Youth Initiative for Human Rights is awarded Aachen Peace Prize

Last month, SRT grantee the Youth Initiative for Human Rights (YIHR) in Serbia was one of two groups honoured with the Aachen Peace Prize. The award, given annually since 1988, is a tribute from the people of Aachen in Germany to those who fight for peace by combating discrimination, violence, and division.

Sofija Todorović and Mila Pajić accepted the Aachen Peace Prize on behalf of YIHR, emphasising that in addition to addressing past injustices, combatting nationalism is essential for building peaceful and democratic states in the former Yugoslavia and Western Balkans.

In her acceptance speech, Todorović, YIHR’s Director noted that; “The fight for peace is a struggle of all generations. Our region, both geographically and historically, is part of Europe, and YIHR strongly supports the process of joining the European Union. For us, Europe represents more than just a collection of states; it is a peace project based on shared values.”

Pajić, a Programme Assistant, echoed her sentiments, calling on young people to continue the fight for a society built on solidarity and trust, even in the face of authoritarian regimes.

YIHR is a regional network of non-governmental organisations founded in 2003 with programmes in Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo. It seeks to contribute to the regional post-war reconciliation process in the Balkans through public education and regional youth exchange programmes. While transitional justice and building a culture of remembrance have been a focus since its inception, it also looks at broader issues such as strengthening the rule of law and freedom of speech and association.

In May 2024 the United Nations General Assembly established an annual day of reflection after adopting the ‘Resolution on Srebrenica Genocide’. YIHR had successfully supported and advocated for the resolution, and a video produced by YIHR of youth support to the resolution was presented at the event in United Nations headquarters. They also organised a press conference in Belgrade with a Srebrenica genocide survivor, and sent an official letter to all UN members on behalf of youth in Serbia. Furthermore, YIHR activists joined the global UN Office for Genocide Prevention campaign against hate speech.