New Paper Calls for Entire New Approach to Deal with Young People Associated with Non-State Armed Groups

4 September 2023

Our new Research Paper Youth Associated with Non-State Armed Groups: Building an Evidence Base on Disengagement Pathways and Reintegration Challenges presents a comprehensive examination of the realities faced by 'Youth Associated with Non-State Armed Groups' (YANSAG).

Based on field data collected in Somalia, Yemen, South Sudan and Colombia and authored by our Head of Research and Policy Studies Dr Erica Harper and Visiting Research Fellow Dr Yosuke Nagai, the paper analyses the distinct needs of these young people, as well as their potential — and often overlooked — role in peacebuilding efforts.

‘This paper offers unique insight into how the community of practice might develop more effective and impactful strategies when dealing with former combatants. This is a topical issue for both countries where non-international armed conflicts are taking place, but also for countries of origin seeking to reintegrate YANSAG’ underlines Dr Haper.

Introducing New Terminology: Youth Associated with Non-State Armed Groups

In this paper, the authors introduce the term 'Youth Associated with Non-State Armed Groups' (YANSAG) and highlight their lack of recognition as 'youth' as well as the absence of an international protection framework that caters for their distinct needs and vulnerabilities.

‘Often, discussions within the realm of conflict resolution, disarmament, reintegration, and counterterrorism overlook the complexities faced by YANSAG. This paper aims to rectify this oversight and trigger discussions aimed at empowering YANSAG as agents of peace’ explains Dr Nagai.

Rethinking our Approach

The paper's findings draw from an analysis of semi-structured interviews with 120 youth previously associated with non-State armed groups (NSAGs) such as Al-Shabaab, the Houthis, SPLM-LO, and FARC. It confirms the disproportionate participation of young people in violent extremism and NSAGs at between 70-90 percent. The data also highlights the vulnerabilities faced by these individuals both before and after their engagement. Strikingly, a vast majority of respondents had desired to leave their groups but lacked opportunity.

Hindrances included fears of reprisals, lack of practical support, and to a lesser extent, the absence of legal amnesty. The paper also highlights consistent messages from YANSAG to their peers, emphasizing the scope of life outside of the group.

‘In short, we need to radically rethink our approach to YANSAG. Strategies need to be centred around prevention, providing concrete assistance for safe disengagement, extending juvenile justice norms to YANSAG, and integrating restorative justice with a focus on desistance rather than de-radicalization’ underlines Dr Nagai.

‘Integrating YANSAG’s concerns into conversations around peacebuilding, stabilization, resilience and broader youth agendas is also pivotal’ he adds.

MORE ON THIS THEMATIC AREA

neurodata graphics News

New Research Brief Evaluates the Effectiveness of GDPR in Mitigating Risks Associated with the Distinctive Nature of Neurodata

21 January 2025

Our recent research brief, Neurodata: Navigating GDPR and AI Act Compliance in the Context of Neurotechnology, examines how effectively GDPR addresses the unique risks posed by neurodata.

Read more

bombed building News

Expert Consultation on CESCR’s General Comment on ICESCR in Armed Conflict

8 May 2025

The Geneva Academy convened an expert consultation on the CESCR’s General Comment on the Application of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in Situations of Armed Conflict.

Read more

Event

Strengths and Challenges of Inter-State Applications Before the European Court of Human Rights

22 May 2025, 18:30-20:00

In this Geneva Academy Talk Judge Lətif Hüseynov will discuss the challenges of inter-State cases under the ECHR, especially amid rising conflict-related applications.

Read more

Warzone Event

Advanced IHL Seminar for Academics and Policymakers

25-29 August 2025, 09:00-17:30

Co-hosted with the ICRC, this event aims to enhance the capacity of academics to teach and research international humanitarian law, while also equipping policymakers with an in-depth understanding of ongoing legal debates.

Read more

A general view of participants during of the 33nd ordinary session of the Human Rights Council. Training

The Universal Periodic Review and the UN Human Rights System: Raising the Bar on Accountability

10-14 November 2025

This training course will explore the origin and evolution of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and its functioning in Geneva and will focus on the nature of implementation of the UPR recommendations at the national level.

Read more

Open dump Training

Protecting Human Rights and the Environment

15-19 September 2025

Participants in this training course will gain practical insights into UN human rights mechanisms and their role in environmental protection and learn about how to address the interplay between international human rights and environmental law, and explore environmental litigation paths.

Read more

Un plate with Rapporteur Spécial written on it Project

Support to UN Special Procedures

Started in June 2020

Read more

Sign: National Human Rights Commission of Nepal Project

Local Implementation of Global Human Rights

Started in May 2020

The Geneva Human Rights Platform collaborates with a series of actors to reflect on the implementation of international human rights norms at the local level and propose solutions to improve uptake of recommendations and decisions taken by Geneva-based human rights bodies at the local level.

Read more

Cover Page of Research Brief Publication

War on Minorities’ Under the Guise of Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism

published on December 2024

Beatrice Meretti

Read more