On 10-11 February 2010, UNOY Peacebuilders attended the Evaluation and Follow Up meeting of the Directorate Youth and Sport of the Council of Europe (CoE) in Budapest. The meeting was attended by youth participants among which the international Coordinator, Preparation team members of the Directorate youth and Sport, UN official and officials from other directorate of the CoE were present.

During the meeting the Human Rights Education Forum for Youth held in October 2009 and the 60th anniversary of the CoE were discussed. Overall the group concluded that the forum was a successful event, and led to a strong message from 200 youth from around the world in support of the importance of Human Rights Education and the work of the CoE. The youth called for continued efforts from the CoE and especially from all national governments of the CoE and world wide to promote an inclusive and constructive implementation of Human Rights Education. During the two day follow up meeting this month, the recommendations were discussed and transformed into concrete recommendations and action points for the joint council of Youth and for us personally. For UNOY Peacebuilders it was of special importance to learn that gender and minority issues, especially the Roma community, will receive continued and growing attention, as will the focus on inclusion in general be a guiding principle in the youth directorate’s work. For UNOY Peacebuilders, inclusion, gender equality and non discrimination are guiding principles for a Culture of Peace.

Keep track of the developments on the website.