UNICEF has published its new edition of "What Young People Are Saying", the Voices
of Youth project's bimonthly newsletter. The October issue focuses on "Young people
in conflict and recovery", and includes discussions about the impact of conflict on
young people - the importance of participation in the community - a desire for
participation on the policy level - the current constraints to participation by
young people as part of recovery efforts.

Over one-third of the world's countries were directly affected by conflicts since
1990 and, of these states, nearly two-thirds experienced armed conflicts for seven
or more years during the post-Cold War period. Young people living in these
situations are targeted for violence, abuse and exploitation, and are often
recruited by armed forces and separated from their families. Girls are especially
vulnerable, and are at high risk of sexual violence, abuse and exploitation, as well
as related health problems including HIV/AIDS. Despite their extreme vulnerability
in unstable situations, young people also represent an important untapped resource
as countries move toward recovery and rebuilding.

Every second month, Voices of Youth, UNICEF's interactive website for young people,
distributes a newsletter to bring attention to the thoughts, reflections and
suggestions for action on a particular issue for priority development as put forth
by young people on Voices of Youth's discussion boards. The objective of "What Young
People Are Saying" is to further links between programming and the concerns of
today's youth. By providing easy to navigate summaries, relevant quotations, and
suggested action points, the Newsletter offers an additional means of connecting
with young people globally and interweaving their concerns with UNICEF's priorities
and objectives.[Source: CRIN]

For more information, contact:
Victor Karunan, Senior Advisor, Voices of Youth
Adolescent Development and Participation (ADAP)
Programme Division, UNICEF Headquarters
3 United Nations Plaza, New York 10017, USA
Tel: + 1 212 326 7266; Fax: + 1 212 824 6470
Email: voy@unicef.org
Website: http://www.unicef.org/voy