Thursday 8 November 2012

International Youth Violence Prevention Conference

The conference aimed at identifying, sharing, exploring and looking for the basis of youth violence. Speakers from different regions shared their experiences on youth violence, the extent of youth violence and the mechanism they are using to reduce violence.

Also forms of violence were identified by different speakers. Some of the forms were gender based violence, urban violence and school violence. The case studies for the three forms of violence came from Tanzania, Egypt and South Africa respectfully.

Speakers also presented on using evidence as a mechanism to end youth violence. Unicef Tanzania presented on how they used evidence to make political leaders understand the issue of violence in Tanzania. Also presentations from Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia and Uganda did the same.

Alternative ways to prevent youth violence were given out. Speakers insisted on using a collaboration method; where youth and society work together. For example, the mayor of Bogota for six years showed how he reduced the level of violence. Speakers also had the idea of lack of decent work among youth as a cause of youth violence

At the end of the conference delegates were argued by Tanzania police commissioner to work together so as to end violence.