Violent extremism conducive to terrorism poses a significant threat to global peace and security, sustainable development and human rights particularly affecting developing countries and vulnerable communities.
According to the Global Terrorism Index, the central Sahel region has transformed into the epicenter of terrorism, accounting for over half of all terrorism-related deaths globally in 2023. Two of the three most active affiliates of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) present in Africa are expanding their influence, including across national borders. These groups leverage existing conflicts, as well as exploit vulnerable communities, the effects of climate change, and local grievances to recruit new fighters, particularly youth, and further establish their strong foothold.
Youth without education and employment opportunities are more vulnerable to exploitation by criminal and terrorist groups.
Yet young people and youth-led organizations can also act as agents of change in support of efforts to prevent violence, promote tolerance, and to build resilience in their communities. In Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, youth make up the largest group of the population, representing an untapped resource for driving positive change and development.
The UN Secretary General’s Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism, adopted in 2016 by the General Assembly, called on Member States to support and strengthen the participation of young people in efforts to prevent violent extremism (PVE) through mechanisms to promote meaningful engagement at the national, regional and international level. Furthermore, the UN Security Council resolutions on Youth, Peace and Security, including resolutions 2250 (2015), 2419 (2018) and 2535 (2020) recognized young people’s critical role in peacebuilding, terrorism prevention and the resolution of conflicts and violence. Resolution 2535 (2020) encouraged Member States to support and integrate youth into decision-making processes, acknowledging their unique role in strengthening the national, local, and community-based capacities in conflict and post-conflict situations to prepare for and respond to the numerous challenges that affect young people’s lives and their future.
In line with this, UNODC has been supporting Member States’ efforts to promote a whole-of-society approach to PVE, including in the Sahel. Working in partnership with governmental and civil society stakeholders, including youth organizations and leaders, UNODC aims to further advance impactful engagement and empowerment of youth within both national and regional PVE frameworks.
In this context, UNODC conducted national consultative meetings in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger between 6-21 March 2024. Each consultation brought together over 30 government and civil society stakeholders, including youth leaders to propose actionable recommendations to promote better participation of youth in decision-making and national PVE frameworks and enhance multi-stakeholder coordination mechanisms in implementing national action plans on PVE.
The outcomes of these consultations will pave the way for a regional-level discussion on developing a youth-focused PVE network in the Sahel aiming to further enhance regional cooperation, coordination, and sharing of knowledge and good practices in PVE.
This initiative is being implemented thanks to the support of the Government of Japan.
