Crisis Prevention and Recovery

Addressing Youth and Conflict in Liberia

KEY STATISTICS :

Youth comprise a significant percentage of the population of Liberia. Approximately 55 percent of the population is under the age of 20; 40 percent are younger than 15 years of age.

The 14-year conflict in Liberia has had lasting impact on youth in the country. Many former youth combatants are still being integrated into gainful employment or training programs. In addition, youth are exposed to a number of risks resulting from the conflict and breakdown in social infrastructure including: expansion of organized crime and proliferation of small arms; trafficking of young children and young women; unemployment; narcotics and alcohol abuse; prevalence of a culture of violence; and distrust of past and current leadership.

UNDP IN ACTION:

In order to prevent future armed violence or criminal activity against or by youth and assist Liberia in its recovery process, the Government of Liberia, with support from UNDP, decided to develop a National Youth Policy that promotes the participation of young people in decision making processes and the development of community and national youth-centered initiatives.

In early 2005, UNDP supported a national mapping exercise to identify issues relating to youth, including their key concerns and hopes, activities, and organizations. The results of the mapping were used to conduct regional consultative meetings with youth groups around the country and to set the agenda for a National Youth Conference held in August 2005. The Conference and subsequent workshops brought together a range of national and international stakeholders to draft a National Youth Policy.

The Policy, endorsed by President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, calls for a coherent approach in dealing with youth issues, with a special focus on gender concerns. It outlines a number of activities to promote the participation of youth in the post-conflict recovery and reconstruction of Liberia including: education and training; employment; healthcare provision; peace and reconciliation; promoting gender equality; leadership development; adolescent reproductive health; HIV/AIDS prevention; drug abuse and crime; and protection of child labor.

In June 2007, the Government of Liberia and UNDP also announced the launch of the National Youth Volunteers Services programme. This programme engages youth in contributing their time and services to the reconstruction and development of Liberia. The programme plans to involve 100 graduates from various Universities who volunteer for six months in the rural areas of Liberia helping strengthen the educational system, health and HIV/AIDS awareness.

Photo source: World Bank/Curt Carnemark