TheJakartaPost

Please Update your browser

Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.

Jakarta Post

UN approves resolution on impact of conflict on youths

U

Edith M. Lederer (The Jakarta Post)
United Nations
Thu, December 10, 2015

Share This Article

Change Size

UN approves resolution on impact of conflict on youths U.N. Security Council members vote on a French-sponsored counter terrorism resolution aimed at Islamic extremist, Nov. 20, at United Nations headquarters. The Security Council unanimously approved the resolution, calling on all nations to redouble and coordinate action to prevent further attacks by Islamic State terrorists and other extremist groups. (AP/Bebeto Matthews) (AP/Bebeto Matthews)

U

span class="inline inline-center">U.N. Security Council members vote on a French-sponsored counter terrorism resolution aimed at Islamic extremist, Nov. 20, at United Nations headquarters. The Security Council unanimously approved the resolution, calling on all nations to redouble and coordinate action to prevent further attacks by Islamic State terrorists and other extremist groups. (AP/Bebeto Matthews)

The U.N. Security Council on Wednesday unanimously approved its first resolution focused entirely on the impact of armed conflict on young people and recognizing the rise of radicalization and violent extremism among youths.

The resolution, sponsored by Jordan, urges the 193 U.N. member states to increase the number of young people aged 18 to 29 in decision-making at all levels to prevent and resolve conflicts '€” and in efforts to counter violent extremism "which can be conducive to terrorism."

Assistant U.N. Secretary-General Oscar Fernandez-Taranco said the resolution recognizes the role of young people in building peace. He said it will mark "a shift in the way the world seeks to end violence and build inclusive and peaceful societies."

Ahmad Alhendawi, the secretary-general's envoy on youth, said the resolution changes the predominantly negative narrative on youth as perpetrators of violence or its victims and recognizes the significant role that young people can play in peacebuilding.

According to the United Nations, an estimated 600 million young people live in fragile and conflict-affected areas.

The resolution recognizes "that today's generation of youth is the largest the world has ever known and that young people often form the majority of the population of countries affected by armed conflict."

The resolution expresses concern at the increased use "by terrorists and their supporters" of the Internet and other new information technologies to recruit and incite youth "to commit terrorist acts" as well as to plan and finance activities of extremist groups.

It calls for global cooperation "to prevent terrorists from exploiting technology, communications and resources to incite support for terrorist acts." It also urges governments to address "conditions and factors leading to the rise of radicalization to violence and violent extremism among youth."

The resolution calls on all parties to armed conflict to protect youths and other civilians from attacks and from sexual violence, and it urges U.N. member states to investigate and prosecute those responsible for genocide and war crimes, including against youths. (kes)(+)

{

Your Opinion Matters

Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.

Enter at least 30 characters
0 / 30

Thank You

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.