What We Do
Initiatives to Establish International Norms

Transforming Youth Associated with Non-State Armed Groups (YANSAG) into Agents of Peace

Youth affected by armed conflict, including Youth Associated with Non-State Armed Groups (YANSAG), have long been overlooked, both on the international agenda and, in many cases, within their own communities.

Together with these young people, we carry out a range of initiatives aimed at establishing international norms that protect their rights and foster their empowerment, enabling them to draw on their lived experiences of armed conflict to advance peacebuilding, fulfill their potential as youth, and make positive contributions to society.

Through this work, we seek to create a world in which everyone can become an Agent of Peace.

Through our work in countries and regions affected by armed conflict, we have seen that many of those fighting on the front lines are young people between the ages of 18 and 35. Many became involved with non-state armed groups after experiencing abduction, coercion, poverty, social exclusion, or disillusionment with their governments and the international community. Some first became involved while they were still children. We refer to these young people as Youth Associated with Non-State Armed Groups (YANSAG).*

In recent years, international agendas have increasingly emphasized youth empowerment and the role of younger generations, including young women, in peacebuilding. Yet those directly involved in armed conflict remain largely invisible and overlooked by the international community. Those under the age of 18 are entitled to protection under international frameworks such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Once they turn 18, however, many fall outside the scope of such protection and support, even if they first joined an armed group as children. Instead, they are often viewed merely as security threats.

This reality prevents them from realizing the unique potential that comes from both their youth and their firsthand experience of armed conflict. It also makes it more difficult for them to break free from cycles of violence and hatred, creating a major obstacle to sustainable peace.

In 2021, as Accept International marked its tenth anniversary, we launched an initiative to advance international norms on the rights and empowerment of young people directly involved in armed conflict. Our goal is to create a world in which each of them can realize their potential as a young person and reintegrate into society as a uniqueAgent of Peace.

*“Youth Associated with Non-State Armed Groups” (YANSAG) is defined as “any person aged between 18-35 years, but not strictly limited to this age range, who is or who has been recruited or used by an NSAG in any capacity.”

Advancing International Norms

Advocacy and Policy Engagement at Multilateral Forums

We work with a wide range of stakeholders and conduct advocacy to advance international norms, including the adoption of relevant resolutions by relevant United Nations council. Through these efforts, we seek to raise international awareness of YANSAG, as well as their rights and empowerment, while further strengthening our work on the ground.

We also organize international conferences and symposiums to provide space for dialogue from a wide range of perspectives. These events bring together government representatives from various countries, United Nations agencies, experts, practitioners, and other relevant stakeholders. They also create opportunities for YANSAG themselves and victims and survivors of armed conflcit to participate. Through these forums, YANSAG can share their experiences as individuals directly affected by armed conflict, express their hopes for peace, and actively contribute to peacebuilding.

In addition, we engage in ongoing policy advocacy by participating in international conferences, including those convened by the United Nations, submitting statements, issuing policy papers on YANSAG to G7 and G20 member governments, and publishing policy research.

Drawing on the networks we have built and our longstanding engagement with YANSAG, we also collect testimonies from individuals around the world. This work helps us understand their circumstances, the challenges they face, their potential to become Agents of Peace, and the support they need to do so. Having experienced armed conflict firsthand, they carry powerful messages for those who remain involved in armed groups and for the international community. We listen to their voices and bring them to the attention of the wider world."

Launch and Operation of the Global Taskforce for Youth Combatants (GTY)

We established the Global Taskforce for Youth Combatants (GTY), to lead international efforts to generate concrete discussion on the development of international norms concerning the rights and empowerment of YANSAG.

Together with YANSAG from different countries and regions, experts and practitioners in relevant fields, and victims and survivors of armed conflict, GTY conducts global awareness raising activities. It also collects testimonies from YANSAG around the world, publishes blog posts in which they share their experiences and hopes for peace, and organizes international conferences.

GTY also provides grants to grassroots projects supporting YANSAG in different parts of the world, as well as initiatives led by people with direct experience of armed conflict.

Prominent experts and policymakers from around the world serve as members of the GTY Advisory Board.

Visit the GTY website: https://gt4y.org/

Development and Delivery of Empowerment Programs for YANSAG as Agents of Peace

Drawing on testimonies collected through interviews with YANSAG and the knowledge we have gained through years of work on the front lines, we analyze the distinct challenges and needs they face in becoming Agents of Peace within their countries and local communities. Based on this analysis, we develop and deliver comprehensive empowerment programs tailored to those needs.

We implement flexible programs suited to local circumstances and environments, including prisons and reintegration camps. These programs are carried out in partnership with educational institutions and specialist organizations that provide skills development and other forms of empowerment support.

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