Rampant poverty and the lack of alternatives make them all the more prone to fill the economic vacuum by enlisting in armed factions or street gangs,

Rampant poverty and the lack of alternatives make them all the more prone to fill the economic vacuum by enlisting in armed factions or street gangs, or become drawn into sexual exploitation. Even if they escape the pull of vice or crime, most will have few skills or training to help them contribute to their societies, and will see them swell the ranks of the low-paid. In this context, the future of the next generation greatly depends on how countries in transition will cope with a population explosion of young people, who have increasing demands and expectations.