Voices from the field
This session of the website features inspiring narratives, human stories and success examples, that demonstrate positive change and improvement in the lives of individuals, local communities, and society as a whole.
Young voices reveal the unequal impact of environmental challenges
“For me, the most important insight was realising that environmental problems are not ‘neutral’, but that they affect certain groups of people much more strongly.” This reflection, shared by Vasilije Keranović from the Panel of Young Advisors to the Protector of Citizens, after working with...
Learning to speak up and stand up against injustice
The first time Emilija Marinković stood up for her rights, she was a preschooler. Equipped with nothing more than a kindergarten lesson about the child’s right to play, she faced her parents with unwavering seriousness: homework could wait- her rights could not. Many years later, she laughs at...
Inside the struggle for gender-sensitive reporting
“We cannot say that we are close to a point where the media promote gender equality, avoid stereotypes, and empower women and marginalised groups.” With that blunt assessment, journalist Aleksandra Ničić sets the tone for a conversation that goes far beyond individual newsroom habits and speaks...
Constitutional and Supreme Court advisers bring Strasbourg experience into Serbia’s judiciary
As a part of its efforts to enhance national implementation of the European Convention on Human Rights, the action “Strengthening human rights protection in Serbia” has been supporting placements of Serbian legal professionals in the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). For Milan Bajić and...
On the frontlines of journalists safety in the Western Balkans
Dragan Sekulovski, Executive Director of the Association of Journalists of North Macedonia, has long been one of the leading voices on journalists’ safety in the Western Balkans. Through his role with the Council of Europe Division for Cooperation on Freedom of Expression, in particular under the...
Side by side: A mother and daughter’s digital journey
In a lower secondary school in Kuşadası, a quiet classroom filled with coloured papers and soft conversation marked a meaningful moment for a mother and her young daughter. They were taking part in an activity under the ‘Pilot Project on Digital Citizenship Education in Türkiye’, which supports...
Kada knjige progovore: učenici širom BiH uče o razumijevanju i toleranciji
Najbolje lekcije ne dolaze uvijek iz udžbenika, one ponekad dolaze iz iskustva o nečijem životu. Širom Bosne i Hercegovine, 437 učenika i učenica iz 17 osnovnih i srednjih škola otkrilo je drugačiju vrstu biblioteke - onu u kojoj knjige dišu, govore i dijele svoje priče. Kroz aktivnost „Živa...
Otvorene stranice empatije: mladi u Bosni i Hercegovini kroz žive knjige uče o različitostima
“Živa biblioteka” nije obična polica s knjigama. Umjesto štampanih stranica, učenici/e upoznaju prave ljude – “knjige” koje dijele svoja životna iskustva, razbijaju stereotipe i pozivaju na dijalog. U školama širom Bosne i Hercegovine, pet aktivista/ica koji predstavljaju različite manjinske...
A school where children learn to lead
In the quiet village of Turija in Serbia, “Veljko Dugošević” Primary School hums with more than the sound of lessons. Here, democracy is not just a subject in the textbook- it’s part of daily life. Pupils debate, compromise, take initiative, and share responsibility for their community. Over...
Policijski kadeti iz Bosne i Hercegovine redefiniraju policijsku značku
Na poligonima i u učionicama Policijske akademije Federalnog ministarstva unutrašnjih poslova u Bosni i Hercegovini odvija se tiha revolucija. Ovdje budući policijski službenici uče da značka koju će uskoro nositi nije samo simbol autoriteta - ona je obećanje da će štititi dostojanstvo i prava...
A small school with a big heart: how children in Kraljevo are learning inclusion by living it
When twelve-year-old Maša opened the door of her family home in Adrani, near Kraljevo, she wasn’t sure what to expect. A girl her age from Slovenia was about to stay with her as part of a school exchange. At first, the two were shy, carefully observing one another. But soon they found common...
A strong voice from Albania breaking disability barriers
Suela Lala, a prominent advocate for persons with disabilities in Albania, has spent over 15 years combating discrimination and promoting equality, focusing on accessibility, inclusion, and the protection of fundamental rights. She holds the position of the Executive Director of the “Së Bashku”...
Preventing and Combating Child Trafficking in North Macedonia: Stories of Resilience and Collaboration
When Jana (name changed for protection) arrived at SOS Children’s Village foster home, she carried only a small bag, and an invisible weight of fear, trauma, and mistrust. At just 15, she had endured months of exploitation by traffickers who had promised her “a better future.” Instead, she found...
A wall of words, a voice for tolerance
When graphic designers Kruna Jevtić and Luka Prstojević first sat down to brainstorm their latest project, before presenting it to the Council of Europe since commissioning it, they knew it needed to be more than just art. It had to speak- clearly, boldly, and without borders. And to speak words...
Turning theory into practice during an unforgettable week in Trebinje
For many law students, understanding human rights begins in a classroom. But for a young participant from Montenegro, Ana Novović, the Regional School of Human Rights in Trebinje in July offered something much deeper: a chance to connect with others who, despite different backgrounds, share the...
In Belgrade, youth and decision-makers join forces to counter hate speech through dialogue and art
In a strong show of solidarity against hate and discrimination, youth representatives and senior officials gathered at the Silosi cultural centre in Belgrade to mark the International Day for Countering Hate Speech. The event featured a vibrant panel discussion followed by the unveiling of a...
Prijedorski srednjoškolci mijenjaju školu i zajednicu
Otvaranjem prvog Resursnog centra za demokratsku kulturu u Republici Srpskoj, Ugostiteljsko-ekonomska škola u Prijedoru postaje primjer kako učenici/e, nastavnici/e i lokalna zajednica zajedno grade školu u kojoj se poštovanje, dijalog i saradnja svakodnevno žive. U učionicama i hodnicima...
United against discrimination in Serbia: Equality Commissioner and the Council of Europe driving change
From classrooms to newsrooms, the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality and the Council of Europe in Serbia are working side by side to challenge discrimination and promote inclusion. The Commissioner for the Protection of Equality in Serbia, Brankica Janković, reflects on years of...
From Losing Hope to Finding Legal Certainty: A Journey to Claim Your Property Rights in Albania
The small apartment on the second floor of a former communist-era building, located in a main road not far from the centre of the capital Tirana is always busy. Under the watchful eyes of concerned citizens, the officials of Tirana Legal Aid Society (TLAS) explain procedures in a simplified...
Silencing truth: Confronting SLAPPs and defending press freedom in North Macedonia
Marking World Press Freedom Day on 3 May, free voices from North Macedonia are sounding the alarm about a growing threat to democracy: Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs). These lawsuits, often disguised as defamation or civil claims, are increasingly used to intimidate...
Advancing anti-corruption reforms in Albania: from education to concrete transformations
“...Since my studies, I have had a particular interest in engaging in the field of the fight against corruption. I see it as a major challenge for our country and, above all, as an urgent issue, especially in the context of Albania’s integration path into the European Union. Personally, I aim to...
Od učionice do lokalne zajednice: Škole u Bosni i Hercegovini grade bolju budućnost
Izreka kaže da škola nije samo mjesto gdje se uče činjenice, već i prostor u kojem se oblikuju stavovi i vrijednosti. U Bosni i Hercegovini, neke škole su otišle korak dalje – postale su centri demokratske kulture, kritičkog mišljenja i aktivnog učešća u zajednici. Predvodnici ove promjene su tri...
Pronalazak sigurnosti i nade: Godina dana od osnivanja prve sigurne kuće za LGBTI osobe u Bosni i Hercegovini
"Moj boravak u sigurnoj kući tokom ljeta 2024. godine istinski je promijenio moj život. Početkom te godine izgubio sam svoju samostalnost. Bio sam u okruženju koje me nije podržavalo, i sada, kada gledam retrospektivno, shvatam da sam tražio izlaz. Na jednom panelu čuo sam anonimno pismo žene...
Iz tame ka svjetlu: Put ka sebi
Moj boravak u sigurnoj kući tokom ljeta 2024. godine istinski je promijenio moj život. Početkom te godine izgubio sam svoju samostalnost. Bio sam u okruženju koje me nije podržavalo, i sada, kada gledam retrospektivno, shvatam da sam tražio izlaz. Na jednom panelu čuo sam anonimno pismo žene koja...
Restoring hope and justice: A lawyer’s fight for women’s rights after the earthquakes in Türkiye
When the devastating earthquakes struck Türkiye in 2023, the destruction went far beyond collapsed buildings. It shattered lives, leaving many women in vulnerable situations, displaced, and trapped in difficult circumstances. For Fatma Serap Balakan, who is a lawyer from Hatay, providing legal...
Fighting human trafficking: A lawyer's journey through specialised training
Ana Gemović Matić, a lawyer from Serbia, is one of the twenty legal professionals who have successfully completed the Council of Europe’s HELP course on Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings. Over two months of intensive training, she gained in-depth knowledge and practical skills to enhance...
A rare internship opportunity: Sofija Lekić’s journey into human rights law
For many young law students, the path to understanding the complexities of human rights law is often a theoretical one. But for Sofija Lekić, a 22-year-old law student from Belgrade, the opportunity to dive into real-world cases at the European Court of Human Rights has provided a rare and...
Nastavnici/e u Bosni i Hercegovini predvode promjene za inkluzivne i demokratske učionice
Nastavno osoblje iz cijele Bosne i Hercegovine oblikuje inkluzivniju i demokratičnu budućnost kroz inovativnu obuku o Referentnom okviru kompetencija za demokratsku kulturu (ROKDK). Od 11. do 13. februara, nastavnice i nastavnici iz osnovnih i srednjih škola u Brčkom, Goraždu, Orašju, Srebreniku...
Sofija Blagojević: A young hero championing inclusion in Serbian schools
At just 17 years old, Sofija Blagojević has emerged as an unexpected hero in the eyes of teachers and other professionals working with children. Her dedication to fostering inclusion and fighting discrimination has not only earned her recognition but also inspired those around her. "I was deeply...
Montenegro’s youth drive change with award-winning inclusive tech solutions
In a bid to make schools more inclusive and understanding, high school students from across Montenegro gathered for the "Equal Hack: Code for Equality" hackathon, developing tech-driven solutions to promote equality and respect. Maša Radulović, whose team from Nikšić clinched first place, aimed...
Young voices rising: Sjenica Youth Forum inspires action for equality and diversity
A vibrant gathering of over 75 young people from minority communities has turned Sjenica into a hub of inspiration, action, and change. The Youth Forum, titled “75+ steps toward equal opportunities,” brought together youth from across Serbia to celebrate diversity, dismantle stereotypes, and...
Stvaranje društva tolerancije i inkluzije putem sporta: „Nogometom protiv diskriminacije i govora mržnje"
Fair play započinje na terenu i traje cijeli život, ukupni je zaključak turnira u okviru projekta Fudbalskog Saveza Kantona Sarajevo „Nogometom protiv diskriminacije i govora mržnje" u Sportskom centru "Sobol" u Hotonju održanom, uz radionicu posvećenu toleranciji, 16. novembra na Međunarodni dan...
Psihološka pomoć mijenja živote marginaliziranih grupa u Bosni i Hercegovini u okviru zajedničkog programa EU i Vijeća Evrope „Horizontal facility za Zapadni Balkan i Tursku“.
Besplatna psihološka podrška: Ključ za autentični život
"Kada sam se prvi put obratio psihologu, osjećao sam se izgubljeno. Nisam mogao otvoreno govoriti o svojim osjećajima ni s kim iz svog okruženja. Osjećao sam kao da se gušim u vlastitim mislima. Besplatna psihološka podrška bila je moj jedini izlaz. Kroz razgovore s psihologom, počeo sam...
Journalists shape stories through clay: Creative workshop marks European Day of Languages
In a creative twist to journalism training, journalists and editors in Serbia swapped keyboards for clay as they shaped not just art, but narratives of inclusion at a unique workshop. Held at the Center for Fine and Applied Arts Terra in Kikinda to mark the European Day of Languages, the workshop...
*Ovaj naziv je bez prejudiciranja statusa, i u skladu je sa Rezolucijom Savjeta bezbjednosti Ujedinjenih nacija 1244 i mišljenjem Međunarodnog suda pravde o Deklaraciji o nezavisnosti Kosova.
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