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.

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 terrorist organizations or 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, including former members of non-state armed groups, 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.

Yosuke Nagai

Yosuke Nagai

Executive Director, Accept International

Angélica Quimbaya

Angélica Quimbaya

Nursing and Pharmacy Assistant,
Former Combatant of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC-EP)

Nahara Khairiya Sittie Naura Hamim

Nahara Khairiya Sittie Naura Hamim

University Student majoring in Islamic Studies,
Former Combatant of a non-state armed group in the Philippines

Ahmed Hamed

High School Student,
Former Member of Houthi (Ansar Allah) in Yemen

Nor Ali Hassan

NGO worker,
Former member of Al-Shabaab in Somalia

Wadani

Wadani

Self-Employed,
Former Combatant of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in Sri Lanka

Abdul Wahid Sesay

Abdul Wahid Sesay

Deputy project coordinator of EducAid,
Former combatant of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) in Sierra Leone

Mirsada Tursunović

President of Naš Glas,
Survivor of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) During the Bosnian War

Atok Aris Hadipuro

RT. Atok Aris Hadipuro

Deradicalization practitioner,
Former member of Negara Islam Indonesia (NII), Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), and Jemaah Anshorut Tauhid (JAT) in Indonesia

Edson Jean

Edson Jean

Father of two children,
Former Member of a Haitian Gang

Wasar Azzawi

Wasar Azzawi

Human Rights Lawyer and Project Manager at Aid Gate Organization in Iraq

Michael Culbert

Director of Coiste Na nIarchimi,
Former Member of the Irish Republican Army (IRA)

New Member Profiles Coming Soon

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

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on the latest news, campaigns, and events (free of charge).
Qualify to apply for our grants.

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 plans to implement awards and grant programs to support initiatives led by youth combatants and those working to assist them in achieving peace. Please see below for details about the first round of grants.

CONTACT

For more detailed information about GTY or if you have any questions, please contact us.

info@gt4y.org

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