9 December 2015: The UN Security Council adopted the first-ever resolution on youth, peace and security, calling for better representation of young men and women in the prevention and resolution of conflict, noting “the rise of radicalization to violence and violent extremism amongst youth, which can be conducive to terrorism.”
Resolution 2250 (2015), sponsored by Jordan, was adopted unanimously by the members of the Security Council on 9 December 2015, in New York, US.
The resolution: positions youth and youth-led organizations as important partners in global efforts to oppose violent extremism and promote lasting peace; stresses the need to address conditions and factors leading to the rise of radicalization to violence and violent extremism among youth; urges UN Member States to consider establishing integrated mechanisms for meaningful participation of youth in peace processes and dispute resolution; asks all parties to armed conflict to take the necessary measures to protect civilians, including youth, from all forms of sexual and gender-based violence; urges Member States to increase their political, financial, technical and logistical support that takes account of the needs and participation of youth in peace efforts, in conflict and post-conflict situations; encourages those involved in planning for disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) to consider the needs of youth affected by armed conflict; and encourages Member States to address conditions conducive to the spread of violent extremism by empowering youth, families, women, religious, cultural and education leaders and other civil society groups.
In the resolution, the Council also expresses concern over the increased use of the internet and other new information and communication technologies (ICT) to recruit and incite youth to commit terrorist acts, as well as for the financing, planning and preparation of terrorist activities, and calls for cooperative action to prevent ICT exploitation in this regard.
The text requests UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to carry out a “progress study” on youth’s positive contribution to peace processes and conflict resolution, in order to recommend effective responses at local, national, regional and international levels. The Council also requests the Secretary-General to include in his reports measures taken to implement the text, including information on youth in situations of armed conflict and the existence of measures relating to the prevention, partnerships, participation, protection, disengagement and reintegration of youth.
Dina Kawar, Permanent Representative of Jordan, said the resolution followed efforts by the Prince of Jordan, public discussions on combating violent extremism, and the Global Forum on Youth Peace and Security that took place in Amman, Jordan, in August 2015, which brought together 10,000 young peacebuilders.
Ahmad Alhendawi, the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth, welcomed the resolution, noting that youth “have for too long been cast away” as either the perpetrators of violence or its victims. With this resolution, he said, the Security Council recognizes the important contributions that young people make in countering violent extremism and supporting peacebuilding efforts around the world. [UN Press Release] [S/RES/2250 (2015)] [UN Security Council Website]