UN Security Council adopts resolution to promote youth's role in peace, security

The UN Security Council on Tuesday adopted a resolution to promote youth's role in peace and security.

Resolution 2535, which was adopted unanimously by the 15-member council, calls on all relevant actors to consider ways to increase the inclusive representation of youth for the prevention and resolution of conflict, as well as in peacebuilding, and to ensure the full, effective and meaningful participation of youth.

It urges UN member states to protect youth from violence in armed conflict, and urges all parties to eliminate all forms of sexual and gender-based violence as well as human trafficking.

It urges all parties to armed conflict to protect civilians, including those who are youth, and to comply strictly with their obligations under international law.

The resolution calls on member states to take appropriate measures to promote the physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration of young survivors of armed conflict and survivors of sexual violence in conflict, by providing access to quality education, socio-economic support and skills development.

It stresses the importance of providing opportunities for young people to strengthen resilience against radicalization to violence and terrorist recruitment by creating policies for youth as an essential part of successful counter-terrorism efforts.

It encourages member states to consider increasing, as appropriate, funding for the implementation of the youth, peace and security agenda, including accessible resourcing for youth-led and youth-focused organizations.