Unseen Youth,
Unleashing Potential
At the Global Taskforce for Youth Combatants, we believe in the transformative power of young people from conflict zones. By empowering them and valuing their unique insights, we strive to ignite their potential and foster sustainable peace.
NEWS
The Global Taskforce for Youth Combatants (GTY) focuses on raising awareness and fostering discussions about Youth Associated with Non-State Armed Groups (YANSAG). By bringing attention to these often-overlooked youths, the GTY aims to disrupt cycles of hatred and advance sustainable peace. Our ultimate goal is to establish international norms that ensure their rights, protection, and empowerment, helping them transition into agents of peace.
The GTY does not advocate for blanket impunity for all young individuals involved in terrorism or armed conflict. We recognize the importance of pursuing justice, including appropriate prosecution and reparations. Simultaneously, we actively consider the roles and potential of these youths while respecting existing international laws, including international humanitarian law.
Starting in September 2024, the GTY has been involved with former members of non-state armed groups, as well as practitioners, experts in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and youth, alongside victims of terrorism or conflict.
OUR MISSION
In recent years, the role of youth, including women, has been increasingly emphasized within various agendas such as the SDGs. These young individuals are recognized as "agents of peace." However, many of them are also present within non-state armed groups.
Research conducted on youth involved with non-state armed groups in Somalia, Yemen, South Sudan, and Colombia reveals that over 80% of individuals in such groups are young people. [1] Many of these individuals joined these groups as child soldiers and are now adolescents or young adults. Importantly, most of them did not harbor violent or extremist ideologies from birth. Their involvement often stems from factors such as forced recruitment, abduction, economic hardship, hatred due to the loss of peers, or anger towards the international community. These factors are being increasingly recognized in further research conducted in other countries.
Like other youth, those involved in terrorism and armed conflict are future bearers of society. Their unique experiences within the cycle of violence and conflict position them to potentially become powerful and unique agents of peace. Through direct dialogue with such youth, we have heard strong messages and innovative ideas for peace that only they can convey.
However, in the international community, they are often viewed solely as threats, and the importance of their rights and empowerment is not fully recognized. Consequently, they are ultimately excluded from international frameworks that secure their rights and empowerment. The urgent feelings and lessons learned from their involvement in armed conflicts hold unique potential for sustaining peace, which has often been overlooked.
In response to this, Accept International, in collaboration with former members of non-state armed groups, practitioners, researchers, and victims of terrorism or conflict, has established the Global Taskforce for Youth Combatants.
GTY engages in international advocacy, research, data and testimony collection, and publication on Youth Combatants. It also develops and implements empowerment programs to help these youth become agents of peace and provides grants to support initiatives by or for Youth Combatants globally. The GTY aims to promote and ensure the recognition of their rights and empowerment, enabling each individual to realize their potential as a peacebuilder.
[1] Yosuke Nagai and Erica Harper, "Youth Associated with Non-State Armed Groups: Building an Evidence Base on Disengagement Pathways and Reintegration Challenges," Research Brief, the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, 2023.
TASKFORCE
MEMBERS
The GTY comprises a diverse group of individuals from around the world. Our members include former members of non-state armed groups, as well as practitioners, researchers, and victims of terrorism and conflict.
This rich blend of backgrounds and experiences provides valuable perspectives and expertise, driving our efforts to address the needs and potential of youths affected by terrorism and armed conflicts.
ADVISORY
BOARD MEMBERS
The GTY Advisory Board is composed of distinguished individuals who share GTY’s mission and bring a wealth of academic and practical experience from diverse fields.
Their multi-disciplinary expertise and strategic counsel guide our initiatives, ensuring that our work remains effective and grounded in global perspectives.
PUBLICATIONS
JOIN GTY
To further expand the activities of the GTY, we need numerous partners. We are seeking organizations, institutions, and individuals who share our vision and are committed to helping youth combatants become agents of peace.
We are also looking for core members of the GTY. Although many of these roles are voluntary, we seek highly committed individuals eager to contribute. For more details, please contact us via our inquiry form.
For Individuals
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For Organizations, Institutions, and Academic Entities
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest updates, campaign news, and event information (free of charge). Explore opportunities for collaborative advocacy and partnerships. Qualify to apply for our grants.
GRANTS AND AWARDS
GTY implements awards and grant programs to support initiatives led by YANSAG themselves and those working to promote peace alongside them. Please see below for more details.
CONTACT
For more detailed information about GTY or if you have any questions, please contact us.
info@gt4y.org
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