How can youth involvement in conflict be addressed? This study from the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs shows that youth are often a targeted group during conflict. It argues that traditional prevention mechanisms have proved top-heavy and ineffective in addressing the root causes of conflict and problems leading to the escalation of tensions. In tackling conflict, the international community must go beyond the narrow approach determined by top-level ideals of peace and embrace cross-sectoral approaches. Â
Armed conflict has put many youth at risk of succumbing to violence. Currently, there are some 300,000 child and youth soldiers fighting in 49 countries. There is no conflict without youth participation. In fact, young men constitute the majority in most armed forces. In the past decade, an estimated two million children and youth have died in armed conflict and five million have been disabled.
Exposure to violence during the formative years can have a defining influence on the character of young people involved in armed conflict—either as perpetrators or as victims.
- The effects of armed conflict on the physical and psychological well-being of young people, and on their future prospects for leading normal lives, are a cause for serious concern.
- Enabling youth to make major positive contributions is one way to minimize or neutralize factors that contribute to violence, increase global security, and prevent further armed conflict.
- Preventive measures have become an essential component of efforts to ensure a brighter future. There have been examples of young people taking part in activities that build peace and prevent conflict.
- Previous efforts have accessed peace-building strategies from a macro level.
To understand the dynamics surrounding youth and violence, underlying social injustices must be analysed at various levels. In implementing prevention strategies, injustices must be addressed not only in areas where armed conflict is prevalent, but also in areas where high tension levels threaten the security of civilians.
- Building a more complete picture of realities on the ground provides a solid foundation for the development of appropriate prevention mechanisms.
- To ascertain and address the roots of the problems that cause violent acts, conflict prevention and peace-building processes must incorporate efforts to identify the frustrations and interests of youth, who bear the brunt of these injustices, as well as those of other groups in society.
- Aid agencies and governments must ensure the integration of religious leaders, teachers, youth, their relatives and other community actors in these processes, and each actor must take on specific responsibilities.
- Existing prohibitions against the use of child soldiers should be enforced and special attention should be given to protecting civilians, particularly children and youth.
