First National Survey on Palestinian Youth and Adolescents

News from UNFPA

*     *     *    

UNFPA, UNICEF and PCBS launch the first National

Survey on Palestinian Youth and Adolescents

Jerusalem, June 27, 2003 –UNFPA, UNICEF and the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS), launched the first national survey on youth and adolescents in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT).  The survey will establish a knowledge base on youth and adolescent demographics, health, education, family relations and entertainment activities.

Much needed data will also be provided on young people’s needs and aspirations as well as knowledge and perception of reproductive health (RH) and rights, and gender issues.  Such data constitute an invaluable tool for developing policies, launching programmes and planning for a better future for this young generation.  Information will be collected from a sample estimated to be around 5,200 households covering all of the OPT during the survey field work, while the final results will be released at the end of December 2003.

The survey is the cornerstone of a joint initiative executed by UNFPA and  UNICEF and financed by the United Nations Foundation to promote the quality of life of young Palestinians aged between 12 – 18.  Since its beginning in mid 2001, this three-year initiative has made considerable progress in raising awareness of young people on RH and rights, providing them with psycho-social counseling and developing their life skills.