Adolescence

e stranded in poverty by conflict or other emergencies,unable to pursue a livelihood, and they are often at greaterrisk of sexual violence and exploitation. 23 They may belured or dragged into participation in criminal activities asa way of coping with the material and emotional uncertaintiesof their lives. 24The risks adolescents face, and the contributionsthey make in conflict and emergency settings,deserve great recognitionThe past two decades has witnessed a growing recognition ofthe impact of armed conflict on children and youth, anda strengthening international response to the issue. TheConvention on the Rights of the Child stipulates that childrenunder age 15 should not take a direct part in hostilitiesand should be protected from the effects of armed conflict.This legal safeguard was then extended and reinforced inthe Optional Protocol on the Involvement of Children inArmed Conflict, adopted by the UN General Assembly in2000 and which entered into force in 2002. The OptionalProtocol raised the minimum age for recruitment intomilitary service to 18 and criminalized the recruitment ofchildren under 18 by rebel groups.often the best means of ensuring their protection – thoughcare clearly has to be taken when adolescents are politicallyoutspoken in conflict and post-conflict situations.Adolescent participation in challenging situations can beboth a means and an end. It can allow young people todevelop their problem-solving and negotiating skills whilefostering a wider atmosphere of tolerance, democratic practiceand non-violence. There is a virtuous circle within reachhere: Just as adolescents are more likely to flourish andrealize their potential in conditions of peace and security, sothose conditions of peace and security are more likely to beattained if young people are encouraged to play a full part.The bar was raised even farther in 2007, when representativesof 59 countries committed themselves to ending theunlawful recruitment and use of children and adolescents inarmed conflicts in what were called the Paris Commitmentsand Principles. As of the beginning of 2010, 84 countrieshad endorsed the Commitments.Adolescents are not only victims and witnesses to conflict,however; given the chance, they can also be an integral partof its resolution and societal renewal. Ever since the firstInternational Youth Year was designated in 1985 with a themeof ‘Participation, Development and Peace’, UN organizationshave regularly attempted to stress the positive contributionadolescents and youth have made to resolving social problemsand the even greater contribution they could make.During the two-and-a-half decades that have ensued betweenthe first and the current (August 2010–2011) UN InternationalYear of Youth, the focus on involving adolescents and youngpeople in conflict resolution and postconflict rebuilding hasbeen greatly strengthened. There has also been increasingrecognition of the importance of adolescent participation inemergency situations, as noted in chapter 2. Encouragingthe participation of adolescents in all aspects of communitylife is not only the best way to realize their potential but alsoGLobal challenges for adolescents 59