UN Celebrates 10 Years: Youth, Peace, and Security Progress
- in 2021, following the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, Nila Ibrahimi and her family sought refuge in Canada.
- After a period in hiding, Ibrahimi established HerStory, an association dedicated to documenting the experiences of girls both within Afghanistan and among the Afghan diaspora.
- "I do my best to tell the stories of girls who have been banned from going to school.
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Nila Ibrahimi: From Afghan Activist to Voice for Girls’ Education in Exile
in 2021, following the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, Nila Ibrahimi and her family sought refuge in Canada. A prominent rights advocate since the age of thirteen – when she spearheaded a accomplished viral campaign overturning a government ban on girls over twelve singing in public – Ibrahimi recognized the imminent danger she faced under the new regime.
After a period in hiding, Ibrahimi established HerStory, an association dedicated to documenting the experiences of girls both within Afghanistan and among the Afghan diaspora. HerStory provides a crucial platform for voices frequently enough silenced by conflict and oppression.
“I do my best to tell the stories of girls who have been banned from going to school. I was able to graduate,but my friends are still stuck in the ninth grade. It’s emotional work, but I think that if it motivates just one person to do something, then I think that I have done enough,” Ibrahimi stated.
Active Partners in Peace: Resolution 2250 and Youth Engagement
Ibrahimi shared her experiences at a United Nations event on December 15th, commemorating the tenth anniversary of Security Council Resolution 2250. This landmark resolution formally acknowledges young people as vital partners in the maintenance and promotion of international peace and security.
With approximately half the global population under the age of 30, this generation holds the largest stake in the future. Despite this, young people are frequently excluded from decision-making processes addressing critical global challenges.
Since its adoption, the UN has supported numerous initiatives implementing Resolution 2250’s recommendations. For example, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, The Gambia, and Honduras developed Youth,Peace & Security (YPS) national and local action plans.
The Importance of Resolution 2250
Resolution 2250 represents a paradigm shift in how the international community views youth. Prior to its passage,young people were often seen as either victims or potential perpetrators of conflict. Resolution 2250 recognizes their agency and potential as positive agents of change.
The resolution’s five pillars are:
- Participation: Increasing inclusive youth participation in peace processes.
- Protection: Protecting young people from violence and abuse.
- Prevention: Preventing violence and extremism by addressing root causes.
- Partnership: Building partnerships between youth, governments, and civil society.
- Implementation: Integrating a youth perspective into all relevant UN policies and programs.
Though, implementation remains a significant challenge. Many countries lack the resources and political will to fully integrate YPS principles into their national strategies.
HerStory: Documenting Experiences and Amplifying Voices
HerStory’s work is particularly crucial in the context of Afghanistan, where girls and young women face systemic discrimination and violence. The organization collects testimonies, provides support networks, and advocates for policy changes to protect their rights.
HerStory utilizes various platforms, including social media and online storytelling, to reach a global audience and raise awareness about the challenges faced by Afghan girls. They also collaborate with international organizations and human rights groups to amplify their advocacy efforts.
key HerStory Initiatives:
| Initiative | Description |
|---|---|
| Oral History Project | Collecting and preserving the personal stories of Afghan girls and women. |
| Advocacy Campaigns | L
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