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Empowering conflict-affected youth through participatory photography at the UN Headquarters

Big Announcement: 100cameras in partnership with UNIDIR, UNICEF, and War Child host exhibit at the United Nations in New York City.

NEW YORK, NY (Nov. 08, 2024) – The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research’s (UNIDIR) Managing Exits from Armed Conflict (MEAC) project, in partnership with 100cameras, War Child Alliance, and UNICEF, will present the Visions of Peace exhibition at the United Nations Headquarters (1B Corridor) from 9-21 November. The exhibition will conclude with a high-level reception where policymakers, peacebuilding experts and practitioners will gather to celebrate the images created by the young participants and listen to their perspectives.

The exhibition will provide a raw and unfiltered look at the experiences and aspirations of children and youth navigating conflict, from reintegration challenges to dreams of a peaceful future. It is the culmination of an innovative programme equipping conflict-affected children and youth from Iraq, Nigeria and Colombia with photography and basic action research skills. 

“This is a powerful showcase highlighting the resilience and strength of young people whose lives have been shaped by conflict. Through the programme, participants were able to explore their emotions, tell their stories using an artistic lens, and advocate for themselves and their peers in a global arena where they are often left unheard,” said Siobhan O’Neil, UNIDIR Head of the MEAC project.

The closing reception will feature the premiere of a video co-created by the young participants, allowing them to voice their experiences directly to decision-makers in attendance. This final gathering aims to catalyze conversations on child- and youth-centred approaches to peacebuilding and social reintegration, amplifying the voices of children and youth who rarely have access to such forums.

“Until we take time to listen, our appreciation of the issues facing children and youth affected by conflict will always be inadequate. Participatory approaches are a powerful way to work with young people in identifying and understanding the complexity of the challenges they face and, most importantly, what is needed to move past them,” said Sophie Bray-Watkins, Senior Youth Advocacy and Participation Adviser for War Child Alliance.

The event is bolstered by two new reports offering deeper insights into the lives of these youth:

• Shifting the Focus: Insights from Conflict-affected Children and Youth on Peacebuilding and Recovery provides a comprehensive look at the participatory photography and research programme conducted with conflict-affected youth across Nigeria, Iraq, and Colombia; offering lessons learned for other practitioners seeking to integrate these methodologies into their work.

• Picturing Conflict: Child Perspectives on Boko Haram and their Exit Journeys (forthcoming) captures the experiences of children formerly associated with Boko Haram in Nigeria and their reintegration journeys, spotlighting their challenges, resilience and post-exit needs as they transition to civilian life.

UNIDIR’s MEAC project and its partners call for deeper engagement with the realities of conflict-affected children and youth and recognition of the transformative potential of involving them directly in peacebuilding processes. 

"This programme underscores the profound impact of equipping young people with tools for visual storytelling. Oftentimes, when words are not enough, the opportunity to process and share their experiences through their own lens becomes a vital outlet. It’s crucial that we not only listen to their narratives but also invite them to express their emotions and tell their stories in a safe, structured environment. Youth have shown us their desire to be heard and recognized as agents of change in shaping community narratives and policy around peacebuilding and resilience," said Angela Popplewell, 100cameras CEO.

For further information, please contact Claudia Marquina, UNIDIR Head of Communications at claudia.marquina@un.org. 

About UNIDIR

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is an autonomous institution within the United Nations that conducts independent research on pressing global challenges related to disarmament, arms control and international security. Our research expertise promotes an inclusive dialogue to find creative and effective solutions. Our work aims to provide the foundations for meaningful collective action towards a more secure world. For more information, visit www.unidir.org. 

About 100cameras

100cameras engages youth through photography and storytelling. Our innovative programmes and methodology foster emotional intelligence, resilience and community engagement. We provide customizable curricula that enhance self-expression and leadership skills, partnering with local organizations to maximize our impact. Serving youth aged 10-18 in communities in the USA and worldwide, our programmes offer creative outlets to help young people navigate anxiety, isolation, and uncertainty, enabling them to voice their unique experiences and connect more deeply with their peers and communities. For more information, visit www.100cameras.org.

About WAR CHILD

No child has ever started a war. Yet, some 200 million children worldwide continue to live in the midst of armed conflict. The War Child Alliance works on strengthening the resilience and wellbeing of children forced to grow up in this environment, acting in partnership with youth and their communities to deliver interventions. Our specific focus is on education, mental health and psychosocial support, and child protection as well as rapid assistance in emergency situations. Through creative activities, sports and play-based learning, we help children to learn, process their experiences and regain confidence. We understand children’s needs, respect their rights and put them at the centre of solutions. We also advocate – alongside children – to demand that their rights be respected and for changes to policies and practices. Born out of a belief that non-government organizations supporting governments and communities need to earn their place in children’s lives, we test our practices rigorously - putting into action what works with a team of core researchers. What started three decades ago as music workshops in the shelters of Kosovo has now grown into an evidence-led non-profit active in more than 14 countries around the world. Find out more at www.warchild.net