Children/Youth
as Peacebuilders:
Committed
to working for:
- the
rights of children and youth living in war zones and post-conflict
situations
- young
people’s participation in peacebuilding
- partnerships
between adults and young people to overcome the experiences of
war
An Overview
Children/Youth
as Peacebuilders is an international federation
of young people and organizations dedicated to the rights of children
and youth living in conflict and post-conflict situations and their
participation in peacebuilding to restore homes, families and countries.
CAP is designed
as a relationship amongst equals, with the belief that both young people
and adults have something to offer and more to learn from each other.
We are refugees, students, internally displaced youth, peer counselors,
community workers, former child soldiers, human rights activists and
church leaders.
For most of us
war has been a fact of life all our lives. Each of us has
been affected in distinct ways by the conflicts in our countries.
Though we have had different experiences, we still hold many beliefs
in common.
We are committed
to the reordering of our societies and the development of peaceful relationships
amongst people. We want to live in a world where human rights
are respected while recognizing that each culture will have ways of
putting these rights into practice. We realize that conflict is
a part of human life but insist that violence increases rather than
resolves problems.
We are working
for a world that invites the participation of all citizens, including
children and youth. Education should be available for all people
through formal school systems as well as learning about the ways and
values of our cultures.
We want a world
where play, romance and enjoyment of our traditions are cherished parts
of daily life. We are working to create a world filled with possibilities.
These are big
dreams but ones we believe are possible. We know war’s destructive
power. But we are ready and eager to use our energies for positive
change. We invite you to join us.
