Credit: UN Photo/Loey Felipe
The United Nations Security Council today adopted a historic resolution on youth, peace and security that urges greater representation by young men and women in the prevention and resolution of conflict amid “the rise of radicalization to violence and violent extremism among youth, which can be conducive to terrorism.”
Along with positioning youth and youth-led organizations as important partners in the global efforts to counter violent extremism and promote lasting peace, the resolution also gives impetus to the youth-led peace-building and conflict-prevention interventions to build peaceful communities and underpin democratic, inclusive governance.
By the text, the 15-member Council “urges Member States to consider ways to increase inclusive representation of youth in decision-making at all levels in local, national, regional and international institutions and mechanisms for the prevention and resolution of conflict…and, as appropriate, to consider establishing integrated mechanisms for meaningful participation of youth in peace processes and dispute-resolution.”
The resolution, introduced by Jordan during its presidency of the Security Council in April, also covers the protection of youth in armed conflict, including asking “all parties to armed conflict to take the necessary measures to protect civilians, including those who are youth, from all forms of sexual and gender-based violence.”
Reacting to the Council’s action, Ahmad Alhendawi, the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth, haled the text as “a major breakthrough” in collective efforts to change the predominantly negative narrative on youth and recognize the significant role of young people in peacebuilding.
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Source & Copyright: UN News Centre