There are three non-governmental organizations in Syria (Youth Organization, Pioneer Organization and Women General Union) working in close partnership with governmental institutions. Pioneer Organization is in charge of children age group 6-14 years male & female, while Youth Organization takes care of young people within the age group 15-24 male & female.
The description of Joint Activities of UNICEF with the Youth Organization are the following:
1. On 11 April 2002, UNICEF and State Planning Commission signed the Master Plan of Operation for 2002-2006. The country programme consists of three major programmes that aim to ensure the implementation of the rights of women & children.
2. UNICEF supports the Youth Organization in conducting several activities such as training courses, national seminars on specific topics such as Tobacco, HIV/AIDS, etc, studies and surveys, and participation at special events.
3. UNICEF provided financial & technical support for ICT – related activities.
4. UNICEF’s Annual Report of Action 2002-2003, cited activities agreed on to be implemented with the Youth Organization in the fields of health, environment, human rights, and Juveniles issues, as follows:
a) Health issues: The Youth Organization conducts on yearly basis a number of meetings for youth in all Governorates to create awareness on HIV/AIDS, smoking & drugs, risk of early marriage and marriage among relatives;
b) Environmental issues: The Youth Organization organizes on yearly basis Tree Planting National Campaigns. The Organization also participates in environment – related activities on protection & keeping the environment clean;
c) Human rights issues: UNICEF works with the Youth Organization to promote human rights, especially the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), conducting training courses for youth leaders on how to promote and follow up the implementation of Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in Syria.
5. In 2003, the Youth Organization will conduct discussion seminars, which will be organized and presented by a group of youth. The discussions will be held with juveniles in the detention centers in all governorates. Parallel sports & cultural activities will also be organized.
6. UNICEF supports the Palestinian youth living in the Palestinian camps in Syria through the following activities:
a) Support youth libraries with the aim to encourage youth to read and to use their time efficiently;
b) Provide Youth centers with audio-visual equipment and sport materials;
7. Support UNRWA in implementing activities in the fields of health, environment and social development.
