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The First International Conference
on Youth-at-Risk in Port Elizabeth, South Africa in 2002 affirmed
the role of Local Authorities in dealing with urban youth at
risk issues. The conference's resultant Nelson
Mandela Metropole Declaration urged local governments to:
- Mobilise partners and recommend the formulation and review
of integrated, gender sensitive and cross-sectoral youth policies
at the local level that address substance abuse, street children,
youth gangs, young offenders and restorative justice and involve
all stakeholders, especially youth. Youth issues should not
be treated in isolation, but mainstreamed into all policy
making.
- Allocate local funds, develop strategies and implement social
integration programmes with particular focus on youth at risk
of marginalisation including: youth affected
by violence (including violence against women), and youth affected
by drug and substance abuse and young offenders. Offering
rewarding and continuous learning and training opportunities
for youth is paramount.
- Develop mechanisms promoting participatory youth decision-making,
fostering responsible citizenship and promoting technical,
human and financial support focused on assisting marginalized
and vulnerable youth to address their own needs and interests
and make their particular contribution to social progress.
 Click
here to view the full declaration
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