The UN in Zambia calls for inclusion of youth with mental health conditions
On International Youth Day, the UN called for social and economic inclusion of youth with mental health conditions in Zambia
12 August 2014
LUSAKA (ILO News) - The United Nations has called for the social and economic inclusion of youth with mental health conditions in development processes.
Speaking during the 2014 UN International Youth Day under the theme “Youth and Mental Health” – ‘Mental Health Matters’, UN Representative and International Labour Organization (ILO) Director Mr. Martin Clemensson said there is need for social inclusion of youth with mental health conditions and an urgency to reduce stigma surrounding mental health conditions.
Mr. Clemensson stated that the United Nations targets youth with mental conditions as a vulnerable group and is committed to ensuring that they are supported to feel socially and economically included within the development process.
A new publication by the United Nations shows that 20 percent of the World’s young people experience mental health conditions each year. The risks are especially great as they transition from childhood to adulthood. This situation is often compounded by stigma and shame surrounding mental health conditions and prevents people from seeking and accessing the support they need.
Mr. Clemensson further stated that the UN in Zambia has supported the Government to review the National Youth Policy, and develop the National Youth Employment Action Plan. These are all actions aimed addressing the youth development needs holistically. The ILO through the Project on Promoting the Rights of People with Disabilities (PROPEL) promotes the rights of youth with mental health conditions so that they are treated equitably. This is in line with the Decent Work Agenda for All. Other interventions addressing youth needs and mainstreaming disability include; Rural Youth Employment Programme – to create 3000 decent jobs for youth and the Green Jobs Programme to create 5000 decent jobs. He encouraged youths to be part of these efforts as collaborators or beneficiaries.
Mr Clemensson further informed the gathering that the UN Zambia through the Inter Agency Network on Youth will support the Government to implement the Youth Policy and Action Plan in order to address the youth issues including mental health.
With less than 500 days to reach the Millennium Development Goals, Mr Clemensson urged the participants to enable youth with mental health conditions to realize their full potential, and show that mental health matters to all.
Speaking during the same occasion Mental Health Specialist Dr. Venevivi urged the youth to uphold and maintain good mental health practices. He stated that it was important for young people to take personal responsibility in managing their daily life styles in such a way that they can easily receive social support. In addition, the Mental Health Users Network called on the youth to be agents of change in fighting the stigma attached to people with mental health conditions.
In 1999, in its resolution 54/120, the UN General Assembly endorsed the recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth (Lisbon, 8-12 August 19980 that 12th August be declared International Youth Day. The first commemoration of International Youth Day in Zambia was on 12th August 2013.
This year, the commemoration was characterized by a march procession by the youth from Arcades shopping mall to the National Youth Development Council (NDYC) premises where formal speeches, health talks, Q&A plenary sessions and entertainment where the highlight of activities.
In a vote of thanks, a youth representative, Bright Kapai thanked the UN, NYDC and JCI for providing an interactive platform between young people and policy makers during this year’s International Youth Day commemoration. He further urged that policy makers and high level leaders must uphold an open atmosphere to listen to the youth, support their ideas and engage them in development processes.
The event was attended by UN Representatives, NYDC Board Chairperson and Council Secretary, Health experts on mental health, civil society organization representatives and over 130 youth from a cross section of society.
For more detailed info, please visit: www.ilo.org/lusaka
Speaking during the 2014 UN International Youth Day under the theme “Youth and Mental Health” – ‘Mental Health Matters’, UN Representative and International Labour Organization (ILO) Director Mr. Martin Clemensson said there is need for social inclusion of youth with mental health conditions and an urgency to reduce stigma surrounding mental health conditions.
Mr. Clemensson stated that the United Nations targets youth with mental conditions as a vulnerable group and is committed to ensuring that they are supported to feel socially and economically included within the development process.
A new publication by the United Nations shows that 20 percent of the World’s young people experience mental health conditions each year. The risks are especially great as they transition from childhood to adulthood. This situation is often compounded by stigma and shame surrounding mental health conditions and prevents people from seeking and accessing the support they need.
Mr. Clemensson further stated that the UN in Zambia has supported the Government to review the National Youth Policy, and develop the National Youth Employment Action Plan. These are all actions aimed addressing the youth development needs holistically. The ILO through the Project on Promoting the Rights of People with Disabilities (PROPEL) promotes the rights of youth with mental health conditions so that they are treated equitably. This is in line with the Decent Work Agenda for All. Other interventions addressing youth needs and mainstreaming disability include; Rural Youth Employment Programme – to create 3000 decent jobs for youth and the Green Jobs Programme to create 5000 decent jobs. He encouraged youths to be part of these efforts as collaborators or beneficiaries.
Youth Policy and Action Plan
Mr Clemensson further informed the gathering that the UN Zambia through the Inter Agency Network on Youth will support the Government to implement the Youth Policy and Action Plan in order to address the youth issues including mental health.
With less than 500 days to reach the Millennium Development Goals, Mr Clemensson urged the participants to enable youth with mental health conditions to realize their full potential, and show that mental health matters to all.
Speaking during the same occasion Mental Health Specialist Dr. Venevivi urged the youth to uphold and maintain good mental health practices. He stated that it was important for young people to take personal responsibility in managing their daily life styles in such a way that they can easily receive social support. In addition, the Mental Health Users Network called on the youth to be agents of change in fighting the stigma attached to people with mental health conditions.
In 1999, in its resolution 54/120, the UN General Assembly endorsed the recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth (Lisbon, 8-12 August 19980 that 12th August be declared International Youth Day. The first commemoration of International Youth Day in Zambia was on 12th August 2013.
This year, the commemoration was characterized by a march procession by the youth from Arcades shopping mall to the National Youth Development Council (NDYC) premises where formal speeches, health talks, Q&A plenary sessions and entertainment where the highlight of activities.
In a vote of thanks, a youth representative, Bright Kapai thanked the UN, NYDC and JCI for providing an interactive platform between young people and policy makers during this year’s International Youth Day commemoration. He further urged that policy makers and high level leaders must uphold an open atmosphere to listen to the youth, support their ideas and engage them in development processes.
The event was attended by UN Representatives, NYDC Board Chairperson and Council Secretary, Health experts on mental health, civil society organization representatives and over 130 youth from a cross section of society.
For more detailed info, please visit: www.ilo.org/lusaka