On 9 December 2015, United Nations Security Council (UNSC) adopted a resolution (UNSCR 2250) on Youth, Peace and Security which recognizes that “young people play an important and positive role in the maintenance and promotion of international peace and security”. This is the first resolution that deals specifically with the role of young people in issues of peace and security.
UNSCR 2250 has five main pillars: participation, protection, prevention, partnerships, disengagement &
reintegration.
Participation
Increasing the young participation in decision-making process at local, national, regional, and international institutions and mechanisms is asked to governments in the resolution. It is also stressed that the Security Council should consider young people’s needs during its activities.
Protection
According to the resolution, governments are required to assure the protection of civilians, specifically young people, including protection from all kind of sexual and gender-based violence, at armed and post conflict times.
Prevention
The resolution asks governments to promote youth’s engagement by creating spaces in which young people are recognized and provided with adequate support to implement violence prevention activities. It is also emphasized that creation of policies for youth to support peacebuilding efforts, including socio-economical development are needed.
Partnerships
The resolution urges governments to establish and corroborate partnerships with relevant actors by increasing support to UN bodies engaged in promoting peace, development, and equality; considering the Peacebuilding Commission’s advice and recommendations on how to engage young people during and after conflict when developing peacebuilding strategies; engaging community actors and empowering local people(s) – including youth, and education leaders – in countering violent families, women, religious, cultural extremism and promoting social cohesion and inclusion.
Disengagement & Reintegration
Disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) are strategies used in the aftermath of a armed conflict as a way to achieve sustainable peace. It refers to removing the armament from the possession of paramilitary groups (disarmament) as well as disengaging their participants (demobilization) and reintegrating them into society (reintegration). Resolution 2250 encourages all actors engaged in DDR to consider the impact of these processes on youth as well as the needs of young people affected by armed conflict. Aspects to be considered include: opportunities and policies in the fields of education, employment and training in preventing the marginalization of youth and promoting a culture of peace.