YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN POLICY DIALOGUE AND PROGRAMMING

GOOD PRACTICES FROM EASTERN EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA 1 ACKNOWLEDGE- MENTS

In order to document the wealth of Natalia Zakareishvili, Asel Turgunova and experience accumulated in the area Meder Omurzakov, provided valuable of youth-related work in the Eastern inputs and significantly contributed to Europe and Central Asia region, UNFPA’s the development of this publication. Regional Office for Eastern Europe Mahbub Alam, Monitoring and Evaluation and Central Asia (EECARO) identified Adviser, and Rita Columbia, Programme experiences, lessons learned and good and Technical Adviser on Reproductive practices related to youth participation Health and Rights, helped develop the in programme and policy dialogue. This framework for analysis and provided was the first initiative of its kind led by review comments. Mengchu Wang, EECARO. The report was prepared by UNFPA Intern in EECARO, provided Aynabat Ananmuhamedova, Special support by administering the survey and Assistant to the Director of UNFPA’s compiling results. UNFPA headquarter Division for Oversight Services, who staff, namely Elena Pozdorovkina, undertook a detail assignment with Evaluation Adviser, Bobby Olarte, EECARO for the purpose of developing Knowledge Management Adviser, and this document. Karen Daduryan, Regional Daka Mohamed, Knowledge Management Team Coordinator, and Marija Vasileva- Specialist, also provided inputs and Blazev, Youth Programme Specialist, suggestions. Special thanks to Fabienne coordinated the process and provided Lambert, Director of the Division for contributions. UNFPA country office staff Oversight Services, and Werner Haug, from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Director of the UNFPA EECARO, for Kyrgyzstan, Moldova and Turkey, and in supporting the detail assignment and the particular Natalia Cojohari, Sara Cekalic, process as a whole. Fatma Hacioglu, Tamar Khomasuridze,

2 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 03 LIST OF ACRONYMS 07 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 08 INTRODUCTION 10 COUNTRY CASE STUDIES – GOOD PRACTICES FROM THE EECA REGION 14 GEORGIA From partnering with youth to youth leadership 16 TURKEY Innovative approaches for promoting youth sexual and reproductive health and rights 22 BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA The role of Y-PEER network in helping vulnerable generations 30 MOLDOVA 36 Strengthening Y-PEER network: from partnership to leadership 38 The development of youth law by and for young people 42 KYRGYZSTAN Development of National Youth Policy (2012-2015) 46 CONCLUSION 50 ANNEXES 54 Annex 1: Terms of reference 56 Annex 2: Questionnaire 60 Annex 3: Summary of case studies 64 Annex 4: Bibliography 68

4 5 LIST OF ACRONYMS

HIV/AIDS YFS Human Immunodeficiency Virus/ Youth-friendly Services Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome COAR IPPF UNFPA Country Office Annual Report International Planned Parenthood Federation ICPD PoA Programme of Action of the RO International Conference on Regional Office Population and Development SRH EECA Sexual and Reproductive Health Eastern Europe and Central Asia SRHR EECARO Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Regional Office in Eastern Europe and Central Asia UNCRC United Nations Convention on the Rights RHIYC of the Child Reproductive Health Initiative for Youth in the South Caucasus UNFPA United Nations Population Fund Y-PEER Youth Peer Education Network UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund CPAPs Country Programme Action Plans WHO World Health Organization AWPs Annual Workplans NGO Nongovernmental organizations YAP Youth Advisory Panel

6 7 The review also identified a weak connection between the outcomes of youth-focused activities and those of the country programme, specifically the EXECUTIVE Country Programme Action Plans and Annual Work Plans. This significantly hinders the measurement of long- term outcomes of youth-focused activities. The youth component of programmes tends to be treated as a cross-cutting issue, integrated in sexual SUMMARY and reproductive health or population development programme components. This issue is closely connected to the overall quality of programme design, the monitoring and evaluation framework, and youth-specific programme indicators, targets and baselines. UNFPA country offices should address the need for a robust results framework specific to the objectives of youth programming, with the goal of setting clear baselines THIS REPORT WAS COMMISSIONED BY Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, and targets. Such a framework would implementing youth policies require possible areas of cooperation. Integrated THE UNFPA REGIONAL OFFICE FOR Turkey and Kyrgyzstan, presented ensure strong positioning of youth institutional capacity development, and joint programming should be EASTERN EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA here with conclusions, lessons learned issues within the UNFPA programme. stronger inter–sectorial coordination, and explored, particularly in countries with (EECARO) TO PRESENT GOOD PRACTICES and recommendations. This should The EECA regional office will provide advocacy for a supportive environment limited funds, such as middle-income “C” FROM UNFPA ON THE INVOLVEMENT provide information to UNFPA and strategic direction to the country offices for young people. This includes the category countries. The identification OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN PROGRAMMING other organizations in the EECA region for developing such a results framework, leveraging of public funds for policy and dissemination of good programming AND POLICY DIALOGUE, ADVOCACY to develop evidence-based policy managing the quality assurance process implementation. Another challenge for models across country offices, including EFFORTS AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT advocacy for youth-focused initiatives; and monitoring implementation. youth-focused programming is sustaining through south–south collaboration, PROCESSES IN THE REGION. contribute to institutional memory and (See recommendation 2.) the results, which requires ongoing will enhance overall programme organizational learning; and guide future UNFPA support for consolidation of effectiveness. (See recommendation 3.) The objective was to collect evidence programming and policy dialogue on The assessment concluded that youth policies and strengthening of national demonstrating that involving young youth development issues. programming based on participation and sub-national capacities beyond a Finally, UNFPA country offices are people in programming can produce of youth in all aspects of youth programme cycle. advised to identify and document stronger programme results, including The report found insufficient development is challenging. These successful implementation modalities, improvements in knowledge, attitudes, documentation of past work on youth- programmes need to be flexible, UNFPA country offices are encouraged including specific approaches, skills and behaviors; and that policies focused activities in UNFPA country evidence-based, context-driven, to strengthen youth programming management tools and advocacy affecting youth are stronger and more offices, national institutions and NGOs, and culturally appropriate and addressed by drawing on past experiences and strategies that have led to more targeted when youth are consulted. The Y-PEER networks. Information related to at both the policy and service-delivery taking advantage of existing expertise meaningful youth participation in review includes examples, lessons learned programme planning, needs assessment, level. They should consider the needs of within the organizations, agencies and policy dialogue and programming. and good practices that focus on UNFPA- progress reports, and monitoring and the most underserved youth population institutions already dealing with youth (See recommendation 4.) supported youth programme activities evaluation would have been useful. Such groups and promote accountability development. This will help identify during 2009-2011. information could provide a context mechanisms at national and sub-national for better analysis of the relevance, levels. All country programmes in the The methodology included a preliminary effectiveness and impact of new youth EECA region included interventions for desk review of UNFPA programme programmes. UNFPA country offices young people and were delivered with documents and related evaluation and should improve their documentation of different levels of success. The common study reports; a web-based survey to the development and implementation barriers identified were cultural and collect detailed information about youth of youth-focused initiatives. This could religious factors as well as insufficient programme interventions, primarily include strategies used to implement the development capacity and accountability focused on involvement of youth in policy- programme or project, budget planning mechanisms, which in many instances led “Youth programming needs to be making and programming; and relevant and provisions, important events and country offices to seek new programme flexible, evidence-based, context- surveys and interviews with stakeholders. internal discussions during implementation, approaches. While UNFPA support is driven, culturally appropriate as well as feedback from implementing noted in areas of policy formulation, The assessment identified six good partners and youth participants. more emphasis is needed on policy and addressed at both the policy practices from Moldova (two cases), (See recommendation 1.) implementation. Engaging youth and and service-delivery level.” 8 9 programmes has demonstrated that Meaningful youth participation must Other challenges that may impede involving youth not only ensures a be based on a clear understanding meaningful youth participation include rights-based approach to young people, of different kinds and levels of youth high turnover rates among youth; INTRODUCTION but can also lead to stronger outcomes. participation. In the Ladder of Youth the extra costs of youth involvement, In the sexual and reproductive health Voice, developed by Roger Hart, a including training, transportation, fields, increased youth participation has sociologist who worked for UNICEF, equipment, space and materials; helped to improve knowledge, attitudes, youth participation is described as a preferences for different management skills and behaviors. The benefits ladder. At the bottom are manipulation styles; differences in types of schedules of youth participation, in general, and tokenism, which do not constitute and communication styles; and failure have included: better relevance and real participation. At higher levels, young of institutions to plan adequately for effectiveness of programmes; greater people initiate, direct and share decision organizational capacity to accommodate sense of ownership of programmes; making with adults. Meaningful youth both adults and youth. increased leadership capacity of young participation is notable for two important programme documents produced by the Kyrgyzstan were identified. They are people; new and synergistic approaches characteristics: Young people must The Youth Participation Guide: Assessment, UNFPA country offices in 2010-2011 as presented in this report, together stemming from adult-youth partnerships; be given responsibility and decision- Planning, and Implementation, published well as other available case studies and with conclusions, lessons learned greater credibility of youth in leading making power. Second, partnerships by Family Health International (FHI) evaluation reports. (See Annex 4.) The and recommendations. implementation; improved understanding between youth and adults should in 2008, provides a deeper analysis of practices identified through the desk of young people’s perspectives and be an equitable working relationship the subject and a broad outline of the review were further examined against the A. YOUTH PARTICIPATION: values; exchange of contributions; based on the perspectives and skills of challenges, benefits and opportunities. 1 key criteria recommended by the UNFPA CHALLENGES AND BENEFITS mutual recognition of capabilities and youth and the experience and wisdom Guidance on Sharing Good Practices The term youth participation, used experiences of youth and adults; and of adults. Each party must have an in Programming, such as relevance, interchangeably with youth involvement, mutual recognition of one another as opportunity to make suggestions and allies. Yet involving youth can be a decisions. Achieving this balance can be innovation and impact. Two additional adolescent participation and children’s 1. UNFPA follows UN definitions for different groups of young criteria – availability of documents participation, is defined as follows: challenging endeavor requiring a greater challenging in various political, cultural people: adolescents (10-19 years old, with early adolescence defined as ages 10-14 and late adolescence ages 15-19), youth and effectiveness – were added to the “Involving youth in responsible, understanding of youth and adult and geographical settings. (15-24 years old) and young people (10-24 years old). assessment grid to test whether the challenging action that meets viewpoints, as well as what constitutes reported practice was based on evidence genuine needs, with opportunity for true and meaningful youth participation. of effectiveness; the quality of the planning and/or decision making THE SIX CASE STUDIES BELOW PRESENT planning process against clearly defined affecting others, in an activity whose GOOD PRACTICES ON THE PART OF UNFPA objectives; and the extent to which impact or consequences extends to TO GET YOUNG PEOPLE INVOLVED IN implementation facilitated achievement others – outside or beyond the youth PROGRAMMING AND POLICY DIALOGUE of intended results. Annex 2 provides participants themselves.” (U.S. National IN THE EECA REGION. IT IS HOPED details on the assessment criteria and Commission on Resources for Youth). THAT THE REVIEW WILL CONTRIBUTE the questionnaires. In the past decade youth development TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF FURTHER programming shifted from treating EVIDENCE-BASED POLICY ADVOCACY ON The web-based survey was launched youth as a problem to considering them YOUTH-FOCUSED INITIATIVES AND GUIDE to collect detailed information about as resources and competent members FUTURE PROGRAMMING AND POLICY youth programme interventions. It was of society. It was thought that young DEVELOPMENT. primarily focused on involvement of people should be given an opportunity youth in the policymaking process and to contribute to the development and OBJECTIVE AND METHODOLOGY programming. The collected data was implementation of programmes designed The reviewers set out to collect evidence consolidated, and the overall results for their benefit. Participation of youth demonstrating that involving young guided the selection of five countries for and adolescents in decision-making was people in programmes can produce further interviews. The interviews were also recognized as a basic human right. stronger programme results and that conducted in each country with three policies affecting youth are stronger different groups of stakeholders: UNFPA In recent years, the involvement of when youth are consulted. The review programme staff working on youth- youth has expanded from participation focused on UNFPA-supported youth focused programming; representatives in peer education, youth advisory programme activities in the 20 countries of youth organizations involved in the boards and youth focus groups to of the EECA region during 2009-2011. good practices reported in the survey; integration of youth into programming, and national institutions and civil including advocacy, governance, policy The methodology included a preliminary society organizations involved in the development and evaluation. Many desk review, survey and interviews. The youth programmes. Based on research scientific studies have recognized the preliminary desk review was conducted and findings, six good practices from benefits and greater impact that youth to identify youth-focused programme Moldova (two examples), Bosnia and can bring to a project. The evidence interventions from the relevant Herzegovina, Georgia, Turkey and collected through evaluation of youth

10 11 for engagement and representation of best practices and effective generation of leadership. Within the of youth in national development implementation of youth policies region, the participation of youth varied programmes and policy formulation and programmes. considerably from country to country still exists. In a number of countries depending on historical, political and in the region, poor economic growth UNFPA, in partnership with other cultural factors, and depending on constrains young people from entering international organizations, provides the role of youth in recent political the workforce. This results in average ongoing support to national transitions. The evidence from previous regional unemployment rates for youth governments and civil society UNFPA programmes in the region being among the highest in the world. organizations in developing specific, suggests that while involvement of Young women and ethnic minorities evidence-based youth policies and youth in programme formulation and are among the most vulnerable groups youth development programmes in policy-making processes is increasing, suffering from unemployment and many countries of the region. The there remains a significant risk that under-representation in society and the participation of youth in policy dialogue youth participation is approached as economy, including within and programming is seen as critical for nominal, tokenistic or manipulative, education systems. the quality of policies and the future rather than meaningful and productive.

After decades of economic struggle, the region still has rising illiteracy rates and an overall reduction in school enrollment, especially among girls. This, in turn, affects the health status of young people, who are compromised by insufficient awareness of healthy SRH behaviors, increased risk-taking coupled with inadequate health services, and poor access to youth-friendly preventive and curative services. Incidence of HIV in the region is the fastest-growing in the world, driven largely by increases B. UNFPA APPROACH TO YOUTH UNFPA has been working on youth as ILO, UNDP, UNESCO, UN Habitat, in injectable drug use and transactional DEVELOPMENT AND HEALTH issues since the 1990s. The UNFPA UNICEF, UNAIDS, WHO, UN Women, sex, particularly among youth. Sexual “While involvement of youth transmission of HIV remains an Adolescent and youth development Strategic Plan 2008-2011, extended to UN Economic Commissions and the increasing concern throughout the in programme formulation and and health were identified as critical 2013, provides strategic direction for World Bank. region, as is the rising incidence of development agendas by the Commission all UNFPA programmes and identifies policy-making processes is sexually transmitted infections. While on Population and Development in its women’s reproductive health and UNFPA’s efforts are further guided by abortion and contraception may be increasing, there remains a Resolution 2012/1 on adolescents and adolescents and youth as two key the Adolescent and Youth Strategy, deliverables. As regards the latter, the which outlines policy and programme widely available to adults, access to significant risk that youth youth, dated 27 April 20122. The resolution services in appropriate settings for calls upon countries to ensure that health UNFPA’s programme response focuses strategic priorities through its five participation is approached youth is highly limited5. care programmes and approaches do on strengthening national capacity for prongs: 1) enabling evidence-based as nominal, tokenistic or not constrain the access of adolescents incorporating young people’s needs into advocacy for comprehensive policy and Commitment to youth development to appropriate services and information; national development plans and policies programme development, investment manipulative, rather than and legal protections to address safeguard their rights to privacy, and young people’s participation in and implementation; 2) promoting young people’s needs vary widely meaningful and productive.” confidentiality, respect and informed policy dialogue and programming comprehensive sexuality education; across the region. Policy formulation choice; respect cultural values and religious (outcome 1) and ensuring access to and 3) building capacity for SRH service processes are constrained by political, beliefs; and provide legal, regulatory and utilization of quality health services (HIV delivery including HIV prevention, cultural and religious factors and social support to reproductive health and STI prevention, SRH) and sexuality treatment and care; 4) taking bold resource limitations. Lack of age- and information and care. The resolution urges education for young people, including initiatives to reach marginalized and sex-disaggregated data, as well as governments to create comprehensive and marginalized population groups disadvantaged adolescents and youth, 3 inadequate evaluation of the impact evidence-based educational opportunities (outcomes 4 and 6) . UNFPA’s new especially girls; and 5) promoting youth of youth policies and programmes, for young people on sexuality, sexual and strategic focus builds on its long-term leadership and participation. have significantly limited the analysis, reproductive health, and gender equality. expertise in demography and sexual development and adaptation of 2. The full text of the resolution is available at: http://daccess- It requests governments’ commitment to and reproductive health and rights and The 2011 Eastern Europe and Central ods.un.org/access.nsf/Get?Open&DS=E/2012/25&Lang=E youth-focused policies. To address pay particular attention to adolescents, its strong capacity for policy advocacy Asia (EECA) Regional Conference, 3. Strategic Plan - Midterm review: Development Results this challenge, governments have Framework, INDICATORS METADATA version of 15 August 2011 girls and young people living with HIV, and communications. In adolescent Investing in Youth: Path to Accelerated and youth policies and programs, Development4, organized and hosted been asked to establish national, 4. Conference outcome document is available at: http://eeca. and other marginalized and vulnerable unfpa.org/webdav/site/eeca/shared/Regional%20Youth%20 regional and global partnerships on Conference%20Concluding%20Document%20-%20English.doc young people. UNFPA works in partnership with other by the UNFPA regional office in organizations of the UN system, such Istanbul, recognized that challenges youth issues to ensure the exchange 5. The information reviewed included data provided by recent Human Development Reports of relevant countries.

12 13 GOOD PRACTICES COUNTRYFROM THE EECA REGION CASE14 STUDIES 15 FROM PARTNERING WITH YOUTH TO entering the labor force is unable to find inadequate information about safe UNFPA STRATEGY AND IMPLEMENTATION YOUTH LEADERSHIP a job. On average, it takes six to eight sex and contraception. Channels for UNFPA began its work in Georgia in years for youth to become employed information on SRHR are limited to 1993 and launched its first five-year after leaving school. More than a third the media, Internet and peers. Schools country programme 13 years later. GEORGIA of young people up to 35 years old do not include this information in the Its focus has been improvement of 6 reportedly live in poor families . curriculum and health service providers reproductive health services and In 2009, UNFPA supported the national lack skills to counsel young people. national data collection, including Adolescents RH Survey. The survey Overall, SRH information available for its use and dissemination, as well as found that 70 percent of 13 to 19-year- young people is of questionable content cross-cutting issues of gender equality, olds had sexual experience. The and quality. Access to SRH services, young people’s needs and HIV/AIDS. adolescent birth rate was 4 percent in including contraceptives for young The current country programme (2011- EXPERIENCE 2011, which is relatively high compared people, is not supported by the national 2015) is mainly focused on provision of to other countries in the region. This budget, thus leaving young people technical and operational support to finding was complemented by data from without means to protect themselves expanding youth-friendly RH services, the Reproductive Health Survey of 2010, from unintended pregnancies and SRH education and development of a which concluded that although the STIs, including HIV. Contraceptives are youth policy. median age of marriage among women expensive, and there are indications remained relatively high, approximately that many young people do not trust In 2006, UNFPA in Georgia joined a 50 percent of births occurred in women the quality or the confidentiality of the three-year, sub-regional initiative whose below the age of 25. According to the limited reproductive health services that action unit was based in Georgia called Women’s Reproductive Health Survey are available. the Reproductive Health Initiative for in 1999-2000, there was an average of Youth in the South Caucasus (RHIYC). THE COUNTRY CONTEXT 29 pregnancy terminations per 1,000 Despite its currently low HIV prevalence, The objective of the initiative was Georgia is a country in the Caucasus women in the 15-19 age group. This Georgia is considered to be at high to improve the reproductive health region, bounded to the west by the number declined to 10 over 2007- risk for an expanding epidemic due to and rights of the most vulnerable Black Sea, to the north by Russia, to 2010, which indicates a positive trend widespread intravenous drug use and young people in the three South the south by Turkey and Armenia, and of a decreasing abortion rate for population movement between Georgia Caucasus countries: Armenia, to the southeast by Azerbaijan. As this age group. Sexually transmitted and neighboring high-prevalence Azerbaijan and Georgia. It included with many post-Soviet countries, after infections (STIs) are increasing in countries such as Ukraine and the four main components: improving independence in 1991 Georgia suffered Georgia, as is infertility, which places Russian Federation. communications and education for most of the 1990s from poverty, the country among the highest ranking about youth SRH for young people; economic and social disparities, and countries of the former Soviet Union GOVERNMENT AND strengthening access to youth-friendly political difficulties. The country has in those categories. Furthermore, INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVES health services and contraceptives; been further weakened by civil war the Adolescents RH Survey found With support from UNFPA and UNICEF, advocacy; and research. The project and armed conflicts, resulting in the insufficient awareness and knowledge the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs of implementation was grounded in a deterioration of the socio-economic among adolescents about reproductive Georgia led the process of Youth Policy comprehensive, multifaceted and situation and displacement of about health; high frequency of premarital Development. The participatory process partnership-based strategic approach. 300,000 people. The government sexual relations among youth; and brought together 140 stakeholders at that came to power after the Rose acknowledgement by adolescents the First National Conference on Youth Within this project, UNFPA Georgia Revolution in 2003 has introduced and parents of the need for education Policy to present recommendations to developed a three-tiered strategy democratic and economic reforms. concerning issues of reproductive government sector representatives. aimed at ensuring youth participation health. It also highlighted the need The results of the conference served as in the following components of the YOUTH AND ADOLESCENTS to develop age-differentiated school a basis for the youth policy document, project: youth-friendly services, According to 2006 Population programs on RH, which should start which addressed health, participation youth-friendly education and Reference Bureau data, young people in schools at age 7-8 in the form of and citizenship, poverty and social communication; and policy dialogue aged 10-24 constituted about 24 seminars and conversations. Both protection, and education, work and and advocacy to address youth SRHR. percent of the total population in compulsory and elective courses should mobility. UNFPA has facilitated policy This approach emerged as a key factor Georgia. Recent data provided by the be offered. formulation through advice on effective in strengthening youth participation National Statistics Office of Georgia policy interventions. It has also taken the in UNFPA programming, increasing were similar: young people aged 10-24 The findings of the above-mentioned lead in the development of health policy the capacity of youth in advocacy, and constituted 20.4 percent of the total surveys suggest that attention is and ensured youth participation in the building partnerships. population in 2012. There are several needed to the two most urgent SRH process. The youth policy document was factors contributing to the decline, problems facing young people today: approved and signed by the government which is mostly caused by a low fertility sexually transmitted infections and of Georgia in August 2012. rate and external migration related unwanted pregnancies. Sexual debut to economic conditions and security generally begins at an earlier age than issues. Overall, one in four young people in the past, but young people have 6. National report, Generations & Gender Survey Georgia II wave, 2009

16 17 STEP 2: BUILDING A NETWORK TO INCREASE As mentioned in the section above, UNFPA used this opportunity to THE CAPACITY OF YOUNG PEOPLE TO WORK the summer camps proved to be the engage young peer educators and WITH YOUTH AND ADULTS most efficient and cost-effective way youth activists in the policy formulation In its program to support youth-friendly of delivering appropriate messages process. As members of the working service provision, UNFPA, in addition on sensitive topics. Over 2006-2011, groups, young people, together to building the capacity of medical more than 50,000 young people from with adult experts, participated in personnel to deliver those services, different countries have received consultations and provided advice has contributed to the establishment training on youth SRHR though informal on effective policy interventions, of 20 youth-friendly SRH medical and educational sessions conducted by peer specifically in the areas of health informational centers across the country. educators at summer camps in various development and social protection. Young people actively collaborated with regions of Georgia. This innovative Young people were also involved in the youth-friendly RH centers nationwide approach permitted the inclusion of development of action plans. These led as young peer educators, strengthening vulnerable young people from different to a comprehensive policy document linkages among youth information and regions and countries, including those that reflected the broad spectrum of medical centers. Furthermore, youth from ethnic minority groups and socially youth development issues, including contributed to several studies and client unprotected families. youth SRHR, STIs and HIV prevention. assessments and monitored the centers’ The paper was approved by the work. The results of these exercises STEP 3: BUILDING THE CAPACITY government in 2012. In another step to served as the basis for future planning OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN YOUTH include young people in policy dialogue of activities. POLICY DIALOGUE and advocacy, the Georgia Parliament Since 2010, UNFPA has partnered in 2010 created a working group of Establishment of the national NGO with the Ministry of Sport and Youth youth organizations, led by the deputy students, civil society and decision makers youth advocates including the first lady STEP 1: INVOLVEMENT OF YOUTH IN GYDEA (Georgia Youth Development Affairs of Georgia and UNICEF in the chairman of Parliament, to review a about the urgent need for the policy. of Georgia, Sandra E. Roelofs, as well EVIDENCE-BASED ADVOCACY FOR and Education Assistance) by young development of a national youth policy. broad range of policy issues connected Young people were given an opportunity as representatives of the ICDP and the YOUTH SRHR. peer educators, activists and youth The participatory process brought with the MDGs, including youth SRHR to contribute and build capacity through media, celebrities and winners of the UNFPA put special emphasis on data advisory panelists, with the support of together around 140 key stakeholders, and HIV prevention. This process was youth-led and youth-implemented Miss Student Face national competition collection to be used for development UNFPA, helped to sustain the efforts who met at the First National helpful in increasing the leadership knowledge-sharing and awareness-raising and the Olympic Games. Young activists of information and education and build on the results achieved Conference on Youth Policy to present capacity of young people, generating activities. Similar contests on best media participated in organizing town hall campaigns on SRH, HIV and AIDS through past activities. The capacity of recommendations to government new ideas from both adults and youth, coverage of youth-related topics and meetings to advocate for youth SRH in all issues. Several studies commissioned the NGO was strengthened by various sector representatives. The results of and improving understanding of adult youth awareness-raising activities were regions of Georgia. by UNFPA resulted in up-to-date trainings, especially those focused on the conference served as the basis for and youth perspectives. organized in selected schools information about youth health issues. project management and development, a draft policy document addressing and universities. The data was used for development UNFPA gave priority to establishing an and on male involvement in advancing health, participation and citizenship, of peer education methodology and inter-country collaboration on youth gender equality and ending violence poverty and social protection, and Young people were further involved in a condoms social marketing project, SRHR. In partnership with the European against women. GYDEA participated in education, work and mobility. the development of the curriculum for introduced to increase access to quality Parliamentary Forum on Population the Georgia Youth Forum on MDGs and the training of trainers (ToT) for peer SRHR information and products for and Development, it brought together contributed to youth recommendations educators; they also facilitated some young people. members of the government, civil society, for achieving MDGs in the country. sessions and helped develop youth SRHR youth organizations and the media from GYDEA members contributed to a curriculum for schools. Trainings were Since 2002, UNFPA has facilitated the Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia for number of activities aimed at raising also provided for vulnerable youth and mobilization of youth and adult groups in annual youth reproductive health forums awareness in key population groups adolescents (street children, IDPs) on HIV a large number of youth awareness-raising and South Caucasus youth festivals about SRHR issues, including ToT for prevention, stigma, discrimination, RH&R activities on RH&R, HIV/AIDS, healthy held in Georgia to promote healthy young peer educators and capacity- and gender issues. lifestyles, gender issues and youth-friendly lifestyles, youth-adult partnerships, building trainings on communication RH services, which were conducted within policy dialogue and knowledge sharing. and advocacy skills for newly recruited the framework of the International Year of Additionally, the youth advisory panel was Within the framework of these events, a Y-PEER (Youth Peer Education Network) Youth and 7 Billion Actions campaign in involved in annual reviews and evaluations variety of educational and promotional members. The trained peer educators are Georgia. UNFPA engaged representatives of the UNFPA country programme and activities were organized to prioritize currently serving in the areas of SRHR, of the Youth Advisory Panel and youth provided recommendations for annual issues concerning youth and their health HIV/AIDS, STIs, drug abuse, and gender NGOs in the development of information programming events. Young people and advocate for increased government and gender-based violence among youth. and education programmes for students participated in the monitoring of youth- commitment. A significant development in the Georgian summer camp Patrioti friendly RH centers at three universities was the extraordinary Declaration In another major outcome, UNFPA- (Anaklia). Young people, together with in Tbilisi. of Commitment on the promotion of supported inter-country collaboration media representatives, organized the Youth SRHR in the South Caucasus, among youth activists led to exchange annual Journalist and Youth contest on In 2006-2008 UNFPA involved young which was elaborated and signed by trainings, youth fellowship programmes, best media production about youth policy. activists in organizing advocacy events parliamentarians, representatives of international summer camps and web- This has increased awareness among with the participation of prominent governments, civil society and youth. based social networking.

18 19 RESULTS coordination of project implementation, sharing and educational activities has CHALLENGES Another challenging area of youth Further advocacy efforts shall The education and communications management and monitoring of youth- created a sense of ownership among Youth issues have not been considered participation in policy dialogue and be directed at expanding and component of the UNFPA strategy targeted activities, including overall Y-PEERs, helped adults and youth in Georgian policy development for programming is the lack of monitoring strengthening the network of peer led not only to increased awareness coordination of Y-PEER activities, better understand and value young years. Taking into account the youth- and evaluation. In many UNFPA country educators. Goals include a more about issues of youth SRHR, but also partnerships with youth-friendly RH people’s perspectives and contributions, centered programs already underway, programmes, the youth component balanced distribution of peer educators contributed to building the leadership centers and development of youth policy. and created a background for adult- UNFPA’s advocacy efforts at the is treated as a cross-cutting issue all over the country and better capacity of young people. The young youth partnerships. As of now, there policy level will continue, both to keep in population and development or engagement with vulnerable and out-of- activists who received training from Peer educators played a significant role are more than 1,000 trained health youth issues a priority and further reproductive health programme reach groups of youth, including those UNFPA and participated in programming in popularizing and promoting the youth care providers; around 2,000 trained involve youth in policy dialogue. In activities. Therefore, youth-focused most at risk. The experience of working formed a core group of highly committed content of websites and development of web teachers, parents and community 2012, UNFPA continued its support programming can’t be easily measured. with vulnerable population groups has and motivated activists; this played forums. They developed interactive tools leaders; as well as 20 youth–friendly of the development of an action plan The current assessment has revealed underscored the need for the special a critical role in the establishment of and quizzes for the website of RHIYC, which medical and information centers. addressing issues identified in the youth that it’s not possible to state with skills of peer educators, focal points Y-PEER, now comprised of more than became increasingly popular with more than policy document. Promoting the right of certainty the direct and indirect costs and coordinators, extra resources and 550 young people in Georgia. Select 15,000 visitors in 2008. Maintaining the site young people to participate at all levels of youth-focused interventions and the involvement of individuals from members of the network have taken part does not require significant funding, making of policy development, implementation their impact. Although UNFPA involves such underserved groups to ensure in regional capacity building events – for it a cost-effective tool to reach more young and monitoring will facilitate the youth in annual programme reviews representativeness and sustainability. example, the Advanced Regional ToT in people. The Georgia Youth Advisory Panel implementation of such plans. and evaluations, a lack of appropriate Peer Education and Civic Engagement (YAP) provided ongoing feedback and documentation of monitoring and – which has further strengthened the recommendations during the development The Georgia youth-friendly RH service evaluation activities limits the proper organization. In order to expand the of the UNFPA country website for Georgia. model could be further replicated assessment of the effectiveness of network of peer educators, 60 new young throughout Georgia to target primarily youth interventions. people (including IDPs) were trained in Peer educators, together with adult rural youth in remote and underserved 2011 according to UNFPA standards. specialists, participated as trainers, regions. Despite the progress made in LESSONS LEARNED guest speakers and facilitators in many the provision of YF RH services, further Judging by the successes of more The EECA regional office supported training sessions and educational efforts are needed to ensure broader than six years, it is anticipated UNFPA Georgia’s employment of a local seminars for youth organized in schools, coverage, adequate funding and that the Y-PEER network shall be youth coordinator for the SRH/HIV/ health care units and communities. institutionalization. In this regard, more used as a means to involve young AIDS component. This enhanced the Involving young people in information- balanced distribution of peer educators people at the local and global level. all over the country is needed to Involving young people in every empower young people from all regions stage of the programming (planning, to exercise their right to quality RH and implementation and evaluation) STI and HIV-prevention services. Based increased their sense of ownership on the successes of the past six years, of the results and motivated them to UNFPA anticipates that the Georgian engage more actively. model of international summer camps could be used as a means to involve and strengthen Y-PEER networking both at the local and global level. However, extra efforts are needed to address the issues of limited human resources and turnover of peers due to the demands of education and employment. More emphasis is needed on monitoring and evaluating the national network and using and sharing lessons learned and good practices among the networks of different countries.

As web-based information-sharing “As of now, there are more than and education about youth SRH has 1,000 trained health care developed in Georgia, many such sites have become very popular with users. providers; around 2,000 trained However, the content, visibility and teachers, parents and community functioning of the sites, as well as their leaders; as well as 20 youth- alignment with global networks, require better management and quality control. friendly medical and information centers.” 20 21 THE COUNTRY CONTEXT Europe and Central Asia. Turkey has Turkey is a large, middle-income a Gender Inequality Index of 0.443, country located in southeastern which ranks the country as 77th out Europe and southwestern Asia, of 146 countries. This reflects the bordering the Black Sea between development inequality between Bulgaria and Georgia, and men and women in three dimensions: bordering the Aegean Sea and reproductive health, empowerment the Mediterranean Sea between and economic activity. In Turkey, only Greece and Syria. The country is 9.1 percent of parliamentary seats recognized as the sixth largest are held by women, and 27.1 percent economy in Europe and the 16th of adult women have reached in the world. Turkey is already a a secondary or higher level of member of the EU Customs Union education compared to 46.7 percent and is negotiating for full EU of their male counterparts. For every membership. With its large, young 100,000 live births, 23 women die and well-educated population from pregnancy-related causes and of approximately 77 million, it the adolescent fertility rate is 39.2 is considered one of the most births per 1,000 live births. Female dynamic and attractive markets for participation in the labor market is 24 world investors, with opportunities percent compared to 69.6 for men. in a wide variety of sectors. In a country with such a large and Despite these positive trends, there rapidly growing young population remains a gap in social policies (26 percent), youth obviously and services, with inequalities in have the potential to play a vital development opportunities for all role. However, the development population groups. The 2011 Human of this potential is challenged Development Report presented by the lack of an adequate YOUTH AND ADOLESCENTS GOVERNMENT AND Turkey’s Human Development institutional and policy framework Today, young people in Turkey face the INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVES Some aspects of youth development Index (HDI) value for 2011 as 0.699, that guarantees opportunities for challenge of building their capabilities needs are addressed in the current which places the country in the young people in quality, accessible and making the right choices with national policy framework. The high human development category, education, health, employment and regard to their sexual and reproductive government has recently initiated yet below the average HDI for participation in civil society. health. Data from the national Youth changes in some educational countries of the high category SRH Survey indicate that the level of areas and institutions. It has group and the countries of Eastern young people’s knowledge about SRH is low and leads to risky behaviors. established local youth councils Young people have limited access and programmes to support to accurate information on sexual disadvantaged groups such as and reproductive health, health risks disabled youth and conducted some and available services. The current sport and exchange programmes school curriculum provides minimum within EU initiatives. However, the information about SRH. Only one in 10 need for a better defined national young people has accurate information youth policy and stronger national INNOVATIVE APPROACHES FOR about HIV/AIDS; two-thirds of young support for young people remains PROMOTING YOUTH SEXUAL AND people who have heard of HIV/AIDS inadequately addressed. REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND RIGHTS said they would feel uncomfortable being in the same room with a person who was HIV-positive; and almost every young person stated a need for basic information and health services TURKEY related to SRH. EXPERIENCE 23 UNFPA STRATEGY AND IMPLEMENTATION A YOUTH STORY ADVOCACY CAMPAIGN SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH YOUTH ACTIVITIES • A first: The campaign was The celebrities led media Previous efforts aimed at the The Youth Story campaign is a INFORMATION WEBSITE With the participation of young the first national youth activities and were involved education system show that SRH result of a partnership between A virtual setting (www. people, A Youth Story was carried SRH advocacy campaign in training and field activities education can be integrated in school UNFPA and Youth for Habitat, one birgenclikhikayesi.com) was out in universities, school fests, implemented through a true to promote the project and curricula through effective advocacy of the biggest youth networks in developed to help young people find sports organizations and youth youth-adult partnership. Young mobilize youth interest. only. Activities can be successful only Turkey working for young people’s answers to their private questions, festivals all over Turkey. Youth people were involved from the if young people themselves demand participation in governance at the participate in web-based interviews leaders from different partner planning phase, developing • National outreach: As a result such change; however, most of them local level for years. The campaign and quizzes, and watch and listen organizations took leading roles in content and taking an active of these efforts, advocacy are not aware of or empowered also ran in association with Levi’s, to fun videos, games and music the development and dissemination role in implementation. trainings have been held in enough to advocate for their SRH MTV Turkey and other partners. while they are learning about SRH, of leaflets and promotional materials. more than 50 provinces and rights. With the aim of strengthening The short-term goal was to create including STIs, sexuality, gender • Led by youth: UNFPA seven regions since 2007. In youth-adult partnerships and awareness and demand among issues and contraceptives. By 2010, ADVOCACY, PEER EDUCATION AND supported the engagement addition to these trainings, youth leadership, UNFPA in young people for sexual health the website was the leading platform WORKSHOPS FOR YOUTH of two youth coordinators to workshops on SRHR, gender Turkey partnered with the Y-PEER education. In the long run the for young people to gain quality Young people from 30 provinces manage activities among the equality, discrimination and Turkey network to find innovative campaign aimed at reaching policy SRH information, and ask questions were trained to disseminate partners and organize festivals stigmatization, and HIV/AIDS approaches to promote youth SRHR. makers and creating a supportive and learn about recent activities information about SRHR among and trainings at the local level. were held for the benefit of The promotion strategy was based environment for the integration of the campaign. The website youth. These young people acted Coordinators closely worked all social sectors and decision on: building capacity of youth leaders of comprehensive SRH education has served as a hub for young as advocates, reaching their peers with young people to identify makers in the provinces. to participate meaningfully in the in school curricula. The campaign women looking for information on and policy and decision makers to activities, review the project design, production, implementation included the following components: reproductive health, pregnancy and create awareness of young people’s and monitor results. Periodic • Continuity: Three years after and utilization of promotional safe abortion services. SRHR. They organized street meetings were also organized its launch, the website was materials and events; and increasing events and university festivals, by the implementing partners revamped after consultations the capacity of young leaders to visited local decision makers and to review the project with the with young people. Young build partnerships with mass media, got their pledges to support youth young people involved in the people were given an celebrities and other influential groups SRHR education in schools in their campaign. Decisions made opportunity to contribute to to promote the SRHR of youth. cities. During 2010, these young in those meetings directly the development of the new people organized several activities affected activities. interface and content through One of the success stories was in 73 cities under the I WANT TO an online survey, which was the first national youth advocacy “The campaign was the first LEARN campaign, which promoted • High-profile publicity: One also developed and managed campaign, called A Youth Story national youth SRH advocacy incorporating comprehensive SRHR innovative approach developed by young people. Following the (AYC), launched in 2007. UNFPA campaign implemented through education in formal education. They by the young people was consultation, a new, more user- supported this intervention as part collected thousands of signatures engaging national celebrities, friendly interface was created, of its fourth country programme a true youth-adult partnership.” on streets to support sexuality such as singer Koray Candemir with new sections and blogs 2006-2010. The campaign laid the education in schools. and the popular TV presenter designed by young people. The groundwork for further integration Defne Sarısoy, who became website is still up and running. of young people into a larger Some remarkable elements made campaign spokespersons for and multi-pronged approach to this advocacy unique in Turkey: two years. promote youth SRH issues.

24 25 “One innovative approach developed by the young people was engaging national celebrities as campaign spokespersons”

THE MASCULINITY IS AN EXCEPTIONAL Greece, Italy and France. In 2012, and proved to be an effective CONDITION EXHIBITION the show was seen in 36 cities in model for programmes on youth This photo exhibition was created Turkey and Romania alone. sexual and reproductive health. by a Y-PEER educator who later UNFPA and Y-PEER Turkey, with the became the Y-PEER Turkey focal Through this innovative approach, support of the H&M fashion retailer, point. The project was organized youth were able to raise organized an exceptional theatre- by the Turkish NGO Volunteers consciousness about gender based training module. The Turkish of Society with the support of roles and concepts, the inequality State Theatre Actors Association UNFPA. The photographs of between genders and gender- (DETIS) was selected to be the university students highlighted based discrimination, women’s national institution for delivering issues of gender inequality in rights and freedoms, and the theatre-based education for the Turkey by calling attention to disparity between women and Y-PEER network. Two members of inequality in various aspects of men’s roles in daily life. They also the association received training daily life. The powerful images focused public attention on the in theatre-based educational suggested that gender inequality importance of collaboration with programmes for youth (Y-PEER stems not only from inadequate civil society organizations that carry Advanced Theatre Training in policies and programs, but also out women’s studies in local areas. Sofia, Bulgaria, 19-25 June 2010). from public opinion and the Following that, the actors, with historical tradition of patriarchy PEER THEATRE PROJECT the support of the UNFPA country in Turkey. The exhibition was This project was created to share office and Y-PEER members, launched in 2009 and rolled information about the behavior conducted a national training for out in 23 cities and 55 different and attitudes of young people young people and performed a exhibition areas. Two websites were toward their sexuality, reproductive 30-minute performance on HIV/ set up for online viewing: www. behavior and gender issues. A AIDS. The group also organized erkeklikistisnaibirdurumdur.com and combination of the “education” and three rollouts, which reached 150 www.erkeklikistisnaibirdurumdur. “entertainment” elements has been young people in one city. This com/2013_online_sergi.html. used by civil society organizations technique, not often used in Turkey, By 2010, the show had been since the 1970s. This approach, was popular with young people, seen in 60 different spaces in 26 also known as “learning while who also benefited from after- cities; by 2011, it had reached 70 entertaining” or “entertainment performance discussion with actors spaces in 40 cities and five foreign while learning,” has become very and Y-PEERs. countries: Romania, Poland, popular in Turkey since the 2000s,

26 27 “By 2010, the website was the leading platform for young people to gain quality SRH information.”

LESSONS LEARNED activities must be supervised and of educational activities and Using social media to support documented by the adult focal resources for marginalized website content and to disseminate points (teachers) in the schools, populations also needs to involve messages has been very useful. The whose responsibilities and missions individuals from those populations campaign’s Facebook pages showed must be clearly identified. in order for those programs to a growing number of members, as be successful. Developing these did the Twitter page. However, even A Youth Story website should be skills through involvement in more social media channels must be promoted as an SRH resource in educational activities for general used to reach larger groups. It has youth-related work. The interactive youth populations is an appropriate been very challenging to encourage collaboration should be a model for stepping stone in this process. young people to write on SRHR- NGOs, academicians, governmental related issues for the Young Writers institutions and universities. The section of the website, for instance. website should be supported It is still difficult for them to write with new materials such as online RESULTS CHALLENGES learning tools. The launch of the website helped A change in government on taboo issues; nonetheless, the clarify the scope of demand for agencies dealing with youth section has presented different Succession planning strategies are information about SRH among issues has affected youth-related points of view on youth SRHR from a needed to ensure the long-term young people. The questions raised programmes. In addition, the youth perspective. survival of local and national youth by young people revealed the conservative environment has made networks. One of the contributing urgent need for comprehensive it challenging to attract sponsors NGOs and policy makers played an factors to sustainability are activities research to better understand the for youth SRHR activities because important role in various projects that are developed and implemented socio-cultural factors affecting these issues are no longer a priority. and advocacy activities for young by young people. The trainings young people’s knowledge and Youth SRH issues are seen as people. But youth participation at offered by the Y-PEER network (at the attitudes toward SRH. potentially risky. Regardless of all levels of programming has the local, national and international level) the high level of interest in these most critical value. The experiences are examples of best practices in this An integrated approach based on formal advocacy activities, UNFPA in in Turkey showed that, as time area; they also play a role in effective education and behavioral techniques Turkey has spent a great deal of passed between activities, the succession planning. Mentoring is (such as peer education and youth- time looking for funding to expand number of youth activists engaged another key element in succession friendly RH services for counseling and the ongoing projects and build on in projects decreased. To improve planning. In the end, young people treatment) proved effective. A Youth what’s already been achieved. project performance, it is very themselves must be in charge of these Story has an important role to play in this important to keep young people networks if they are to survive. approach; however, the campaign has motivated and engaged in projects. Working with marginalized been suspended for now due to budget populations requires the constraints and a recent change in the Although young people planned special skills of peer educators, political environment that discourages and conducted their own focal points and coordinators; young people from engaging in such information-sharing activities in one such area is the use of activities. But the website is still running. the schools, there was a lack of reporting on these activities to nondiscriminatory language. On implementing partners. Such youth the other hand, the development

28 29 THE ROLE OF Y-PEER NETWORK IN HELPING BOSNIA & VULNERABLE GENERATIONS HERZEGOVINA EXPERIENCE

THE COUNTRY CONTEXT Herzegovina is complex and consists YOUTH AND ADOLESCENTS poor; 52 percent of youth do not GOVERNMENT AND Since its independence in 1992, of 10 federal units, or cantons. The The total population is estimated use contraception. Given the lack INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVES followed by a devastating war that country is a potential candidate for at 3.9 million, and young people of data on prevalence rates and Overall, the national health care lasted until late 1995, Bosnia and membership in the European Union. aged 15-30 constitute 23 percent overall lack of relevant statistics, system is still considered unfriendly Herzegovina (BiH) has been facing of the total population. Following the quality of surveillance systems and bureaucratic, providing limited the dual problem of rebuilding a war- A significantly divided society and the 1992-1995 war and subsequent for HIV and STIs appears to and unequal access to its services; torn country and introducing market the memories of war have affected hardships, there has been massive be weak. The dominant ways meeting young people’s health needs reforms to its formerly centrally many young people, specifically emigration of working-age people. of transmitting HIV infection remains a challenge. The government planned economy, although literacy, regarding expectations about their Although it is not clear how are through heterosexual and is currently focused on reducing life expectancy and education levels future. The country is affected by many young people live in rural homosexual-bisexual intercourse poverty levels and improving health have remained relatively high. The poverty, especially in rural areas, areas compared to urban areas, and drug abuse injection. From distribution in the overall population. country has a bicameral legislature and young people have a sense of it is apparent that there are many 2002 to 2006, the number However, reforms of the health care and a three-member presidency having diminished opportunities. On inequalities between the of people living with HIV has system have not been clearly defined. composed of a representative the other hand, young people are two populations. increased, as well as the rates of In addition, little research on this of each major ethnic group. The exposed more than ever to media substance abuse among young subject has been conducted to date state-level government’s power is images glorifying experimentation, The last population census was people. Some reports indicate to guide policy and programming. highly limited; the country is largely risk-taking and promiscuity. In conducted in BiH in 1991, offering that limited knowledge of STIs Consequently, a strategy to address decentralized and comprises two the absence of adequate role some data on youth SRH issues. and HIV/AIDS and the rare use of the health needs of young people autonomous entities: the Federation models, youth-friendly services and By some indicators, young people protection during intercourse are does not exist. In the past decade, of Bosnia and Herzegovina and comprehensive sexuality education, are engaging in sexual intercourse the main causes of the increasing a number of governmental and Republika Srpska, and a self- youth vulnerability is almost for the first time at a younger age; vulnerability of youth. The Roma nongovernmental projects were governing administrative unit, the inevitable. Several programmes in nearly 50 percent of young people population in BiH is one of the most launched to address the health of Brˇcko District, under the sovereignty recent years have addressed young below the age of 15 are sexually vulnerable groups, with young young people, but youth sexual and of Bosnia and Herzegovina. people’s sexual and active. Knowledge of SRH issues Roma people even more difficult reproductive health represents an The Federation of Bosnia and reproductive health. and HIV-related risks is generally to reach due to their customs, laws area of health care that is in particular and early marriage practices. need of development in BiH. 30 31 UNFPA STRATEGY AND IMPLEMENTATION minority groups, poor families and and health services related to in schools and other places where UNFPA’s ongoing project to youth with disabilities. HIV/AIDS and STIs. The findings young people gather, as well as improve youth sexual and suggest that risky behaviors a public education campaign. reproductive health seeks to The long-term objective of the among youth are linked to the During these events, young partner with the government to UNFPA programme strategy has lack of a policy framework and activists developed and distributed secure access to quality social and been to facilitate behavior change youth-friendly, accessible health educational and promotional health services for young people of young people in the area of counseling services. Although materials about reproductive and strengthen the capacity of the sexual and reproductive health. young people don’t normally think health, distributed condoms and BiH Y-PEER network and Youth Programme goals include increasing about preventive health care, the organized consultations on SRH. Advisory Panel (YAP). Achieving the number of young people hierarchical and inaccessible health Referrals to medical institutions these objectives depends on informed about SRH; increasing care system in BiH, which provides were established through youth expanding the Y-PEER network contraception and condom usage; mainly medical care rather than information centers connected and engaging new members and improving young people’s guidance and advice, may make the with local centers for anonymous, from all parts of the country, communication and negotiation situation worse. In 2002, Y-PEER voluntary and free testing for HIV. including youth from rural areas. skills with regard to sexual matters BiH was created from scratch out Special attention has been given and healthy relationships. of a clear need: young people were RESULTS to engaging the lesbian, gay, asking for sexuality information, Y-PEER content has been used bisexual and transgender (LGBT) UNICEF led an assessment of and there was a need to talk about in outreach programmes by community, youth from ethnic adolescent access to information issues of concern to them. numerous sexuality educators, health care providers, counselors, The strategic focus of the current therapists and other workers and UNFPA programme (2010-2014) agencies serving youth. Y-PEER is to improve youth sexual and has become a model for other reproductive health by working with youth programs, such as the the government to secure access youth-friendly services supported to quality social and health services by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, for young people and to empower Tuberculosis and Malaria and them further by supporting the UNDP in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Y-PEER network and the YAP. In the beginning, UNFPA supported The implementation process the establishment of youth-friendly involved the development and services in four cities only – Banja launch of the Y-PEER website in Luka, Mostar, Brˇcko and Bihac – 2011 to provide basic information where, through youth information on sexuality. The content of the centers, young people could seek website was developed through the advice and receive counseling. joint work of the adult and teen/ These cities were chosen for young adult educators. Most users reasons of geographical and ethnic find the website through search service distribution, as well as to engines, other websites, magazines target large concentrations of or referrals from friends, parents, youth. UNFPA successfully applied guardians, family members, health the world model of YF services: “Y-PEER content has been used care providers and clinics, as well Services were provided through in outreach programmes by as other SRH education programs the public health service (primary and resources. The website contains health care centers) and were free numerous sexuality educators, comprehensive sexuality, health and of charge for young people. These health care providers, counselors, relationship information, external centers provided an open and therapists and other workers resource lists for individual topics democratic space for young people, and a blog. where they could socialize, learn and agencies serving youth.” and receive help. Another part of the programme involved peer education activities UNFPA organized a roundtable

32 33 with members of grassroots NGOs CHALLENGES activities, such as training and governmental institutions to The fragmented administrative of regional Y-PEERs. The visibility discuss the country programme setup of the country, differing of youth SRH shall be increased action plan 2010-2014 (outcomes competences at different levels of at the national level, for instance, 1-4) and the memorandum of governance and political infighting by operationalizing the Y-PEER understanding between UNFPA presented significant challenges. BiH website. and the Parliamentary Group for Data production is often duplicated Population and Development or triplicated, and is not compatible The advisory approach in youth- (PGPD). Y-PEER members were with international standards. A focused activity has proved to invited to present youth health divided society and high poverty, be successful with young people, needs and to advocate for youth especially in rural areas, remain especially when the goal is programmes and policies to be critical obstacles. behavior change. This needs to be included in the annual work plan maintained in all future activities. for 2012. LESSONS LEARNED UNFPA BiH believes that the The Y-PEER network of BiH foresees These activities enabled members sexual choices young people make a high turnover of members, and of Y-PEER BiH to develop the skills should be well-informed. The few therefore it is necessary to create and knowledge to maintain an active examples of youth-friendly services a system that will ensure the presence in the country, conduct developed through UNFPA- sustainability of the programme. training and recruit new members supported programmes should That could be addressed by into the network. Young people, be strengthened and expanded, the creation of an NGO that will though consultations and work with particularly in smaller communities. eventually be able to mobilize medical staff including gynecologists In order to provide appropriate funding for its activities, with and psychologists, contributed to guidance and counseling to young a special focus on sexual and youth-friendly treatment for young people, UNFPA support to youth- reproductive health issues people. At these centers, young related programmes shall focus on for youth. people received professional medical revising school curricula to include counseling, free contraception, and SRH education. There is a need treatment and information. In 2010 for developing opportunities for alone, 50 peer presentations were youth to share ideas and strategies held in three project locations; there about broadening the Y-PEER were 90 peer counseling sessions; 60 system, including measures to referrals were made to youth-friendly retain members. More effort is medical centers and voluntary needed to develop age-appropriate counseling and testing centers; 32 counseling services, including new peer educators were trained; telephone help lines and web-based and two workshops were held to SRH information, particularly for integrate peer education and SRH rural youth, and to launch a major into the school curriculum. Despite nationwide information campaign financial constraints, the youth SRH about sexual and reproductive project activities were smoothly health in the schools. More managed both programmatically guidance is required to develop and financially through the end of partnerships for youth-related the year. work between the media and teachers, youth and social workers, In 2011, the Y-PEER network and health promoters and peer expanded its membership, and 30 educators. This work must address new peer educators were certified. young people with special needs, An evaluation of the impact of including the disabled and LGBT, Y-PEER education in some five especially with regard to sexual schools led to additional guidelines preference and choice. Resources for future Y-PEER activities. must be mobilized for extra

34 35 MOLDOVA EXPERIENCE

In 2009, Moldova was described by the European Parliament as the poorest country in Europe in terms of GDP. The 2011 Human Development Index was estimated at 0.733, placing Moldova below the regional average for the countries of Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The country aspires to join the European Union, and has implemented the first three-year Action Plan within the framework of the European Neighborhood Policy (ENP).

Young people aged 10-24 in Moldova account for 26 percent of the total population, with more than 55 percent living in rural areas. Recent opinion polls7 showed that the most acute problems experienced by THE COUNTRY CONTEXT young people were low income, These changes were necessary to YOUTH AND ADOLESCENTS of safe sex behavior continues to The Republic of Moldova is a unemployment and lack of health open new opportunities for young Although they are full of promise be low, resulting in unwanted teen landlocked country located in care. While there were many people in the employment sector, and a source for innovation, youth pregnancies and high STI incidence. Eastern Europe between Romania employment opportunities in the housing, economic development, in Moldova remain more vulnerable Only 38 percent of young people to the west and Ukraine to the country, they were seen as not mobility, access to information, than their peers in other European aged 15-24 have comprehensive north, east and south. According attractive for young people in terms and participation and involvement countries. With approximately one knowledge about HIV/AIDS. to the latest data provided by the of social packages and income in the decision-making process. third of the labor force leaving Although the proportion of young National Bureau of Statistics, the level. That has caused many young But basic legislation related to Moldova in search of new work and people who have sexual intercourse total population is estimated at 4 people to leave the country to secure youth was amended in recent life opportunities, a large number at an early age is relatively small, million, which includes Transnistria, economic stability. Youth from rural years to the detriment of young of adolescents live alone, with contraceptive use and knowledge a breakaway territory along the areas, especially young people with people – for instance, the exclusion neighbors or with grandparents. In are disproportionately low. The rate border with Ukraine. More than disabilities, were particularly affected of a mandatory 3 percent annual addition, insufficient support from of abortion among adolescents aged half the country population – 58.6 by the lack of educational and allocation for youth programmes the government and cultural bias 15-19 was 9.1 percent in 2010. percent – lives in rural areas. Since economic opportunities. from state and local budgets. have resulted in a situation in which the dissolution of the Soviet Union Thus, the state withdrew much of many youth are left to face sexual in 1991, the service delivery sector The national legal framework on its financial obligation to support and reproductive health problems of the economy has increased to youth, adopted in 1999, required youth activities. by themselves. This has led to risky 75 percent as the industrial and changes to address the gaps in behaviors, such as drug and alcohol 7. Presented by the Center of Sociological Survey and agricultural sectors have declined. national development needs. abuse and smoking. Knowledge Marketing Investigations CBS/AXA, Moldova.

36 37 GOVERNMENT AND To advance health development, the organizations include national INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVES government signed a partnership youth organizations and regional The need to urgently address the framework with the UN country youth councils. above-mentioned challenges and team and international and improve legislation on youth was bilateral donors to achieve poverty The following sections present taken up by the Ministry of Youth reduction and the Millennium two good practices from UNFPA and Sport and the National Youth Development Goals. The national programme assistance in Moldova: Council of Moldova, a national health policy is currently under the first strengthened leadership of umbrella of youth NGOs. The year development and will provide an the Y-PEER network in advancing 2008 was proclaimed as The Year overarching framework for complex, the youth development agenda; of Youth by presidential decree. The multidisciplinary interventions to the second led to increased government of Moldova established address the health and well-being participation of young people in the a special programme of youth of the population. The ministries of development of the new youth law. activities for 2008, which engaged Health, Education and Youth are with the European youth agenda and the primary agencies responsible various youth-related programmes for the youth development agenda. already adopted by Moldova’s The National Youth Council was European neighbors. Youth policy established in 1999 to represent development was seen as a top a forum for youth and maintain priority. The legislative framework relations with national and for the new national youth policy international institutions dealing included the 1999 national youth law, with youth issues. The council the national youth strategy of 2009- facilitates various program 2014 and the law on volunteering activities, training, and lobbying adopted in 2010. and consulting services. Member

38 39 strengthening and expanding the STEP 1 STEP 3 Y-PEER network so it could be a Introducing standards. Establishing Strengthening leadership and leader in youth development. As a standards in peer education was coordination of the network. As result, Y-PEER enlarged its network one of the big challenges. It involved Y-PEER Moldova has grown, the STRENGTHENING in rural areas by establishing and capacity building of young people leadership of the network and training new Y-PEER teams. It and advocacy efforts aimed at communication with Y-PEERs also attracted interest from local the government. This has led to around the country have become authorities by developing and adoption and approval of Y-PEER too much of a burden for the implementing youth activities and standards for peer education for the national focal point in charge to facilitating broad partnerships. Moldovan network. In addition, the manage alone – even with the Y-PEER NETWORK: standards have been endorsed by support of a UNFPA reproductive UNFPA’s strategic approach the Ministry of Education. health and youth associate and a addressed specific issues related to Y-PEER fellow in the UNFPA country Y-PEER capacity and sustainability, STEP 2 office in Moldova. with the objective to expand Scaling up good practices and and strengthen its visibility and enlarging the network. The Moreover, members of the network FROM credibility in promotion of youth network started in the capital have recognized the necessity of SRH issues. and was quickly extended and formally designating responsibilities replicated in other regions. The among themselves and developing The programme approach included capacity building of local youth a comprehensive organizational the following steps: leaders led to the establishment of structure. UNFPA reacted by regional teams in different parts providing advanced training on PARTNERSHIP of the country, which became part programme management, including of the bigger network. To increase planning, implementation and motivation, Y-PEER members came evaluation of youth activities, up with the idea of awarding the human resource management and most active and innovative local leadership. Special meetings have teams some low-cost incentives at been organized to assist Y-PEER TO LEADERSHIP the end of the year. members and to discuss public

UNFPA STRATEGY AND IMPLEMENTATION the national NGO La Strada, which of counseling and information UNFPA programme support focused on education regarding services on SRH and HIV/STIs “THROUGH SUPPORT FROM UNFPA, THE Y-PEER to Y-PEER started in 2004 and the prevention of human trafficking prevention among young people. NETWORK IN MOLDOVA HAS DEVELOPED ITS OWN resulted in the transition from and domestic violence; the National In seeking to increase the number GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE TO INCREASE LEADERSHIP sporadic peer activities supported Resource Centre for Young People, of young people informed about by UNFPA to an organized which specialized in education on SRH and behavior change, UNFPA AND FACILITATE BETTER COMMUNICATION AND national programme that involves HIV/AIDS prevention among young focused its programme efforts COORDINATION OF PEER EDUCATION partnerships with NGOs, schools people; the Child Rights Information on strengthening the capacity of ACTIVITIES COUNTRYWIDE.” and local administrations, and the Centre, which works in the field the Y-PEER network in project government. The peer education of children’s rights; and the NGO management, fund-raising and model has been widely considered Positive Initiative, which works in partnership building with national one of the most effective youth the field of HIV/AIDS and drug use civil society organizations. The development models and as such in Moldova, with a focus on most-at- long-term objective of UNFPA was adopted by a number of risk populations. support to the Y-PEER network organizations in Moldova. While in Moldova was to increase the many groups were involved, the UNFPA launched its first country number of young people informed most critical actors were the Family programme in 2007, which about SRH and contribute to Planning Association of Moldova, included a specific component behavior change. The short- which provided SRHR education; aimed at increasing the availability term objective was to invest in

40 41 relations issues and fund-raising provided office space for Y-PEER CHALLENGES A related issue is the capacity of the Youth-adult partnerships, in which opportunities. During the second activities, and in others, local Wide inequalities in opportunities for Y-PEER network in fund-raising and adults were assigned to supervise phase of development, the Y-PEER authorities offered accommodations young people in urban and rural areas its ability to avoid future financial activities, have led to better network called a General Assembly and lunch during training courses. remain, which has required a different dependence on UNFPA. coordination of the network at meeting in 2011 and decided to adopt The partnership with NGOs has approach in programming. In rural the district level and increased a new leadership and management increased fund-raising opportunities. areas, not all teams had facilities LESSONS LEARNED the sustainability of activities. structure: programmes, mass (See Results section.) available to plan and organize Involving young people in every Coordination and communication media and communications, human activities. The situation is changing, stage of programming (planning, among network members could resources, and regional development. RESULTS however, with the development of implementation and evaluation) has be further strengthened through For each department, a leader and Through support from UNFPA, youth-friendly health clinics in all increased their sense of ownership regular team building and a team were elected, and terms the Y-PEER network in Moldova districts of the country. of the results and motivated them outdoor activities. of reference were developed. has developed its own governance to engage more actively. Capacity Such delegation of authority and structure to increase leadership There is a need to diversify activities building training offered by UNFPA Linking educational activities responsibility better facilitates and facilitate better communication and develop innovative ways to in organizational management has organized by the Y-PEER network communication and coordination. and coordination of peer education promote SRH messages in order to led to the establishment of the and services provided by the activities countrywide. mobilize young people and motivate governance structure of the Y-PEER reproductive health offices and By involving young people in them to get involved. network by its members. YFHS increased the impact of the the planning, development, The fund-raising capacity of the activities, as well as the sustainability implementation and evaluation of Y-PEER network was strengthened, Another challenge is the opposition The partnerships of the Y-PEER of the network. activities, UNFPA has strengthened resulting in new projects that were of the religious community to network with youth NGOs has the leadership of the Y-PEER supported through one grant from promoting SRH education for young provided a broader impact for However, the Y-PEER network network. Y-PEER is now fully UNDP (44,000 USD) and two grants people, as well as the reluctance activities and ensured synergistic needs to rethink its strategy in responsible for developing the from the EECA Regional Office of some school administrators and results. Strengthening the network order to concentrate more effort on newsletter Without Taboo, designing (25,000 USD). parents to get involved. through regular Youth Advisory reaching out to the most vulnerable and implementing educational Panel meetings (coordinators who young people, including those campaigns such as Pro Health in Y-PEER network expanded in other The turnover of Y-PEER members meet bimonthly) and the General in public boarding schools and schools and Informed and Protected regions of the country by building is quite high; thus, it is necessary to Assembly (which brings together all rural areas, and those who aren’t in summer camps, and organizing new Y-PEER groups and increasing invest in capacity building for new members of the network annually) involved in public educational and a annual Social Theatre Festival. the outreach of informational members and retention strategies has increased efficiency and social programmes. Moreover, Y-PEER, with a support campaigns. It has increased its for current members. strengthened team spirit. of UNFPA, developed a monitoring visibility and credibility among other It is very hard to evaluate the and evaluation mechanism, which NGOs and local administrations. contribution of the Y-PEER network Utilizing social media tools such consists of report templates for Y-PEER has partnered with to behavior change in young as Facebook and other social each activity, written confirmation two national NGOs: Resonance people, especially in terms of networks has proved an effective from local authorities on the type and Moldova’s Family Planning qualitative indicators. communications strategy for of activity and number of people Association in fund-raising and Y-PEER networking, and can also involved, and semi-annual and annual project implementation. Members Although UNFPA in Moldova has serve as a platform for attracting progress reports. of the network have been invited implemented most of its plans on new members. by local governments to planning time, the challenge concerning UNFPA has engaged Y-PEER meetings for youth activities aimed funding still exists. Some planned Peer education activities have proved members in meetings, working at promoting healthy lifestyles. activities, such as the training of to be a perfect complement to public groups and roundtables on RH new peer educators, will depend reproductive health services, which issues with national and international UNFPA has contributed to on the availability of funds. Fund- are provided by the Ministry of Health partners, NGOs and other UN confidence-building measures in raising and partnerships with other through two different channels: agencies to ensure that youth Transnistria, the breakaway region of organizations remain among the youth-friendly health services (YFHS) issues are taken into consideration Moldova, and succeeded in building biggest challenges to the further and reproductive health offices. during decision making. This has dialogue between young people development of the network at Support from the Ministry of facilitated more dialogue between on both sides by creating social the national and international Education, along with the help of Y-PEER and its partners and led theatre clubs and bringing everyone level. Efforts to boost the level of UNFPA, has facilitated Y-PEER to new partnerships with local together for the Social Theatre available funding should be shared access to schools and increased the authorities and NGOs. As a result, in Festival in 2010 and 2011. between UNFPA headquarters, the number of schools covered by peer some communities local authorities regional office and country offices. education sessions.

42 43 councils. During the course of the STEP 1: ASSESSING THE NEEDS STEP 2: MAKING THE VOICE OF YOUNG consultations, the need for a new law OF YOUNG PEOPLE PEOPLE HEARD – not just amendments to existing Four public debates in the north, A youth expert group conducted law – became clear in order to create south, center and UTA Gagauzia working meetings and consultations DEVELOPMENT a more sustainable legal framework. regions were organized to consult with each ministry of government with young people on their needs, to present the results of the public UNFPA’s strategy was aimed at which were then reflected in the debates with young people and creating a supportive environment new Youth Law. For each public to promote the new law. These for the participation of young people. debate, a youth organization meetings strengthened the The strategy focused on: from the respective region was advocacy and leadership capacities OF THE YOUTH responsible for the organizational of the young people involved. The • Creating a space for youth to process, which in turn strengthened youth expert group succeeded take part in consultations and their capacity. Comments during in organizing the meetings at the public debates about the new the debates were published in level of vice ministers, who were in legislation and encouraging them a series of press releases and charge of political support for the to take ownership of the process; disseminated on news and media draft law. LAW BY AND FOR portals, serving as advocacy • Involving youth in the documents to promote new A national conference organized development of implementation provisions of the law. Other efforts in February 2012 by the National mechanisms for the were focused on: Youth Council with the support of legislation; and the Black Sea Trust for Regional • Elaboration and distribution Cooperation and UNFPA brought • Supporting youth in the of informative brochures on together parliamentarians, ministers, YOUNG PEOPLE development of advocacy and youth policies, which dealt with vice ministers, youth workers, youth leadership skills. the concept of youth policies, NGOs, international institutions institutional and organizational and young people to discuss the UNFPA STRATEGY AND IMPLEMENTATION The key principle of UNFPA’s actors responsible for their new draft law and the consultation UNFPA assisted in the development support was to ensure a implementation, and ways process with young people. of the Youth Law through technical transparent and inclusive process in which local youth can get expertise and financial contributions for different youth groups, involved in the promotion for consulting with young people. including those with disabilities, and implementation of UNFPA further facilitated youth from different political groups and these policies. engagement in policy revisions and from rural and remote areas, so their alignment with existing public that the new law would address the • Public debate on the new law policies. Opportunities were created needs of all youth groups. with student organizations, to include young people from all parliamentary and over the country in four regional The implementation mechanism nonparliamentary political public debates, consultations with was developed by an expert group parties and youth organization the youth branches of political consisting of young people, in wings. The involvement of the parties and a youth conference. consultation with the Ministry youth organizations of political Comments collected during the of Youth and UNFPA. Public parties was an innovative debates were published in a series debates and social media ensured approach to advocate for the of press releases and disseminated participation of young people; Youth Law in Parliament. through the media; they were all stakeholders including youth then incorporated in a new organizations, ministries, political policy document. Young people parties and the media were involved. were also consulted on different To keep public attention focused on implementation mechanisms and the importance of the legislation, provided their views on various every step of the process was policy frameworks, including followed by press conferences, press regulations for existing youth releases, and TV and radio talks with institutions such as national youth representatives of both youth and resource centers and local youth public organizations.

44 45 CHALLENGES LESSONS LEARNED Providing meaningful opportunities The following challenges arose in the Involving young people in for young people to be involved in course of implementing this initiative: decision making and programme shaping youth policies was a long development can be used as a model process that took time, resources Although youth have been for the promotion of young people’s and commitment. It did not require considered a priority for the broader right to full citizenship and much of a financial investment but country, at the time of the participation in social development. rather a change in the culture and development of the youth policy attitudes of society. only a few studies were available in Involvement of young people in the field. In the period 2000-2008, decision making required different The full participation of young UN agencies commissioned some approaches. There was a danger that people in the development of important studies on youth, mainly for any consultation or exercise, local the Youth Law was a practical focused on social protection, health, authorities would opt for those who example of how youth needs can be migration and social exclusion, were easiest to reach. As a result, the incorporated into public policies. but there was a lack of more needs of some groups, particularly recent studies. No information was those who were most excluded The new legislation should be available about young people’s and marginalized, were overlooked. supported until it comes into force. leisure time, values, culture or other Standard outreach methods may not Identifying political supporters will be important aspects of development be enough to reach some groups. crucial to accelerate the adoption of needed for a comprehensive policy. the law in Parliament. Young people RESULTS Parliament. The implementation Robust youth participation can can be instrumental in monitoring The inclusion of young people in mechanisms include frameworks for The political environment in challenge negative stereotypes and evaluating implementation of the the process of law development regulating regional resource centers which the process took place of young people that otherwise law and its provisions. not only strengthened their for youth and local youth councils, – two electoral campaigns and persist in the community. For capacity in communicating with and for creating a governmental a referendum – affected its youth themselves, active and equal A public campaign to encourage public authorities at the local commission on youth policies. The development. Youth wings of participation in decisions affecting youth participation must not only and national level, but also led to Youth Capital initiative has proved political parties had little familiarity their lives provided hope and dignity, target young people and decision different thinking and approaches to be one of the most effective with youth policies, nor was there fostering a better understanding of makers, but the entire society. In by national authorities in the mechanisms for promoting the international experience to rely community and sense of belonging. order to ensure equal participation development of the framework. partnership between young people on. The challenge was partially Furthermore, the involvement of of all young people, the special and local public authorities. addressed with workshops young people in this legislative needs of disadvantaged groups This exercise also brought devoted to different aspects of process introduced them to a range must be taken into account. unanticipated results. The Youth Cooperation between youth youth policies, including European of other skills — public speaking, Capital initiative was started for the organizations, public institutions and international efforts to build budgeting, leading projects and first time in Moldova, bestowing and the political parties has been the youth wings of their political committees, and networking. Peer- the title of Youth Capital on a established. There has been active parties. Still, it was challenging to based techniques were shown to be a competitive basis to a provincial involvement of youth, youth achieve a consensus among the good way to develop young people’s city for the best one-year plan organizations and youth workers political parties. skills and receive their honest and of action on how youth can work in the process of adopting the open opinion. together with public authorities. draft law on youth. Young people’s This increased youth participation advocacy capacity has been Some stakeholders viewed youth “TO KEEP PUBLIC ATTENTION FOCUSED in the decision-making process strengthened, and leadership skills participation in a traditional way, ON THE IMPORTANCE OF THE at the community level and have been developed. harking back to a time when young LEGISLATION, EVERY STEP OF THE led to partnerships with public people were not considered full authorities. This project, which and active partners. Evidence- PROCESS WAS FOLLOWED BY PRESS has been underway since 2010, based benefits and good practices CONFERENCES, PRESS RELEASES, AND can eventually be assessed as a should be highlighted to recognize TV AND RADIO TALKS WITH potential good practice. young people as valuable assets, resources and competent members REPRESENTATIVES OF BOTH YOUTH AND As of now, the draft legislation of the community. PUBLIC ORGANIZATIONS.” has been developed and is in the process of being approved by

46 47 percent is between 14 and 28. As in create policies to meet the needs many post-Soviet states, youth in and enhance the potential of youth Kyrgyzstan face the challenges of to influence social and economic social, economic and administrative development of the country and KYRGYZSTAN barriers to their development as improve their well-being in the active members of the society. future. The state youth policy was During the transition period, the viewed as a guiding document, state no longer could guarantee which will provide opportunities for DEVELOPMENT OF A NATIONAL YOUTH the rights of youth to employment youth development, self-fulfillment POLICY (2012-2015) and education, or provide special and self-expression. EXPERIENCE benefits. Since its independence, the country has faced the need to

has left the country vulnerable to natural disasters and external shocks, such as financial crisis, drought and floods. The country is ranked 126th out of 187 countries on the Human Development Index, placing Kyrgyzstan towards the bottom for THE COUNTRY CONTEXT the region and situated between Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in Central mountainous country located in Asia. The transition to a market Central Asia. It is bordered by economy and elimination of services Kazakhstan to the north, Uzbekistan historically provided during the to the west, Tajikistan to the Soviet Union has had a tremendous southwest and China to the south. impact on public services, including Kyrgyzstan is officially a democratic education and health. Access, unicameral federal republic. The distribution and quality of basic revolution of April 2010 resulted in public services and infrastructure the adoption of a new constitution such as running water, health and and appointment of an interim education remain insufficient. government. The election of a Kyrgyz president was held in YOUTH AND ADOLESCENTS November 2011. Young people of Kyrgyzstan represent a significant proportion The total population was estimated of the country population – over at 5.4 million in 20108. Although there half of the total population is under has been a modest recovery in the the age of 25, and about 30.2 past few years after the collapse of the Soviet Union, unstable economic growth has led to high levels of poverty: 43 percent in 20099. “YOUNG PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY FROM RURAL AREAS, Income inequality has risen. Youth HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO VOICE THEIR NEEDS, unemployment remains high: about 70 percent compared to the total WHICH WERE INCORPORATED INTO THE YOUTH POLICY unemployment rate, which is about CONCEPT DOCUMENT.” 17 percent10. Poverty is particularly acute in rural and mountainous regions, such as the Naryn Oblast. Agriculture and industrial production 8. Men and Women report 2010 is small and undiversified, which 9. http://hdr.undp.org/en/media/HDR_2011_EN_Table5.pdf 10. National Human Development Report 2010

48 49 GOVERNMENT AND INTERNATIONAL UNFPA STRATEGY AND IMPLEMENTATION organized by young participants RESULTS CHALLENGES LESSONS LEARNED INITIATIVES In response to the need for a themselves based on candidates’ Despite the instability of the political Social norms in Kyrgyzstan still All meetings and discussions with After the 2010 revolution, in comprehensive youth policy, UNDP communication and presentation situation in the country and the support the dominance of elders, young people at the local and which young people played a in Kyrgyzstan and the Ministry of skills and their social position at recent restructuring of the Ministry who determine education and national level were facilitated key role, the Kyrgyz government Youth initiated the development of the local level. of Youth, the final document (a road employment opportunities for by young activists themselves, established the Ministry of Youth a new youth policy based on needs map to youth policy through 2015) youth. Young people are still seen which undoubtedly increased their to emphasize the importance of assessment conducted by the THE NATIONAL YOUTH FORUM was approved on 25 September as objects rather than subjects of ownership of the youth policy the role of youth in deciding future ministry in 2011. The process was This forum was organized to 2012 along with a related national government policy and programs. document. The youth strategy national development. The newly supported by a UN thematic group facilitate discussions among action plan. Currently, UNDP is In many instances youth-focused document should be widely established entity was faced with on youth in Kyrgyzstan, consisting young representatives about leading the development of youth programs were developed without distributed and discussed with a the challenges of defining key of UN agencies working on youth the proposed youth policy. The municipal policies with active taking into consideration the broad range of young people. There strategic directions and developing issues. UNFPA coordinated discussions and debates were participation of young leaders from opinions and interests of young is a need for adequate funding a new policy framework. The local hearings, discussions and focused on key concerns raised 30 ayil okmotu. This initiative is people. This has affected the to involve more youth groups, government had been working mobilization of youth activists in the by young people, such as age supported by the Ministry of Youth. youth development process and including those most at risk. It is on a legal framework for youth development of the policy concept. requirements. After the daylong UNFPA, the Soros Foundation and limited the ability of young people important to focus more capacity- policy and implemented two Involvement of young people at debates, the young people several national youth organizations to contribute constructively building efforts on all groups of national programmes for youth every stage of development was prepared a consolidated note with are actively involved in the to policy-related discussions, young people to increase their development during 2006-2008: crucial for producing a policy recommendations on the youth development process. Another especially when adults take understanding of policy-related Jashtyk and Kyrgyzstan Jashtary. that reflected the needs of young policy concept, which was later initiative to enhance implementation advantage of social norms that issues and actively involve them in The country adopted a variety of people and created opportunities presented at the National of the state youth strategy was defer to elders. In addition, rural/ decision-making processes. youth policies and laws related for young people’s ownership of Youth Conference. begun by a coalition of eight youth- urban inequalities in access to to education, vocational training, the policy. Young people who led national organizations and is and quality of education and health and social protection. participated represented local THE NATIONAL YOUTH CONFERENCE supported by UNDP, Soros and the information coupled with language This conference, which coincided Youth issues have been addressed communities and departments USAID/Jasa.kg project. UNFPA will barriers have significantly limited with the end of the International through various government of the Ministry of Youth, national support this initiative under its joint the ability of rural young people to Year of Youth and International Day programmes in such spheres as NGOs, youth activist groups and UN youth thematic group activities. contribute to policy development. of Youth, gathered young leaders, education, social security, sports young focal points from local parliamentarians and government and employment, while an overall, administrations (ayil okmotu). Consultations among concerned Youth issues are still not a priority representatives. Active support comprehensive and systematic stakeholders led to the following in most national development from the UN thematic group approach has been lacking. Meaningful participation of youth results: (i) young people, strategies and programs in the ensured broad participation and representatives was implemented especially from rural areas, had an country. The lack of government involvement of young people in through a series of concrete steps: opportunity to voice their needs, commitment is evident; less the policy development process. which were incorporated into the attention is paid to the problems Young people presented their LOCAL HEARINGS AND CONSOLIDATED youth policy concept document; of youth overall. In addition, recommendations to top officials RECOMMENDATIONS FROM YOUNG PEOPLE (ii) young people had a greater cooperation among organizations UNFPA, together with UNICEF, and made valuable contributions to sense of ownership of the policy working with youth is weak. UNDP and the Soros Foundation, the final youth policy document. document because they were organized local hearings in all involved from the beginning; (iii) provincial districts (oblasts) of the experience young people the country and gathered more gained during the development than 200 representatives from process will help them implement different youth groups, NGOs and the policy document and facilitate local administrations. At these their feedback about further meetings young people reviewed improvements in youth policies. the youth policy concept and provided their recommendations. Furthermore, four young activists were nominated from each oblast to participate in the National Forum to be held in the capital city of Bishkek to present their comments on the draft document. The nomination and selection process was

50 51 RECOMMENDATION 1: RECOMMENDATION 2: YOUTH PROGRAMMING AND UNFPA country offices shall improve UNFPA country offices shall address POLICY IMPLEMENTATION documenting the development the need for a robust results Past experience shows that and implementation of youth- framework specific to the objectives programming for young people is PART IV: a challenging task that needs to be focused initiatives. This may include of youth programming; this includes implementing strategies used at setting clear baselines and targets. flexible, evidence-based, context- different phases of the programme The results framework shall ensure driven, culturally appropriate and or project, budget planning and strong positioning of youth issues engaged at both policy and service provisions, important events and within the UNFPA programme and delivery level. These programmes internal discussions, as well as provide further guidance on the need to address the needs of the CONCLUSION feedback from partners and development of an M&E framework most underserved youth population youth participants. and measurement activities. The groups and promote accountability EECA Regional Office shall provide mechanisms at national and sub- QUALITY OF RESULTS FRAMEWORK strategic direction to the country national levels. The second major challenge offices for developing such a results observed during this review is the framework, managing the quality All country programmes in the EECA weak connection between the assurance process and monitoring region carried out interventions outcomes of youth-focused activities its implementation. for young people with different and the related outcomes of country levels of success. Cultural and programmes, specifically the As an example, an effective religious factors, as well as UNFPA defines a good practice as connect people to people. These LACK OF DOCUMENTATION CPAPs and AWPs. This significantly monitoring and evaluation insufficient development capacity a method or technique developed evolve constantly and require The most critical challenge is the hinders the measurement of long- framework might include the and accountability mechanisms, during programme implementation setting up clear procedures and lack of sufficient documentation term outcomes of youth-focused following indicators: hindered implementation to some that demonstrates superior results. infrastructure, which require and institutional knowledge in activities, as in many countries the extent, which in many instances Good practices generally meet the planning, resource allocation, UNFPA country offices, national current CPAPs do not reflect youth- • A knowledge base on youth led country offices to seek new following four criteria: (1) relevance monitoring and documentation. It institutions, NGOs and Y-PEER specific outcomes directly. The youth participation (available/used) programme approaches in order to UNFPA programming and is important to have a panel of peer networks about the details of component of programmes tends to overcome obstacles. operational/management areas; (2) reviewers to evaluate a potential past youth-focused activities. to be treated as a cross-cutting • Presence of young people innovative approaches or ideas for good practice and seek input and Ideally, this information could have issue integrated in other programs in decision-making bodies In areas of policy formulation, solving problems; (3) demonstrated feedback from clients. been produced by documenting focused on sexual or reproductive (number, quality, in UN and while UNFPA support is noted, impact on programme delivery planning processes, such as health or population development government bodies, support) more emphasis is needed on policy and its long-term results; and (4) In this regard the EECA Regional needs assessment, justification of (for instance, the promotion of male implementation. Future support for potential for further application to Office is in an advantageous objectives, descriptions of results, participation in SRH activities or the • Young implementers of programs needs to be approached other contexts and programmes. position to assume leadership of and monitoring and evaluation. This overall empowerment of women programmes (number) through institutional capacity There are three levels of good knowledge-sharing in the region information, had it been available, and girls). This issue is closely development, strengthening practices: promising, demonstrated by providing timely guidance, may have provided background connected to the overall quality of • Young people consulted in inter–sectorial coordination and and replicated. The case studies monitoring and documentation of for more in-depth analysis of the programme design, the monitoring planning and review process advocating for a supportive described in the previous sections good practices. It can take the lead relevance, effectiveness, efficiency and evaluation framework, and the (number, duration, quality of environment for young people, demonstrated some evidence in organizing initiatives, such as and impact of youth programmes. quality of youth-specific programme consultations, follow-up) including the leveraging of public of effectiveness and have been the regular mapping of activities, indicators, targets and baselines. funds for policy implementation. replicated in several countries. maintaining inter-country dialogue • Youth-led initiatives supported There is broad agreement among about on-going youth programmes, (how many, how much) Sustainability of results is a international experts on a number coaching programme staff on good challenge for all youth-focused of aspects of youth-focused practices, and creating a regional • Capacities of young people programming, requiring programming, which are relevant good-practice database. This will developed (issues, number, continuous UNFPA support for to UNFPA and if applied, can help country offices better perform through mentorship, internships, the consolidation of policies and bring the highest return for the in the future. youth-initiated activities) strengthening of national and sub- EECARO community. In order for national capacities beyond a country • Access of youth to services good-practice programmes to be The following section summarizes programme cycle. beneficial, they must be comprised specific challenges and (youth centers) of two elements: a good-practice recommendations resulting from database and partnerships that this assessment. • Diversity of youth involved (backgrounds, geography, age)

52 53 RECOMMENDATION 3: Nevertheless, the good practices RECOMMENDATION 4: UNFPA country offices need identified in the present assessment UNFPA country offices need to to strengthen their design of shall be used as a model for identify and document successful youth programming, drawing on development, which can be adapted implementation modalities, evaluations of past programming. and implemented elsewhere. including specific approaches, This must be complemented with This will require developing new management tools and advocacy expertise from organizations, guidance documents, documenting strategies that led to more agencies and institutions that lessons learned and facilitating meaningful youth participation in specialize in youth development, with similar assessments. As regards policy dialogue and programming. an eye toward enhancing knowledge implementation strategies, the sharing and areas of cooperation practices of appointing a youth The assessment of good practices and complementarity. Alternatives officer with responsibility for project needs to continue and become an for integrated and joint programmes implementation and monitoring; ongoing mechanism at the regional need to be explored, as they appear involving youth fellows in the level, supported by implementation to be effective, particularly in implementation, monitoring and manuals and perhaps integrated countries with limited funds, such reporting of activities from the into ongoing training programmes as middle-income, “C” category beginning of the programme cycle; and curricula. “There are plenty countries. The identification and and providing youth with adequate of pockets of success, which we dissemination of good programming opportunities to be fully involved don’t recognize and document and practices across country offices, and eventually lead the activities, are due to a lack of capacity, time including through south–south recommended as effective strategies or motivation. That’s where we collaboration, shall enhance overall for advancing UNFPA programming need to invest more efforts,” said programme effectiveness. for and with young people. colleagues in the UNFPA country office in Ankara, Turkey. The practices presented in this paper need not all be included in specific country programmes. The countries themselves, with UNFPA’s support, need to make informed decisions as to which practices and strategies are most relevant and could help them achieve their desired results.

“THE GOOD PRACTICES IDENTIFIED IN THIS ASSESSMENT CAN BE USED AS MODELS, TO BE ADAPTED AND IMPLEMENTED ELSEWHERE.”

54 55 ANNEXES56 57 DETAILS OF ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENTING BACKGROUND dialogue, advocacy efforts and EXPERIENCES, LESSONS LEARNED The ICPD Programme of Action national development processes. AND GOOD PRACTICES OF YOUTH emphasizes involving young In particular in EECA, UNFPA has PARTICIPATION IN POLICY DIALOGUE AND people in programme design and forged youth-adult partnerships; PROGRAMMING IN THE EECA REGION implementation as a way to increase has put in place various institutional the relevance and effectiveness of mechanisms for incorporating programme interventions. The UN young people’s input into policy Convention on the Rights of the and programming processes (i.e. Child also endorses the rights of youth networks, youth advisory young people to participate as fully panels, fellowship programmes, as possible in their society. youth forums, etc.); and has provided capacity building of young people to The concept of young people’s make them advocates for their own participation has tremendous rights and development issues. potential if concrete ways are devised to put it into practical While young people’s participation action. Empowering young people in the EECA region has certainly to be their own agents of change increased over time, there is and claim their rights creates a need to go even further in citizenship and contributes to strengthening the participation of society’s well-being. adolescents and youth in policy dialogues, programme planning and Young people’s participation in implementation from a programming activities means rights-based approach. giving increased responsibility to young people. Ownership in Since UNFPA in EECA has extensive a programme is strengthened experience in this area, we would when young people are involved like to take stock of the results, in all aspects of the process, identify obstacles and document from the conceptualization, good practices. needs assessment and design to implementation and evaluation. To this effect, EECARO will create The process can be used as a an opportunity at its office in channel to bring young people’s Istanbul to assign UNFPA staff with concerns to the policy table and experience in this area, and more make a case for investing in importantly in documenting good their development. practices, to document country- ANNEX 1: specific experiences of successfully UNFPA pays special attention incorporating young people and their to youth participation in its perspectives in design and delivery programming and advocates of policies and programmes. TERMS OF for youth involvement in policy REFERENCE58 59 SCOPE OF THE ASSIGNMENT AND EXPECTED RESULTS DELIVERABLES • Template for documenting The purpose of this assignment is to good practices support EECARO in documenting country-specific experiences of • At least two good practice successfully incorporating young examples documented and people and their perspectives in prepared for publication (in design and delivery of policies Russian and in English) with the and programmes. purpose of raising visibility of results and knowledge sharing TASK DELIVERABLE TIMEFRAME 11 DEADLINE More specifically UNFPA staff among countries in the region through this assignment will: and beyond DESK REVIEW OF RELEVANT REPORTS AND DOCUMENTS Brief one-page concept 25 July – 3 August 3 August

(I.E. COARS) TO IDENTIFY AT LEAST TWO COUNTRIES AND notes for the selected EXAMPLES FOR DOCUMENTING GOOD PRACTICES • Review relevant reports and • Feature stories based on the countries documents (i.e. COARs) and good practice examples prepared DEVELOP A TEMPLATE FOR CAPTURING THE GOOD PRACTICE Template for capturing 25 July – 3 August 3 August identify countries and examples for the EECARO website EXPERIENCE IN ACCORDANCE WITH UNFPA’S GUIDELINES IN the good practice SHARING GOOD PRACTICES for documenting good practices experience in youth participation DURATION OF THE ASSIGNMENT COMMUNICATE WITH SELECTED COS AND DEVISE A PLAN AND Detailed plan and 6 – 10 August 10 August The proposed duration is two SCHEDULE FOR GATHERING INPUT AND REQUIRED INFORMATION schedule for gathering • Develop a suitable template months, commencing on or input and required for capturing good practices after 9 July 2012. information in accordance with UNFPA’s guidelines in sharing REQUIRED SKILLS DEVELOP TOOLS/INSTRUMENTS FOR GATHERING INFORMATION Tools/instruments for 13 – 17 August 17 August good practices The incumbent should have: gathering information

COLLECT THE NEEDED INFORMATION 20 – 31 August 31 August • Communicate with respective Experience in youth programme (TRAVEL TO THE COUNTRIES IF NEEDED) • COs and devise a plan and design and implementation and DRAFT GOOD PRACTICE CASE EXAMPLES FROM THE At least two draft good 3 – 7 September 7 September schedule for gathering input in particular, youth participation; SELECTED COUNTRIES practice reports and required information COORDINATE PEER REVIEW OF THE DRAFTS Collect comments on the 10 – 28 September 28 September • Extensive experience in (DISSEMINATE DRAFTS, COLLECT COMMENTS) draft reports • Collect the needed information documenting good practices REVISE DRAFTS AND PREPARE SECOND DRAFT TO BE EDITED At least two second draft 1 – 12 October 12 October (travel to the country if needed) and developing tools for good practice reports this purpose; • Write good practice case COORDINATE EDITING AND PROOFREAD THE FINAL Edit and proofread good 12 – 31 October 31 October examples from the • Good knowledge and EDITED MATERIALS practice reports selected countries understanding of EECA PREPARE SHORT NARRATIVES BASED ON THE GOOD PRACTICE At least two short 12 – 31 October 31 October regional context and CASES TO BE FEATURED ON EECARO’S WEBSITE AND THROUGH narratives for web programmatic issues; FUSION PLATFORM FOR GOOD PRACTICES Prepare short narratives based on the good practices cases to be featured on EECARO’s website and • Excellent writing and editing skills; through the Fusion platform for good practices • Very good command of Russian and English.

11. UNFPA staff person selected for this assignment has other obligations related to her current position with DOS from September 10 – 28 and will be attending a field mission at that time. For that reason it has been agreed to extend the timeframe of the assignment (originally planned for two months) until the end of October in order to ensure completion of the tasks outlined in this ToR.

60 61 ANNEX 2: TABLE 1: ASSESSMENT CRITERIA CRITERIA QUESTIONS DATA COLLECTION METHODS AVAILABILITY AND QUALITY 1. Does the good practice/AWP provide sufficient Desk review of COARs for OF RELEVANT DOCUMENTS information on the: 2010-2011 and evaluation • objectives of the intervention reports (if available) • targets QUESTIONNAIRE • budget Interview/focus group • duration and any other relevant data discussions with 2. Does the good practice/AWP describe the programme managers, results obtained or progress made? key partners and 3. Does the good practice/AWP provide indicators to youth participants. demonstrate the results obtained and reflect on how the outputs are expected to contribute to long-term objectives? 4. Was the evaluation conducted? What conclusions, findings and recommendations did that evaluation produce? RELEVANCE 1. Are the objectives of the youth-focused programme/project adapted to the needs of the population? 2. To what extent are the objectives of the youth-focused programme/project component in line with the priorities of national policies and programmes? 3. To what extent is the implementation of the youth component of the country programme aligned with 2012-13 UNFPA strategic plan outcomes and outputs (outcomes 1, 5 and 6)? 4. Do outputs and activities in the AWP reflect this corporate priority? 5. To what extent has work with the government to advocate for increasing health, education and livelihood investments for young people (including adolescents) been prioritized? 6. Is the country office focusing on the most vulnerable and marginalized groups, in particular adolescent girls? EFFECTIVENESS 1. To what extent does the practice (AWP/activity) meet the criteria of youth participation (steps 4-8 in the ladder of participation)? 2. To what extent did the practice (AWP/activity) contribute to establishing youth-adult partnerships (YAP)? 3. To what extent did the practice (AWP/activity) contribute to development of leadership capacity of youth people? 4. To what extent did the practice (AWP/activity) contribute to an increase in the youth decision-making role? 5. To what extent did the practice (AWP/activity) contribute to development of organizational capacity (commitment to YAP, mentoring & skill-building opportunities, clear goals and responsibilities for youth and adults, etc.)? 6. To what extent did the practice (AWP/activity) contribute to an attitude shift toward youth and adults?

62 63 CRITERIA QUESTIONS DATA COLLECTION METHODS QUESTIONNAIRE 9. Total budget allocated for 11.8 Increased youth implementation of activity acknowledgment of adults INNOVATION 1. What is innovative about this approach? (USED FOR WEB-BASED SURVEY) for duration. as allies and vice versa 2. How is it described and analyzed? 1. Your reporting unit (CO) IMPACT 1. To what extent has the particular approach taken in this 10. The amount of expenditures 11.9 Increased budget allocations practice led to changes in policy/behavior/practices? 2. The project/programme title for actual duration. and earmarked resources 2. Did young people who participated in the project/activity  for youth in national/UNFPA influence the policy/programmers? 3. Describe the planned activities 11. What was the effect/impact programmes 3. How were decisions/programmers/projects improved (Indicate reference document) of youth participation? by involving young people? Please select from the list 11.10 If other, please specify 4. How did the organization/country office benefit from 4. Describe the planned results below and provide brief involving young people? (Indicate reference document) explanations. Explain your 12. What participation stage 5. If the evaluation was conducted, does it mention impact definitions. Is this documented? (degree) would you assign to and how it was analyzed and/or scored? 5. Duration of activity your activities, based on your REPLICABILITY 1. To what extent is the potential application and replicability 11.1 Improved relevance and own assessment? Please select of the project/practice to other settings stated/described 6. What exact steps have been effectiveness of the from the list below and provide (quantitative and qualitative description undertaken by UNFPA to ensure programme/activity brief explanations of why. of “what and “how”)? youth involvement/participation 2. Are the lessons learned (positive/negative) identified in that activity? 11.2 Enhanced participants’ (youth) 12.1 Manipulation and sufficiently described? sense of ownership 3. What were the critical elements that contributed 7. Is this documented? If yes, 12.2 Decoration to scalability? please indicate reference 11.3 Increased leadership capacity 4. Indication of average unit cost (definition of unit cost is TBD) document(s). Please explain. of youth 12.3 Tokenism

8. What are the key achievements 11.4 Stimulated new, creative ideas 12.4 Assigned but informed of UNFPA programmes in the from both adults and youth in area of youth participation? programme development 12.5 Consulted and informed,  adult-oriented Is there a document/evidence in 11.5 Established credibility of support of this? youth-oriented ideas and 12.6 Adult-oriented, shared youth-directed implementation decisions with youth I s there information gathered through M&E activities, studies, 11.6 Helped adults and/or youth 12.7 Youth-initiated, shared surveys, reviews/communications better understand and value decisions with adults (both electronic and paper-based) young people’s perspectives or any other programme/project and contributions 12.8 Please explain documentation? 11.7 Increased adults’ recognition of young people’s capabilities and experiences and vice versa

64 65 CASE STUDY GEORGIA: FROM PARTNERING WITH YOUTH TO YOUTH LEADERSHIP SUMMARY OF THE PRACTICE Involving youth in evidence-based advocacy for youth SRHR, building a network to increase capacity of youth to participate in civil society and youth policy dialogue DURATION 2007-2011 BUDGET 130,000 USD approximately (for youth component of CP) IMPLEMENTING PARTNER(S) UNFPA, Parliament of Georgia, nongovernmental sector, national institutions, private sector organizations TOOLS AND RESOURCES 1. Reproductive Health Survey, Georgia. Tbilisi, National Centre for Disease Control and Medical Statistics/Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs/UNFPA/USAID, 2010. 2. Reproductive Health Survey, Georgia. Tbilisi, National Centre for Disease Control and Medical Statistics/Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs/UNFPA/USAID, 1999. 3. Adolescents’ Reproductive Health Survey, Georgia. Tbilisi, UNFPA, 2002 CONTACT PERSON (S) Tamar Khomasuridze, Assistant Representative ([email protected]), Natalia Zakareishvil, National Programme Officer, HIV/AIDS ([email protected]), UNFPA country office in Georgia

CASE STUDY TURKEY: INNOVATING APPROACHES FOR PROMOTING YOUTH SRHR SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT Building capacity of youth to participate in program design and build partnerships with media, celebrities and others to promote SRHR of youth. DURATION 2007-2011 BUDGET 102,400 USD IMPLEMENTING PARTNER(S) UNFPA, Parliament of Georgia, nongovernmental sector, national institutions, private sector organizations TOOLS AND RESOURCES 1. Turkish State Theatre Actors Association (DETIS) 2. Youth for Habitat NGO and Youth for Habitat International Network, an umbrella organization operating at the international level through a secretariat with focal points and resource persons in every region. 3. H&M, global retail fashion company CONTACT PERSON (S) Fatma Hacıoglu, Reproductive Health Programme Assistant, UNFPA country office ANNEX 3: in Turkey ([email protected]) SUMMARY OF CASE66 STUDIES 67 CASE STUDY BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA (BIH): THE ROLE OF Y-PEER IN HELPING VULNERABLE GENERATIONS CASE STUDY MOLDOVA: DEVELOPMENT OF YOUTH LAW BY AND FOR YOUNG PEOPLE SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT In a country affected by past war, unstable governance and increasing levels of poverty, the SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT Young people of Moldova participated in the process of amending the state Law on UNFPA programme support led to expansion of the Y-PEER network, which engages new Youth and the development of implementation mechanisms. By playing an equal part members from all parts of the country, including youth from rural areas, marginalized groups, in consultations and public debates, the young people developed a strong sense of different ethnic minority groups, and youth with disabilities. The Y-PEER network became ownership of the policy and increased their advocacy and leadership skills. an important player in the promotion of SRH needs of youth, institutionalization of peer DURATION 2010-2011 education and inclusion of SRH into the educational programmes for youth and adolescents. BUDGET 9,600 USD DURATION 2010-2011 IMPLEMENTING PARTNER(S) • National Youth Council of Moldova – leading agency BUDGET 65,089 USD in 2010, 43,150 USD in 2011 • Ministry of Youth and Sport of Moldova IMPLEMENTING PARTNER(S) • Parliamentary Group for Population and Development BiH • Youth organizations, local youth councils, youth resources centers • NGO, Partnerships in Health, Sarajevo • Parliamentarians (advocates of new Law on Youth) • Demokratski centar Nove Nade, Bihac (DCNNBI) • Mass media (TV, radio) • NGO, Zdravo da ste, Banja Luka • German Marshall Fund, USA through a grant-making fund called the Black Sea • OKC Abrasevic, Mostar Trust for Regional Cooperation TOOLS AND RESOURCES • Link to Y-PEER website http://y-peer.ba/home • UN DESA • Link to Facebook page Y-PEER BiH TOOLS AND RESOURCES • Reports of the National Youth Council of Moldova, Youth participation in the process • Link to Y-Peer network Bosnia and Herzegovina promotional video clip: of elaboration, adoption and implementation of the Law on Youth, 2010 and 2011 www.youtube.com/watch?v=xX-MTtgCiqE • The new draft Law on Youth • Link to Y-Peer youth event, the MTV Street Dance Challenge: • Terms of reference to contract National Youth Council of Moldova http://inthenews.unfpa.org/?p=9433 • Links to media coverage available at: CONTACT PERSON (S) Faris Hadrovic, Assistant Representative ([email protected]), Sara Calkic, Sexual and Reproductive http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-1A8Ox34bs Health Assistant ([email protected]), UNFPA country office in Bosnia & Herzegovina CONTACT PERSON (S) Natalia Cojohari, Reproductive Health and Youth Associate, EECARO, Moldova CO, [email protected]

CASE STUDY MOLDOVA: MOVING FROM PARTNERSHIP TO LEADERSHIP IN STRENGTHENING Y-PEER NETWORK SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT Through strategic approach to capacity building developed by UNFPA, the Y-PEER network CASE STUDY KYRGYZSTAN: DEVELOPMENT OF NATIONAL YOUTH POLICY 2012-2015 in Moldova has made a gradual transition since 2007 from a UNFPA-influenced and supported SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT For the first time, young people in Kyrgyzstan were given an opportunity to participate group of young activists to an independent network with increased capacity in decision in a meaningful way in the development of the national Youth Policy concept. The making and programming. This has been achieved by addressing specific issues related to recommendations provided by young groups have been incorporated into the final Y-PEER capacity, sustainability, visibility and credibility in promoting youth SRH issues. concept document. DURATION 2010-2011 DURATION 2010-2011 BUDGET 84,940 USD in 2010, 52,950 USD in 2011, approximately BUDGET 15,000 USD IMPLEMENTING PARTNER(S) • Ministry of Education IMPLEMENTING PARTNER(S) • Ministry of Youth, • Ministry of Youth and Sport, national youth NGOs: National Youth Council of Moldova, • UN Thematic Working Group members (UNICEF and UNDP Youth Program) Resonance, Certitude, Family Planning Association • Soros Foundation • Local public administrations TOOLS AND RESOURCES KYR2R208, STI/HIV/AIDS Information/Services, and KYR2P201, Population • National women’s health center Ana development strategy, UNFPA projects TOOLS AND RESOURCES • Report on Y-PEER activities for 2010 and 2011 CONTACT PERSON (S) Meder Omurzakov, Assistant Representative ([email protected]) • COAR 2010, 2011 Asel Turgunova, Youth Program Specialist, UNFPA country office in Kyrgyzstan • Annual Reporting Form for Youth Programming for 2010 (used by UNFPA) ([email protected]) • Report on UBW funds for Y-PEER activities for 2011 • Project report, Improving the Sexual and Reproductive Health of Adolescents and Young People in the Commonwealth of Independent States, including the Central Asian Republics, within the framework of Finnish government-supported project, 2010 • Project report, Youth have the right to have reproductive health education in school, UNFPA – Y-PEER advocacy grants, 2010 • Y-PEER Network in EECA region, Evaluation Report, 2011 CONTACT PERSON (S) Natalia Cojohari, Reproductive Health and Youth Associate, EECARO, Moldova CO, [email protected]

68 69 UNFPA Youth Participation Guide: Assessment, Planning and Implementation, 2008

Investing in Youth: Path to Accelerated Development, Concluding Document. UNFPA Eastern Europe and Central Asia Regional Conference, May 9-11, 2011 GEORGIA - Reproductive Health Survey, Georgia. Tbilisi, National Centre for Disease Control and Medical Statistics/Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs/UNFPA/USAID, 2010. - Reproductive Health Survey, Georgia. Tbilisi, National Centre for Disease Control and Medical Statistics/Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs//UNFPA/USAID, 1999. - Adolescents’ Reproductive Health Survey, Georgia. Tbilisi, UNFPA, 2002. - Male Reproductive Health Survey in Georgia. Tbilisi, UNFPA, 2010. - Georgia National Reproductive Health Policy. Tbilisi, Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs, 2007. - Millennium Development Goals and Reproductive Health Priorities in Georgia. Tbilisi, UNFPA, 2003 MOLDOVA - UNFPA Country Office Annual Reports (COAR) for 2010, 2011 - Annual Reporting Form for Youth Programming for 2010 (used by UNFPA) - Report on UBW funds for Y-PEER activities for 2011 in Moldova - Project report, Improving the Sexual and Reproductive Health of Adolescents and Young People in the Commonwealth of Independent States, including the Central Asian Republics, within the framework of Finnish government-supported project, 2010 - Project report, Youth have the right to have reproductive health education in school, UNFPA – Y-PEER advocacy grants, 2010 - Final project report of National Youth Council of Moldova, Youth participation in the process of elaboration, adoption and implementation of the Law on Youth, 2011 - Activity progress report of National Youth Council of Moldova, Youth participation in the process of elaboration, adoption and implementation of the Law on Youth, 2010 - Individual consultants’ activity reports on the project, Youth participation in the process of elaboration, adoption and implementation of the Law on Youth, 2010 - New draft Law on Youth of Moldova - Youth Policy in Moldova: An International Review, Council of Europe, December 2009. Available at: http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/youth/Source/ IG_Coop/YP_Moldova_en.pdf - Review on youth policies and work in the countries of southeastern Europe, Republic of Moldova, 2011. Available at: http://youth partnership-eu.coe.int/youth-partnership/documents/EECA/Reviews_ ANNEX 4: on_youth_policies_SEE_EECA_Moldova_2011.pdf BIBLIOGRAPHY70 71 TURKEY - Y-PEER network in EECA region, Evaluation Report, 2011 - Link to Turkey advocacy campaign A Youth Story: http://www.birgenclikhikayesi.com/ - Links to Turkey photo exhibition Masculinity is an exceptional condition: http://www.erkeklikistisnaibirdurumdur.com; http://www.erkeklikistisnaibirdurumdur.com/2013_online_sergi.html - Link to documentary of H&M-funded activities, theatre and panels with celebrities in Turkey: http://www.birgenclikhikayesi.com/content/detail/belgesel BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA - Review of legislation, policies and practices: Access of adolescents to information and health services relating to HIV/AIDS and STI in BiH. UNICEF Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2007. Available at: http://www.unicef.org/bih/Legal_Analysis_final_Eng_June_2008.pdf - Assessment of Y-PEER network - Participatory Assessment of Y-PEER National Network, Bosnia & Herzegovina, 7-11 November 2005, by Selen Örs - Substantive documentation and implementation review (SDIR) within Phase II of regional project RER5R305, Improving Sexual and Reproductive Health of Young People in South East Europe. UNFPA, October 2007. - Y-PEER: Strengthening and Expanding Capacity for Delivery of High Quality Peer Education Systems in Arab States, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, March 2008, Evaluation conducted by the Sustainable Research and Development Centre Jordan. Available at: http://www.scribd.com/doc/14722015/BiH-YPeer-Evaluation-Report - Youth sexual and reproductive health in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Informing intervention strategies using quantitative methods. By Glen R. Abedi. Emory University, 2010 KYRGYZSTAN - Kyrgyzstan: Successful youth – successful country, UNDP report, 2010, available at http://planipolis.iiep.unesco.org/upload/Kyrgyzstan/ Kyrgyzstan_HDR_2010-eng.pdf - Men and Women of the Kyrgyz Republic, 2010 - http://hdr.undp.org/en/media/HDR_2011_EN_Table5.pdf - Kyrgyzstan, National Human Development Report, 2010

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