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
CAP’s logo is based on an eastern Africa symbol. It represents a bird flying down to the earth for information; up to the moon for inspiration and into the world with new ideas and message of hope.
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.
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