Introducing UNSCR 2250 to Libyan Youth

United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 – From Policy to Implementation

Are youth only predators?

A question that is often being asked in conflicts and wars, It’s not a hidden fact that the Libyan revolution was mostly fought by Libya’s youngest, up until now they are still used as ammunition in all political disagreements, making them utterly valuable, worth-full but sadly abused.  And now they are filled with negativity and depression caused by the fact no one is listening to them. Not to mention their opportunities are getting less and less by the minute in their own country.

Here comes the UNSCR 2250 resolution role, adopted on the 9th of December 2015. Encouraging youth participation in peace building, security, and decision making process. This makes youth and youth-led organization an essential partner in promoting countering violent extremism, conflict transformation and implanting local, national and international peace.

All within the five provisions of Security Council Resolution 2250:

1. Participation.

2. Partnership (Engaging youth with the government).

3. Protection (Provide a mechanism to protect civilians which includes youth).

4. Prevention (Allow youth to build a structured environment preventing violent extremism).

5. Release and Reintegration (Un-puzzle young people from militias and providing better options).

After having understood the context of resolution 2250, we were all curious about how and when it can be implemented in Libya.

Introducing UNSCR 2250 to Libyan youth;

UNFPA Libya organized a meeting between Ahmed Al-Hendawi, The UN Secretary General’s envoy on youth, and an inspiring group of young people from all parts of the Country. Participants expressed their concerns over the future of the country and shared the obstacles that face them, as we all know there are different situations in all cities and remaining optimistic can be hard sometimes.

In attempt to fulfill the need of the unheard voices of the Libyan youth, and convert their hidden energy to complete positivity as a way to help build the country, but in a realistic and easily accessed roads.

Though, in order to ensure a well-structured peace building process by the youth, they themselves must play a role to access the security and stability circle, to actually “control the political differences” in the country, referred by Mr. Hendawi.

Ahmed Al-Hendawi translucently stated that the United Nations are not looking up to replace the Libyan government. It’s not their duty to extend help in the Libyan street, but instead it’s our government’s part. What the UN aims for is a government which supports the needs of it’s youth; for example: small projects, job opportunities, scholarships etc.  Still the UN is committed to help build the abilities of the Libyan country institutions and it’s youth.

By the end of the meeting Ahmed Alhendawi said “I am here talking to you as a part of the youth, and you,  as Libyan youth, should not allow anyone to speak on your behalf or steal your voice. In this journey the United Nation will surely be your partner, we are committed but we will not succeed in this unless there are Libyan potentials, and Libyan hands working with us.”

One of the participants in the meeting, Mohammed Al-Swissy from “Mobadart Abnaa’ Al-Janoob” (south of Libya) said “the history of the United Nation like we all know it, has a big role in places of conflict, that’s why we think nothing but the best of them. Hoping in the upcoming periods we’ll see bigger participation aims to finding a solution for the crises we are now facing, led by Libyan youth themselves, before they are led by any other international sectors or organizations.”