[Insights Beyond the Headlines: Survey on Combatants] Japan-based NPO Accept International, Leading Peacebuilding on the Frontlines, Releases Report on Voices and Backgrounds of Youth in Non-State Armed Groups
Accept International, an NPO active in conflict resolution across Africa and the Middle East, conducted a survey of 450 Youth Associated with Non-State Armed Groups (YANSAG) in 15 countries. The report reveals the complex realities of combatants that are often invisible in standard news reporting, including early recruitment and diverse motivations.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 23, 2026 at 18:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 23, 2026 at 09:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 24, 2026 at 04:51 (19h 19m after Collected)
While news about armed conflicts across the globe is frequent, modern conflicts often involve "non-state armed groups"—organizations not affiliated with any country. The involvement of these groups complicates conflicts and makes fundamental resolution extremely difficult.
Accept International (located in Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Yosuke Nagai), a certified NPO working on conflict resolution and peacebuilding in Africa and the Middle East, alongside the Global Taskforce for Youth Combatants (GTY), focused on youth involved in these groups. They conducted a survey of 450 young combatants (YANSAG) across 15 countries: Somalia, Yemen, Kenya, Indonesia, Colombia, Mali, Sudan, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Uganda, Haiti, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. The findings highlight the realities of combatants that are not visible in the media. Below are nine major findings.
*What is YANSAG?
YANSAG (Youth Associated with Non-State Armed Groups) refers to young people aged 18 to 35 who are or have been involved in non-state armed groups, including terrorist organizations.
9 Major Findings
This survey highlighted the rich potential and uniqueness of YANSAG, despite the various challenges they face, shaped through complex and harsh experiences in armed conflicts.
1. Many YANSAG join non-state armed groups during childhood
The average age of joining for the 450 participants was 20.3 years. However, in all 15 countries, many cases of childhood recruitment were reported. For example, the average minimum age at recruitment across all countries was 11.4 years, with reports of recruitment under age 10 in Sri Lanka, Somalia, Colombia, Uganda, and Mali.
2. Over 70% of non-state armed group members are aged 18 to 35
It was found that 71.8% of members are in the 18-35 youth generation. Furthermore, many respondents stated that their organizations included many children under 18, suggesting that most members consist of children and youth.
However, comprehensive international protection under the Convention on the Rights of the Child generally ceases at age 18. A legal framework addressing the needs of youth is urgently needed.
3. Reasons for joining non-state armed groups are complex and diverse
Joining an armed group is often the result of overlapping complex factors. This includes forced joining through threats, kidnapping, or social pressure, but in some countries, it also includes voluntary joining in search of a better society. The survey clarifies the importance of considering individual backgrounds when protecting YANSAG.
4. Intentions to leave vary; flexible approaches are essential
Desires to leave non-state armed groups varied based on recruitment history, experiences within the group, and psychological states. Support for YANSAG must be adjusted to individual needs and lived experiences.
For instance, in ongoing conflicts like Somalia and Yemen where the desire to leave is high, considering support for reintegration and exit is vital. In places like Sri Lanka or Nepal where the desire to leave is lower, it is necessary to accept their perspectives and find paths to achieve goals through non-violent means. In Mozambique or Uganda, where forced recruitment is common, rescue-focused measures are more appropriate.
5. All YANSAG face multiple challenges in leaving and reintegration
In Somalia and Yemen, where leaving is forbidden and extremely difficult, the need for amnesty and specific exit support is particularly high. Conversely, in Pakistan or Sudan, where joining and leaving are tied to ethnic communities, the need for amnesty or exit support was less prominent.
Challenges faced by YANSAG in reintegration include attacks from armed groups, and issues arising since the end of armed conflict...
Accept International (located in Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Yosuke Nagai), a certified NPO working on conflict resolution and peacebuilding in Africa and the Middle East, alongside the Global Taskforce for Youth Combatants (GTY), focused on youth involved in these groups. They conducted a survey of 450 young combatants (YANSAG) across 15 countries: Somalia, Yemen, Kenya, Indonesia, Colombia, Mali, Sudan, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Uganda, Haiti, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. The findings highlight the realities of combatants that are not visible in the media. Below are nine major findings.
*What is YANSAG?
YANSAG (Youth Associated with Non-State Armed Groups) refers to young people aged 18 to 35 who are or have been involved in non-state armed groups, including terrorist organizations.
9 Major Findings
This survey highlighted the rich potential and uniqueness of YANSAG, despite the various challenges they face, shaped through complex and harsh experiences in armed conflicts.
1. Many YANSAG join non-state armed groups during childhood
The average age of joining for the 450 participants was 20.3 years. However, in all 15 countries, many cases of childhood recruitment were reported. For example, the average minimum age at recruitment across all countries was 11.4 years, with reports of recruitment under age 10 in Sri Lanka, Somalia, Colombia, Uganda, and Mali.
2. Over 70% of non-state armed group members are aged 18 to 35
It was found that 71.8% of members are in the 18-35 youth generation. Furthermore, many respondents stated that their organizations included many children under 18, suggesting that most members consist of children and youth.
However, comprehensive international protection under the Convention on the Rights of the Child generally ceases at age 18. A legal framework addressing the needs of youth is urgently needed.
3. Reasons for joining non-state armed groups are complex and diverse
Joining an armed group is often the result of overlapping complex factors. This includes forced joining through threats, kidnapping, or social pressure, but in some countries, it also includes voluntary joining in search of a better society. The survey clarifies the importance of considering individual backgrounds when protecting YANSAG.
4. Intentions to leave vary; flexible approaches are essential
Desires to leave non-state armed groups varied based on recruitment history, experiences within the group, and psychological states. Support for YANSAG must be adjusted to individual needs and lived experiences.
For instance, in ongoing conflicts like Somalia and Yemen where the desire to leave is high, considering support for reintegration and exit is vital. In places like Sri Lanka or Nepal where the desire to leave is lower, it is necessary to accept their perspectives and find paths to achieve goals through non-violent means. In Mozambique or Uganda, where forced recruitment is common, rescue-focused measures are more appropriate.
5. All YANSAG face multiple challenges in leaving and reintegration
In Somalia and Yemen, where leaving is forbidden and extremely difficult, the need for amnesty and specific exit support is particularly high. Conversely, in Pakistan or Sudan, where joining and leaving are tied to ethnic communities, the need for amnesty or exit support was less prominent.
Challenges faced by YANSAG in reintegration include attacks from armed groups, and issues arising since the end of armed conflict...