Young People and Interfaces Report - Institute for Conflict Research

YOUNG PEOPLE AND INTERFACES
• The first model focuses on adult-led processes. This method allows young people to be invited to
events and share their views and experiences. However, the report argued that this in and of
itself does not lead to the empowerment of young people as it is predicated upon consultation
rather than participation;
• The second model focuses on adult-initiated processes. While adults develop a project or
process of dialogue, young people are invited to have some control over the inputs and outcomes
of the discussion. As such they are not merely responding to an adult agenda and are allowed the
space to shape the questions they would like answered; and
• The third and final model of engagement focuses on youth-led processes. This involves young
people themselves identifying the issues of primary concern and taking resultant action. This may
involve the establishment of youth forums to campaign on specific issues. One challenge with
such developments is that they tend to limit the engagement to a small number of committed
young people, and this can become dominated by the most articulate and exclude those on the
margins. 26
It is clear that in line with the Programme for Government, young people who live in interface areas
should be part of the area based action plan discussions on developments at the interface,
including any potential changes to security architecture. But effective consultation and engagement
with young people needs to allow space for them to ask questions they feel are relevant (within
reason) rather than simply being told of developments which are happening and why they are
happening.
While a youth led process in terms of discussion on interface issues is likely to be impractical,
certainly an adult initiated process in which young people have the opportunity to explore issues or
concerns they have regarding the interface would be an appropriate process of dialogue which the
CRC and ICP could help facilitate. Such a consultation process may involve three core elements:
1. An initial process of information sharing with young people. The UN report suggests that young
people at all times need adequate information about the issues at hand in order for them to
make a meaningful contribution to consultation. The ICP are well placed to work with young
people in their areas, through schools, church groups, sports clubs, educational organisations,
local youth organisations and youth clubs, to inform young people about developments at the
interface;
2. Space should be provided for young people within an interface community to discuss their views
on interface issues in a safe environment. Initially this may take place amongst young people
before potentially including young representatives in an inter-generational discussion with adults;
3. Young people from across the interface should be brought together to share their views on any
potential developments. These discussions may only include young people, or rather include
young people with adults in a cross-interface discussion. Relevant stakeholders should decide
which is the most appropriate means of engagement. It may be useful for members of statutory
organisations such as DoJ to be in attendance to discuss future plans.
26 All three models of engagement with young people follow the principle of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child which states that
young people under the age of 18 have the right to participate in decision-making.
28