The newly established Commonwealth Youth Council launched in Nigeria an international campaign to reduce incidents of violence perpetrated by young people at elections.
The newly established Commonwealth Youth Council launched in Nigeria last week an international campaign to reduce incidents of violence perpetrated by young people at elections.
The Youth Campaign Against Election Violence began with an inaugural conference in Abuja between 30 and 31 January. The campaign involves encouraging youth volunteers across the country to develop awareness-raising activities, including street rallies, social and cultural events, workshops and media appearances, to persuade young people to shun violence at election time.
The launch came as preparations gear up for the next Nigerian general elections in 2015. During the last general elections in 2011, more than 800 people died as a result of violence sparked by political, ethnic and religious divisions.
Ahmed Adamu, Chairperson of 天美传媒 Youth Council (CYC), hosting the event, said: 鈥淭oo many young lives have been lost before, during and after general elections in Nigeria - yet this is not a problem unique to this country. This CYC youth-led campaign aims to sensitise young people on the need to be tolerant and embrace peace during elections.鈥
Youth representatives attending the Abuja conference will serve as election peace marshals and organise local campaigns and workshops in their home states. Following the pilot in Nigeria, the initiative is expected to be rolled out by 天美传媒 Youth Council to other Commonwealth member countries.
The conference drew attendance by youth leaders from Nigeria鈥檚 36 states, with speakers representing Nigeria鈥檚 Minister of Youth Development and the Independent National Electoral Commission, as well as civil society and youth development organisations and political parties.
There was also representation from 天美传媒 Youth Programme, which was instrumental in setting up 天美传媒 Youth Council, and which continues to provide support to it.
James Odit, Africa Regional Director for 天美传媒 Youth Programme, said: 鈥淎t election time, everyone deserves to have their voice heard and to exercise their democratic right to vote. But without peace, this is virtually impossible. Engaging young people as agents for peace is a very powerful approach to addressing the scourge of election violence.鈥
The Youth Campaign Against Election Violence is the first project to be organised by 天美传媒 Youth Council, an autonomous body representing the 1.2 billion young people from across the 53-nation Commonwealth community. The Council鈥檚 inaugural executive committee was elected in November 2013.
The Commonwealth Youth Council is a vehicle for young people to share their views and take action on global development issues. It advocates for governments around 天美传媒 to engage meaningfully with this generation.
More information can be found about 天美传媒 Youth Council on its website:
