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Marginalised youth pose threat to peace and security in Central Asia

1 May 2012

Ethnic intolerance and a desire to exclude minorities are widespread attitudes among young people in Central Asia, according to new research by Saferworld.  Youth support for democracy in the region is not a given either, and alternative paths – including extremist movements, criminality or emigration – are increasingly attractive for many.

‘Young people’s perspectives on identity, exclusion and the prospects for a peaceful future in Central Asia’ investigates the values, interests and perspectives of the post-Soviet generation which has emerged from an impoverished education system and is now coming of age into ailing economies offering bleak job opportunities. Excluded from decision-making and with a skewed understanding of democracy, young people are not learning the skills needed in order to participate in inclusive and peaceful societies.

The consequences of this marginalisation were apparent in the central role played by young people in the deadly clashes in southern Kyrgyzstan in June 2010.

“Youth do not participate in politics… only those young people who want to become civil servants are in politics.’

-      Young journalist in Bukhara, Uzbekistan

The research team identified three priorities that could help re-engage young people: the need to encourage communication across ethnic, rural-urban, religious and regional divides; the need to create opportunities for youth participation in public life; and the need to build young people’s skills and experience in democratic practice so they have alternative, non-violent ways to achieve their goals.

The findings and recommendations in the report are drawn from participatory research conducted among 16-26 year olds by young Central Asian researchers and civil societyactivists in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan from June to September 2011. Some research was also conducted in neighbouring Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and in Afghanistan.

‘Nobody has ever asked about young people’s opinions before.’

-      Youth participant Tajikistan

The research was part of the EU-funded ‘People’s Peacemaking Perspectives’ project, a joint initiative implemented by Conciliation Resources and Saferworld and financed under the European Commission's Instrument for Stability. The project provides European Union institutions with analysis and recommendations based on the opinions and experiences of local people in a range of countries and regions affected by fragility and violent conflict.

Read the policy brief

Read the full report

Find out more about the People's Peacemaking Perspectives project

“Youth do not participate in politics... only those young people who want to become civil servants are in politics”

Young journalist in Bukhara, Uzbekistan