In Acheh’s case, the challenges faced by the youth are multifaceted: high
unemployment, malfunctioning of rule of law and justice system, lacks of platforms
or civil society groups for them to be engaged in. 12 years after the end of armed
conflict, Acheh is still suffering from trauma, poverty and high unemployment,
despite Acheh has abundance of natural resources.
Due to these and some other reasons, such as unresolved gross violations of human
rights by military during the conflict, Achehnese are still resenting Indonesian rule
over Acheh.
Furthermore, the young generation is faced with even more fatal problem today,
namely: drug abuses. The drug business is relating mostly to a lucrative business of
the Indonesian security forces, military and the police, financing its operations.
These were comprehensively reported by international organizations, such as
Human Right Watch, Transnational Institute, etc.
Mr Chairman,
The UN Security Council Resolution calls upon government to promote youth
participation in all levels of the processes of peacebuilding and recognises the
urgent need to engage young peacebuilders in promoting peace and countering
violent extremism. It also stresses on the importance of empowering them to be
engaged with political processes of resolving conflicts.
The Amman Youth Declaration on Peace and Security adopted on 22 August 2015
offers a recipe for engaging youth in fighting against violent extremism and
promoting peace.
Therefore, we urge all stakeholders to recognise and implement the four key areas
of the declaration, especially point number 2:
”Recognition and support of youth networks, organizations and individual
initiatives in preventing violence and violent extremism and promoting peace”.
And also the UN Security Council Resolution 2250 with regards to rehabilitation,
reintegration and post-conflict reconstruction (point 2a); to investigate and
prosecute those responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes,
including youth (point 6); and to develop in partnership with youth and recognising
the interrelated role of education, employment and training in preventing the
marginalisation of youth (point 17a).
Thank you for your attention.