Afghan Activist Tells UN That Taliban Have Closed Civic Space for Youth

Yahya Qani, who is a member of Afghanistan's National Youth Consensus for Peace, spoke at a United Nations event held in New York. He told attendees that after the Taliban retook control, the civic space for youth in Afghanistan has been completely closed. Young people are facing widespread restrictions as a result.

Qani made the remarks on 3 Saratan during the first United Nations Peacebuilding Week. He explained that the situation in Afghanistan today is completely different from before 2021. In the past, restrictions mainly targeted women's participation, but now they impact all young people, he said.

According to Qani, youth in Afghanistan face serious consequences when they express their views. He also highlighted that young boys are exposed to extremism in schools.

Other young participants from various countries who attended the meeting mentioned several key obstacles to youth participation in peacebuilding. These obstacles include a lack of budget, distrust in youth leadership, the restriction of civil society activities, and a lack of support for young activists.

The statements by Qani and others underscore the challenges young people encounter in contributing to peace efforts in different contexts around the world.