MENARY Monitor

MENARY Monitor – Edition 103

March 19, 2023

Politics and Political Engagement

A United Nations commission of inquiry stated that the UN itself along with the Syrian government are responsible for delays in getting emergency aid to Syrians after the earthquake. The commission’s statement said that the conflicting actors failed to agree a pause in hostilities and to allow life-saving aid through any available route, leaving Syrians feeling “abandoned and neglected by those supposed to protect them, in the most desperate of times.” The report from Arab News indicated that neither Syria’s information ministry nor a UNOCHA spokesperson immediately provided a comment when asked.

The Ministry of Youth of the Government of National Unity, Libya, announced that it began accepting applications from potential candidates for the Libyan Youth Parliament in its second annual session, as part of the Democratic Youth Learning Initiative, which brings together 200 young people from different parts of Libya. The Government of National Unity stated, on its Facebook page, that the conditions include (a) the candidate must be between 17 and 25 years of age at the time of his candidacy; (b) cannot be a member of the Supreme Electoral Commission; (c) must abide by the rules established by the Supreme Candidates’ Committee; and (d) uphold good conduct throughout the annual cycle of the program.

The capital’s Youth Center, in Jordan, held a panel discussion on promoting youth participation in democracy, with 25 participants aged 18 to 30. The discussion included the evolution of political life in Jordan since the establishment of the Transjordan, the most important stages of democracy, and the impact of the political reforms led by King Abdullah II on the political development process and its reflection on young people, along with the most important laws and legislation supporting young people’s participation in the democratic process.

The Qatari Josour Forum and the Kayan-Women’s Organization met with more than 15 activists representing women’s groups in Palestinian towns. The meeting discussed practical approaches to encourage women and young people to participate actively in social change and overcome major challenges in order to increase women and youth’s participation and role in politics.

Economics and Entrepreneurship

In Egypt, the fourth edition of the World Women’s Summit was launched to discuss the leadership role of women. The Summit discussed women’s leadership and effectiveness in the ICT industry as well as discussing the success stories and personal experiences of participants, to create credible experiences and engage them with attendees to enhance opportunities for professional, institutional, and community development. The Summit discussed women’s empowerment in technology and digital transformation through leadership development for professional growth, networking capabilities, exchange of experiences, and perspectives on best practices and right measures for issues related to scientific and technological development.

Conflict

Iranian police said that 110 suspects have been arrested in connection with the suspected poisoning of thousands of girls in schools across the country. Authorities say they are investigating, but there has been no word on who might be behind the incidents or what — if any — chemicals have been used. Gen. Saeed Montazerolmehdi, the police spokesperson, announced the arrests and said police had confiscated thousands of stink bomb toys, indicating that some of the alleged attacks might have been copycat pranks while others appear to be more serious, with hundreds of students hospitalized, according to local media reports and rights groups. A lawmaker on a government panel investigating the incidents said that as many as 5,000 students have complained of being sickened in 230 schools across 25 provinces. Human Rights Activists in Iran, a group that has closely monitored the recent protests, has put the number at over 7,000 students.

Human rights sources revealed that the Houthi militia transferred 10 civilian abductees to an unidentified destination, as part of procedures it has been following for several days in conjunction with Switzerland’s negotiations between the government and the Houthis on prisoners and detainees. A journalist, who was released from Houthi prisons, quoted sources from the abductees’ families as saying, “the Houthis transferred 10 civilian abductees who were present in the Houthi-controlled security and intelligence prison in Sanaa to an unknown destination”.

The Iran-backed Houthi militia prevented the national junior football team from holding a training session at the 70th Park Stadium in Sanaa. Private sources said that the militia required players to pay money to be allowed entry into the field. The coach asked the federation to move the training camp to a different city amid continued harassment by the Houthi militia.

Arab News reported that Saudi Arabian authorities seized about 4.6 million amphetamine pills in shipments of ceramic toilets, sinks, and washbasins, in an attempt to smuggle into the kingdom. Amphetamines are classified as stimulant drugs that speed up messages sent to and from the brain and the body, and are used to treat conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy. They are highly addictive and dangerous.

Development

Art is considered a haven for young Tunisians from marginalized neighborhoods on the outskirts of Tunisia’s capital, where infrastructure is lacking. They strive to dispel the stereotype that classifies them as deviants. These neighborhoods have been impoverished for decades and reinforce the image of a growing environment of violence. Muhammad Ali al-Ayari, who lives in the densely populated neighborhood of Hesher Roundabout, says: “These claims disrupt us and complicate our lives.” The 23-year-old young man, who works as a guard, recently won a segment of rap music in a competition organized by the International Alert, which is active in integrating youth in marginalized areas of Tunisia. The organization selected dozens of young people from the neighborhoods of Hesher Roundabout, Fushana, Al-Tadamon, and Sidi Hussein to express themselves in their own way through music, documentaries, and photographs addressing the subject of violence. The organization’s coordinator explains that “there are people who are subjected to violence on a daily basis, some of whom are engaged in it and others who suffer from it. Hence the idea of transforming it into cultural activities.”

As part of the “Strengthening the Role of Youth in the Fight against Corruption” project, The Wojood for Human Security organization held a dialogue session with General Muttahar Naji al-Shuaibi, Director of Aden Security Institution along with other personnel. During the meeting, participants recommended the need to train and rehabilitate the personnel of security agencies, activate oversight and accountability roles, implement the principle of equality and justice among members of society and pay salaries on a regular basis, as well as rehabilitate police facilities and provide all material needs that help to complete the work. The outputs of the session included the preparation of the draft code of conduct for law enforcement officers, which was delivered to the Director for approval.

Zawya reported that the UAE announced the establishment of a new center for promoting peace and co-existence through educational programs for young people in the region. Named the Manara Center – The Regional Center for Coexistence, the Emirati authorities launched the center at an event held in Abu Dhabi. The Manara Center will focus on empowering young people across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia to play an active role in promoting and practicing coexistence through their participation in three categories of synergistic university-based programs. It is worth noting that the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) will be a flagship partner for the center to help implement key educational programming.

The Jordanian Public Security Directorate (PSD) organized a youth march to raise awareness about the dangers of drugs in Zarqa governorate. During the march, more than 300 young men and women from different regions of the governorate, members of youth centers, and civil society organizations took part to reject drugs and raise awareness about their dangers. The march embodied the image of community togetherness to reject this devastating plague through a national image that depicts the role of youth in addressing it and introducing patriotic roles to protect the community, said officials. The march is part of the National Program for Security and Youth launched in partnership between the PSD and the Ministry of Youth, with the aim of spreading awareness among youth and promoting their positive participation in building safe and stable societies.

Education

The Lebanese Minister of Education, Abbas Al-Halabi, promised to deliver the demands of teachers from private schools to the Prime Minister for the equal provision of the subsidized five liters of petrol per working day along with accelerating the issuance of the government decision to dedicate 10 billion Lebanese Lira to support the Private Education Teachers’ Retirement Fund, and accelerating the implementation of the law to support public and private schools. Halabi had met with a delegation from the teachers’ union, and he hoped that the union would not proceed with the strike in the interest of the school year. The meeting discussed teachers’ demands amid the current financial challenges in Lebanon.

Zawya reported that education experts indicated that Kuwait currently lags behind in the Gulf region and globally in terms of education quality. The experts spoke of the need to develop an urgent plan for education reform, stressing that the successive developments in the labor market require the rehabilitation of a generation capable of innovation in the fields of newly created businesses, pointing to the need to update the curricula and develop modern teaching methods away from indoctrination and memorization. They also highlighted that these challenges persist despite a hefty allocated budget from the state. They touched on the replacement plan in the education sectors, pointing out that Kuwaitization requires addressing the reluctance of Kuwaiti youth from the teaching profession, noting that the development of education begins with setting a clear and fixed strategy that does not change with the change of leaders. This would include, inter alia, aligning the secondary education system with the types of university specializations offered locally, regionally, and globally.

The Egyptian Minister of Migration presented the idea of establishing the Youth Council of Scientists and Researchers, emphasizing its importance in drawing on the experiences Egyptian expatriate students have learned abroad to support Egypt’s sustainable development goals. The Minister added that she is keen to take advantage of youth’s capacities and provide them with better opportunities.

The Egyptian Ministry of Planning and Economic Development organized the first training program for youth participants in the student competitions, as part of the Youth for Development Initiative. Held at Cairo University, the training event saw the participation of governmental, community, and private universities and young participants. The event discussed national projects implemented under the umbrella of the Dignified Life Initiative in villages and target centers, as well as the criteria for the success of development projects. The training also included familiarizing young people with the strategies, program, and policies that the Egyptian State is working on.

Environment

The UAE Youth Envoy for Climate Change at the Conference of the Parties (COP28), Hoor Ahli, said that UAE youth will play a pioneering and pivotal role in the success of this event that will enhance the country’s global efforts to reduce the impact of climate change. Ahli added: “we continue to work on creating a distinctive model for youth participation in the COP28 Conference, reflecting the vision of the Government of the State and guiding the wise leadership of UAE youth to a new stage in the decision-making process in climate action.” Ahli emphasized the fundamental role of young people in global climate action initiatives, as underscored by their projects, ideas, and innovations in sectors vital to the planet’s future, stressing the need to give young people around the world the opportunity to showcase their innovative sustainability projects so that they can participate actively and seek to transform their ideas into concrete solutions.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) announced that four Regional Climate Weeks will be held over 2023 to build momentum ahead of COP28 and the conclusion of the first global stocktake, designed to chart the way for fulfilling the Paris Agreement’s key goals. Of these climate weeks events, the Middle East and North Africa Climate Week (MENACW 2023), will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between 9-12 October, hosted by the government of Saudi Arabia. UNFCCC indicates that Regional Climate Weeks bring together a diverse range of stakeholders for regional collaboration on climate change, including representatives of governments, private sector companies, development organizations, youth groups, and civil society organizations.

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MENARY Monitor – Edition 102

March 12, 2023

Politics and Political Engagement

Middle East Monitor published an article discussing the plight of young women in Egypt under the reign of Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi who has been promoting himself in the media as an advocate for women, speaking to women on their international day with respect and appreciation. However, the truth is that, under his rule, Egyptian women have been suffering more than ever before, as they are forced to bear the state’s failure to provide basic services. Egyptian women are forced to give up all of their rights in order to be able to reduce expenses, so that the family’s income can withstand price hikes. Young women are losing their youth as they are forced to work to cover their expenses. Recently, video clips have circulated of women, including those begging Al-Sisi to take pity on the people after he imposed high prices on them, while some are regretting their absolute support for him. However, it seems that he does not remember these women until it is time for a photo op.

Middle East Monitor published a report discussing how a potential agreement in Libya could finally lead to holding the long-awaited elections. Current UN envoy to Libya, Abdoulaye Bathily, is proposing a “High-level Steering Panel for Libya” which would bring together all “relevant Libyan stakeholders,” including representatives of political institutions, major political figures, tribal leaders, civil society organizations, security actors, and women and youth representatives. That panel will, in the envoy’s words, facilitate the adoption of the “legal framework and time-bound roadmap” aimed at holding concurrent presidential and parliamentarian elections later this year. The biggest problem in the initiative is that it was built upon the assumption that the House of Representatives (HoR) and the Higher Council of State (HCS) would disagree, as is usually the case, when it comes to adopting the “legal framework” and a roadmap for elections. However, the HCS voted unexpectedly during an extraordinary session on 2 March, to approve the amendment of the Constitutional Declaration adopted by parliament, thus paving the way for elections to take place. If the HoR and HCS agree about elections, then there is no need for the “High-level Steering Panel”.

The Tehran Neighborhood Youth Group called for a new demonstration on Tuesday in front of the Iranian Parliament building, as well as in front of the education directorates’ buildings, to protest against the toxic attacks on girls’ schools in Iran.

Economics and Entrepreneurship

Data from the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Localization showed that the age group of 25-39 years accounted for the largest share of the total number of private sector employees in the country at 58%. The Ministry’s data showed that 3.22 million workers, out of a total of 5.57 million in 2022, were employed in the private sector, 20% of whom are aged between 30 and 34, followed by those aged between 25 and 29 years, with 19%, and then those between 35 and 39 years, with a 19%. The Ministry said earlier that the legislation governing the labor market set out the 6 working patterns to be contracted between the worker and the employer. This follows the introduction of a post-sharing pattern whereby functions and duties are divided between more than one staff member to perform pre-agreed functions.

Blinx is a new digital startup that is preparing for launch in Dubai focused on engaging Gen Z and Millennials across the Middle East and beyond and led by Arab journalist Nakhle Elhage who had led Al Arabiya for 16 years. Elhage said that Blinx aims to “inspire youth through honest, genuine, and spectacular storytelling. By providing news, entertainment and infotainment powered by the best tech and people available, we help build a better tomorrow. Engaging the region’s talented, bold, and brave storytellers, our new digital hub aims to be the go-to destination for stories that connect young people in MENA to the world and like-minded communities.” The startup pledges “more story, less noise” and will use the latest in broadcast technology – such as an extended reality studio – to enable engaging storytelling that it hopes will better resonate with a younger audience. Gamification, artificial intelligence and data will help guide the startup’s presentation and production.

Conflict

The Israeli occupation soldiers arrested two young Palestinian women in the occupied Jerusalem. The Palestinian Prisoners’ Affairs and Liberators Authority reported that the occupying forces had arrested the young woman, Yasmin Kherib, from the town of Al-Tur, when she was around the Damascus Gate area. The occupying forces also arrested Palestinian Samar al-Qaysi from the town of Beit Hanina, north of Jerusalem. Later, the occupying forces arrested a young man – who was not identified – from Wad Street in the Old City after they severely beat him.

The Israeli occupying forces arrested a Palestinian youth from the town of Al-Issawiyah, northeast of occupied Jerusalem. According to eyewitnesses, the young man was arrested by the occupying forces after being prosecuted and severely beaten while he was taken to a hospital for the necessary treatment. Additionally, in Bethlehem, a number of Palestinians were injured during confrontations with Israeli occupying forces in the village of Husan, where troops fired bullets and gas and sound bombs, causing a number of Palestinians to suffocate.

The Israeli occupation authorities announced the arrest of four students, all under 25 years old, from the occupied West Bank for allegedly planning operations for Hamas against occupation forces and settlers, according to a statement issued by the Shabak General Occupation Security Agency. The occupying authorities claimed that Hamas recruited the four young men through its activists in Turkey. The Shin Bet alleged that the investigations showed that one of the four young men was recruited by Hamas during his stay in Turkey. The Shin Bet also alleged that the others had expressed their agreement to join Hamas and conduct exercises in Gaza.

Development

The second phase of the “it’s on” initiative was launched in Kafr el-Sheikh governorate in Egypt, led by the Youth Lead Youth Group. This initiative looked to raise youth’s awareness of entrepreneurship through workshops on financial models.

The World Youth Forum organized an extensive two-day workshop to discuss mental health in the presence of Egyptian youth along with doctors, specialists, and various Egyptian and international institutions. This workshop comes under the new framework where a series of initiatives will be implemented in lieu of this year’s World Youth Forum that was canceled due to the economic challenges in Egypt. To that end, the workshop included sessions to raise awareness on mental health and how to deal with people with mental health challenges before delving into a discussion on the World Youth Forum’s mental health initiative.

The National Program for Security and Youth was launched in the Zarqa Youth Directorate in Jordan, with the participation of 200 young people from youth centers and civil society institutions. The program, launched in partnership with the Ministry of Youth and the Public Security Directorate, aims at raising the security awareness of young people, preventing them from the threat of crime, violence, drugs, as well as consolidating the principles of moderation, security, and peace, and responding to high royal directives on the need to empower young people and promote their positive participation in building society. The program emphasized the importance of young people’s role in achieving security in its comprehensive sense and in enhancing their role in serving the community through ensuring their capacity in assuming their national responsibility.

Education

The Egyptian Minister of Education responded to some queries about the criteria for the selection of school principals, referring to the President’s initiative to select 1,000 young teachers to receive a distinguished training program to become school principals. With regard to technical education schools, the Minister noted that applied technology schools are a bright spot in Egyptian education and an ideal model in graduating specialized technical cadres that meet the needs of the local and global labor market, stressing that the Ministry aims to expand these schools in cooperation with the private sector.

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MENARY Monitor – Edition 101

March 5, 2023

Politics and Political Engagement

The Egyptian Youth Social Democratic Union organized the first panel discussion on youth in the context of the national dialogue. The session covered several themes, including support for student federations and activities, political empowerment of young people, support for young entrepreneurs, support for young persons with disabilities, supporting youth centers and clubs, and raising awareness.

Economics and Entrepreneurship

The Al-Ghasak Society for Culture and Heritage, in Jordan, organized awareness raising workshops on the Jordanian labor law, titled “Labor Rights in the Private Sector“. President of Al-Ghasak Society, Manal Shalbayeh, said that these workshops are implemented within its programs on raising awareness among youth of the labor law, with emphasis on the right to safe and healthy work and the right to knowledge and information, so that both the workers and the employers become fully aware of their rights under the law.

As part of its ongoing development operations in Yemen, Silatech signed a new agreement with the European Union worth 10 million euros to expand its project “Supporting Youth Leadership and Financial Inclusion.” This project aims to promote the economic empowerment of Yemeni youth. The European Union Mission to Yemen (EULEX) indicated that the new 4-year project aims to provide income generating employment along with financial integration for more than 40 thousand young Yemenis. Silatech’s project will also work to finance youth projects and provide capacity-building services to young entrepreneurs. It is also worth noting that the second phase of the partnership will focus on the principles of a sustainable economy, financial inclusion, the provision of innovative services through digital solutions and women’s empowerment by supporting youth-led micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.

Conflict

The Palestinian Ministry of Health announced that a young man was killed after being shot by the Israeli army, who arrested him injured near Jericho, during a raid of Aqabat Jabr camp. In a statement, the Palestinian Red Crescent Society announced that 3 Palestinians, one of them in serious condition (later died), had been wounded by live bullets in confrontations outside of a house sieged by Israeli forces in the camp. Eyewitnesses said that the occupation forces stormed the camp and surrounded an apartment building, using a citizen and his child as a human shield during the operation. They added that the army had arrested one of the injured individuals during an attempt to resuscitate him by the Red Crescent crews, which was documented by video clips. The Palestinian Prisoner’s Club reported that the occupation forces had arrested 6 citizens in the camp, four brothers, one son, and a wounded young man, all of whom are former detainees.

A Palestinian boy was killed and another injured during confrontations with Israeli occupation forces in the town of Azoun, east of the West Bank city of Kalkiliya, while the occupation continues to blockade the town of Hawara. The Palestinian Ministry of Health said that the 15-year-old boy, Mohammed Salim, had been killed by a live bullet, while another was critically injured. Witnesses said that violent confrontations broke out with the Israeli occupying forces as they stormed the town’s eastern entrance, with occupation soldiers firing live shots at the young passersby. The killing of the Palestinian boy is in conjunction with the escalation in the town of Hawara following the Israeli Minister of Finance’s statement who called for the town to be burned and erased from existence.

Dr. Anne Speckhard, Director of the International Center for the Study of Violent Extremism (ICSVE), published an article discussing how Daesh-affiliated women are sexually exploiting adolescent and teenage boys to impregnate them and spawn the next breed of fighters. Dr. Speckhard states that such exploitative practices are occurring in the various camps, which house over 10,000 foreign Daesh-affiliated women and children.

Development

The Emirati Ministry of Culture and Youth, in cooperation with the League of Arab States, invited Emirati youth to participate in the international competition “Arab Youth Excellence Award 2023” on artificial intelligence. The award looks to highlight the outstanding efforts of Arab youth, enhance their competitiveness of young people, and promote the culture of joint action on youth in relation to sustainable development in the region.

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The Sharqiyah Youth Directorate in Egypt continues its training efforts for 100 young men and women representing the various youth centers in the governorate, with emphasis on persons with disabilities. The training is carried out by specialized trainers to enhance the level of youth inclusion within society in addition to qualifying their talents.

Education

The Central Directorate of Parliament and Civil Education of the Ministry of Youth and Sports carried out an event under its political education plan for the month of March. The event was attended by youth from various youth centers along with students and members of Parliament. The session discussed national education as well as youth political development. Several key aspects were highlighted with the aim of raising awareness about political education.

Environment

The Technical Institute of Science and Technology in Alexandria held an educational awareness raising seminar on environmental preservation and climate change, attended by a number of students. In his speech, Engineer Mahmoud Mehran, Dean of the Technical Institute for Science and Technology, discussed the use of scientific methods to bury tailings, dispose of human residues, and use them as fuel containing hydrogen carbon. He also spoke about the need to take precautions to conserve water and prevent its contamination, and not to dump oils and lubricants into the water and sewage networks.

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MENARY Monitor – Edition 100

February 26, 2023

Politics and Political Engagement

Foreign Policy published an article by Tharwa Bolifi indicating that Tunisian youth had lost faith in President Kais Saied, as socioeconomic conditions deteriorated since his July 2021 decrees. Bolifi explains that Saied had been widely criticized for his mismanagement of the migration crisis, which had increased over the past few years. For example, over 15,395 Tunisians – including 2,000 minors – had arrived in Italy illegally in 2022, according to figures from the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights. The report also referred to Tunisia’s economic crisis, which caused the loss of many essential items under the reign of Saied, as well as the shortage of medicine in the country.

As part of a series of panel discussions on the political process and dialogue with pro-democracy groups in Sudan, Taiba Press Center held a panel discussion that brought together the leaders of freedom, change, and youth groups. The Political Secretary of the Sudan Liberation Movement – the Transitional Council, Mohamed Kass, said that had it not be for youth and women, there would not have been a “Glorious December Revolution”. Young people and women have pioneering roles in developed societies, contrary to the situation in developing countries where there is a failure to utilize the potential of young people and women’s role in political life. Kass concluded that in order to fully activate the role of women and youth, a fully civilian authority is a necessity.

The Jordanian Senate President, Faisal Al-Fayez, said that King Abdullah II gives great importance to Jordanian youth, believing in their ability to bring about positive change to overcome the challenges facing the country. Al-Fayez added that the Jordanian state looks to activate the role of youth and empower them, through the state’s “comprehensive modernization” efforts. He clarified that such a vision requires empowering youth, supporting them, and providing them with the tools to fulfil their role, build their abilities, and refine their talents to enable them to bring about the required change in their economic and livelihood reality and to expand their participation in public life.

The Jordanian Minister of Political and Parliamentary Affairs, Wajih Azayza, emphasized the need to promote youth and women’s participation in political and party life with a strong and fortified ground. This came during his meeting with a number of young men and women representing the “Parliamentary Fellowship” program, implemented by the King Abdullah II Fund for Development. Azayza added that the success of political modernization requires societal interaction with the tenets of the vision, noting that sound political construction leads to the development of the right legislation that would remove society’s fears of engaging in political and party action.

The Jordanian National Women’s Committees Caucus organized a session entitled “the role of youth and women in political and economic development“, which emphasized the need to empower women and youth and provide them with a real opportunity to participate in political life and party work and to expand their participation in decision-making. The session came in line with Jordan’s political and economic reform efforts, which place a great deal of importance on the empowerment of youth and women.

Economics and Entrepreneurship

The Jobseeking Club was launched in Jordan in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), with the participation of 20 young men and women. The club will run for 13 days, during which young participants will receive training aimed at raising their abilities for future jobs, including self-marketing, job search, job interviews, green jobs, and CV writing.

INJAZ concluded the implementation of the semifinal competition of the Business Challenge Program, as part of “Resilient Youth, Socially and Economically (RYSE)” project in Jordan. The program gives students the opportunity to exercise practical experiences, to learn about the most important terms and concepts related to entrepreneurship and business ethics. The Business Challenge Program focuses on entrepreneurship and interactive business administration among 9th and 10th grade public school students. The program includes specialized training in project management and team building. It is worth noting that the semifinal competition saw the participation of more than 6,700 students from 97 schools, representing 1,252 teams, as only 12 teams qualified for the final competition.

The Youth Empowerment Department of North Sinai Youth and Sports Directorate, in Egypt, concluded the implementation of the craft training courses under the slogan “Teach Me a Craft”, which was held at the Alsalam Persons with Disabilities Youth Center. The training initiative has aimed to develop youth’s capacities, particularly those with disabilities, in handicrafts to equip them for the labor market as well as entrepreneurship.

Conflict

In the north of Gaza, Palestinian youth lit large numbers of tires in the face of an Israeli security barrier in an expression of outrage over the Nablus massacre that took place last week, which killed 11 Palestinians and 102 were wounded, 7 of whom are in critical conditions. Youth in Gaza stated that they do not belong to any faction, instead, they feel the unity toward their Palestinian brothers and sisters all around Palestinian cities, towns, and the occupied territories – whether in the West Bank, Gaza, or elsewhere.

Thousands of young Sudanese still seem to insist on illegal emigration to European countries through the Sahara and the Mediterranean, ignoring the tales of death and terror surrounding the journey. Hundreds lost their lives in the waves of the Mediterranean, with a recent incident involved the drowning of 95 illegal migrants, most of whom were young Sudanese. Many of those who intend to make this journey are young people, knowing its difficulties and dangers, yet they insist on risking their lives for a glimmer of hope for a better future.

Development

The training workshops for the “Natasharak” program continue in the Bir al-Abd Youth Centre in North Sinai – Egypt, as part of the third phase of the program for community initiatives, organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports in 12 governorates. The program includes the implementation of 18 training workshops, four days each, over the course of one month. The workshops aim to train youth on skills necessary to equip them to become able to contribute to the implementation of community initiatives whose main focus is on the empowerment of girls, community consensus, citizenship, peaceful coexistence and non-violence, post-COP 27, renewable energy, green projects, environment, and health.

Education

The 8th International Research Youth Conference concluded its activities at the Sohaj University in Egypt, with the participation of 318 young researchers from 36 Egyptian, Arab, and African universities. The conference featured 176 posters and 15 speakers from Egypt, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Yemen, Sudan, UK, and Nigeria. The conference concluded its events with several recommendations related to scientific research, which included guiding scientific research and its outputs to solve the problems of the surrounding community in various fields; guiding researchers to address nanoscience research and associated techniques to consolidate and promote the culture of innovation; and encouraging researchers to publish scientific publications.

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MENARY Monitor – Edition 99

February 19, 2023

Politics and Political Engagement

The Turkish gendarmerie beat to death 3 young Syrians who tried to enter Turkish territory to save their relatives there from the rubble after the earthquake near the village of Deir Sawan in the countryside of the occupied city of Afrin. A video shared on the virtual media shows 8 Turkish gendarmerie forces beating the three young men, kicking them with their legs in a brutal manner. According to the information circulated, one of the young Syrians immediately lost his life, while the other two were transferred to a hospital in Afrin, before they died from the sustained injuries.

Economics and Entrepreneurship

A group of young Jordanians launched an initiative to support Syrians in light of the recent earthquake. Their voluntary initiative aims to support the Syrian pound and contribute to raising its exchange rate for foreign currency by transferring any Jordanian dinars into Syrian lira, thereby contributing to the support of Syrians in the difficult circumstances of the earthquake. The initiative was welcomed and received by Jordanians in various governorates, who were quick to convert Jordanian dinars into Syrian liras.

The Qatari Foundation “Silatech” and the European Union signed a new 10-million-euro agreement to expand the “Supporting Youth Leadership and Financial Inclusion” project, which aims to promote the economic empowerment of young people in Yemen. The new four-year project aims to provide jobs, sources of income, and financial integration for more than 40 thousand young men and women in various governorates throughout Yemen by funding youth projects and providing capacity-building services to young entrepreneurs to provide them and their families with a source of income. The new partnership is based on the successful implementation of the first three-year cooperation between the European Union, Your Link, and the Bank of Hope, which has provided more than 30 thousand jobs and economic opportunities for young people in Yemen. According to a statement by the EU Mission in Yemen, the second phase of the partnership will focus on the principles of a sustainable economy, financial inclusion, the provision of innovative services through digital solutions, and women’s empowerment through support to youth-led micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.

Conflict

The Palestinian Ministry of Health announced the death of two young Palestinians as a result of military operations by the occupation forces in the Far’a Refugee Camp in the north of the occupied West Bank. Meanwhile, the Israeli government decided to deploy more police forces in East Jerusalem, following calls by National Security Minister to demolish Palestinian homes in the city. These developments come with the Israeli army’s announcement of an arrest campaign in large parts of the cities and villages in the occupied West Bank.

At least 36 civilians were killed in an attack attributed to the Daesh in central Syria, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. According to the Observatory, the terrorist group killed 36 citizens of the Sokhna area in Homs while some people managed to escape the attack. The attack came a few days after a similar attack in the same area, which left 16 dead along with 60 others who were kidnapped, according to the Observatory. The Observatory added that 25 of them were released while the fate of the rest remains unknown.

The number of women and children migrating from the Horn of Africa to the Gulf States across Yemen has risen dramatically and is of concern, according to the Director of the International Organization for Migration. “The treacherous journey from Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Somalia through Yemen, called the eastern migration route, saw a 64% increase last year in people looking for better livelihoods,” said the IOM Director General Antonio Vitorino. He added that more women with children travel, as well as children on their own, noting that climate change is driving increased migration. Experts warned that women and girls might be at risk of sexual violence by smugglers collaborating with Yemen’s Immigration, Passports, and Nationality Authority, under the control of the Houthi militia. Migrants in the Migration Agency’s reception camp in Manbul were subjected to forced labor, sexual exploitation, forced drug trafficking, and other forms of violations.

Development

The Fund for the Prevention and Treatment of Addiction and Abuse launched a new training camp to prepare volunteer leaders from the General Federation of Egyptian Scouts and the Plan International’s Youth Health in Egypt program. 110 young Egyptians participated in the 3-day training camp, in a series of lectures on teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills along with sessions on peer pressure, substance abuse, the impact of drug use and its association with violence and crime, and early detection mechanisms and how to treat addiction through the Fund’s hotline. The camp also trained participating youth on raising awareness to protect their peers from addiction.

The Department of Parliament and Civic Education of the Directorate of Youth and Sports in Kafr al-Sheikh, Egypt, held training workshops for the “Natasharak” program in its third phase. The program features several training workshops for members of youth centers in 12 governorates, with the aim of enhancing their skills to contribute to the implementation of community initiatives within the themes of empowering girls, societal consensus, citizenship, coexistence and non-violence, post-COP27, renewable energy, green projects, environment, and health.

Since the earthquake disaster in Syria, field kitchens have been distributed throughout Aleppo and have become an auxiliary element for relief operations, distributing thousands of meals daily. There are over 150 young volunteers, on daily basis, in the Stop Hunger Kitchen, as many volunteers come from different cities as well, including Damascus.

The Dandeite Youth Center of the Mette Ghimmer Youth Department in Dakahlia Province, in Egypt, held an educational seminar discussing the issue of terrorism, its causes, and drivers attended by a number of members of the youth center.

Education

A report release issued by the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics, in Egypt, indicates that the 83% of youth with intermediate degrees are unemployed, compared to 46% among university degree holders.

Environment

The Directorate of Youth and Sports in Kafr el-Sheikh in Egypt organized an awareness-raising session at a youth center, within the framework of the Voluntary Environmental Day, to discuss climate change and the national initiative for smart green projects. The meeting comes within a series of induction programs organized by the Directorate to familiarize youth with the implications of climate change on the environment. The meeting also touched on the Ministry of Youth and Sports’ National Initiative for Smart Green Projects.

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MENARY Monitor – Edition 98

February 12, 2023

Politics and Political Engagement

Many Iranian social media activists welcomed the meeting of the Iranian opposition at Georgetown University in Washington, United States. They emphasized that the meeting reflected “solidarity and hope for the future”. The meeting of the “Future of the Iranian Democratic Movement” featured statements from several notable opposition figures, including former Crown Prince, Reza Pahlavi. The meeting is said to have resulted in a pact of solidarity and Iran’s freedom, and that the pact was expected to be submitted shortly. Meanwhile, activists called for mass protests, 40 days after the regime executed two activists.

Middle East Eye reported that Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, has pardoned “tens of thousands of convicts”, including those arrested in recent anti-government protests, as reported by state news agency IRNA. Khamenei said he had “agreed to the proposal of the head of the judiciary to pardon or commute the sentences of a significant number of convicts” in honor of the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution. The pardons will not apply to dual nationals, those accused of committing murder, those charged with “spying for foreign agencies”, or those “affiliated with groups hostile to the Islamic Republic”. Human Rights Activists News Agency has reported that about 20,000 people have been arrested in connection with the protests, which authorities accuse Iran’s foreign enemies of fomenting. Norway-based group Iran Human Rights said that at least 109 people are facing execution in protest-related cases.

Acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi has been released on bail after starting a hunger strike to protest against his almost seven-month detention. The director had been arrested months before the current anti-regime protests erupted, but his imprisonment became a symbol of the plight of artists speaking out against the authorities. Panahi has been released from Tehran’s Evin prison “two days after starting his hunger strike for freedom”, the US-based Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) said on Twitter.

Middle East Monitor reported that Kuwaiti activists, NGO professionals, and political groups organized a rally in solidarity with Palestinians, as first reported by Quds Press. The participants expressed their support for the Palestinians and their resistance against the Israeli Occupation. They also expressed their opposition to the normalization of ties with the Zionist state. During the rally, the participants chanted: “Palestine is a trust and normalization is treason.. Palestine is an Arab state.”

Economics and Entrepreneurship

The fifth edition of the World Youth Forum in Egypt was cancelled due to “economic burdens”. An Egyptian Parliamentarian stated that holding the event this year “would have provoked a large segment of Egyptian society, given the Government’s austerity measures.” At the beginning of this year, the Egyptian Government approved a package of resolutions to reduce public spending in response to the global crisis, which included postponing the implementation of any new projects financed in dollars. According to an official statement from the Department of the World Youth Forum, the cancellation of this year’s edition was aimed at alleviating the economic burden and driving development. Instead of the Forum, alternative initiatives would be implemented, focused on entrepreneurship, developing farmers’ capacities to achieve food security, and launching the world’s largest youth volunteer platform to help poor countries affected by war, conflict or climate repercussions, as well as to support refugees and migrants.

The Jordan-Iraqi Joint Committee held its twenty-ninth session in Baghdad and reached agreements to enhance bilateral cooperation in various fields. The committee discussed comprehensive issues of cooperation in energy, trade, investment, economic city, transportation, agriculture, education, culture, youth, water, tourism, antiquities, labor, vocational training, works, and other fields. It also discussed areas and projects of trilateral cooperation, which includes Jordan, Iraq, and Egypt, and followed up on the implementation of the outcomes of the summits that brought together the leaders of the three countries.

Conflict

Thirteen Palestinians were injured in an Israeli military raid in Jericho, according to a local medical source. Israeli forces raided the Aqabat Jabr refugee camp in Jericho in the West Bank, triggering clashes with stone-hurling residents. Israeli soldiers used tear gas canisters, rubber-coated bullets, and live fire to disperse angry residents. Witnesses said Israeli forces destroyed a barracks for breeding poultry, and parts of several houses, and arrested six Palestinians during the raid.

The Yemeni Government accused the international community of colluding and turning a blind eye to child recruitment crimes committed by Iran-backed Houthi militias in Yemen, calling for a blacklist of Houthi militia leaders and members involved in the recruitment of children and their inclusion in sanctions lists. In a statement published by the Yemeni News Agency (SABA), Information Minister Muammar al-Eryani said, “The sight of the visit of the leader in Iran’s Houthi terrorist militia, Mohammad Ali al-Houthi, to a child recruitment camp in Dhamar governorate is enough to awaken the conscience of the world, which turns a blind eye to the crimes of the militia against children.” He explained that the Houthi militia continues to recruit children and brainwash them with extremist terrorist ideas and hatred.

A local source said that the Houthi group had abducted several young people and people from a village in Ibb governorate. The source indicated that the abduction followed dozens of villagers raiding a factory to manufacture alcohol in their village, after they had ascertained that the plant was inside a house, so they broke in, destroyed the house and the factory and shut it down.

Development

Syrian university students, in coordination with the National Federation of Syrian Students, have been volunteering to help transport relief assistance to Damascus International Airport in order to deliver it to those affected by the earthquake. A representative from the Federation said that the students formed voluntary teams to assist in the delivery and transportation of assistance and unloading them from aircraft to send them to the affected areas. They have also been active on social media, calling on the international community to break the blockade and lift the sanctions imposed on Syria.

Despite the difficult living conditions in Jerusalem, as 80% of Jerusalemites are considered below the poverty line, they were still proactive in support of the victims of the earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria. They collected donations, most notably in the town of Beit Hanina, raising about US $200,000 in a 3-day campaign.

The “Natasharak” Initiative was launched in North Sinai, Egypt, as part of the Parliaments Programme for Community Initiatives in North Sinai organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports in cooperation with UNICEF. The program involves the implementation of training workshops for youth aged 13 to 19 who will be trained on the skills needed to contribute to the implementation of community initiatives, whose main themes are: girls’ empowerment, community consensus, citizenship, peaceful coexistence, non-violence, environment, green projects, renewable energy, and health.

Education

A survey by African and Velter Foundation found that most young Moroccans believe they are more influenced by Western cultures, especially those of Europe and the United States. The survey was conducted with a sample of 4,500 people, aged 18 to 35, from nine African countries. Respondents also reported that many negative stereotypes about Africa still persist, with 75% believing stories about Africa to be negative, a perception held by 58% of young Moroccans surveyed.

Environment

The Directorate of Youth and Sports in Kafr el-Sheikh, Egypt, organized a number of events at youth centers to raise awareness on climate change, as part of the Environmental Volunteering Day. One of these events, titled “Climate Change and its Implications on the Environment in the Future”, aimed to raise awareness of the implications of climate change on the environment, including changes in temperature and weather patterns and changes in the solar cycle are mostly induced by human behavior such as the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas. The event concluded with the participating youth planting trees to contribute to the preservation of the environment and reduce those changes and their effects.

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MENARY Monitor - Edition 97
January 29, 2023

مرصد شباب الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا - الاصدار ٩٧
٢٩ كانون الثاني ٢٠٢٣

Politics and Political Engagement

* The Economist published a report titled “How young Sudanese are still fighting for democracy” in which it indicates that a few years after overthrowing Omar Al-Bashir’s regime, the situation seems stagnant. The report indicates that Resistance Committees provide a glimpse into how ordinary people can come together to fight for freedom. In parts of Sudan, committees can be found at every administrative grade down to the village, each with its own rules governing its affairs. Many of them have elected field officials, politicians, and communications and information staff. Since the last coup in October 2021, the committees have been taking people out onto the streets almost every week. However, some believe that the committees were promising groups that turned out to be unsuccessful. Street protests against the December deal were more muted than before. Several committees refused to sign a draft constitutional charter published in October, complaining that it had been drawn up without sufficient consultation. But even so, the movement remains a force to be reckoned with, as long as the democratic transition in Sudan seems stalled.

* Shahd Al-Adwan wrote for Alghad newspaper questioning the decision in Jordan to merge the Ministry of Youth with the Ministry of Culture. She indicates that the merger has succeeded in many countries, but the decision came after extensive studies. The question that always arises is why youth and culture? What is the exact relationship between the two ministries? Is the aim of this merger an administrative reform only, or to save on expenses? Will one of the two ministries dominate the other? The merger project may succeed after a very careful study, and after drawing up a new, agile and effective Ministry of Culture and Youth, with a correct application that will come during restructuring, as the annual budget of the Ministry of Culture is small compared to that of the Ministry of Youth. She concludes that there is no room for more failed experiments.

السياسة والاندماج السياسي

* نشرت مجلة "ذا إيكونوميست" تقريرًا بعنوان "كيف يستمر الشباب السوداني بالنضال من أجل الديمقراطية" تشير فيها إلى أنه بعد سنوات قليلة من الإطاحة بنظام الرئيس السابق عمر البشير، يبدو الوضع ما زال راكدًا على ما هو. ويشير التقرير إلى أن لجان المقاومة تقدم لمحة عن كيف يمكن للناس العاديين أن يجتمعوا للنضال من أجل الحرية. ففي أجزاء من السودان، يمكن العثور على لجان في كل مستوى إداري وصولاً إلى القرية، ولكل منها قواعدها الخاصة التي تحكم شؤونها. فانتخب العديد من هذه اللجان مسؤولين ميدانيين، وسياسيين، وموظفي اتصالات وإعلام. ومنذ الانقلاب الأخير في تشرين أول / أكتوبر 2021، أخرجت اللجان الناس إلى الشوارع كل أسبوع تقريبًا. ومع ذلك، يعتقد البعض أن اللجان كانت مجموعات واعدة تبين أنها باءت بالفشل. كانت احتجاجات الشوارع ضد صفقة كانون أول / ديسمبر أكثر صمتًا من ذي قبل. ورفضت عدة لجان التوقيع على مشروع ميثاق دستوري نشر في تشرين الأول / أكتوبر، واشتكت من إعداده دون استشارة كافية. لكن مع ذلك، تظل الحركة قوة لا يستهان بها، طالما بدا التحول الديمقراطي في السودان متوقفًا.

* كتبت شهد العدوان لصحيفة الغد الأردنية تشكك في قرار دمج وزارة الشباب مع وزارة الثقافة في الأردن. وتشير إلى أن الاندماج نجح في العديد من البلدان، لكن تلك القرارات جاءت بعد دراسات مكثفة. والسؤال الذي يطرح نفسه دائمًا هو لماذا الشباب والثقافة؟ ما هي العلاقة الدقيقة بين الوزارتين؟ هل الهدف من هذا الاندماج هو إصلاح إداري فقط أم هو توفير للنفقات؟ هل ستهيمن إحدى الوزارتين على الأخرى؟ وقد ينجح مشروع الاندماج بعد دراسة دقيقة للغاية، وبعد إنشاء وزارة جديدة للثقافة والشباب تتسم بالمرونة والفعالية، مع تطبيق صحيح سيأتي أثناء إعادة الهيكلة، حيث أن الميزانية السنوية لوزارة الثقافة صغيرة مقارنة بميزانية وزارة الشباب. وخلص المقال إلى أنه لا يوجد مجال لمزيد من التجارب الفاشلة في البلاد فيما يتعلق بالشباب.

Economics and Entrepreneurship

* To save time and effort and obtain accurate blood parameters compared to devices that measure blood clotting time, a number of young engineers in the Medical Engineering Department of the Faculty of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering at Damascus University designed a device to measure blood clotting time. Young engineers Muhammad Omar Al-Halabi, Muhammad Habib, Muhammad Anwar Mansour, Muhammad Al-Houri, and Hussam Khawlani, explained that the function of the device is to measure the time of stopping external bleeding, “the time of formation of a blood clot,” and to monitor blood fluidity in patients who are under treatment with anticoagulants, anti-vitamin K. detection of patients with a deficiency in one of the clotting factors before any surgical procedure, and the hereditary deficiency of clotting factors, in addition to monitoring patients who are treated with the blood thinner heparin.

الاقتصاد وريادة الأعمال

* لتوفير الوقت والجهد والحصول على معالم دم دقيقة مقارنة بالأجهزة التي تقيس وقت تخثر الدم، قام عدد من المهندسين الشباب في قسم الهندسة الطبية بكلية الهندسة الميكانيكية والكهربائية بجامعة دمشق بتصميم جهاز لقياس وقت تخثر الدم. أوضح المهندسون الشباب محمد عمر الحلبي، محمد حبيب، محمد أنور منصور، محمد الحوري، وحسام خولاني أن وظيفة الجهاز هي قياس وقت وقف النزيف الخارجي، "وقت تكوين جلطة دموية"، ولمراقبة سيولة الدم لدى المرضى الذين يخضعون للعلاج بمضادات التخثر، والكشف عن المرضى الذين يعانون من نقص في أحد عوامل التخثر قبل إجراء أي عملية جراحية، والنقص الوراثي لعوامل التخثر، بالإضافة إلى مراقبة المرضى الذين يعالجون بالهيبارين المخفف للدم.

Conflict

* The Palestinian Ministry of Health announced that a young man was shot dead by Israeli occupation forces, east of Qalqilya, in the northern West Bank, in front of his own mother. The occupation army stated that it shot a Palestinian who tried to stab a soldier at a military site near the Kedumim settlement in the West Bank. With the death of this 20 year old man, the number of martyrs since the beginning of this year has risen to 19, including 4 children.

* A 24 years old Palestinian died in the hospital suffering severe wounds sustained during the Israeli occupation’s aggression on Jenin and its refugee camp last Thursday. The Palestinian Ministry of Health confirmed the news of his death after being hit by live bullets in the abdomen. With his martyrdom, the death toll from the occupation's aggression against Jenin and its camp rose to 10. The Palestinian Authority decided to “immediately turn to the UN Security Council to implement international protection for the Palestinian people under Chapter VII in the United Nations Charter and to stop unilateral measures.” It also decided to seek “urgently” the International Criminal Court, “to add the massacre committed by the occupation in Jenin to the files previously submitted, and to call immediately for the advent of the ongoing international investigation committee in the Human Rights Council, to investigate and refer its outputs regarding the responsibility of the occupation for this massacre to the International Criminal Court and the Security Council.

* The Israeli occupation police arrested a 25-year-old man from the village of Sheikh Dannoun in the Galilee region because of a post on one of his social media accounts, claiming that he “expressed support for terrorism.” The police warned that it continues to work with the security services, overtly and covertly, in monitoring social networks, against “inciters, supporters, and accomplices of saboteurs and terrorist organizations.”

* The Israeli Shin Bet announced the arrest of dozens of Palestinian citizens for allegedly providing assistance to Hamas activists with the aim of carrying out operations against Israeli targets. The Shin Bet claimed, in a statement, that “intelligence efforts, in cooperation with the army and the police, led to the discovery of the mechanism by which Hamas activists from Gaza “exploited Palestinian youths in the West Bank to help carry out operations.” To that end, the occupation authorities decided to cancel work permits of about 230 Palestinians from Gaza simply because of their attributed relation with Hamas activists.

* The Youth Council for the Peaceful Revolution, in Yemen, issued a statement in which it indicated that it is following recent news about what appears to be an imminent agreement between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi militia with Omani mediation, calling it a “move that ignores the sacrifices of Yemenis and their right to have a state with full sovereignty, an independent decision, and a single and strong entity under which citizens are equal, and it monopolizes the right to own weapons.” The statement added that “the Council warns of any suspicious deal agreed upon by the frivolous and occupying states of Yemen and the militias that wage war against the Yemenis, and it rejects any agreement that is far from the national consensus and understanding of all Yemenis, and does not guarantee disarmament.”

النزاعات

* أعلنت وزارة الصحة الفلسطينية عن مقتل شاب برصاص قوات الاحتلال الإسرائيلي، شرق قلقيلية، في شمال الضفة الغربية، أمام والدته. وذكر جيش الاحتلال أنه أطلق النار على فلسطيني حاول طعن جندي في موقع عسكري بالقرب من مستوطنة كدوميم في الضفة الغربية. ومع وفاة هذا الشاب البالغ من العمر 20 عامًا، ارتفع عدد الشهداء منذ بداية هذا العام إلى 19، من بينهم 4 أطفال.

* توفي شاب فلسطيني يبلغ من العمر 24 عامًا في المستشفى متأثرًا بجروح بالغة أصيب بها خلال عدوان الاحتلال الإسرائيلي على جنين ومخيم اللاجئين التابع لها يوم الخميس الماضي. وأكدت وزارة الصحة الفلسطينية نبأ وفاته بعد إصابته برصاص حي في البطن. ومع استشهاده، ارتفع عدد قتلى عدوان الاحتلال على جنين ومخيمها إلى 10 قتلى. قررت السلطة الفلسطينية "اللجوء على الفور إلى مجلس الأمن التابع للأمم المتحدة لتنفيذ الحماية الدولية للشعب الفلسطيني بموجب الفصل السابع من ميثاق الأمم المتحدة ووقف الإجراءات الأحادية الجانب". كما قررت أن تلتمس "على وجه السرعة" من المحكمة الجنائية الدولية، "لإضافة المذبحة التي ارتكبها الاحتلال في جنين إلى الملفات التي سبق تقديمها، وأن تدعو فوراً إلى إنشاء لجنة التحقيق الدولية الجارية في مجلس حقوق الإنسان، والتحقيق في نتائجه المتعلقة بمسؤولية الاحتلال عن هذه المذبحة وإحالتها إلى المحكمة الجنائية الدولية ومجلس الأمن.

* اعتقلت شرطة الاحتلال الإسرائيلي شابا يبلغ من العمر 25 عاما من قرية الشيخ دنون في منطقة الجليل بسبب منشور على إحدى حساباته على مواقع التواصل الاجتماعي، زاعمة أنه "أعرب عن دعمه للإرهاب". وحذرت الشرطة من أنها تواصل العمل مع الأجهزة الأمنية بشكل علني وسري في مراقبة الشبكات الاجتماعية ضد "المحرضين والمؤيدين والمتواطئين مع المخربين والمنظمات الإرهابية".

* أعلن الشاباك الإسرائيلي اعتقال عشرات المواطنين الفلسطينيين بزعم تقديم المساعدة لنشطاء حماس بهدف تنفيذ عمليات ضد أهداف إسرائيلية. وزعم الشاباك، في بيان، أن "الجهود الاستخباراتية، بالتعاون مع الجيش والشرطة، أدت إلى اكتشاف الآلية التي استغل بها نشطاء حماس من غزة الشباب الفلسطيني في الضفة الغربية للمساعدة في تنفيذ العمليات". وبالإضافة إلى ذلك، قررت سلطات الاحتلال الإسرائيلي إلغاء تصاريح العمل لحوالي 230 فلسطينيا من غزة لمجرد علاقتهم المنسوبة إلى ناشطي حماس.

* أصدر مجلس شباب الثورة السلمية في اليمن بيانا أشار فيه إلى أنه يتابع الأنباء الأخيرة عما يبدو أنه اتفاق وشيك بين المملكة العربية السعودية وميليشيا الحوثي بوساطة عمانية، ووصفها بأنها "خطوة تتجاهل تضحيات اليمنيين وحقهم في أن تكون لهم دولة ذات سيادة كاملة وقرار مستقل وكيان واحد وقوي يتساوى في ظله المواطنون، ويحتكر الحق في امتلاك الأسلحة". وأضاف البيان أن " مجلس شباب الثورة السلمية يحذر من أي صفقة مشبوهة تتفق عليها دول اليمن العبثية والمحتلة والميليشيات التي تشن حربا ضد اليمنيين، ويرفض أي اتفاق بعيد كل البعد عن الإجماع الوطني والتفاهم بين جميع اليمنيين، ولا يضمن نزع السلاح".

Development

* The Professional Tools Foundation for Training and Capacity Building and the Al-Ghasaq Association for Culture and Heritage, in cooperation with the Mafraq Youth Directorate in Jordan, organized an awareness session entitled "The importance of participating in the Jordanian political parties." The session stressed the importance of young people's interest in parties and alleviating their fears of joining political parties. It also pointed out that partisan life requires more media attention and support to enable parties to play their role to serve the country and the citizen.

التنمية

* نظمت مؤسسة الأدوات المهنية للتدريب وبناء القدرات وجمعية الغساق للثقافة والتراث، بالتعاون مع مديرية شباب المفرق في الأردن، دورة توعية بعنوان "أهمية المشاركة في الأحزاب السياسية الأردنية". وشددت الجلسة هذه على أهمية اهتمام الشباب بالأحزاب وتخفيف مخاوفهم من المشاركة والانضمام إلى الأحزاب السياسية. كما أشارت الجلسة إلى أن الحياة الحزبية تتطلب مزيدًا من الاهتمام والدعم الإعلامي لتمكين الأحزاب من القيام بدورها لخدمة الوطن والمواطن.

Education

* UNRWA celebrated the International Day of Education by highlighting the tremendous work it does for Palestinian refugees in Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine, running over 700 schools attended by over half a million Palestinian students. “Education is a human right,” said UNRWA Commissioner-General Phillipe Lazzarini “Every child must be able to learn and thrive. In the lives of Palestine refugees, the quality education that UNRWA has offered for generations was often a passport to empowerment, employment, and fulfillment.” UNRWA is seeking to move its learning to the next level, to ensure that students are equipped for the modern job market. Digital education, computer and science labs, greening initiatives in schools, and a continued drive to gender parity underpin UNRWA’s approach to quality education.

* A Yemeni researcher won the Best Young Scientist Award in Belarus for 2023. The researcher, Dr. Marwan Al-Kamali, won the award for his research centered on the technology of manufacturing films for the manufacture of solar panels, as well as his research on the uses of materials manufactured by him in the medical field and their biological effect as antimicrobials. It is noteworthy that the young researcher is working to develop materials that would work as absorbent materials and as filter materials for crude oil.

* The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports in Qalyubia, Egypt, inaugurated the “I Read for You” initiative to be implemented in 100 youth centers. He pointed out the importance of raising awareness among youth in accordance with the Ministry’s vision and goals. The initiative aims to prepare a generation of readers that establishes the status of cultural and knowledgeable content.

التعليم

* احتفلت الأونروا باليوم الدولي للتعليم من خلال تسليط الضوء على العمل الهائل الذي تقوم به للاجئين الفلسطينيين في سوريا والأردن ولبنان وفلسطين، حيث تدير أكثر من 700 مدرسة يدرس فيها أكثر من نصف مليون طالب فلسطيني. وقال المفوض العام للأونروا فيليب لازاريني: "التعليم حق من حقوق الإنسان، وفي حياة اللاجئين الفلسطينيين، كان التعليم الجيد الذي قدمته الأونروا لأجيال في كثير من الأحيان جواز سفر للتمكين والعمالة والوفاء". وتسعى الأونروا إلى نقل تعلمها إلى المستوى التالي، لضمان تجهيز الطلاب لأسواق العمل الحديثة. وإن التعليم الرقمي، ومختبرات الحاسوب والعلوم، ومبادرات التخضير في المدارس، والحملة المستمرة لتحقيق التكافؤ بين الجنسين تدعم نهج الأونروا في التعليم الجيد.

* فاز باحث يمني بجائزة أفضل عالم شاب في بيلاروسيا لعام 2023. ففاز الباحث الدكتور مروان الكمالي بالجائزة عن أبحاثه التي تركز على تكنولوجيا تصنيع الأفلام لتصنيع الألواح الشمسية، وكذلك أبحاثه حول استخدامات المواد التي صنعها في المجال الطبي وتأثيرها البيولوجي كمضادات ميكروبات. وتجدر الإشارة إلى أن الباحث الشاب يعمل على تطوير مواد تعمل كمواد ماصة ومواد مرشحة للنفط الخام.

* افتتح وكيل وزارة الشباب والرياضة في القليوبية في مصر، مبادرة "قرأت لك" ليتم تنفيذها في 100 مركز شبابي. وأشار الوكيل إلى أهمية توعية الشباب والشابات وفقا لرؤية الوزارة وأهدافها. وتهدف هذه المبادرة إلى إعداد جيل من القراء يحدد حالة المحتوى الثقافي والمعرفي.

Environment

* Dina Kiwan wrote for Arab News highlighting the importance of harnessing youth in combating climate change. She indicates that we are yet to see communities and governments in the Middle East truly galvanize the environmental efforts of young individuals despite their tremendous motivation. Kiwan believes that education, formal and nonformal, has a vital role to play in enabling youth by equipping them with the knowledge, attitudes, and skills to effectively engage and drive action.

البيئة

* كتبت دينا كيوان لصحيفة "عرب نيوز" مقالا تسلط فيه الضوء على أهمية تسخير الشباب في مكافحة تبعات تغير المناخ. وتشير كيوان إلى أننا لم نر بعد مجتمعات وحكومات في الشرق الأوسط تحفز حقا الجهود البيئية للشباب على الرغم من دوافعهم الهائلة. وتعتقد كيوان أن التعليم، الرسمي وغير الرسمي، له دور حيوي يلعبه في تمكين الشباب من خلال تزويدهم بالمعارف والمواقف والمهارات للمشاركة الفعالة ودفع العمل.

The content in MENARY Monitor's editions do not represent the views of MENAACTION's staff

لا يمثل محتوى مرصد شباب الشرق الأوسط وشمال افريقيا أفكار أو وجهات نظر فريق عمل مينا أكشن

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MENARY Monitor - 2022 End of Year Review
The State of Youth in the MENA Region

التقرير الموجز باللغة العربية عبر هذا الرابط

Executive Summary

MENAACTION’s Middle East and North Africa Region Youth Monitor (MENARY Monitor) has been running for nearly two years. It provides weekly overview of all youth-related news and updates from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region within 6 categories: (a) politics and political engagement; (b) economics and entrepreneurship; (c) conflict; (d) development; (e) education; and (f) environment. In analyzing each of the 6 categories, this report provides in-depth analysis of the state of youth in the region over the course of 2022, with emphasis on the challenges and opportunities along with short-term recommendations for needed interventions.

Politics and Political Engagement

When it comes to youth political engagement, 2022 saw more challenges than successes for youth. As COVID-19 related movement restrictions were mostly lifted, protests broke around the region, particularly in Iran, sparked by the murder of young Mahsa Amini on the hands of the morality police. The still ongoing protests are led by Iranian women and youth who are facing existential crackdown from the Iranian regime, manifested in arbitrary detentions at best, and murky trials leading to executions at worst. Hundreds of protests have been killed thus far while tens of thousands have been arrested, with tens facing imminent executions.

The protests in Iran, and elsewhere in the region for that matter, are a culmination of years of marginalizing policies, and in some contexts, such policies are worsening. The democratic backsliding in Tunisia is marginalizing and alienating youth groups, as the new constitution provides the president with consolidated powers not seen after 2011’s Arab Spring uprisings. In Sudan, the military coup co-opted years of hard work by youth activists who had not had the chance to celebrate the ousting of former president Omar Al-Bashir.

There are two important statements that demonstrate the current state of youth marginalization in the region. The Iranian chief investigator who is in charge of interrogating youth detainees said “I have spent my life interrogating great political figures, but these days, I am doing the most difficult interrogations in my life, as I do not understand what they are saying, and they do not understand what I am saying.” As for Sudanese youth, observers believe that youth have become “instrumentalized but not trusted to lead.”

These two statements demonstrate a major gap between youth and decision-makers, grounded in (a) inability to understand their needs; (b) unwillingness to provide them with their rightful space within the political sphere; and (c) utilizing youth as an instrument to achieve certain gains within larger political competitions.

Read the Full Report Here

Economics and Entrepreneurship

Much like 2021, this past year brought continued economic challenges for youth across the region, with unemployment among youth still stagnant and government ability to create jobs is still subpar. These economic difficulties are placing the region’s young assets at risk of migration at best, or worsened mental health struggles, with education dropouts also on the rise in many countries, including Lebanon and Syria.

While there were indeed tens of government initiatives aimed at addressing the scourge of unemployment, they are yet to prove effective. This is due to a number of reasons, including a skills mismatch, challenges related to education, and a weak level of cooperation between the public and private sectors. Governments, nongovernment organizations, and economists are increasingly encouraging youth to turn more to the entrepreneurship track.

A certainly viable solution for many, entrepreneurship in the MENA region, however, also comes with its own sets of challenges. Many young Algerian entrepreneurs, for example, complain about government bureaucracy and delays in processing their paperwork, whether to register their enterprises or to acquire funding. Financial literacy and financial inclusion are also aspects hindering the progress of entrepreneurship in the region. For example, only 17% of young Moroccans use digital payments while only 1.6% buy products or services online.

To that end, the Arab Monetary Fund (AMF) emphasized the importance of financial inclusion to foster economic growth in the region and called on Arab governments and banking institutions to improve upon social responsibility and to resort to sustainable finance to empower the more vulnerable communities, such as the youth and women.

In addition to that, the UAE announced a monumental decision in the form of a new visa designed specifically for job seekers. The job exploration entry visa, as it is called, is 60-day entry permit that offers a variety of incentives, such as the ability to acquire the visa without the need for a host or a sponsor. This visa provides youth, who have been facing the challenge of unemployment in their countries, with a much needed shimmer of hope.

Conflict

Most of the conflicts around the region continued to witness escalations and youth were constantly exploited as fuel for the fights or targeted and primarily victimized. They also continue to be targeted by armed violent extremist, terrorist, and sectarian factions. Youth also continued to fall victim to a number of human rights restrictions and violations along with a spike in the prevalence of drugs across the region.

At the forefront of these conflicts is the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in which Israeli occupation forces continued to systematically target young Palestinians, killing, wounding, and detaining Palestinian youth and children on a daily basis. MENAACTION reported on the death of at least 60 young Palestinians on the hands of the occupation forces throughout 2022, but ffficial reports from the United Nations indicate that the death toll of Palestinians killed by Israeli forces over 2022 is at least 200, 43 of whom are children, coupled with the arrest of about 7,000 Palestinians, 882 of whom were children and 172 were women.

In addition to that, at least 488 Iranians were killed during the ongoing protests, 60 of whom were children, which sheds further light on the authorities’ deadly resolve to crush the widespread, ongoing protests. The Iranian Human Rights (IHR) group said that more than half had been killed in areas with high Kurdish and Baloch populations. Additionally, a report by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies in early December suggests that at least 500 individuals were executed in Iran throughout the year, excluding nearly 450 who were killed during the protests.

In addition to that, irregular migration, violent extremism, and drug addiction remain other dangers facing youth around the region. Throughout the year, hundreds fell victims to recruitment by violent extremist groups, as thousands engaged in irregular migration, mostly toward Europe, and drug addiction became more prevalent throughout the region despite enhanced government policies.

Development

Over the course of 2022, hundreds of youth development initiatives and programs were held with the aim of empowering youth capabilities in line with the needs of the region. Despite some successes, such efforts can be characterized as mostly traditional and seldom coherent with the actual needs of youth, perhaps due to the absence of efforts to solicit inputs from youth regarding their own needs and priorities. For example. An Egyptian journalist clarified that 60% of the Ministry of Youth’s allocations went to construction, 30% to support youth centers, and 8% for workers’ wages, leaving 1% for activities.

Throughout the year, youth led a number of grassroots, voluntary initiatives aimed at addressing different local challenges. At the same time, government and nongovernment organizations looked to build and sustain the culture of voluntary work among youth, which in fact proved effective. Given the importance of volunteer work in the world, the United Nations designated the fifth of December of each year as a date for celebrating International Volunteer Day. There were also several workshops and initiatives that addressed issues related to wellness, COVID-19 pandemic, and countering the scourge of drugs. This is important given the global pandemic, rising challenges related to mental health, let alone the increase in drug addiction, use, abuse, and related offenses among youth across the region.

Technology and media – whether traditional, digital, or modern – were heavily featured throughout youth-specific development efforts across the region over 2022. The stories monitored included youth efforts to preserve the culture and heritage of their traditions and countries along with several media training efforts, and an emphasis on newer approaches in media.

Education

MENAACTION’s 2022 “What IF Youth Led the MENA Region” Survey found that 57.1% of the respondents stated that the education system should be the highest priority for public spending, 25.8% believe that reforming the education system should be the main focus for their governments, and 13.5% believe that the deteriorating education systems were the most pressing issue facing them in their countries.

Palestinians faced the most pressing challenges related to education over 2022. There are approximately 1.6 million young men and women in refugee and IDP camps, which lack educational rehabilitation centers to work on helping young people to build their capacities. According to the UN’s 2022 Humanitarian Needs Overview, an estimated 678,000 children are in need of child protection services, about 25% of children aged 16-17 are out of school, and young people face multiple obstacles securing a job once they do leave education. Moreover, university graduates in Gaza suffer from unemployment following their graduation.

Lebanese students also face a number of education-related challenges. A UNICEF report revealed 3 out of every 10 young men and women in Lebanon have dropped out of education to find job opportunities. UNICEF also reported that many young Lebanese have been cutting back on healthcare.

With challenges in education to employment transition, the region is also suffering from brain drain among its youth, as a report by Majid Al Futtaim business group and McKinsey highlights that higher education investment is direly needed to halt student brain drain. It indicates that the relative scarcity of top facilities to meet the needs of the region’s brightest has led to many “leaving to study abroad, and in many cases, not returning home.” More investment in higher education in the region, particularly in a way that promotes the necessary skills for the region’s labor market, can limit brain drain.

Environment

MENAACTION’s “What IF Youth Led the MENA Region” 2022 Survey found that 49.8% of youth surveyed believe that protecting the environment should be given priority, even if it causes slower economic growth and some loss of jobs, which signifies an important ripe environment for the engagement of youth in climate action. Government institutions and nongovernment organizations should widen the level and type of youth engagement in such efforts to leverage youth’s leadership traits and interest in leading climate action. This is because 2022 featured more emphasis on holding environment-oriented conferences and less interventions on the ground than expected. Supporting youth-led local efforts ought to be prioritized, as they proved effective in raising public awareness and achieving tremendous impacts on the ground.

MENAACTION’s Survey also found that 31.2% of the respondents reported that they have taken or regularly take actions out of concern for climate change and 49.6% of the respondents stated that they are becoming more interested in taking actions, which shows a tremendous level of civic responsibility, especially when combined with those who stated that they do take regular action. While civic responsibility is not entirely prevalent across the region, when given the chance, youth demonstrated that they are prepared and willing to take action on matters of interest for the general population.

UNICEF’s Regional Office for the MENA region and the UNDP Regional Hub for Arab States developed the Young Climate Activists Toolkit, which looks to equip youth with the tools, knowledge, and resources to enhance their engagement in climate action. The toolkit was developed in consultation with young climate activists from around the region to ensure an inclusive and a well-informed framework. The Toolkit is tailored to offer clear, concise, and easily understandable information on climate action to prepare youth for improved participation in climate action and debate.

Additionally, Egypt held the 27^th edition of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27) in November, which featured numerous initiatives leading up to the event, a number of efforts on the sidelines of the conferences, and some endeavors post the summit.

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MENARY Monitor - Edition 96
January 22, 2023

مرصد شباب الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا - الاصدار ٩٦
٢٢ كانون الثاني ٢٠٢٣

Politics and Political Engagement

* In Jordan, the head of the Parliamentary Education and Youth Committee affirmed that the advancement of education and youth is a top priority. This came during a dialogue session held at the House of Representatives under the title "Education and Youth: Challenges and Opportunities", with the participation of a group of youth from the Parliamentary Fellowship Program emanating from the programs of the King Abdullah II Fund for Development. The attendees were briefed on a package of the parliamentary committee's outputs with regard to the development of curricula and educational facilities, among others.

السياسة والاندماج السياسي

* في الأردن أكد رئيس لجنة التعليم والشباب في مجلس النواب أن النهوض بالتعليم والشباب يمثل أولوية قصوى. جاء ذلك خلال جلسة حوارية عقدت في مجلس النواب بعنوان "التعليم والشباب: التحديات والفرص"، وذلك بمشاركة مجموعة من الشباب من برنامج الزمالة البرلمانية المنبثقة عن برامج صندوق الملك عبد الله الثاني للتنمية بالإضافة إلى مقرر اللجنة الشبابية المنبثقة عن اللجنة الملكية لتحديث المنظومة السياسية. واطلع الحضور على حزمة من مخرجات اللجنة البرلمانية فيما يتعلق بتطوير المناهج والمرافق التعليمية وغيرها.

Economics and Entrepreneurship

* Reports from Syria discuss price hikes of basic commodities including medications and infant formula. The prices of medicines have increased particularly in the areas controlled by the Assad regime. The head of the Scientific Council for Pharmaceutical Industries, Nabil Al-Qaseer, said in a statement that all pharmaceutical items were raised by 50% due to the fluctuating exchange rates. He claimed that the price adjustment would support the pharmaceutical market and the production process, adding that the owners of pharmaceutical factories sacrifice in order to produce medicines. In addition to the shortage of some medicines and their high prices, infant formula also recorded price hikes. The new increase in prices caused massive anger among loyalists.

* The Ministry of State for Migration and Affairs of Egyptians Abroad seeks to develop a strategy to combat illegal immigration. It stated that it looks achieve that through qualifying potential migrants for the labor market and provide them with safe and available alternatives. In this context, the Egyptian-German Center for Jobs, Immigration, and Reintegration announced a new training course on “project management” for young people in Dakahlia, Sharkia, and Qalyubia to build skills necessary for self-employment.

* A young Yemeni invented a new car. Abdelkader Aida al-Sadiye, born in Marib, said he fulfilled his dream, saying “I officially announce that my product has come into existence.” He also said that he will continue to modify and develop his invention. Young people in Jawf governorate celebrated this achievement and called for support for young people's aspirations.

* Salah Al-Rami, a young man from Abyan, Yemen, is an engineer specializing in artificial intelligence. He harnessed the capabilities of his specialization in inventing a device that is the first of its kind to serve the deaf and mute. Al-Rami talked about the nature and details of his invention, and how it could constitute a monumental step in the process of communicating with deaf and mute people. He said that what he has done is an integrated project that can translate sign language into speech, in addition to converting this speech into text in Arabic. He also pointed out that the goal of the project lies in "reducing the gap between people and people with disabilities, particularly the deaf and mute.”

الاقتصاد وريادة الأعمال

* تناقش التقارير الواردة من سوريا ارتفاع أسعار السلع الأساسية بما في ذلك الأدوية وحليب الأطفال. ارتفعت أسعار الأدوية خاصة في مناطق سيطرة نظام الأسد. وقال رئيس المجلس العلمي للصناعات الدوائية نبيل القصير، في بيان، إن جميع المواد الصيدلانية قد ارتفعت بنسبة 50٪ بسبب تذبذب أسعار صرف الليرة السورية مقارنة بالدولار. وزعم أن تعديل السعر سيدعم سوق الأدوية وعملية الإنتاج، مضيفًا أن أصحاب مصانع الأدوية يضحون من أجل إنتاج الأدوية. بالإضافة إلى نقص بعض الأدوية وارتفاع أسعارها، سجل حليب الأطفال أيضًا ارتفاعًا في الأسعار. وتسببت الزيادة الجديدة في الأسعار في غضب كبير بين الموالين لنظام الأسد بما في ذلك الموظفين في القطاع العام.

* تسعى وزارة الدولة للهجرة وشؤون المصريين بالخارج إلى تطوير استراتيجية لمكافحة الهجرة غير الشرعية. وذكرت الوزارة أنها تعمل على تحقيق ذلك من خلال تأهيل المهاجرين المحتملين لسوق العمل وتزويدهم بالبدائل الآمنة والمتاحة. وفي هذا السياق، أعلن المركز المصري الألماني للوظائف والهجرة وإعادة الدمج عن دورة تدريبية جديدة حول "إدارة المشاريع" للشباب في الدقهلية والشرقية والقليوبية لبناء المهارات اللازمة للعمل الحر.

* شاب يمني اخترع سيارة جديدة. عبد القادر عيضة الصديعي، من مواليد محافظة مأرب، قال إنه حقق حلمه، قائلاً "أعلن رسميًا أن منتجي قد أصبح حقيقيا على أرض الواقع". وقال أيضًا إنه سيواصل تعديل وتطوير اختراعه. واحتفل شباب محافظة الجوف بهذا الإنجاز ودعوا إلى دعم تطلعات الشباب.

* صلاح الرامي، شاب من مدينة أبين اليمنية، هو مهندس متخصص في الذكاء الاصطناعي، قام بتسخير قدرات تخصصه في ابتكار جهاز هو الأول من نوعه لخدمة الصم والبكم. وتحدث الرامي عن طبيعة وتفاصيل اختراعه وكيف يمكن أن يشكل خطوة هائلة في عملية التواصل مع الصم والبكم. وقال إن ما قام به هو مشروع متكامل يمكنه ترجمة لغة الإشارة إلى كلام، بالإضافة إلى تحويل هذا الخطاب إلى نص باللغة العربية ليسهل من عملية التواصل. وأشار الشاب اليمني إلى أن الهدف من المشروع يكمن في "تقليص الفجوة بين الأشخاص وذوي الإعاقة وخاصة الصم والبكم".

Conflict

* Yemenis continue to suffer the impacts of the ongoing war. The United Nations indicated that more than two-thirds of the population needs assistance during the current year. This came in a briefing by the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator Martin Griffiths. He said “the number of people in need of humanitarian assistance and protection services across Yemen during 2023 will reach 21.6 million”. He added, “the number, although huge, does not convey the reality of the suffering of Yemenis, speaking of the impossible choices that parents are forced to take to secure food for their children and the dangers that people, especially women and girls, are exposed to while doing simple actions like walking to school or fetching water.”

* Sawt Beirut published a report discussing the increasing number of suicide cases in Lebanon. The report attributed this increase to the terrible socioeconomic challenges along with government corruption. The report also questioned the efforts made to address this challenge, as efforts remain very minimal.

النزاعات

* لا يزال اليمنيون يعانون من آثار الحرب المستمرة. وأشارت الأمم المتحدة إلى أن أكثر من ثلثي السكان بحاجة إلى المساعدة خلال العام الحالي. جاء ذلك في إحاطة قدمها منسق الأمم المتحدة للشؤون الإنسانية مارتن غريفيث. وقال: "إن عدد المحتاجين للمساعدات الإنسانية وخدمات الحماية في جميع أنحاء اليمن خلال عام 2023 سيصل إلى 21.6 مليون شخص". وأضاف: "الرقم، رغم ضخامته، لا ينقل حقيقة معاناة اليمنيين على أرض الواقع، ويتحدث عن الخيارات المستحيلة التي يضطر الآباء إلى اتخاذها لتأمين الغذاء لأطفالهم، والمخاطر التي يتعرض لها اليمنيين، وخاصة النساء والفتيات الذين يتعرضون إلى المضايقات أثناء القيام بأعمال بسيطة مثل المشي إلى المدرسة أو جلب الماء ".

* نشر موقع "صوت بيروت" تقريراً يناقش تزايد حالات الانتحار في لبنان. وعزا التقرير هذه الزيادة إلى التحديات الاجتماعية والاقتصادية الرهيبة إلى جانب الفساد الحكومي. كما شكك التقرير في الجهود المبذولة لمواجهة هذا التحدي، حيث لا تزال الجهود ضئيلة للغاية مما قد يؤدي إلى تفاقم المشكلة.

Development

* Ambassador Mohamed Al-Akhsassi said, “Moroccan youth represents a fundamental lever for the sustainable economic and social development of Morocco’s present and future,” noting that “the demographic weight of youth in Morocco remains significant now and will be more important and influential in the future.” After pointing out that the overwhelming majority of young people are not satisfied with their living conditions, he elaborated on the characteristics of widespread unemployment among young people, before presenting a set of recommendations for interventions.

* The Voluntary Work Youth Group in Ghadouh Municipality, Sebha – Libya, organized a voluntary campaign to restore and maintain the public road linking the area with the city of Sebha. One of the youth participating in the campaign said that this road did not receive the attention from the relevant authorities to carry out full maintenance, especially since there have been many accidents on this road.

التنمية

* قال السفير محمد الأخصاصي: "يمثل الشباب المغربي رافعة أساسية للتنمية الاقتصادية والاجتماعية المستدامة لحاضر المغرب ومستقبله"، مشيرا إلى أن "الثقل الديموغرافي للشباب في المغرب لا يزال كبيرا الآن وسيكون أكثر أهمية وتأثيرا في المغرب. مستقبل." وبعد أن أشار إلى أن الغالبية العظمى من الشباب غير راضين عن ظروفهم المعيشية، تحدث عن خصائص انتشار البطالة بين الشباب، قبل أن يقدم مجموعة من التوصيات للتدخلات المطلوبة لتحسين الأوضاع للشباب المغربي.

* نظمت مجموعة شباب العمل التطوعي في محلة غدوه في بلدية سبها - ليبيا، حملة تطوعية لترميم وصيانة الطريق العام الذي يربط المنطقة بمدينة سبها. وقال أحد الشباب المشاركين في الحملة، إن هذا الطريق لم يحظ باهتمام الجهات المعنية لإجراء الصيانة الكاملة له، خاصة وأن هناك العديد من الحوادث على هذا الطريق.

Education

* Houthi militia stormed a school in Hamedan, north of Sana'a, and kidnapped its principal. Local sources and eyewitnesses said that members of the Houthi militia stormed Al-Tawfiq School and kidnapped the school's principal and took him to an unknown location. The principal has been working as an English language teacher at the school for more than twenty years. The number of kidnapped people from the region has reached 20 since the Houthi militia launched its armed campaign against the region three weeks ago. Earlier, the Witnesses Organization for Human Rights condemned the continuation of the Houthi militia's crimes and said that what civilians have been exposed to there are “horrific violations of international human rights law committed by the Houthi group for nearly three weeks, in light of the silence of international organizations.”

* The World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) will host the Doha Learning Days (DLD) Festival next February, under the theme “Youth Empowerment”. It will share opportunities with young people and help expand their skills in areas such as advocacy, arts, wellness, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, tech, science, and coding. WISE will offer over 50 workshops to engage in informal experiential learning. The festival is designed to take learning out of formal education settings and expand the understanding of where learning can happen. To achieve this goal, WISE has curated the festival programme with more than 20 multisectoral content partners who will offer interactive workshops, educational group sessions, stimulating speakers, and other practice-based learning activities that are both experiential and innovative.

التعليم

* اقتحمت قوات مليشيا الحوثي مدرسة في مدينة همدان شمال صنعاء واختطفت مديرها. وقالت مصادر محلية وشهود عيان، إن عناصر قوات مليشيا الحوثي اقتحموا مدرسة التوفيق في مدينة همدان وخطفوا مدير المدرسة واقتادوه إلى جهة مجهولة. ويعمل هذا المدير كمدرس للغة الإنجليزية في المدرسة منذ أكثر من عشرين عامًا. والجدير بالذكر أنه وصل عدد المختطفين من المنطقة إلى 20 منذ أن شنت مليشيا الحوثي حملتها المسلحة على المنطقة قبل ثلاثة أسابيع. وكانت منظمة الشهود لحقوق الإنسان قد أدانت في وقت سابق استمرار جرائم مليشيا الحوثي وقالت إن ما يتعرض له المدنيون من "انتهاكات مروعة للقانون الدولي لحقوق الإنسان ارتكبتها جماعة الحوثي منذ نحو ثلاثة أسابيع في ظل حالة الصمت". المنظمات الدولية ".

* تستضيف القمة العالمية للابتكار في التعليم (وايز) مهرجان أيام التعلم في الدوحة في بداية شهر شباط / فبراير المقبل، تحت شعار "تمكين الشباب". وستشارك القمة الفرص مع الشباب، تحديدا تلك التي تساعد على توسيع مهاراتهم في مجالات مثل المناصرة والفنون والصحة وريادة الأعمال ومحو الأمية المالية والتكنولوجيا والعلوم والترميز. وستقدم القمة أكثر من 50 ورشة عمل للمشاركة في التعلم التجريبي غير الرسمي. وتم تصميم المهرجان لإخراج التعلم من منظور التعليم الرسمي وتوسيع نطاق فهم أين يمكن أن يحدث التعلم. ولتحقيق هذا الهدف، قامت القمة برعاية برنامج المهرجان مع أكثر من 20 شريك محتوى متعدد القطاعات سيقدمون ورش عمل تفاعلية وجلسات جماعية تعليمية ومتحدثين محفزين وأنشطة تعليمية أخرى قائمة على الممارسة تكون تجريبية ومبتكرة.

Environment

* Founded by an entrepreneurial 24-year-old Egyptian, TileGreen is helping combat Egypt’s plastic waste problem by recycling junk-food wrappers, water bottles, and other waste that usually ends up in landfills or in the Nile. At a factory on the outskirts of Cairo, run by TileGreen, machines gobble up huge amounts of plastic scraps, shred them, and turn them into a thick liquid. The sludge – made from all kinds of plastic, even single-use shopping bags, is then molded into dark, compact bricks that are used as outdoor pavers for walkways and garages.

البيئة

* تأسست "تايل غرين" على يد رائد أعمال مصري شاب يبلغ من العمر 24 عامًا، وتساعد تايل غرين في مكافحة مشكلة النفايات البلاستيكية في مصر من خلال إعادة تدوير أغلفة الوجبات السريعة، وزجاجات المياه، والنفايات الأخرى التي ينتهي بها الأمر عادةً في مقالب القمامة أو في النيل. وفي مصنع على مشارف القاهرة، تديره شركة تايل غرين، تلتهم الآلات كميات هائلة من الخردة البلاستيكية، وتقطعها، وتحولها إلى سائل سميك. يتم بعد ذلك تشكيل الحمأة - المصنوعة من جميع أنواع البلاستيك، وحتى أكياس التسوق التي تستخدم مرة واحدة، في قوالب طوب مظلمة ومضغوطة تُستخدم كأرضيات خارجية للممرات والكراجات.

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MENARY Monitor - Edition 95
January 15, 2023

مرصد شباب الشرق الأوسط وشمال افريقيا - الاصدار ٩٥
١٥ كانون الثاني ٢٠٢٣

Politics and Political Engagement

* A report by Okaz highlighted that the death sentences carried out by the Iranian regime's courts against 13 Iranian protesters further fueled the popular revolution that is presenting a major challenge to Khamenei's regime. The report adds that the Iranian regime was terrified of the outcome of the revolution, which is why they resorted to executions following murky trials. Trials were conducted in closed session. Activists said that some of the defendants appeared before the court with signs of torture on their bodies.

* The Iranian judiciary continues to issue death sentences against protesters, and the Supreme Court in Iran announced the suspension of a death sentence against a person who was convicted in connection with the protests taking place in the country. The Iranian judiciary has so far announced 18 death sentences in connection with protests-related cases, four of which have been implemented, as the Supreme Court ratified two other sentences.

* A young Yemeni man committed suicide, in the Netherlands, after the Dutch authorities rejected his request for political asylum. It was reported that the young man was living in difficult living conditions that exerted psychological pressure on him, especially when the Dutch authorities ignored his health condition.

السياسة والاندماج السياسي

* أكد تقرير صادر عن صحيفة عكاظ أن أحكام الإعدام التي نفذتها محاكم النظام الإيراني بحق 13 متظاهراً إيرانياً زادت من تأجيج الثورة الشعبية التي تشكل تحدياً كبيراً لنظام خامنئي. ويضيف التقرير أن النظام الإيراني كان مرعوبًا من نتائج الثورة، ولهذا السبب لجأ إلى استخدام الإعدام إثر محاكمات غامضة. حيث أجريت هذه المحاكمات في جلسة مغلقة. وقال نشطاء إن بعض المتهمين مثلوا أمام المحكمة وعليهم آثار تعذيب على أجسادهم.

* يواصل القضاء الإيراني إصدار أحكام الإعدام بحق المتظاهرين، وأعلنت المحكمة العليا في إيران تعليق حكم الإعدام بحق شخص أدين على خلفية الاحتجاجات التي تشهدها البلاد. والجدير بالذكر أن القضاء الإيراني قد أعلن حتى الآن 18 حكما بالإعدام على صلة بقضايا متعلقة بالاحتجاجات، تم تنفيذ أربعة منها، بينما صادقت المحكمة العليا على حكمين آخرين.

* انتحر شاب يمني، في هولندا، بعد أن رفضت السلطات الهولندية طلبه للجوء السياسي. ووردت أنباء تقول أن الشاب كان يعيش في ظروف معيشية صعبة جدا مما تسبب في ضغوط نفسية عليه، خاصة عندما تجاهلت السلطات الهولندية حالته الصحية السيئة.

Economics and Entrepreneurship

* Several young furniture makers participated in the “Made in Damietta” exhibition organized by the Enterprise Development Agency. They expressed their appreciation for the importance of this exhibition for Damietta, as it offers unique marketing opportunities that help them increase sales and reach customers in Greater Cairo. The exhibition saw a sizable public turnout for their products inside the exhibition, which helped them increase their sales.

* The National Telecommunications Institute announced the opening of applications for the second round of the “Egypt Digital Youth – Four Months Scholarship” initiative. The initiative offers more than 15 training tracks in the latest technologies. The course begins on February 11 and lasts for four months, including three months of technical training on the latest technologies, project management, communication skills, English, and self-employment, in addition to a month of job training within an international company. The training targets graduates of the College of Engineering, the College of Computing and Information, the College of Artificial Intelligence, and the College of Computer Science.

الاقتصاد وريادة الأعمال

* شارك عدد من صانعي الأثاث الشباب في معرض "صنع في دمياط" الذي نظمته هيئة تنمية المشروعات. وأعرب المشاركون الشباب عن تقديرهم لأهمية هذا المعرض لدمياط، حيث يوفر فرصًا تسويقية فريدة تساعدهم على زيادة المبيعات والوصول إلى العملاء في منطقة القاهرة الكبرى. وشهد المعرض إقبالًا جماهيريًا كبيرًا على منتجاتهم داخل المعرض، مما ساعدهم على زيادة مبيعاتهم.

* أعلن المعهد القومي المصري للاتصالات عن فتح باب التقديم للجولة الثانية من مبادرة "شباب مصر الرقمي - منحة أربعة أشهر". وتقدم المبادرة أكثر من 15 مسارًا تدريبيًا في أحدث التقنيات، وتبدأ هذه الدورة في 11 من شباط / فبراير المقبل وستستمر لمدة أربعة أشهر، بحيث تكون أول ثلاثة أشهر مخصصة للتدريب الفني على أحدث التقنيات وإدارة المشاريع ومهارات الاتصال واللغة الإنجليزية والعمل الحر، بينما سيكون آخر شهر مخصص إلى التدريب الوظيفي داخل شركة دولية. ويستهدف التدريب خريجي كلية الهندسة، وكلية الحاسبات والمعلومات، وكلية الذكاء الاصطناعي، وكلية علوم الحاسوب.

Conflict

* Al-Jazeera reported the death of three Palestinian youths by occupation forces' bullets in Jenin. Activists stated that the three young men were killed during an armed clash with an Israeli force. The Palestinian Ministry of Health stated that the number of martyrs in the city of Jenin rose to 7 out of 12 Palestinians who were killed by the occupation forces and settlers since the beginning of the year. A general strike took place in Jenin, mourning the lives of the three Palestinian youths.

* The Palestinian Ministry of Health announced the death of a Palestinian youth, who succumbed to critical injuries sustained by Israeli army bullets in Nablus. Local sources said that Israeli special forces stormed Balata camp and surrounded a house, during which the soldiers fired stun grenades, gas, and live bullets at the Palestinian youths. The occupation army also arrested 16 Palestinians from all over the West Bank last week.

النزاعات

* أفاد تقرير من قناة الجزيرة عن استشهاد ثلاثة شبان فلسطينيين برصاص قوات الاحتلال في جنين. وذكر ناشطون أن الشبان الثلاثة قتلوا خلال اشتباك مسلح مع قوة إسرائيلية. وذكرت وزارة الصحة الفلسطينية أن عدد الشهداء في مدينة جنين ارتفع إلى 7 من أصل 12 فلسطينيا استشهدوا على أيدي قوات الاحتلال والمستوطنين منذ بداية العام الحالي. والجدير بالذكر أنه تم تنظيم إضراب عام في مدينة جنين حدادا على أرواح الشبان الفلسطينيين الثلاثة.

* أعلنت وزارة الصحة الفلسطينية استشهاد شاب فلسطيني متأثرا بجروح خطيرة أصيب بها برصاص الجيش الإسرائيلي في مدينة نابلس. وقالت مصادر محلية، إن القوات الخاصة الإسرائيلية اقتحمت مخيم بلاطة، وحاصرت منزلاً، أطلق الجنود خلالها قنابل الصوت والغاز والأعيرة النارية باتجاه الشبان الفلسطينيين. كما اعتقل جيش الاحتلال الأسبوع الماضي 16 فلسطينيا من جميع أنحاء الضفة الغربية.

Development

* The Arab League indicated that it is dedicating 2023 as the year of youth, following an initiative by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. The Egyptian Ministry of Youth and Sports announced that this announcement will result in hosting a variety of activities and events in Arab countries throughout the year, through the launch of more than 44 programs.

* The National Dialogue Board of Trustees identified 7 topics on top of the priorities of the Youth Committee emanating from the societal axis, including support for student unions and activities, political empowerment of youth, support for young entrepreneurs, support for youth of determination, sports, youth centers, sports clubs, and youth development centers. Hundreds of representatives of various political and trade union groups, civil society, public figures, and experts are expected to attend the dialogue sessions, which will take place at least three days a week.

التنمية

* أشارت جامعة الدول العربية إلى أنها ستخصص عام 2023 عاما للشباب، بعد مبادرة من الرئيس المصري عبد الفتاح السيسي، كما أعلنت وزارة الشباب والرياضة المصرية أن هذا الإعلان سيؤدي إلى استضافة مجموعة متنوعة من الأنشطة والفعاليات في الدول العربية على مدار العام، من خلال إطلاق أكثر من 44 برنامجًا.

* حدد مجلس أمناء الحوار الوطني 7 مواضيع على رأس أولويات لجنة الشباب المنبثقة عن المحور المجتمعي، بما في ذلك دعم الاتحادات الطلابية والأنشطة، والتمكين السياسي للشباب، ودعم رواد الأعمال الشباب، ودعم الشباب أصحاب الهمم، والرياضة، والمراكز الشبابية، والنوادي الرياضية، ومراكز تنمية الشباب. ومن المتوقع أن يحضر المئات من ممثلي مختلف المجموعات السياسية والنقابية والمجتمع المدني والشخصيات العامة والخبراء جلسات الحوار التي ستعقد على مدى ثلاثة أيام على الأقل في الأسبوع.

Education

* The President of the Suez Canal University announced the extension of the application period for the Young Researchers Conference, titled “Horizons of Scientific Research and the New Republic”, to be held on March 6-7, 2023. Registration will be digital via the conference website (through the Egyptian Knowledge Bank), as was the case for the past few editions.

* The Trends Youth Council launched its activities for 2023, with a visit to the Emirates Student Association Council. They discussed cooperation and ways to enhance scientific research efforts and to encourage young people to get involved. They emphasized the importance of scientific research as an important factor to help develop the ever-changing world. The CEO of the Trends Center for Research and Consultation pointed out that the Trends Youth Council and the Emirates Student Association, in addition to other youth councils, constitute the voice of youth and its vision aimed at creating an advanced work environment that achieves and reflects their aspirations.

التعليم

* أعلن رئيس جامعة قناة السويس عن تمديد فترة التقديم لمؤتمر الباحثين الشباب بعنوان "آفاق البحث العلمي والجمهورية الجديدة" المقرر عقده يومي 6 و 7 آذار / مارس 2023. وسيكون التسجيل رقميًا عبر الموقع الإلكتروني للمؤتمر (من خلال بنك المعرفة المصري)، كما كان الحال في النسخ القليلة الماضية من المؤتمر.

* أطلق مجلس "ترندز" للشباب أنشطته لعام 2023 وذلك خلال زيارة مجلس اتحاد طلاب الإمارات، حيث ناقشا سويا التعاون وسبل تعزيز جهود البحث العلمي وتشجيع الشباب على المشاركة. وشددوا على أهمية البحث العلمي كعامل مهم للمساعدة في تطوير العالم المتغير باستمرار. وأشار الرئيس التنفيذي لمركز ترندز للأبحاث والاستشارات إلى أن مجلس ترندز للشباب وجمعية طلاب الإمارات، بالإضافة إلى مجالس الشباب الأخرى، يشكلون صوت الشباب الاماراتي ورؤيته الهادفة إلى خلق بيئة عمل متطورة تحقق وتعكس تطلعات وطموحهم.

Environment

* A climate change leader indicated that without a consistent and coordinated approach among education, policy, and related stakeholders, progress is not likely to improve at a time when decisive strides forward are imperative. Asha Alexander wrote for Arabian Business stating that there are three areas of discussion that must urgently become reality if education is to be activated against climate change: (a) embedding climate literacy across the curricula; (b) upskilling teachers to deliver climate literacy; and Bringing education closer to industry.

البيئة

* أشارت إحدى قادة تغير المناخ إلى أنه بدون اتباع نهج متسق ومنسق بين التعليم والسياسة وأصحاب المصلحة ذوي الصلة، فإنه من غير المرجح أن يتحسن التقدم في وقت تكون فيه الخطوات الحاسمة إلى الأمام أمرًا ضروريًا. كتبت آشا ألكسندر لمجلة "أريبيان بزنس" قائلة إن هناك ثلاث مجالات للنقاش يجب أن تصبح حقيقة على وجه السرعة إذا أردنا تنشيط التعليم ضد تغير المناخ، وهي: (أ) تضمين محو الأمية المناخية في المناهج الدراسية؛ و (ب) رفع مستوى مهارات المعلمين لتقديم محو الأمية المناخية؛ و (ج) تقريب التعليم من الصناعة.

MENARY Monitor – Edition 103

March 19, 2023

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Economics and Entrepreneurship

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Education

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MENARY Monitor – Edition 102

March 12, 2023

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MENARY Monitor – Edition 101

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MENARY Monitor – Edition 100

February 26, 2023

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February 19, 2023

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MENARY Monitor - Edition 97January 29, 2023

مرصد شباب الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا - الاصدار ٩٧٢٩ كانون الثاني ٢٠٢٣

Politics and Political Engagement

السياسة والاندماج السياسي

Economics and Entrepreneurship

الاقتصاد وريادة الأعمال

Conflict

النزاعات

Development

التنمية

Education

التعليم

Environment

البيئة

The content in MENARY Monitor's editions do not represent the views of MENAACTION's staff

لا يمثل محتوى مرصد شباب الشرق الأوسط وشمال افريقيا أفكار أو وجهات نظر فريق عمل مينا أكشن

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MENARY Monitor - 2022 End of Year ReviewThe State of Youth in the MENA Region

التقرير الموجز باللغة العربية عبر هذا الرابط

Executive Summary

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Read the Full Report Here

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MENARY Monitor - Edition 97
January 29, 2023

مرصد شباب الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا - الاصدار ٩٧
٢٩ كانون الثاني ٢٠٢٣

MENARY Monitor - 2022 End of Year Review
The State of Youth in the MENA Region

MENARY Monitor - Edition 96
January 22, 2023

مرصد شباب الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا - الاصدار ٩٦
٢٢ كانون الثاني ٢٠٢٣

MENARY Monitor - Edition 95
January 15, 2023

مرصد شباب الشرق الأوسط وشمال افريقيا - الاصدار ٩٥
١٥ كانون الثاني ٢٠٢٣