Youth social inclusion and citizenship in contexts of violence, vulnerability, and exclusion in Veracruz

Through the University of Veracruz, this project seeks to address some of the main challenges young people face in Veracruz, Mexico. They are exposed to multiple forms of vulnerability, such as domestic violence, alcohol consumption, school violence and sexual harassment, unemployment, precarious employment and low participation in civic organizations and election processes. There is a growing number of incidents linked to organized crime, such as drug and human trafficking, kidnapping, and extortion. Over the last decade, gender, school, youth, police, and organized violence have increased steadily, including extreme forms of violence such as femicides, forced disappearances, and recruitment of youth for criminal organizations.

The overall objective of this project is to contribute to the design of public policies and practices for inclusion, prevention, and participation of young people in contexts of violence, vulnerability, and exclusion in urban neighbourhoods of middle-sized cities. It aims to develop networks, strengthen social pathways of resilience, citizen participation, and access to justice, with a focus on capacity and leadership development for youth in relevant fields.

More specifically, the project will develop a diagnosis and intervention plan with a gender perspective in collaboration with young people from Veracruz’s poor neighbourhoods. It will analyze risk factors and triggers of violence as well as the vulnerability and exclusion suffered by young people. This information will help identify opportunities for resilience and political participation. The project will also strengthen existing youth centres, particularly by promoting youth participation in the development of inclusive municipal policies. Young people’s perspective and interpretation of violence, vulnerability and exclusion will play a key role in the development of prevention methodologies and strategies.