International Day of Peace 2017
ICRC calls on parties to armed conflict to protect civilians, including youth
The delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to the African Union (AU) took part to the commemoration of the International Peace Day 2017 jointly with the AU Peace and Security Department and its partners, namely the UN Office to the AU, Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IPSS), Crisis Action and OXFAM.
The commemoration raised awareness on AU instruments on Youth, Peace and Security and the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 (UNSCR 2250) and to push for the resolution's rapid implementation in Member-States facing armed threats or actively working to prevent conflicts. UNSCR 2250 advocates for increased inclusion of youths in conflict and post conflict situations, puts youth at the centre of processes and policies for peace, security and sustainable development.
The event consisted of a panel discussion which featured a session on the Protection of civilians including the youth. The ICRC stressed the impact of the community based protection approach to respond to the protection need of civilian population including the youth.
The ICRC further stressed the primary role of states to empower communities to become the actors of their own protection especially when the state apparatus is affected by conflict or other situations of violence. The importance for States to ensure access to education for the youth during situations of conflict was emphasized.
The participants included representatives from youth organisations, civil society, the AU Commission, the UN and diplomatic representations.
