In 2015, the UN Security Council adopted a landmark resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security. For the first time, it formally acknowledges the “important role youth can play in the prevention and resolution of conflicts and as a key aspect of the sustainability, inclusiveness and success of peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts”.
The resolution sets the framework for engagement with youth around five pillars: Participation, Protection, Prevention, Partnerships and Disengagement & Reintegration, highlighting the role that young women and men play in promoting peace and security.
The resolution also mandated the first independent study on the positive contribution of youth to peace processes and conflict resolution. The study called The Missing Peace: Independent Progress Study on Youth, Peace and Security, recognizes the links between the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and youth, peace and security.
Integrating young women and men in decision-making processes and humanitarian planning strengthens national, local, and community-based capacities for resilient post-conflict societies. As a result, the United Nations stresses the importance of creating policies for youth, which can nurture peacebuilding efforts, social and economic development, employment opportunities, and constructive political engagement. Moreover, prioritization of youth-inclusive programs fosters long-lasting and sustainable peace.
Implementation of the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agenda
In 2018, UN Security Council resolution 2419 called for the meaningful and full inclusion of young people in negotiating and implementing peace agreements, as well as the inclusion of youth at decision-making levels.
In 2020, the UN Security Council resolution 2535 established relevant steps for the implementation of the Youth Peace and Security (YPS) agenda in UN peace operations settings. In the same year, the Security Council in its resolution 2553 recognized the link between Security Sector Reform and Youth, Peace and Security, acknowledging that youth should be engaged in peacebuilding efforts to reform security sectors.
Two years later, the second Report of the Secretary-General on Youth and Peace noted that inclusive partnerships with young peacebuilders are vital for international security, and should be prioritized by all UN partners. The report added that youth must be allowed to become strategic partners at all stages of peacemaking and peacebuilding efforts.
Peacekeeping and YPS
UN Peacekeeping operations support young people in conflict-affected areas. Peacekeeping mandates encourage UN personnel to include youth participation in decision-making processes, support young women’s involvement in conflict prevention and resolution, and to build trust. UN field missions also strive to facilitate an inclusive, safe, enabling, and gender-responsive environment in which youth are recognized as agents of change in countering terrorism and violent extremism. Consequently, the aim of youth focal points and other UN staff is to create comprehensive and youth-inclusive conflict prevention approaches, provide protection for this demographic group, and assist young people in preventing violence and in promoting tolerance and intercultural dialogue.
This is done by cooperating with civil society organizations, designing programmes to reintegrate youth into communities and prevent their recruitment into armed groups, and by providing platforms for young people to discuss security issues and devise solutions for sustainable peace.
Peacekeeping operations mainstream YPS principles across their work, such as security sector reform, community engagement, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, community violence reduction, and human rights, among other areas. UN missions also support governments in addressing barriers to the meaningful participation of youth and promote cooperation with youth-led organizations to persuade authorities to admit young people in local conflict management and international peace.
Stories from the field
Peacekeeping in South Sudan (UNMISS)
In 2018, UNMISS created the first juvenile reformatory centre in Juba, South Sudan. The Justice and Corrections Service (JCS), in cooperation with partner organizations, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), supported the renovation and opening of juvenile reformatory centres, providing a more conducive environment for reintegration of youth into society and preventing their recruitment into violent groups.
In 2017, the Mine Action Service (UNMAS) in South Sudan designed and implemented a song contest that adapted “The X-Factor”, a popular television talent competition, to raise awareness among young people about the dangers of explosive hazards. UNMAS and partners worked with nine schools in Juba to write and perform songs about the impact of mines and explosive remnants of war within their communities. The winning school, the Giada Girls Primary School, recorded their song professionally with the prominent South Sudanese rap group “Jay Family”. Their song and music video, entitled “Beware”, continue to play on (radio) stations throughout South Sudan, and is performed by “Jay Family” in concerts in South Sudanese refugee camps in Uganda.
Peacekeeping in Kosovo (UNMIK)
In Kosovo, a project by the Justice and Corrections Service of UNMIK helped reduce the backlog of cases before the Basic Court of Mitrovica through internship opportunities for young lawyers from different communities. The project contributed to the reduction of more than 3,500 backlog of cases and enabled young lawyers to acquire practical experience on legal aid matters.
Peacekeeping in Mali (MINUSMA)
Through its work with civil society and in support of the peace process, in 2019, MINUSMA strengthened the ability of 150 youth civil society organizations across Mali, leading to the establishment of ‘Peace Ambassadors’. These youth engaged in strengthening local governance, civic responsibility, and commitment to consolidating lasting peace in the country. MINUSMA also invites Malian youth organizations to participate in Women, Peace, and Security related-events to provide women and youth organizations the platform to share their peacebuilding experiences with the Government, MINUSMA, and each other.
Peacekeeping in Cyprus (UNFICYP)
In May 2020, UNFICYP launched Youth Champions for Peace and Environment. Through the programme, 20 youngsters from across the island participated in a challenging training programme and were supported by the mission to launch their own environmental campaigns on the island. The goal of the programme was youth empowerment and peacebuilding, given the environmental challenges being faced not only on the island but also in the region. The programme provided opportunities for participants to get to know their peers who live on the opposite side of the divide and foster collaboration and understanding among them.
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