All articles

Tue
15
Nov

The Role of Youth in Peacebuilding: Challenges and Opportunities

by Alpaslan Ozerdem

Young people are frequently ‘othered’ in discussions about on conflict. This is a dangerous practice as youths can play a very positive role aiding peacebuilding in societies recovering from conflict.

The UN World Population Prospects statistics estimate that there are 1.3 billion 15-24 years olds in the world and nearly one billion live in developing countries where conflict is more likely to have taken place.

In such demographic realities, the potential youths hold for change and positive action is the subject of growing research agenda, and this is particularly the case with the recent wave of social upheavals and humanitarian crises in different parts of the world.

Mon
14
Nov

This week is the International Week of Action Against the Militarisation of Youth

This week is the International Week of Action Against the Militarisation of Youth (14-20 November). There are many actions and events, organised by groups from different countries, happening this week. Please see the list below.

The week is a concerted effort of antimilitarist actions across the world to raise awareness of, and challenge, the ways young people are militarised, and to give voice to alternatives.

If you cannot attend any of these events, join us this week via posting from your country on social media using the hashtag #YouthAgainstWar and/or #everydaymilitarism.

Sun
13
Nov

World Beyond War, Pat Elder

Good coverage of what can be done by activists wanting to intervene in the increasing presence of military recruiters and Pentagon recruitment efforts in our public schools.

World Beyond War, Pat Elder
Tue
01
Nov

South Korea: Activists Protesting Against Arms Expo

Activists in South Korea organised a direct action against the arms expo "DX Korea" sponsored by the Republic of Korea Army(ROKA).

DX Korea, organised for the second time this year, is similar to "Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition (Seoul ADEX)" but smaller in size. The Expo included an academic seminar as well as demonstration of actual military equipment that ROKA mainly used. 

 

South Korea: Activists Protesting Against Arms Expo
Sun
30
Oct

At least 30 children abducted by rebels in South Sudan - report

News24

At least 30 children from two different schools in Amadi have been abducted by a rebel group linked to ousted South Sudan's vice president Riek Machar, a report said on Friday.

According to BBC, Amadi state governor Joseph Ngere said that around 150 rebels from the SPLM-IO group  attacked the  two schools early this week. He was, however, only made aware of the attack on Wednesday.

Ngere said that at least 300 children were at the two schools and many fled into the bushes. However, Machar's spokesperson Andrew Kuong denied the claims. "Our rules and regulation do not allow anything like that," Kuong was quoted as saying.

Thu
27
Oct

South Sudan: 145 child soldiers released - Unicef

Some 145 child soldiers fighting for two rebel groups in South Sudan have been released, Unicef has announced.

The children were recruited by the Cobra Faction and the SPLA In Opposition, two armed groups which have been fighting the government.

They were freed in the eastern region of Pibor and "disarmed and provided with civilian clothes," Unicef said in a statement.

About 16,000 children are still in "armed groups", it says.

Read the full article here.

This is an article which appears on BBC News.

Photo: Credits: Pierre Holtz | UNICEF CAR | www.hdptcar.net

Wed
26
Oct

Webinar: Countering the Militarisation of Youth: Examples of Resistance

Young peoples' experiences of the military, and exposure to militarist values, differ around the world. In this webinar, we gathered examples of everyday militarism from two countries, Israel and Germany, and discussed with activists about their strategies and campaigns to counter it.

Webinar: Countering the Militarisation of Youth: Examples of Resistance
Mon
24
Oct

Girl Soldiers: Forgotten Casualties of War

 

As secretary of State, Hillary Clinton was visibly shaken by sexual crimes against women and girls when she visited the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in 2009. Sexual crimes in this central African country, known as the “rape capital of the world,” include the sexual exploitation of tens of thousands of girls abducted and trapped as child soldiers. Nonetheless, since 2010, President Obama has waived a congressionally mandated ban on military aid to countries known to exploit child soldiers, among them the DRC.

Mon
24
Oct

Canada: Child soldier survivor creates foundation for change in Sierra Leone

CBC News

Fazineh Keita trying to build a community centre to help prevent kids from facing the same reality he did.

At eight years old, kids are usually thinking about what mom is making for dinner and how long they can get away with playing video games. 

Fazineh Keita's reality was much different growing up during the civil war in Sierra Leone.

Now living in Vancouver, Keita is reflecting on his past while trying to change the future for children in his native land. 

His charity, Innocence Lost Foundation, aims to help provide resources and rehabilitation services to former child soldiers and give kids a chance to be kids.

Read more here.

English translation unavailable for .

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