February 03, 2025 -We are thrilled to announce that the Global Taskforce for Youth Combatants (GTY) will host its second online event on the 5th of February. In this event, speakers from Northern Ireland, Nepal, and Sri Lanka—former combatants from non-state armed groups—will share their backgrounds, their thoughts when peace agreements were signed in the conflicts they experienced, and what they would say to those still fighting for self-determination and rights around the world.
[Date & Time]
Wednesday, 5th February 2025, 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm (GMT)
[Venue]
Zoom platform * An archive will be made available later.
[Speakers]
- Mr. Michael Culbert, Director of Coiste Na nIarchimi, Former Combatant of the Irish Republican Army (IRA)
- Ms. Wadani, Self-Employed, Former Combatant of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in Sri Lanka
- Ms. Sita B.K. Samjhana, Political, Social, and Literary Worker, Former Combatant of the Communist Party of Nepal (CPN)
- Dr. Yosuke Nagai, Executive Director of Accept International
[Background］
This event will explore the unique potential of youth combatants in peacebuilding, particularly through the lens of peace agreements. It will feature former combatants who fought for self-determination and rights, and who have experienced peace agreements in their conflicts. By facilitating meaningful dialogue with these former combatants, the GTY aims to highlight the often-overlooked situation of combatants, foster discussion on their crucial role in peacebuilding, and raise awareness of their rights and empowerment within the international community.
