MOSCOW – Improving the availability of data on young people in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) is the goal of a new initiative launched at a workshop organized by UNFPA and CIS STAT in Moscow on 14-15 November 2013.

 

"The transition processes in the CIS region have opened up new opportunities for youth, but young people are also more likely to become victims of human trafficking, HIV or drug abuse and they are at higher risk of poverty and unemployment compared to the adult population," said Gulnara Kadyrkulova, Population and Development Specialist at UNFPA Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

 

Better statistical data is needed to improve policy responses aimed at protecting young people from the risks and vulnerbilities they face as a result of social and economic pressures and gender disparities, Kadyrkulova added.

 

In the coming months, UNFPA and CIS STAT will compile a comprehensive statistical report on young people in CIS countries, generating evidence for advocacy and reliable information for planning, implementation and monitoring of policies benefiting young people.

 

The workshop served to discuss and agree on the report’s structure and data areas to be covered.

 

The report will be presented at the VII. Astana Economic Forum in May 2014.