Resolutions & Recommendations of the Youth Dialogue for Peace & Community Cohesion

Country/entity
South Sudan
Region
Africa (excl MENA)
Agreement name
Resolutions & Recommendations of the Youth Dialogue for Peace & Community Cohesion
Date
28 Sep 2024
Agreement status
Multiparty signed/agreed
Interim arrangement
Yes
Agreement/conflict level
Intrastate/local conflict
Stage
Framework/substantive - partial
Conflict nature
Inter-group
Peace process
South Sudan: Post-secession Local agreements
Parties
Youth Representatives:

Mark Alich Buoi
Akon Martha Garang

Stakeholders to the Youth Dialogue:

Peter Tong Garang — State Ministry of Peace Building
Peter Aguer Achier — State Ministry of Culture, Youth, & Sports
Third parties
Aduol Aduol Yel — Hope Africa South Sudan (HASS)
Garang Akot Gabriel — Northern Bahr El Ghazal CSO Network
Description
This is a youth dialogue declaration from Northern Bahr El Ghazal State (Aweil) in South Sudan, in which 50 youth representatives from host communities and returnee groups adopted 16 resolutions and 14 recommendations addressing local conflict drivers. The resolutions cover issues such as land disputes, tribalism, drug abuse, early/forced marriage, poverty, political interference in youth affairs, social media misuse, and youth underrepresentation in decision-making. An accompanying action plan assigns responsibilities and timelines to state ministries, youth structures, and international partners for implementation through 2025.

Agreement document
SS_240928_Resolution and Recommandation of the outh Dialogue for peace and community Cohession (opens in new tab) | Download PDF
Source of document

Agreement sourced by researcher in South Sudan and was confirmed public.


Groups

Children/youth
Groups→Children/youth→Rhetorical
Introduction
...
We, the Youth representatives to the Youth Dialogue for Peace and Community Cohesion held in Aweil town, Northern Bahr El Ghazal State under the auspices of State Ministry of Peace Building, Ministry of Youth, Culture & Sports, Ministry of Gender, Child & Social Welfare implemented by Hope Africa South Sudan with support from United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), believe that violence can cause deaths, injuries, loss of property, trauma, widows and orphans, poverty and massive displacements and further destruction.
The stakeholders in this Declaration are convinced that a necessary condition for establishing lasting peace and social cohesion among youth is the resort to dialogue to resolve conflicts.
This Declaration covers content from the Youth representatives comprising of 20 females and 30 males making a total of 50 people from the Host Communities and Returnees living in Aweil town, Northern Bahr El Ghazal State.
Resolutions of the Youth during the Youth Dialogue:
...
4. Poverty eradication: The Youth representatives to the dialogue proposed that the youth should be encouraged to engage in agricultural activities by the State Government and Agricultural partners such as UN FAO and UNDP.
...
6. Establishment of Vocational Training Centres: The Youth representatives to the dialogue urged for the establishment of vocational Youth training centres by partners such as UNDP and Peace partners.
...
8. Poor leadership style: The Youth to the dialogues urged the Northern Bahr El Ghazal State Youth Union Steering Committee to unite the youth in the way that they will peacefully co-exist among themselves and others.
9. End Tribalism: The Youth to the dialogue called for fair treatment and avoid on going tribalism among youth in Aweil town, Northern Bahr El Ghazal State.
...
11. Youth Enterprise Fund: The Youth to the dialogue urged for creation job opportunities to the Youth through activation of the State Youth Enterprise Fund as enshrined in the R-ARCSS as a way for the Youth to stop gambling, other destructive behaviors and idleness.
...
14. Drug abuse: The Youth to the dialogues urged law enforcement agencies in the state to act by intervention by arresting the sellers of drugs that are dangerous to the young people who misused drugs and also awareness creation about the danger of the drugs addicts. Ban the dangerous drugs from selling.
Groups→Children/youth→Substantive
Resolutions of the Youth during the Youth Dialogue:
...
2. End Early/ forced marriages: The Youth representatives to the dialogue urged that the community should be sensitized concerning the negative impacts of Early and Forced marriages and create awareness as a solution to the problem through enforcement of constitution of South Sudan 2011.
Groups→Children/youth→Other
Introduction
The Youth groups comprising of the Regular Youth, Host Communities and Returnees to the Youth dialogues for Peace and Community Cohesion under the Theme;
Youth leading Peace & Unity discussed conflict causes that affect them in their various leadership groups at different levels.
proposed solutions, resolutions and recommendations during the 3 days Youth dialogues for Peace & Community Cohesion supported by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) implemented by Hope Africa South Sudan.
...
Resolutions of the Youth during the Youth Dialogue:
...
5. Sex Education: The Youth representatives to the dialogue urged awareness creation should be done on Sex education for the Youth and in their respective communities.
...
12. Youth involvement in Peace processes: The Youth proposed that Youth Peace Conferences to strengthen community peace and cohesion among different youth groups living in Aweil town, Northern Bahr El Ghazal State, South Sudan.
13. Climate change or crisis: The Youth to the dialogue urged for awareness creation on climate crisis and resources mobilization to help victims of climate change, and further urged that the Youth MUST STOP cutting down of trees and further proposed that afforestation should be encouraged to reduce desertification which lead to global warming, encourage drainage system of rivers within NBGS-Aweil and Introduction to the new technology to reduce too much fuel or energy consumption.
...
16. Youth underrepresentation in decision making: The Youth to the dialogue urged the State Government, INGOs and UN agencies to involve Youth in decision making processes and participation at all levels of government to participate and present youth concerns.
Disabled persons

No specific mention.

Elderly/age

No specific mention.

Migrant workers

No specific mention.

Racial/ethnic/national group

No specific mention.

Religious groups

No specific mention.

Indigenous people

No specific mention.

Other groups

No specific mention.

Refugees/displaced persons

No specific mention.

Social class

No specific mention.


Gender

Women, girls and gender
Introduction
...
We, the Youth representatives to the Youth Dialogue for Peace and Community Cohesion held in Aweil town, Northern Bahr El Ghazal State under the auspices of State Ministry of Peace Building, Ministry of Youth, Culture & Sports, Ministry of Gender, Child & Social Welfare implemented by Hope Africa South Sudan with support from United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), believe that violence can cause deaths, injuries, loss of property, trauma, widows and orphans, poverty and massive displacements and further destruction.
...
Resolutions of the Youth during the Youth Dialogue:
...
2. End Early/ forced marriages: The Youth representatives to the dialogue urged that the community should be sensitized concerning the negative impacts of Early and Forced marriages and create awareness as a solution to the problem through enforcement of constitution of South Sudan 2011.
Men and boys

No specific mention.

LGBTI

No specific mention.

Family
Resolutions of the Youth during the Youth Dialogue:
...
2. End Early/ forced marriages: The Youth representatives to the dialogue urged that the community should be sensitized concerning the negative impacts of Early and Forced marriages and create awareness as a solution to the problem through enforcement of constitution of South Sudan 2011.

State definition

Nature of state (general)

No specific mention.

State configuration

No specific mention.

Self determination

No specific mention.

Referendum

No specific mention.

State symbols

No specific mention.

Independence/secession

No specific mention.

Accession/unification

No specific mention.

Border delimitation

No specific mention.

Cross-border provision

No specific mention.


Governance

Political institutions (new or reformed)
Governance→Political institutions (new or reformed)→General references
Resolutions of the Youth during the Youth Dialogue:
...
15. Adherence to term limits: The Youth to the dialogues urged that there MUST be a term limit for the Youth Union and State Government so that one cannot stay longer in leadership.
Elections

No specific mention.

Electoral commission

No specific mention.

Political parties reform

No specific mention.

Civil society

No specific mention.

Traditional/religious leaders
Resolutions of the Youth during the Youth Dialogue:
...
7. Land disputes: The Youth representatives to the dialogue urged that there should be continuous dialogues through open communication with disputed parties on land with involvement of ministry of land housing and public utilities including chief's executive and elders.
Public administration

No specific mention.

Constitution

No specific mention.


Power sharing

Political power sharing

No specific mention.

Territorial power sharing

No specific mention.

Economic power sharing

No specific mention.

Military power sharing

No specific mention.


Human rights and equality

Human rights/RoL general

No specific mention.

Bill of rights/similar

No specific mention.

Treaty incorporation

No specific mention.

Civil and political rights

No specific mention.

Socio-economic rights

No specific mention.


Rights related issues

Citizenship

No specific mention.

Democracy

No specific mention.

Detention procedures

No specific mention.

Media and communication
Rights related issues→Media and communication→Governance of media
Resolutions of the Youth during the Youth Dialogue:
1. Social media: The Youth representatives to the dialogue proposed that there be should set strict laws against misuse of social media such as hate speech, defamation or attack on privacy, private life should be punishable under the laws of South Sudan and according to the Media Act of South Sudan.
Rights related issues→Media and communication→Media roles
Resolutions of the Youth during the Youth Dialogue:
1. Social media: The Youth representatives to the dialogue proposed that there be should set strict laws against misuse of social media such as hate speech, defamation or attack on privacy, private life should be punishable under the laws of South Sudan and according to the Media Act of South Sudan.
Mobility/access

No specific mention.

Protection measures

No specific mention.

Other

No specific mention.


Rights institutions

NHRI

No specific mention.

Regional or international human rights institutions

No specific mention.


Justice sector reform

Criminal justice and emergency law

No specific mention.

State of emergency provisions

No specific mention.

Judiciary and courts

No specific mention.

Prisons and detention

No specific mention.

Traditional Laws

No specific mention.


Socio-economic reconstruction

Development or socio-economic reconstruction
Socio-economic reconstruction→Development or socio-economic reconstruction→Socio-economic development
Resolutions of the Youth during the Youth Dialogue:
...
4. Poverty eradication: The Youth representatives to the dialogue proposed that the youth should be encouraged to engage in agricultural activities by the State Government and Agricultural partners such as UN FAO and UNDP.
...
6. Establishment of Vocational Training Centres: The Youth representatives to the dialogue urged for the establishment of vocational Youth training centres by partners such as UNDP and Peace partners.
...
11. Youth Enterprise Fund: The Youth to the dialogue urged for creation job opportunities to the Youth through activation of the State Youth Enterprise Fund as enshrined in the R-ARCSS as a way for the Youth to stop gambling, other destructive behaviors and idleness.
National economic plan

No specific mention.

Natural resources

No specific mention.

International funds

No specific mention.

Business

No specific mention.

Taxation

No specific mention.

Banks

No specific mention.


Land, property and environment

Land reform/rights
Land, property and environment→Land reform/rights→Property return and restitution
Resolutions of the Youth during the Youth Dialogue:
...
7. Land disputes: The Youth representatives to the dialogue urged that there should be continuous dialogues through open communication with disputed parties on land with involvement of ministry of land housing and public utilities including chief's executive and elders.
Pastoralist/nomadism rights

No specific mention.

Cultural heritage
Land, property and environment→Cultural heritage→Other
Resolutions of the Youth during the Youth Dialogue:
...
3. Cultural differences: The Youth representatives to the dialogue proposed that there is a need for promotion of cultural tolerance and respect for diversity of other people's cultures.
Environment
Resolutions of the Youth during the Youth Dialogue:
...
13. Climate change or crisis: The Youth to the dialogue urged for awareness creation on climate crisis and resources mobilization to help victims of climate change, and further urged that the Youth MUST STOP cutting down of trees and further proposed that afforestation should be encouraged to reduce desertification which lead to global warming, encourage drainage system of rivers within NBGS-Aweil and Introduction to the new technology to reduce too much fuel or energy consumption.
Water or riparian rights or access
Resolutions of the Youth during the Youth Dialogue:
...
13. Climate change or crisis: The Youth to the dialogue urged for awareness creation on climate crisis and resources mobilization to help victims of climate change, and further urged that the Youth MUST STOP cutting down of trees and further proposed that afforestation should be encouraged to reduce desertification which lead to global warming, encourage drainage system of rivers within NBGS-Aweil and Introduction to the new technology to reduce too much fuel or energy consumption.

Security sector

Security Guarantees

No specific mention.

Ceasefire

No specific mention.

Police

No specific mention.

Armed forces

No specific mention.

DDR

No specific mention.

Intelligence services

No specific mention.

Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces

No specific mention.

Withdrawal of foreign forces

No specific mention.

Corruption

No specific mention.

Crime/organised crime

No specific mention.

Drugs
Resolutions of the Youth during the Youth Dialogue:
...
14. Drug abuse: The Youth to the dialogues urged law enforcement agencies in the state to act by intervention by arresting the sellers of drugs that are dangerous to the young people who misused drugs and also awareness creation about the danger of the drugs addicts. Ban the dangerous drugs from selling.
Terrorism

No specific mention.


Transitional justice

Transitional justice general

No specific mention.

Amnesty/pardon

No specific mention.

Courts

No specific mention.

Mechanism

No specific mention.

Prisoner release

No specific mention.

Vetting

No specific mention.

Victims

No specific mention.

Missing persons

No specific mention.

Reparations

No specific mention.

Reconciliation

No specific mention.


Implementation

UN signatory

No specific mention.

Other international signatory

No specific mention.

Referendum for agreement

No specific mention.

International mission/force/similar

No specific mention.

Enforcement mechanism

No specific mention.


Source agreement

RESOLUTIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE YOUTH DAILOGUE FOR PEACE & COMMUNITY COHESION

THEME:

YOUTH LEADING PEACE AND UNITY

26 – 28 September, 2024

VENUE:

Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare

NORTHERN BAHR EL GHAZAL STATE - AWEIL

Introduction

The Youth groups comprising of the Regular Youth, Host Communities and Returnees to the Youth dialogues for Peace and Community Cohesion under the Theme;

Youth leading Peace & Unity discussed conflict causes that affect them in their various leadership groups at different levels.

proposed solutions, resolutions and recommendations during the 3 days Youth dialogues for Peace & Community Cohesion supported by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) implemented by Hope Africa South Sudan.

Preamble

We, the Youth representatives to the Youth Dialogue for Peace and Community Cohesion held in Aweil town, Northern Bahr El Ghazal State under the auspices of State Ministry of Peace Building, Ministry of Youth, Culture & Sports, Ministry of Gender, Child & Social Welfare implemented by Hope Africa South Sudan with support from United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), believe that violence can cause deaths, injuries, loss of property, trauma, widows and orphans, poverty and massive displacements and further destruction.

The stakeholders in this Declaration are convinced that a necessary condition for establishing lasting peace and social cohesion among youth is the resort to dialogue to resolve conflicts.

This Declaration covers content from the Youth representatives comprising of 20 females and 30 males making a total of 50 people from the Host Communities and Returnees living in Aweil town, Northern Bahr El Ghazal State.

Resolutions of the Youth during the Youth Dialogue:

1. Social media: The Youth representatives to the dialogue proposed that there be should set strict laws against misuse of social media such as hate speech, defamation or attack on privacy, private life should be punishable under the laws of South Sudan and according to the Media Act of South Sudan.

2. End Early/ forced marriages: The Youth representatives to the dialogue urged that the community should be sensitized concerning the negative impacts of Early and Forced marriages and create awareness as a solution to the problem through enforcement of constitution of South Sudan 2011.

3. Cultural differences: The Youth representatives to the dialogue proposed that there is a need for promotion of cultural tolerance and respect for diversity of other people's cultures.

4. Poverty eradication: The Youth representatives to the dialogue proposed that the youth should be encouraged to engage in agricultural activities by the State Government and Agricultural partners such as UN FAO and UNDP.

5. Sex Education: The Youth representatives to the dialogue urged awareness creation should be done on Sex education for the Youth and in their respective communities.

6. Establishment of Vocational Training Centres: The Youth representatives to the dialogue urged for the establishment of vocational Youth training centres by partners such as UNDP and Peace partners.

7. Land disputes: The Youth representatives to the dialogue urged that there should be continuous dialogues through open communication with disputed parties on land with involvement of ministry of land housing and public utilities including chief's executive and elders.

8. Poor leadership style: The Youth to the dialogues urged the Northern Bahr El Ghazal State Youth Union Steering Committee to unite the youth in the way that they will peacefully co-exist among themselves and others.

9. End Tribalism: The Youth to the dialogue called for fair treatment and avoid on going tribalism among youth in Aweil town, Northern Bahr El Ghazal State.

10. Political interference: The Youth to the dialogue urged Northern Bahr El Ghazal State politicians to distant themselves from Youth affairs and the Union becomes independent and provide conducive environs for Youth growth and development.

11. Youth Enterprise Fund: The Youth to the dialogue urged for creation job opportunities to the Youth through activation of the State Youth Enterprise Fund as enshrined in the R-ARCSS as a way for the Youth to stop gambling, other destructive behaviors and idleness.

12. Youth involvement in Peace processes: The Youth proposed that Youth Peace Conferences to strengthen community peace and cohesion among different youth groups living in Aweil town, Northern Bahr El Ghazal State, South Sudan.

13. Climate change or crisis: The Youth to the dialogue urged for awareness creation on climate crisis and resources mobilization to help victims of climate change, and further urged that the Youth MUST STOP cutting down of trees and further proposed that afforestation should be encouraged to reduce desertification which lead to global warming, encourage drainage system of rivers within NBGS-Aweil and Introduction to the new technology to reduce too much fuel or energy consumption.

14. Drug abuse: The Youth to the dialogues urged law enforcement agencies in the state to act by intervention by arresting the sellers of drugs that are dangerous to the young people who misused drugs and also awareness creation about the danger of the drugs addicts. Ban the dangerous drugs from selling.

15. Adherence to term limits: The Youth to the dialogues urged that there MUST be a term limit for the Youth Union and State Government so that one cannot stay longer in leadership.

16. Youth underrepresentation in decision making: The Youth to the dialogue urged the State Government, INGOs and UN agencies to involve Youth in decision making processes and participation at all levels of government to participate and present youth concerns.

Recommendations of the Youth during the Youth dialogues for Peace & Community Cohesion:

There should be construction of Youth centres in Aweil.

There should be more leadership training or seminars for youth in NBGS-Aweil.

There should be Young leaders' conference to be conducted or held in Aweil town and all 5 counties of NBGS.

The Youth to the dialogues recommended for Inter - schools' cultural day or show activities to restore lost culture.

The Youth to the dialogues recommended Seasonal planting of trees in Aweil, Northern Bahr El Ghazal State.

The Youth to the dialogues recommended that early and force marriages should be ended in Aweil, Northern Bahr El Ghazal State.

The Youth to the dialogue recommended for the restoration of rule of law in the state.

According to dialogue, the climate change issue must be forecast/preparedness before the rainy seasons started annually to the entire community.

The Youth recommended that the State Ministry of trade should ban drugs entering in Northern Bahr El Ghazal State, South Sudan.

The Youth recommended that there should be equal participation of both boys and girls in sporting activities.

The Youth to the dialogue recommended to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports to establish dancing grounds around every estate and set rule to guide every dancing place to avoid mess up.

The Youth recommended that there should be heavy taxes imposed on Shisha drug use in Aweil, Northern Bahr El Ghazal State.

The State Government should regulate on the use of drugs in Public places.

The Youth to the dialogue recommended that the State Ministry of General Education & Instructions should encourage inclusive and free education in the state.

Signatories

Youth Representatives:

Mark Alich Buoi - [number redacted]

Akon Martha Garang - [number redacted]

Stakeholders to the Youth Dialogue:

Peter Tong Garang - State Ministry of Peace Building - [number redacted]

Peter Aguer Achier - State Ministry of Culture, Youth, & Sports - [number redacted]

Witness:

Aduol Aduol Yel - Hope Africa South Sudan - [number redacted]

Garang Akot Gabriel - Northern Bahr El Ghazal CSO Network - [number redacted]

[This is a textual representation of a Table.

To see table in original format, reference the agreement document.]

Action Plan 26-28 September, 2024

1. Poor leadership style

• Activities:

Organize leadership trainings & seminars for youth

• Responsibility:

HASS, UNDP, INGOs Youth structures & Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sports

• Timeframe:

March 2025

• Partner/donor:

HASS, UNDP other world wishers

• Resources needed:

Financial support / funding

2. Tribalism

• Activities:

Promote social cohesion through Games, Sport activities / football competitions, Cultural activities

• Responsibility:

Youth union, UNDP, HASS, MoPB, MoCY&S

• Timeframe:

March April 2025

• Partner/donor:

HASS, UNDP other world wishers

• Resources needed:

Financial support e.g. Balls, shoes & sport materials

3. Political interference

• Activities:

Organize Governors' Forum where Youth are part of the stakeholders engaged

• Responsibility:

Youth Union, Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sports, UNMISS CAD

• Timeframe:

November 2024

• Partner/donor:

HASS, UNDP, UNMISS CAD and State Governor

• Resources needed:

Financial support

4. Gambling

• Activities:

Awareness campaign, Regulation of rules to eradicate gambling among youth to reinforce laws, Radio talk shows

• Responsibility:

Youth union MoCY& S, Youth& MoCY& S Security agent Local government

• Timeframe:

December 2024

• Partner/donor:

[Not specified]

• Resources needed:

[Not specified]

5. Social media misuse

• Activities:

Youth counseling, Awareness / radio talk-shows on defamation, hate speech, privacy and private life

• Responsibility:

Youth leaders Religious leaders/ Muslims

• Timeframe:

Oct-Nov 2024

• Partner/donor:

State Government & Media Act

• Resources needed:

Expertise counselors

6. Drugs abuse

• Activities:

Promote sports activities, Regulate entrance of the drugs to the State, Banning harmful drugs such as Bang, Opium

• Responsibility:

Churches /,mosques leaders

• Timeframe:

Continuous

• Partner/donor:

[Not specified]

• Resources needed:

[Not specified]

7. Poverty

• Activities:

Youth engagement in agriculture, Create small business scale opportunities

• Responsibility:

Government UNDP, UN FAO, HASS, HeRY, Ministry of Agriculture, Youth

• Timeframe:

Jan-Mar 2025

• Partner/donor:

[Not specified]

• Resources needed:

Seeds, Agricultural tools

8. Land disputes

• Activities:

Awareness creation, Dialogue among conflicting parties on land related issues

• Responsibility:

MoLHU Judiciary Youth Local authorities/ chiefs

• Timeframe:

Jan2025 upward

• Partner/donor:

[Not specified]

• Resources needed:

Radio talk shows, Transportation

9. Cultural differences

• Activities:

Awareness on peace and unity, Promote cultural activities through cultural activities events, Sport activities

• Responsibility:

MoCY&S Youth HASS UNDP& UNMISS

• Timeframe:

Dec 2025 - Jan

• Partner/donor:

[Not specified]

• Resources needed:

Trained personnel, Posters & financial support

10. Youth involvement in Decision making processes

• Activities:

Awareness creation, Conduct peace conferences to strengthen cohesion among different youth groups, Seminars and Youth dialogues

• Responsibility:

Ministry of Peace Building, UNDP, UNMISS, Peace partners

• Timeframe:

Continuous

• Partner/donor:

[Not specified]

• Resources needed:

[Not specified]

11. Lack of job opportunities

• Activities:

Engage in agricultural activities

• Responsibility:

Youth, UN FAO, UNDP, Ministry of Agriculture

• Timeframe:

Continuous

• Partner/donor:

[Not specified]

• Resources needed:

[Not specified]

12. Inequality and injustice

• Activities:

Meetings with stakeholders, chiefs / local authorities, Economic Empowerment for [incomplete in original]

• Responsibility:

Government, Youth, UNDP, UN FAO, UNMISS & HASS

• Timeframe:

Continuous

• Partner/donor:

[Not specified]

• Resources needed:

[Not specified]