Youth leading the way for an inclusive society Burundi is one of the poorest countries in the world, ranking 184th (of 188) on the 2016 UN Human Development Index. Though there have been many peacebuilding initiatives implemented since the 2000, Burundi has experienced cyclical conflict characterized by political instability and large-scale violence and been unable to provide everyday safety for its citizens. Burundi is situated in a volatile region, with warring factions and criminal groups active in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo sometimes destabilizing peace and security in neigbouring provinces (Cibitoke and Bujumbura). Many of the International donors have left Burundi due to some misunderstanding and some of them (example the EU) have even imposed  sanctions and cuts direct  aid to the Burundian Government.

Tensions and violence in the country are of a mainly political nature. Widespread protests, led by the political opposition and civil society, followed the 2015 elections and an attempted coup from within the ruling ethnic Hutu elite, creating a chaotic situation. According to several human rights reports, assassinations, disappearances, kidnappings, torture and mass arrests have occurred, a number of Burundians fled particularly in neighbouring countries since April 2015. 

Main driving factors of conflict are, among others, zero-sum politics. Power is widely regarded as a limited commodity that should not be shared with others and a means of accessing income; political manipulation; limited effective rule of law; poverty and gender and generational exclusion with a direct impact on women and youth. The project will empower young female and male leaders to work together as allies to contribute to creating safer, more peaceful communities for all Burundians, to be achieved through delivery of the following outcomes:
	Outcome 1: Communities in 6 provinces are safer and more peaceful, due to behaviour change promoted by targeted peacebuilding initiatives driven by youth leadership, with specific improvements to the everyday safety situation of women and girls
	Outcome 2:Institutions at the local, national and international levels are more committed to and capable of integrating the participation and influence of young people and women in community security and peacebuilding policymaking, enhancing outcomes for all Burundians and young people and women specifically The direct beneficiaries of the project will include:
	144 youth leaders (at least 50% female, ages 18-35) from 12 communes in 6 provinces, who will gain new knowledge, attitudes and skills enabling them to contribute positively to gender-transformative, community-based peacebuilding initiatives, and advocate for inclusion of young people and womenin community security and peacebuilding policymaking
	National policymakers including personnel from relevant ministries (Youth & Sports Home Affairs, Human Rights & Gender, Justice,) and relevant provincialgovernors and administrators, who will benefit from practical recommendations and increased informed state-citizen dialogue with young people and women, contributing to enhanced state legitimacy and policy outcomes better-aligned with publicpreferences
	International policymakers including UNCT in Burundi, EU Delegation and diplomatic missions, who will benefit from relevant, youth- and gender-informed technical advice contributing to improved peacebuilding policy and practice in Burundi

The indirect beneficiaries of the project will include:
	4320 citizens in 12 communes in 6provinces, especially women and girls, who will benefit from safer, more peaceful communities resulting from targetedpeacebuilding initiatives implemented by young leaders
	Local formal and informal leaders in communities with targeted peacebuilding initiatives,who will enjoy access to and influence over development of youth-led, gender-responsive actions that strengthen everyday safety and peace in their communities