SDGs 3 & 4

The global COVID-19 pandemic is of an unprecedented nature as all educational institutions have been closed, strictly restricted domestic and international travelling, all sorts of physical events postponed, youth-friendly health services are circumscribed, and people are advised to stay at home to practice social and physical distancing.

Closure of educational institutions is an unparalleled situation as the routine provides a significant coping mechanism for young people to combat mental health concerns. Young people are restricted to their homes with increased usage of digital platforms. With this increased usage of digital platforms, young people are more prone to cyberbullying which can exacerbate stress and mental health conditions. Moreover, if adolescents and young people belong to the abusive home then they will completely socially isolate themselves which will drastically affect their mental well-being.

With respect to young girls and women, the house hold duties have been augmented due to disease outbreak. Quarantine measure has put young girls and women at heightened risk of domestic and intimate partner violence at home with no possible access to essential protection services. The lockdown has accentuated the tensions and strains regarding security, health, and money that have augmented the reports of violence against women in several countries since the outbreak of pandemic.

Additionally, the Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) is at the greater risk of COVID-19 virus. Adolescents and Young people are facing significant barriers in accessing essential SRH health information and services amid pandemic and there is huge possibility that these services will move even further from the reach of young people. The past epidemic has proven the reallocation of resources to routine health services which further reduces the already limited access to SRH services. Such challenges in accessing sexual and reproductive health services can significantly exacerbate the risk to young people health and lives.

Educational and health challenges are drastically impacting young people and living in such circumstances can take a toll on social, physical, and mental wellbeing. The uncertainty of situation, the fear of losing loved ones, and the loss of normal routines are having profound impacts on young people overall health. Therefore, Youth Advocacy Network (YAN) proposes to develop a comprehensive toolkit with a collection of information, skills and substantial yet doable resources to support young people across the globe to navigate their lives in current or even any upcoming challenging times. For instance, resources to cope with mental health concerns, cyber bullying, SRHR, In-Door physical activities, and prevention resources of domestic abuse. Moreover, some interactive information on skills development such as advocacy, social media advocacy, and few doable tips for grant proposal writing. A comprehensive toolkit that YAN will further pilot with in-school and out-school children and young people in Pakistan. This toolkit will be developed with the technical assistance of UNFPA, UNICEF, OXFAM, United Nations Major Group of Children and Youth, and other relevant organizations.