Youth and Conflict Best Practices

Mercy Corps believes youth are a force for positive change — the generation that can help transition their countries into productive and secure nations. However, youth are the primary participants in conflict today. The reasons they participate in conflict are multi-dimensional — they lack economic opportunities, political voice and a sense of belonging or connection to their communities. Often the only way young people can imagine changing their predicament is through violence. In our programmes, Mercy Corps catalyzes youth’s desire for change into positive outlets. This publication is a sample of Youth and Conflict Best Practices and Lessons Learned drawn from Mercy Corps’ programmes, other agencies, donors, think tanks and researchers.