Youth Mainstreaming in Small Arms and Light Weapons Control (February 2024)

Youth Mainstreaming refers to the deliberate inclusion of young people’s perspectives, needs, and participation in the processes of reducing small arms and light weapons proliferation and misuse. By ensuring that youth are actively involved in decision-making, awareness campaigns, and disarmament initiatives, the approach recognises the significant role youth can play in fostering peace and security.

One of IANSA’s key issues of advocacy is the inclusion of youth in small arms and light weapons controls. IANSA and the student-led organisation, Georgetown International Research Group, have developed a fact sheet and briefing paper on #YouthMainstreaming. Including a breakdown of the challenges of integrating youth in decision-making, examples of actions taken by young members of the IANSA network and recommendations for States.