Glossary Term
Young people
A fluid concept with no fixed definition. It encompasses concepts such as 'youth' and 'adolescents'. For instance, the UN defines youth as persons aged 15 to 24 years, but in some contexts, this age can range up to 35. Within a country or culture, there can be different ages at which an individual is considered to be mature enough to be entrusted by society with certain tasks. In emergency situations, young people have needs that are different from those of younger children and adults. "Young people" refers to those in a period of progression towards independent responsibility. Definitions vary from one context to another depending on socio-cultural, institutional, economic and political factors.