Declaration on peace and reconciliation agreed at Afghan youth conference

11 Aug 2016

Declaration on peace and reconciliation agreed at Afghan youth conference

MAZAR-E-SHARIF – A declaration aimed at bringing about peace and stability in Afghanistan was agreed to by young professionals from five northern provinces during a youth conference in Mazar-e-Sharif.

Around 50 people attended the one-day UNAMA-supported gathering, representing the provinces of Balkh, Jawzjan, Faryab, Sar-e Pul, and Samangan.

The conference declaration called for a stronger role for youth in realizing peace, as well as greater stability, less violence and an end to the conflict. The document requested, in part, for youth to be included in the peace process and consideration be given to their role in good governance.     

Conference participants also discussed factors fueling the conflict including unemployment, local political rivalries, a lack of nationalism and regional politics, along with other issues facing youth.

Parnian Gharshin, from Jawzjan province, said that youth needed to take a greater role in political decision-making.  

“Elders have been making decisions on our behalf in the past and we respect that, but the time has come for the young generation to start being involved in the important decisions of the country. We can prove ourselves capable of that,” said Ms. Gharshin.

Freshta Payman a youth representative in  Samangan province, said that Afghan youth faced a number of major problems, one of the key issues being the departure of many young people from the country.

“They were jobless and uncertain about their future in Afghanistan, so they decided to seek a better future in Europe,” said Ms. Payman, noting that the result was a lack of young professionals at home.

Akhtar Mohammad Faizi, from Jawzjan province, said that he knew of many well-educated young people from his province who had left Afghanistan and were experiencing difficulties overseas.

Abdusamat Khaydarov, UNAMA’s chief, Political Affairs Division, praised the contribution of the younger generation to the development of Afghanistan.

“You own this country and the motherland counts on you,” said Mr. Khaydarov, who also pointed to the international community’s continuing support for Afghanistan.

Balkh province shares a border with three countries – Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan – making it a key gateway for trade.

UNAMA is mandated to support the Afghan Government and the people of Afghanistan as a political mission that provides good offices; promotes coherent development support by the international community; supports the process of peace and reconciliation; monitors and promotes human rights and the protection of civilians in armed conflict; promotes good governance; and encourages regional cooperation.