J&K Peace Forum Urges Centre and the state administration to Increase Representation of Youth in Decision-Making at All Levels
J&K Peace Forum aims to create a productive workforce –contributing to ( Jammu & Kashmir) economic development, strong and healthy generation; promote social values and community services; facilitate participation and civic engagement; support youth at risk and create equitable opportunity for all disadvantaged & marginalized youth.
The priority areas of intervention are education, employment and skill development, entrepreneurship, health, sports, participation in politics, inclusion, and social justice.
Recognizing the threat to stability and development posed by the rise of radicalization among young people, the J&K Peace Forum urges the government of India & state administration to consider ways to give youth a greater voice in decision-making at the local, national, regional and international levels.
What we seek is to draw your attention to ensure that young people are given the attention they deserve at a time when the world & Kashmir, in particular, is a theatre for an increasing number of negative issues.
During our recent visit to Kashmir valley from 16th of September till 23rd of September, we met a number of trade organisations, NGO’s, ST/SC, civil society members and political leaders.
We interacted with the local communities and encouraged them and non-governmental actors in developing strategies to counter the violent extremist narrative that can incite terrorist acts.
They were also encouraged to address the conditions conducive to the spread of violent extremism by empowering youth, families, women, religious, cultural, and education leaders, and other concerned groups in civil society, and by adopting “tailored approaches” to counter-recruitment to violent extremism.
Participation
1. J&K Peace Forum urges the GoI & State govt to consider ways to increase the inclusive representation of youth in decision-making at all levels in local, national, regional, and international institutions and mechanisms for the prevention and resolution of conflict, including institutions and mechanisms to counter violent extremism, which can be conducive to terrorism, and, as appropriate, to consider establishing integrated mechanisms for meaningful participation of youth in peace processes and dispute resolution.
2. J&K Peace Forum calls on all relevant actors to take into account, as appropriate, the participation and views of youth, recognizing that their marginalization is detrimental to building sustainable peace in all societies, including, inter alia, such specific aspects as:
(a) The needs of the youth during repatriation and resettlement and for rehabilitation, reintegration and post-conflict reconstruction;
(b) Measures that support local youth peace initiatives and indigenous processes for conflict resolution, and that involve youth in the implementation mechanisms of peace agreements.
(c) Measures to empower youth in peacebuilding and conflict resolution;
Prevention
3. J&K Peace Forum urges the GoI and the state govt to facilitate an inclusive and enabling environment in which youth are recognized and provided with adequate support to implement violence prevention activities and support social cohesion.
4. J&K Peace Forum stresses the importance of creating policies for youth that would positively contribute to the peace building efforts, including social and economic development, supporting projects designed to grow local economies, and provide youth employment opportunities and vocational training, fostering their education, and promoting youth entrepreneurship and constructive political engagement.
5. J&K Peace Forum urges the GoI & state govt to support, as appropriate, quality education for peace that equips youth with the ability to engage constructively in civic structures and inclusive political processes.
6. J&K Peace Forum calls on all relevant actors to consider instituting mechanisms to promote a culture of peace, tolerance, intercultural and interreligious dialogue that involve youth and discourage their participation in acts of violence, terrorism, and all forms of discrimination.
Partnerships
“7. J&K Peace Forum urges the GoI and state govt to increase, as appropriate, their political, financial, technical and logistical support, that take account of the needs and participation of youth in peace efforts, in conflict and post-conflict situations, including those undertaken by relevant entities, funds, and programs, inter alia.
“8. J&K Peace Forum stresses the vital role a’ Peace Building Commission’ in addressing the conditions and factors leading to the rise of radicalization to violence and violent extremism among the youth, which can be conducive to terrorism, by including in its advice and recommendations for peacebuilding strategies ways to engage youth meaningfully during and in the aftermath of armed conflict.
“9. J&K Peace Forum urges the GoI and state govt to engage relevant local communities and non-governmental actors in developing strategies to counter the violent extremist narrative that can incite terrorist acts, address the conditions conducive to the spread of violent extremism, which can be conducive to terrorism, including by empowering youth, families, women, religious, cultural and education leaders, and all other concerned groups of civil society and adopt tailored approaches to countering recruitment to this kind of violent extremism and promoting social inclusion.
Disengagement & reintegration
10. J&K Peace Forum urges GoI and state govt that all those involved in the planning for disarmament, demobilization and reintegration to consider the needs of youth affected by armed conflict, including, inter alia, such specific aspects as.
(a) Evidence-based and gender-sensitive youth employment opportunities, inclusive Labour policies, national youth employment action plans in partnership with the private sector, developed in partnership with youth, and recognizing the interrelated role of education, employment, and training in preventing the marginalization of youth.
(b) Investment in building young persons’ capabilities and skills to meet Labour demands through relevant education opportunities designed in a manner that promotes a culture of peace.
(c) Support for youth-led and peacebuilding organizations as partners in youth employment and entrepreneurship programs.