A declaration of support for North-east Nigeria's youth in protecting children from violence and promoting sustainable peace was signed by representatives of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe State Governments, Youth Peace Champions, Children's Parliament and UNODC.
2 June 2025 – Maiduguri, Nigeria
The experiences of children associated with armed and criminal groups, including terrorist groups, are often misunderstood or misrepresented. All too often, these children are seen solely through the lens of criminality or threat, rather than as victims of a serious form of violence against children.
UNODC, together with the Governments of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States, co-hosted a Satellite Event for the 5th World Congress on Justice with Children. More than 200 participants attended, including representatives of communities and civil society, but the most powerful voice was that of young people.
The Youth Peace Champions — selected, trained and mentored through the EU-funded STRIVE Juvenile project – joined forces with Children’s Parliaments to present a bold and compelling Youth Call to Action to decision-makers. This youth-led declaration, grounded in lived experience and shaped by survivors and young defenders of child rights, calls for urgent, transformative change in the way that children affected by conflict are treated.
In line with UNODC ‘s Roadmap on the Treatment of Children Associated with Terrorist and Violent Extremist Groups, the Youth Call to Action affirms and emphasizes the principle that children recruited by these groups are first and foremost victims of grave violations. Their journeys into association are defined by coercion, manipulation and systemic failure rather than free will. The need to invest in child- and gender- sensitive reintegration programmes, incorporating psychosocial support and trauma informed care is additionally highlighted.
His Excellency Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, Executive Governor of Borno State, represented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Hauwa Abubakar, reiterated the Government’s commitment to ensuring that children formerly associated with armed and criminal groups are recognized as victims and reintegrated into society with dignity and support.
Cheikh Touré, UNODC Country Representative in Nigeria, commended the leadership of the Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States and the courage of their youth.
“We will stand with the Nigerian government, with local communities, and above all, with the youth who are showing us the way forward” he said.
Youth and communities are not only part of the solution—they are the foundation for lasting peace. This recognition has driven significant success in conflict-affected North-East Nigeria, where the 32 Youth Peace Champions promote the prevention of child recruitment by armed and criminal groups and the rehabilitation and reintegration and of those affected. Achievements include the establishment of community dialogue structures and a #SeetheChild campaign which has reached more than nine million people with messages of hope and reconciliation.
Over 1,500 people across Nigeria and beyond have already pledged their support for the Youth Call to Action, with the number of signatures growing every day. Its core message was echoed at the Plenary of 5th World Congress on Justice with Children in Madrid by Alexandra Souza Martins, Team Leader, Ending Violence Against Children, UNODC
“Child-sensitive reintegration programmes are crucial to ensure that children do not undergo secondary victimization. We need to shift the burden and go after recruiters rather than punish children for their association with these groups” stressed Ms. Martins “We are not asking the world to do the impossible. We are asking the world to listen—to believe that children can heal, that youth can lead and that justice can be both secure and compassionate.”
Distinguished speakers from Borno, Adamawa State Governments also paid tribute to the power of youth.
“One of the most profound moments of this congress was the launch and signing of the Youth Call to Action, a youth-led declaration that represents not just the voices, but the lived experiences and hopes of young people across our region”noted Honourable Zuwaira Gambo, Borno State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development.
“This youth-led declaration—shaped by lived experiences and amplified by young voices—is a timely reminder that we must listen more, engage deeper, and act bolder to empower youth in peacebuilding and protection” enthused Mohammaed Balumi, Permanent Secretary, Yobe State Ministry for Youth, Sport, Community and Social Development
“This Call to Action doesn’t stop here—it is a spark for deeper collaboration. We are calling on governments and partners to join hands with young leaders. If we are serious about sustainable development and peace, then we must invest in youth leadership—not as a token gesture, but as a driving force for real change” exclaimed Honourable Wali Yakubu, Adamawa State Commissioner for Youth, Sport and Development.
Since 2015, UNODC has provided technical assistance to over 40 countries facing the phenomenon of child recruitment by armed and criminal groups, including terrorist groups. The Office has developed a comprehensive training toolkit, comprising four publications and designed to support policy-makers and practitioners in three key areas of work: prevention of child recruitment; rehabilitation and reintegration; and justice for children in a counter-terrorism context.The “UNODC Roadmap on the treatment of children associated with terrorist and violent extremist groups”, working as a manifesto, presents the fundamental principles for the treatment of these children and details essential guidance for action.
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Contact:
Communications Officer
Umar Mohammad BAKARI
umar.bakari@un.org
