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By Libya Herald reporter.
Tunis, 9 August 2016:
The European Union has agreed to provide €3 million to fund a programme being organised by UNICEF to help promote social inclusion among young Libyans.
A declaration committing both bodies to the project, Towards resilience and social inclusion of adolescents and young people in Libya, was signed this week in Tunis by EU ambassador Nataliya Apostolova and UNICEF Special Representative to Libya, Ghassan Khalil.
The funding covers a three-year period.
There has been a rising tide of crime over the past five years carried out by young men who are well armed but who feel that the revolution has done nothing for them.
“Children, adolescents and youth are the future of any country and they are the ones who can and will contribute for the peaceful and prosperous development of their nation,” Apostolova at the signing, declaring that the EU and UNICEF would work together to help young Libyans by supporting their civic engagement, and social and economic inclusion.
“Libyan youth need to be protected from any kind of violence and abuse, have access to basic services, and education, she added. “I envisage a future for Libyan youth where they can meaningfully participate in the cultural, social and political life of their country. ”
The project, according to Khalil, will include recreational and cultural programmes as well as engaging young people in peace-building initiatives across the country. It is also aimed at involving groups including teachers, parents, youth organisations, civil society organisations, the private sector, municipal councils and community leaders and the central government.
