In recent years, armed conflicts have been increasing worldwide, claiming the lives of nearly 240,000 people annually. By the end of 2023, more than 100 million people had been forcibly displaced as refugees or internally displaced per- sons—and this number continues to rise.

Terrorism and armed conflict both exacerbate a wide range of issues connected to the SDGs, including forced displace- ment, poverty, environmental degradation, and economic loss. At the root of these challenges lies a deeply entrenched cycle of hatred, often expressed in the logic of retaliation—“an eye for an eye.” Until now, the dominant response of the international community has been to treat individuals who join armed groups as “terrorists,” to be dehumanized and eliminated through military action. However, such approaches have failed to address the root causes. Instead, they have often led to greater civilian casualties and fueled further resentment, ultimately worsening the situation.

Accept International, a Japan-based NGO with special consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), recognized a crucial reality through its peacebuilding work: many of those who end up participating in terrorism or armed violence are young people who had little choice—compelled by poverty, threats, or coercion. Accept International believes that if these young people can leave armed groups and return to society as empowered youth, they can become a driving force for global peacebuilding and conflict resolution.

Guided by this vision, Accept International operates various initiatives in conflict zones—primarily in Somalia and Yemen—across six countries worldwide. These include outreach programs and telephone hotlines that encourage disengagement from armed groups, along with comprehensive support for former combatants through counseling, basic education, vocational training, and religious re-education, facilitating both empowerment and reintegration into society.

Moreover, Accept International engages former fighters in emergency humanitarian aid for communities affected by conflict. By creating opportunities for dialogue and mutual understanding, they have fostered the emergence of smallscale reconciliation and healing in post-conflict societies. In this way, Accept International has helped protect the Inochi of former combatants and nurtured their potential as unique agents of peace. At the same time, their work safeguards the Inochi of countless others living in local communities—today and in generations to come.

Looking ahead, the organization will not only continue expanding its frontline activities in conflict zones but will also launch global efforts to raise awareness about youth involvement in terrorism and armed conflict, a topic often overlooked by the international community. Specifically, by 2031, Accept International aims to establish a new international framework that guarantees the rights, protection, and empowerment of youth formerly involved in armed violence—thereby promoting their transition into peacebuilders who can contribute to society based on their lived experiences. This goal is being advanced through the Global Taskforce for Youth Combatants (GTY), which serves as a platform for advocacy and dialogue on this critical issue.

One such example is the initiative providing income-generating support to former combatants held in prisons in Somalia.

Accept International has also engaged in global dialogue, such as participating in the UN ECOSOC Youth Forum, to further strengthen this mission.

In alignment with these efforts, the Inochi Forum will collaborate with diverse organizations to serve as a platform where businesses, governments, local authorities, academia, and civil society can co-create solutions. Together, we will share the message—both within Japan and with the world—that even those who once took up arms are human beings, holders of Inochi just like everyone else. Through this, we aim to contribute to peacebuilding initiatives originating from Japan.

[References]

・Accept International – Official Website
https://accept-int.org

・Global Taskforce for Youth Combatants (GTY)
https://gt4y.org

・NGOs affiliated with the United Nations (Japanese Headquarters)

https://www.unic.or.jp/links/ngo

[Action Platform]

Peace and Human Rights

[SDGs]