{"id":8726,"date":"2022-11-17T09:19:00","date_gmt":"2022-11-17T09:19:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cordaid.org\/en\/?p=8726"},"modified":"2024-12-31T09:28:48","modified_gmt":"2024-12-31T09:28:48","slug":"young-peacebuilders-operating-under-the-dome-of-conflict","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cordaid.org\/en\/news\/young-peacebuilders-operating-under-the-dome-of-conflict\/","title":{"rendered":"Young Peacebuilders Operating under the Dome of Conflict"},"content":{"rendered":"
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UN Security Council Resolution 2250 was a landmark for youth\u2019s involvement in peace processes. But seven years later, the story of 22-year-old Maimona Abdullah in Yemen shows there\u2019s still a long way to go. \u201cWe are the majority. We raise our voices. But most of those in power, the older generation, do not believe in us. They marginalise us. We are held hostage.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Maimona Abdullah is an English literature graduate, entrepreneur, and peacebuilder who lives in the besieged city of Taiz in Yemen.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In 2015, the United Nations Security Council adopted a Youth, Peace, and Security resolution. It impels decision-makers around the globe to view youth differently, not as the stereotypical troublemakers or victims but as key players in preventing conflict and maintaining peace. UNSCR 2250 wants young people to participate in peace processes meaningfully and urges member states to increase their financial and political support to make this happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The landmark resolution was a long time in the making. From 2010 onwards, Cordaid supported some of the lobby and advocacy initiatives that resulted in its establishment. Ever since, together with partners like UNOY<\/a> and the Cordaid-hosted CSPPS<\/a>, we have been standing with young people, especially in conflict-affected settings, in claiming a seat at the tables of war, peace, and conflict prevention. After all, when it comes to war and conflict, they are in the thick of it. Their future is at stake. And true peace will never come without them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where does it matter most?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

No wonder Cordaid was thrilled when UNSCR 2250 was adopted on December 9th, 2015. Since then, new resolutions on youth and peace have been adopted. They all give civil society a solid ground to advocate for youth\u2019s involvement in peacebuilding, a mirror to hold up to unwilling or evasive decision-makers, and a means to exert more pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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“When young people campaign for dialogue and unity across all sectarian divides, things become tricky. Most people in power don\u2019t like that, because it undermines the political game of divide and rule.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Yes, UNSCR 2250 has been ground-breaking. Especially on paper and in international circles. But less so inside the realities of conflict and under the domes of fear. True, young people unleash change movements in their communities, even revolutions. But mostly, ruling powers either don\u2019t listen to them or try to make them shut up. Conclusion: a lot still needs to be done to turn the landmark resolution into reality where it matters most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Introducing Maimona<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Maimona Abdullah in Yemen is one of those young peacebuilders operating under the dome of conflict. Like many peace activists in conflict zones, this former aid worker from Cordaid partner YWBOD<\/a> takes up a myriad of roles and responsibilities. She is a survivor as well as a visionary, an entrepreneur as well as a poet. She’s a young graduate, a women\u2019s rights activist, and a peace builder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the run-up to the 7th anniversary of UNSCR 2250, and as a tribute to Maimona and all young peacebuilders who keep hope alive in the darkest times and places, we share her story. We hope others will share it and that by doing this, in a small way, we can cross cultures and wear down divides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this vlog, Maimonah gives an insight into her life. She shows the position of young women in Yemen and offers her views on what must be done to improve this. It is a very personal video that illustrates the local perspectives of Yemen.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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