Adolescence
Young people in our region have new opportunities, but also face new risks, including one of the steepest increases in the spread of HIV/AIDS. In 2004 there were an estimated 1.4 million people living with HIV across the region – a 40% increase since 2002. More than 80% of those in the region with HIV have not yet turned 30. Young people also face poverty, unemployment, trafficking in drugs and human beings, and violence – all of which feed the HIV epidemic. But young people are the solution, not the problem. They are the region’s most valuable asset and they have the right to be involved in the debates and decisions that affect them. • Earlier sexual activity has not been matched by increased awareness about the dangers of HIV. • The region is seeing growing numbers of young people exploited in the commercial sex industry. • Punitive policies drive those at risk of HIV away from the help they need. • Widespread stigma and discrimination further isolate those in need of assistance. • There is a chronic lack of data, particularly on the behaviour of young people. • Youth participation in decision-making is a new concept. • Almost one quarter of those aged 9-17 in the region in 2001 said that they wanted to emigrate.
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