UN Resident Coordinator's remarks at the launch of the “Youth in politics and peacebuilding” project.

I am pleased to be here today at the launch of this important project on "youth in politics and peacebuilding", funded by the UN Peacebuilding Fund to Catholic Relief Service (CRS) and implemented in partnership with CARITAS. This project is particularly relevant to the context of Sierra Leone, as it is addresses young people, female and male, politics, and peacebuilding.  

I would like to commend the Catholic Relief Service, CARITAS and the National Youth Commission for their partnership in this important endeavour.  

Indeed, young people have a key role to play in the present and future of democracy in Sierra Leone. Engaging young people in democratic processes and allowing them to participate, safely and constructively, in politics are core aspects of any effort to sustain democracy.  Investing in the capacity, agency and leadership of young political leaders will strengthen their ability to collaboratively lead peace efforts and use their skills to tackle other concerns that affect their lives, particularly in these challenging national and international times.

On 9 December 2015, the United Nations Security Council adopted the resolution 2250 on youth, peace, and security (YPS), which acknowledged the positive role young women and young men play in the society as well as in sustaining peace and security. The resolution recognised young people as a positive force in preventing and resolving conflicts and building sustainable peace.  I, therefore, welcome the support that the project offers to develop the skills of young women and men on civic education and leadership to empower them as leaders in their communities and country.

According to the 2022 Global Gender Gap Report, the most persistent gender gaps exist in political participation. Women are significantly under-represented as voters, candidates, and electoral representatives around the world as well as in countries in West and Central Africa. Sierra Leone is not an exception. It is, certainly, good news that the project has included the increasing of young women’s participation in governance and decision-making processes among its main goals and it will invest in advocacy activities against Gender-Based Violence and harmful customary practices that put young women at risk and undermine young women’s socio-economic development.

Advancing equality and the human rights of women and girls is at the heart of United Nations’ support for national development efforts. We are, therefore, proud to work in concert with CRS, National Youth Commission, and CARITAS to promote women’s empowerment and full participation in leadership and decision-making processes.

Successive governments of Sierra Leone have prioritized investment in youth and women. At the end of the civil war, the late President Tejan Kabbah’s government established a Ministry of Youth and Sports, adopted the first National Youth Policy, established the National Youth Commission (NAYCOM), developed a National Employment Policy and a National Youth Employment Action Plan (NYEAP). 

The Mid Term-National Development Plan (2019-2023) has prioritized the development of human capital, including the Free Quality School Education policy, the National Teenage Pregnancy Reduction Strategy and its successor National Strategy for the Reduction of Adolescent Pregnancy and Child Marriage; and the Radical Inclusion Policy for schools aimed at creating an inclusive environment for all Sierra Leonean children, including pregnant and parent learners.

Last November, the Parliament enacted the landmark Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act, which provide for a quota for nominating and appointing women in government and political positions. As we look forward to its implementation, we are confident that the project will also contribute to make the implementation of the Act a reality.

Notwithstanding these efforts, challenges remain as about 75% of the country’s population is below the age of 35 and young people represent about 63% of the economically active population, 67% of which is unemployed. Drug abuse is also on the increase and, particularly affects young women and men.

These challenges are becoming of increased concern as the country move towards the June 24th national elections amidst high political tension and a toxic and divisive political discourse. Toxic ethno-regional, political, and religious divisions should not have space in Sierra Leone, which is still considered one of the most peaceful countries in Africa and in the world.  I am glad the project addresses the need to strengthen dialogue at all levels of society, including community stakeholders, traditional leaders, the Inter-Religious Council, the Sierra Leone Police, the Office of National Security, city and district councils, chiefdom youth councils, and political party structures.

This is particularly relevant when a global crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia-Ukraine war has multiplied its effects around the world and exacerbated social and economic inequalities that, when perceived to be unfair and unjust, can be powerful sources of social tensions and violence and threaten the social contract, weakening social cohesion and people’s trust in government, its institutions, and in each other. 

The UN, certainly, subscribes to any effort to reduce violence and resolve disputes peacefully, while promoting social inclusion, addressing the justice needs of people and reducing polarization and distrust.  To this end, we will continue to count on all Sierra Leoneans to work together in this crucial period for the country’s democracy to prevent recurrence of the unprecedented level of violence experienced on 10th August last year.

Thus, promoting dialogue between different political parties and groups of society, particularly youth and women, is a central ingredient of democracy and conflict prevention.

We reiterate the commitment of the United Nations to supporting national institutions and the people of Sierra Leone in preventing violent conflicts, particularly ahead of the June national elections, that could reverse the important gains of peace and democracy, which this country has made so commendably in the past years.

I am pleased that CRS has selected the National Peace Museum for the launch of this project. The memory of the past, which this symbolic place represents, places a great responsibility on all of us, national institutions, political actors, youth and women leaders and citizens in general to ensure that the country remains peaceful and stable. 

Let me close this speech by borrowing a sentence from late President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah  “never again Sierra Leoneans should resolve to violence to settle issues of political importance”.

Thank you.