Association for Defending Victims of Terrorism – UN website reported, a high-level parliamentary conference on Youth Engagement in Counter-Terrorism and Prevention of Violent Extremism in Africa concluded in Togo.
The one day conference was organized by the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) Programme Office on Parliamentary Engagement, in cooperation with the National Assembly of the Togolese Republic, the African Parliamentary Union (APU), the Interparliamentary Committee of the G5 Sahel (CIP G5 Sahel), and the Shura Council of the State of Qatar.
More than two hundred participants, including parliamentarians and representatives of parliamentary assemblies, United Nations entities, Civil Society and academia attended the event in person and online to discuss avenues for enhancing youth engagement in policymaking and legislative processes on countering terrorism and preventing violent extremism (PVE).
“Youth are not only the leaders of tomorrow, but also the drivers of change today” Mr. Mauro Miedico, Deputy Director, Chief of UNOCT’s Special Projects and Innovation Branch highlighted in his opening remarks.
H.E. Ms. Yawa Djigbodi Tsegan, President of the National Assembly of Togo, stressed that “We must convert young people’s energy into a shield that will protect our countries and values.”
H.E. Ms. Mabel M. Chinomona, President of APU and President of the Senate of Zimbabwe, underlined that “To a large extent, young people are the first victims of terrorism and violent extremism as they are the main targets of terrorists who deprive them of their bright futures.”
Mr. Norbert Tankoano, Executive Secretary of CIP G5 Sahel reiterated that “In order to be at ease, we must support and educate young people on parliamentarian issues and on countering terrorism and violent extremism.”
