Youth Initiative for Human Rights


The Youth Initiative for Human Rights or YIHR is a network of autonomous non-governmental organizations active in Serbia, Kosovo, Croatia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is focused on building connections and establishing cooperation between young people from different ethnic groups in the Balkans.

History

YIHR supported the work of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia through information dissemination and education and monitoring of human rights. It also organizes visits to the International Commission on Missing Persons.
In 2008 Croatian branch of the organization was established which led to transformation of national offices/programs into autonomous organizations that established a regional YIHR Regional Network in 2010.
On 25 September 2013 the European Court of Human Rights delivered the judgment in the case of Youth Initiative for Human Rights v. Serbia, stating that there has been a violation of Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights and that Serbia must ensure, within three months from the date on which the judgment with the information requested. The Kosovo and Serbia branches work together on campaigns against the glorification of war criminals, which occurs in both countries.
Regional network won several awards, including being the corecipient of the Vaclav Havel Human Rights Prize in 2019.

Regional network of organizations

YIHR – Serbia

The Youth Initiative for Human Rights in Serbia was founded in 2003 in Belgrade. The executive director is Sofija Todorović.

YIHR – Kosovo

The Youth Initiative for Human Rights in Kosovo was founded in 2004 in Priština. As of 2017 the executive director is Marigona Shabiu.

YIHR – Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Youth Initiative for Human Rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina was established in 2007 in Sarajevo. Executive director is Irena Hasić.

YIHR – Croatia

The Youth Initiative for Human Rights in Croatia was registered in 2008 from previous YIHR Zagreb office. Executive director is Morana Starčević.

YIHR – Montenegro

The Youth Initiative for Human Rights in Montenegro was founded in 2008. Executive director is Edina Hasanaga Čobaj.