#Peacebuilding: Research finds that children are key in peacebuilding

Research findings released in Brussels today reveal the role children can play in building peace and reducing violence around the world. 
  
The report found that the involvement of children and young people in peacebuilding increases peaceful cohabitation, reduces discrimination and violence, and increases support to vulnerable groups. The report launch is being hosted by the Permanent Representation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the EU and organized by the European Partnership on Children and Youth’s Participation in Peacebuilding (World Vision, Search for Common Ground, Save the Children and UNOY Peacebuilders) 
  
“Our research has found that children and young people’s involvement in peacebuilding helps them develop as individuals and become more responsible citizens,” says Ester Asin, Save the Children’s EU Director. 

The year-long evaluation of children’s role in peacebuilding in Nepal, Democratic Republic of Congo and Colombia found that involvement in peacebuilding activities - work to prevent, stop, or heal the occurrence of any form of violence – makes them more effective and positive leaders in their communities. 
  
“This transformation in young people happens as they become more aware of peace as a concept and a possibility,” says Justin Byworth, World Vision Brussels’ Executive Director. 

It is in this area that the group of agencies believes the EU has the strongest impact to make. 
  
“We’re asking three things of the EU as a result of the research,” says Natia Ubilava, Young Peacebuilder at Academy for Peace and Development, member of United Network of Young Peacebuilders. “Number one, engage children as peacebuilders from a young age. Number two, encourage multi-pronged and multi-stakeholder efforts to support children as peacebuilders. And number three, engage with children and youth as partners in formal and informal governance and peace structures in a wide range of contexts, not only those affected by armed conflict.” 
  
Last December, members of the UN Security Council voted Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security. This Resolution publically acknowledges that youth can positively contribute to peacebuilding and can help in preventing and resolving conflicts. This resolution also called for greater participation of youth in peacebuilding at all levels. 

“It’s really simple, we need to support children in building their capacities, knowledge, and skills where peace-building is concerned and provide opportunities for positive experience. When we do this, as we see even in some of the most entrenched conflicts in the world, achieving peace is possible” says Sandra Melone, Search for Common Ground’s Executive Vice President 

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