PHOTO: Christine N.Umutoni, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Liberia
By Garmah Never Lomo, garmahlomo@gmail.com
Monrovia, The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Liberia, Christine N. Umutoni has said there’s need for more targeted legislation and effective implementation mechanisms to support youth participation in governance and decision-making processes.
Madam Umutoni made the assertion at a local hotel during the launch of a two-day workshop on National Coalition on enhancing National Youth, Peace and Security Capacities in West Africa specifically Liberia.
Youth and officials pose for photo during the launch
The UN Resident Coordinator added that despite these positive actions, significant challenges persist.
“There are no specific laws focused on youth” and the implementation of existing policies like the National Youth policy and the Agenda for Transformation.,” she pointed out.
According to her, even though the high chamber made a significant stride in 2015, by adopting a positive action bill, which allocated 21 new seats 15 for women, three for young people (including at least one seat for a young woman) and three for people with disabilities. We must recognize that this is just the beginning and true employment requires us to go beyond legislative provisions and ensure that these mechanisms are effectively implemented enabling our young people to have a meaningful impact on governance she narrated.
The head of the UN in Liberia then stated that UN Security Council Resolutions 2250(2015) and the subsequent ones call upon member states to invest in Young People as a driving force for development and to encourage youth participation in all decision-making processes including peacebuilding. Unfortunately, the implementation of these resolutions in our region remains at a primary level limiting the impact of young people in conflict prevention and resolution she indicated.
Madam Umutoni maintained that to address these issues affecting youth peace and security, we need stronger legal frameworks and more effective policy implementation to fully harness the potential of Liberia’s youth.
She indicated that their primary objective at the launch was to pave the way for a way for a more peaceful inclusive and prosperous future for young women and men.
“We must ensure their active participation in all aspects of conflict prevention and resolution, politics, development, peace and security processes in Liberia,” the UN Resident Coordinator in Liberia added.
In order to achieve the mentioned statements mentioned above, madam Umutoni recommended the followings:
- Formulating a National Action Plan.
- Creating safe spaces for youth.
- Increasing Awareness of the Youth and peace security Agenda.
- Establishing a multi-stakeholder platform.
Meanwhile, Youth and Sports Minister, Cllr. Cole Bangalu has launched the National Coalition on Youth and peace security.