UN approves resolution on impact of conflict on
youths
United Nations — 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.
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