth Working Group (2010) Youth Participation in Development - A Guide for Development Agencies and Policy Makers

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Karstens 2013 A Potpourri of Participation Models

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Karstens (2013)  A Potpourri of Participation Models

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Karstens (2013)  A Potpourri of Participation Models

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Available at: https://www.youthpolicy.org/library/documents/a-potpourri-of-participation-models

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Karstens (2013)  A Potpourri of Participation Models

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The Youth, Peace and Security Primer (Free Online Course)

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The Youth, Peace and Security Primer (Free Online Course)

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The Youth, Peace and Security Primer | UNSSC | United Nations System Staff College

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The YPS Primer aims to establish a common base of understanding and approach for the UN system and partners in implementing the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda. It is meant to inform, in broad terms, the programmes and actions of all UN entities working with and for youth in peace and security.

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Since 2010 we provide open data on young people and youth policies, undertake own research to strengthen the knowledge base of the youth field, and collaborate with governments, institutions, networks and organisations to improve their youth policies.

Our mission is to provide access to open data for better public policies, transparency, and accountability.

Youthpolicy.org is the world's most extensive knowledge base on youth policies and young people. It is maintained by Youth Policy Labs, an independent, not-for-profit think tank and research agency specifically focusing on youth.

Founded and initially hosted by the Berlin-based NGO Demokratie & Dialog e.V., Youth Policy Labs is now an independent non-profit association. It operates at the junction of research and journalism, producing high-quality and well-researched knowledge with the aim of improving public policies that affect the lives of young people.

We champion the development of youth policies, promote young people as researchers, facilitate international discussion on youth policies, and advocate for stronger coherence within governmental and intergovernmental organisations as well as donor agencies and non-profits on youth rights, policies and programmes.

Policy Development

We have supported policy development and legislative process for youth policies in 50+ countries around the world, providing technical input, facilitated consultations with key stakeholders, legislative drafting and areas of advocacy for international agencies.

Technical support

For UN Country Offices, we have provided technical support around the implementation of the new system-wide UN Youth Strategy Youth2030, and its translation into country programmes and strategies.

Policy Evaluations

We have conducted evaluations based on international practice and principles on youth policy-making in dozens of countries around the world, developing recommendations to improve public policies for young people.

Capacity building

In the field of youth policy, youth work, and youth research we have provided capacity building in various formats, from short workshops to long-term training courses, with and for colleagues from around the world.

If you want to know more about youth policies you can have a look into our articles on Youth Policies on different levels, supporting policy in practice and collaboration in youth policy research.

In 2008, we created a small non-governmental organisation, aiming to strengthen dialogue between and across generations and nations. One key interest we pursued was to strengthen public policies for young people, which at the time were eclectic at best.

In 2010, we launched youthpolicy.org with initial, generous support by the Open Society Foundations. We set out to build a hub for knowledge and expertise on youth, youth policies and youth issues, but also to take a critical look at the international youth sector, global institutions, and the rights and realities of young people.

Since then, we have continued to pursue our own research agenda as an independent think-tank, and actively collaborate with governments, agencies and civil society on youth-focused research and technical support in designing, implementing and advocating for youth and public policies.

Our global evidence-base here at youthpolicy.org is underpinned by a wide network of young researchers, journalists, analysts and experts on youth policy, youth research, youth media and youth work.

Research team

Andrea Horta Herranz, Andreas Karsten, Anne Wiese, Ashley Pitschmann, Dasha Maksimenko, Erik Dubs, Friedemann Schwenzer, Gustav Berneburg, Johannes Eick, Jos Pöge, Karla Schieferstein, Karo Born, Kimberly Schwabe, Lydia Böttcher, Ole Siever, Tom Pincus - and Suki

Factsheet team

Audrey Lie, Coco Rössler, Emilia Lie, Erik Dubs, Karla Schieferstein, Kimberly Schwabe, Laura Pereira, Leonie Fischer, Luisa Becker, Ole Siever, Tom Germershausen

Previous contributors

Alana Westwood, Alice Vincent, Amanda Keifer, Amena Adel, Amlesh Pandey, Andrea Arzaba, Andrew Hix, Anna Ashenden, Anna Saraste, Anne-Marie Tobin, Anneliese Mehlmann, Antoine Ebel, Artur Wieczorek, Ayeni Kenny, Badiul Majumdar, Barbara Nandutu, Barrett Alexander, Bastian Küntzel, Beng Delas Alas, Betty Cheptock, Buthainah Alrefaae, Camilla Born, Cara Lee Roth, Charlotte Taylor, Chris Bradford, Chris Ward, Crystel Hajjar, Dan Glass, Dan Spencer, Dana Issac, Daniel Hyams, Daniel McCulloch, Danny Hutley, David Gevers, David Wainaina, Deborah Tsuchida, Debra Hauser, Dorota Küntzel, Dragan Mihajlovic, Dwain Lucktung, Elizabeth Pope, Emil Gille, Emily Teitsworth, Emmanuel Oben, Esther Eshiet, Fakiha Rizvi, Farah Alkandari, Francesca Carnibella, Frederico Brocchieri, Goran Buldioski, Hamza Jaka, Hanna Thomas, Hannah Smith, Haya Alrefai, Helena Wright, Hilary Emmanuel, Hilary Ngide, Ivan Luyima, Jacqueline Kennelly, Jakob Fuchs, James Edleston, James Ochan, James Swift, Jamie Drummond, Jamie Peter, Jamie Seah, Jaxson Khan, Jeff Meer, Jeremy Heimans, Jette Nietzard, Jonathan Boyer, Joseph Lanzillo, Joyce Lee, Kaitlin Morris, Kaitlin Rau, Karina Chupina, Kashindi Pierre, Kate Diamond, Kate Shayler, Kaukab Jhumra, Kennedy Mbeva, Kim Kyu-Nam, Kirsty McNeil, Kishan Kariippanon, Konstantin Lemke, Kyle Gracey, Lina Al Qaddoumi, Lindsay Menard-Freeman, Lindsay Solera-Deuchar, Lorraine Ma, Louisa Casson, Louise Fenner, Luke Kemp, Maarten van Brederode, Maggie Lee, Maja Pecanac, Marika Welz, Mark Drumbl, Mathias Reymann, Matt Williams, Maximilian Kall, Melissa Lomax, Michael Lessac, Michalina Golinczak, Miriam Davidson, Mukul Sanwai, Muneerah Almulla, Musukwa Frank, Natalie Jones, Nathan Thanki, Nepali Rukh, Neva Frecheville, Nick Beall, Nick Ondwat, Nisaa Wulan, Paula Klattenhoff, Perla Hernandez, Ravi Karkara, Ray Hossain, Rebecca Roberts, Reem Al Mealla, Reuben Makomere, Richard Hutson, Rik Kennedy, Rozita Singh, Ruth Nabasirye, Sandra Baaziz, Sara Vogler, Sarah Arnold, Sarah Ismail, Savannah Thatcher, Senel Wanniarachchi, Shani Williams, Sian Ellis, Simon Bart, Simon Blake, Sofia Robinson, Steve Hynd, Sven Ehmes, Swaan van Iterson, Tanja Strecker, Teodora Hristoforova, Theresa Walter, Tim Damon, Tim Davies, Tim Wickson, Tom Swann, U-wen Wong, Victor Pineda, Victoria Davis, Victoria Forsgate, Vikas Nath, William Shankley, Willice Onyango, Yvette Bivigou

Inaugural team

Alex Farrow, Andreas Karsten, Bowe Frankema, Cristina Bacalso, Ellen Ehmke, Ellie Hopkins, Emilia Griffin, Jacob Kreyenbühl, John Muir, Josiane Meier, Leila Younis, Lisa Richter, Milosz Czerniejewski, Paul Frisch, Tatsuhei Morozumi, Yael Ohana - and Fritz

Review teams

Andreas Karsten, Anita Kárpáti, Baglan Mamaev, Betty Kyaddondo, Carlos Rodríguez Castro, Chinara Esengul, Cindy García Buitrago, Daniel Tobón-García, Deborah Tsuchida, Djordje Krivokapic, Donatella Bradic, Emir Kulov, Estella Nelson, Gina Romero Rodríguez, Gladys Onyango, Gyorgy Lissauer, Harini Amarasuriya, Horace Nagbe, Ilona-Evelyn Rannala, Jane Lowicki-Zucca, Jerry Tabolo, Juliana Aguilar Forero, Juliet Kanyesigye, Justine McGowan, Kevin Mikwano Nabiryo, Khushbu Agrawal, Kimberly O'Haver, Liisa Müürsepp, Lucrezia Anderson, Maarja Toots, Marius Ulozas, Marlene Spoerri, Marti Taru, Maryanne Olson, Mehrigul Ablezova, Milosz Czerniejewski, Nabin Rawal, Natalia Yefimova-Trilling, Noel Selegzi, Onyinye Onyemobi, Paul Frisch, Robert Thomson, Ronald Rwankangi, Sanju Koirala, Semanta Dahal, Simon Bart, Tanja Azanjac, Tatjana Stojic, Timotheus Kamaboakai, Tom Stanley Asaku, Yael Ohana

In memoriam

Lynne Chisholm and Peter Lauritzen - without you, we would have never had the courage.

At youthpolicy.org, we provide open data for better public policies to improve the lives of young people around the world.

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Youthpolicy.org is the world's most extensive knowledge base on youth policies and young people.

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Helvetas (2019) Tune in! YOU Trainer's Manual

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Helvetas (2019) Tune in! YOU Trainer's Manual

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Available at: https://www.helvetas.org/en/switzerland/what-we-do/how-we-work/our-projects/asia/kyrgyzstan/kyrgyzstan_you

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Helvetas 2019 Tune in! Youth United for th Future - Trainer's Manual

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Youth Participation at Fondation Hirondelle

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Youth Participation at Fondation Hirondelle

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Context

In many countries where Fondation Hirondelle is active, youth make up a large percentage of the population. In Niger for example, nearly 70 percent of the population is under the age of 24. Despite this, there are often very few spaces for young people to make their voices heard in public life, and their needs and interests remain under- or unrepresented in the mainstream media. Many media are also out of touch with the young in their programming, and don't address their needs or interests.

Oftentimes, young populations are also seen as a part of the problem in post-conflict or fragile contexts and are marginalized in public debate and in national reconciliation processes. Young people therefore face many challenges to increased participation. There is often resistance to their inclusion by older generations, and sometimes cultural preconceptions that youth should not have too much power in society. However, reconciliation and national dialogue cannot be sustainable if over half the population is left out. This is where media have a role to play.

Our approach

Fondation Hirondelle seeks to ensure that its programming meets the needs and interests of young audiences, especially the 15-25 age group. Fondation Hirondelle's media produce interesting and interactive programming for young audiences, including news and information specifically for youth, as well as music and entertainment shows. Some of our media even have programming produced by children and young people. Our media also create spaces for young people to be heard and participate in public life. Public debates specifically for young people on issues such as elections give them a chance to interact with public figures, ask questions, and get involved.

In supporting youth populations, it is not enough, however, to only target young audiences; it is also important to engage those that protect and work with children and young people. Our media also therefore seek to provide information for families and communities. For example, programming on children's rights and services, maternal and early childhood health, and protection of youth provides vital information for families that can save lives and improve living standards.

Fondation Hirondelle also seeks to support the next generation of young journalists in the countries where we work. In our newsrooms, we aim to hire and train young and motivated journalists that are just starting their career. Through in-depth coaching and support, these journalists gain the skills and knowledge needed to become journalists of reference in their media sectors. We also often work closely with local universities to provide internships and training opportunities for journalism students.

Outcomes

Young populations have access to information on issues of importance in their daily lives and have a space to make their voices heard in public life.

Families and communities have access to information important for ensuring the well-being of young populations.

Our media and partner media are leaders in their sectors in providing a place for young journalists and media professionals and teaching them to work in a professional way.

Examples & testimonies

In Guinea

In Guinea, Studio Hirondelle Guinée produced from 2014 to 2016 a weekly radio program called "All the children of Guinea" (Tous les enfants du Guinée), which covered issues of importance for children and was produced with the active participation of children. An example here with a program dedicated to the situation of young refugees in Guinea

See the link

In the Democratic Republic of Congo

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Fondation Hirondelle's project " Youth and Elections " (Jeunes & Elections) organizes public debates around electoral issues and youth participation in public life. It allows for young people to meet and discuss with their elected representatives. You can follow on the Facebook page "Jeunes et élections"

See the link

In Mali

In Mali, Studio Tamani is a place for young journalists to hone their skills: most of the journalists are under 30 years old, and students from the local universities participate in practical training courses inside the newsroom

In Côte d'Ivoire

In Côte d'Ivoire, la Fondation Hirondelle a soutenu la création de Studio Mozaik, Fondation Hirondelle supported the creation of Studio Mozaik, a local training center for the next generation of Ivorian journalists, which trained more than 100 young journalists and students in 2014/2015 with the support of Fondation Hirondelle's editorial advisor. A selected team of young Studio Mozaik journalists covered the 2015 presidential elections in the country, with a network of 42 radio stations across the country broadcasting their productions. A web documentary was produced to highlight their work

See the link

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there are often very few spaces for young people to make their voices heard in public life

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and their needs and interests remain under- or unrepresented in the mainstream media.

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In many countries where Fondation Hirondelle is active, youth make up a large percentage of the population. In Niger for example, nearly 70 percent of the population is under the age of 24.

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Shier (2001) Pathways to Participation: Openings, Opportunities and Obligations

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Shier (2001) Pathways to Participation: Openings, Opportunities and Obligations

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Available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/chi.617

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Ozcelik et al. (2021) Youth-led peace - The role of youth in peace processes

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Ozcelik et al. (2021) Youth-led peace - The role of youth in peace processes

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Available at: https://www.gla.ac.uk/media/Media_832884_smxx.pdf

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Hart (1992) Children's Participation - From Tokenism to Citizenship

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Hart (1992) Children's Participation - From Tokenism to Citizenship

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Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/24139916_Children%27s_Participation_From_Tokenism_To_Citizenship

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Arnstein (1969) A Ladder of Citizen Participation

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Arnstein (1969) A Ladder of Citizen Participation

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Available at: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01944366908977225

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UN Security Council Resolution 2535 (2020)

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UN Security Council Resolution 2535 (2020)

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Available at: https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/3872250?ln=en

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UN Security Council Resolution 2419 (2018)

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UN Security Council Resolution 2419 (2018)

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Available at: https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/1628896?ln=en&v=pdf

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UN Security Council Resolution 2250 (2015)

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UN Security Council Resolution 2250 (2015)

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Available at: https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/814032?ln=en&v=pdf

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AU 2020 A Study On The Roles and Contributions of Youth to Peace and Security in Africa

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AU (2020) A Study On The Roles and Contributions of Youth to Peace and Security in Africa

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AU (2020) A Study On The Roles and Contributions of Youth to Peace and Security in Africa

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Available at: https://www.peaceau.org/en/article/a-study-on-the-roles-and-contributions-of-youth-to-peace-and-security-in-africa

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Bangura (ed.) (2022) Youth-Led Social Movements and Peacebuilding in Africa

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Bangura (ed.) (2022) Youth-Led Social Movements and Peacebuilding in Africa

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Available at: https://www.routledge.com/Youth-Led-Social-Movements-and-Peacebuilding-in-Africa/Bangura/p/book/9781032182391?srsltid=AfmBOoqdhSWhZkJwbXDfLGb_AtK9aR2XdVKbXu-_DnbReaqV7V5G0Y_O

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International Summer Camp 2022

10. bis 23. Juli - Über 100 Jugendliche aus verschiedenen Ländern nehmen gemeinsam am diesjährigen Summer Camp teil und setzen sich für die Welt ein, in der sie leben möchten. Die Anmeldung ist ab sofort möglich.

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International Summer Camp 2022 10. bis 23. Juli - Über 100 Jugendliche aus verschiedenen Ländern nehmen gemeinsam am diesjährigen Summer Camp teil und setzen sich für die Welt ein, in der sie leben möchten. Die Anmeldung ist ab sofort möglich.

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Altiok & Grielj 2019 We are here: An integrated approach to youth-inclusive peace processes

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Altiok & Grielj (2019). We are here: An integrated approach to youth-inclusive peace processes

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Altiok & Grielj (2019). We are here: An integrated approach to youth-inclusive peace processes

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Available at: https://www.un.org/youthenvoy/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Global-Policy-Paper-Youth-Participation-in-Peace-Processes.pdf

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Independent Progress Study on YPS. Available at: https://www.youth4peace.info/ProgressStudy

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Interpeace is passionately committed to the inclusive and meaningful participation of the youth in all the policy and practice arenas that impact their lives.

This reflects the organization's commitment to local ownership and leadership in all its peacebuilding work, and therefore to the voice, agency, and leadership of young women and men in moving the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) Agenda from policy to practice. This should not be limited to 'youth consultations' at policy forums/discussions, but should extend to youth involvement in the design, implementation, and evaluation of the YPS agenda (including at the country-level).

Young women and men have strongly expressed the view that they should not be "ghettoized", or seen only in youth or sports organizations, but that their interests are varied and diversified. Young people are found in human rights organizations, in women's organizations, in academic institutions, in trades unions, in civic organizations, in the police as well as in the communities being policed, and in many other contexts. This reflects the heterogeneity of youth and their complex and intersectional lived experiences.

In recognition of this, Interpeace is dedicated to creating this platform which amplifies the voices and leadership of young women and men, especially in many of the areas that might not get the mainstreamed attention of policy-makers at national or international level, but which are important to young people themselves.

This online portal is dedicated to creating such a space for youth-led, youth-authored and/or youth-informed policy interventions, reflections, and advocacy. Interpeace hopes that this portal not only responds to existing policy priorities, but enables the young contributors to frame and set the policy agenda themselves-so that they can define and fill the gaps in policy and practice which are not getting the necessary attention.

In 2021, Interpeace, with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ireland, commissioned an initial nine Policy Briefs as part of its series; "Outside the Box: Amplifying youth voices and views on YPS policy and practice."

These Policy Briefs have all either been authored by young peacebuilders, scholars or practitioners, or have been based on participatory research or consultations with young women and men. They are all focused on policy and practice gaps in the evolution and implementation of the YPS agenda. These Briefs, published here, do not necessarily reflect the views of Interpeace, but we wanted to play a convening role in creating a platform for the initiative and uncensored voice of youth themselves.

Interpeace is delighted to have had the opportunity to collaborate and convene leading youth policy thinkers and practitioners through this platform of learning and debate about the evolving YPS agenda.

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Outside the Box: Amplifying youth voices and views on YPS policy and practice - Interpeace

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Interpeace is passionately committed to the inclusive and meaningful participation of the youth in all the policy and practice arenas that impact their lives. This reflects the organization's commitment to local ownership and leadership in all its peacebuilding work, and therefore to the voice, agency, and leadership of young women and men in moving the [...]

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UNOY: Checklist for Meaningful Youth Participation

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UNOY: Checklist for Meaningful Youth Participation

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Checklist for Meaningful Youth Engagement

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As we notice a general tendency to over-request youth participation without adequate benefits, the question 'what is meaningful youth engagement?' has taken on a new colour. It is becoming the norm to call for youth to participate, but the process for engaging them has lost some of its meaning along the way.

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UNOY: Agreed UN Language on Youth Participation

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UNOY: Agreed UN Language on Youth Participation

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Today, the world is home to the largest amount of youth that has ever existed: 1,2 billion youth make up for 18% of the world's population. A United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution which specifically focuses on youth participation in peacebuilding was adopted in December 2015 (UNSCR2250). This document, written before its adoption, outlines the language to be used, and why it was exactly the absence of such a resolution that contributed to the unparalleled underrepresentation of youth in peacebuilding.

A successful peacebuilding process must be transformative and create space for a wider set of actors - including, but not limited to, representatives of women, young people - to participate in public decision - making on all aspects of post-conflict governance and recovery.

Introduction

There are currently 1.2 billion youth in the world, the largest number of youth ever to have existed. Different definitions are being used to cover "youth," a fluid category encompassing a dynamic population with a variety of needs and abilities. When talking on behalf of and about youth, it is essential to recognize that youth is not a homogenous group. "Youth" includes young people with disabilities, young people living with HIV, indigenous young people, young people from minorities, young migrants; young people who are stateless, internally displaced, young refugees or those affected by humanitarian situations or armed conflict . Currently, the dichotomization of labeling youth either as "children" or "adults" has resulted in an underrepresentation of the voices of youth on issues that concern them - including issues of peace and conflict.

Armed conflict is one of the most critical challenges that young people are facing today. Young people in conflict and in post-conflict societies are crucial agents in building peace and positive social change. Young people simultaneously suffer in unique ways from the consequences of violence and they are also uniquely vulnerable to both voluntary and involuntary military recruitment. The portrayal of young people as either causal or recipient agents of conflict, however, neglects the fact that young people play crucial roles in facilitating peaceful transitions towards socially inclusive societies when they can meaningfully contribute at the political, social, and economic level. We argue that a thematic UN Security Council Resolution on Youth Peace and Security is a powerful tool to engage young people in issues of peace and security, and thereby strengthen the peacebuilding work done around the world.

The 21st of December 2010, US Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice chaired an interactive session of the United Nations Security Council named "Voices of a New Generation." For this event, the first Security Council event on youth ever, youth were invited to address matters of international peace and security. Ambassador Rice underpinned that no discussion on international peace and security can take place if it fails to take into consideration half of the world's population that is under 25. Ambassador Rice is not the only one who has demanded attention for youth issues at the United Nations. In a similar vein, the UN Secretary General has sworn in his new Envoy on Youth, Ahmad Alhendawi, earlier this year. The fact that this position has only just been created shows the topicality of the issue of youth at the UN. The terms of reference that served to outline the role of this Envoy included a reference to the engagement of youth in peace processes. The latter signals the willingness to integrate a youth perspective into the UN's work at headquarters level, regional levels and country level.

The above mentioned developments are hopeful, but to what extent are these sentiments translated in existing UN documents? By analyzing agreed language on Youth, Peace and Security in past United Nations General Assembly and Security Council Resolutions, this report demonstrates the feasibility of a United Nations Security Council Resolution on Youth, Peace and Security. Such a resolution will ensure increased representation and participation of youth in decision-making levels as active agents in peace and security as well as encourage the adoption of measures aimed at the protection of young people in conflict and post-conflict.

Firstly, chapter 1 will explain the unique position of youth in issues of peace and security and compare this position to the position of other vulnerable groups such as women and children. Chapter 2 will then turn to previous UN documentation and will outline the agreed language on the role of youth in issues of peace and security. Subsequently, a chapter will be devoted to meaningful youth participation and examples thereof that will only underpin the effective potential of youth-led initiatives in building peace.

The report has been prepared by the United Network of Young Peacebuilders(UNOY Peacebuilders) together with SajiPrelis and Ravi Karkara. UNOY Peacebuilders is a global network of 60 youth peace organizations, active in the field of peacebuilding and conflict transformation. UNOY Peacebuilders is a non-political, non-religious, nongovernmental organization that welcomes youth peace initiatives and organizations regardless of gender, ethnicity, social class, religion, or any other distinction. The UNOY Peacebuilders as a network organization contributes to the work of its members and affiliates in two fundamental ways: Capacity development and Advocacy and Campaigning.

Agreed UN Language on Youth Participation in Peacebuilding (235 downloads)

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Agreed UN Language on Youth Participation in Peacebuilding

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Today, the world is home to the largest amount of youth that has ever existed: 1,2 billion youth make up for 18% of the world's population. A United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution which specifically focuses on youth participation in peacebuilding was adopted in December 2015 (UNSCR2250).

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➤ Also available in Arabic, French, and Spanish!

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Contributing to a More Cohesive Society in Kyrgyzstan

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The project is designed to contribute to a more cohesive society in which young people have a fair voice and are resilient against extremist rhetoric