A youth supplement to the UNFPA State of World Population Report 2007, Growing Up Urban, highlights the dangers facing adolescents around the world through seven case studies.

Examining-

Rural poverty in China
Street living in India
Urban violence in Cairo
Gang culture in El Salvador
Sexual violence in Senegal
Child marriage in Bangladesh, and
Escape through music in Brazil

the report shows that more than ever, young people are facing risks to their health and wellbeing.

While the case studies make shocking reading, even more shocking is the lack of action and indifference shown by policy makers, politicians and law enforcement authorities to the young of the world, especially as half of the world’s urban population is under 25 years old.

The report recommends four key actions to be taken by policy makers over the next 25 years to reduce urban poverty and create a stable environment for young people’s active participation in urban transformation:

• Support young people to stay in school longer
• Support young people’s ability to exercise their right to health
• Create economic opportunities for young people
• Encourage organizations of young people

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