Joint Programme

Horizontal Facility

Young people from Zavidovići took to the streets on 21 May to send a clear message against hate speech and discrimination, engaging fellow citizens through interactive activities promoting inclusion, solidarity and social cohesion.

Organised under the slogan “Zavidovići youth stands against hate”, the street actions transformed public spaces into places for dialogue and awareness raising, encouraging participants to reflect on the harmful impact of hateful narratives and the importance of respecting diversity within local communities.

The initiative was carried out as part of the joint European Union and Council of Europe awareness-raising initiative “Block the hatred. Share the love.2.0!” in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It gathered representatives of local authorities, civil society and young people, highlighting the important role communities play in preventing hate speech and fostering a culture of respect and inclusion.

Džeraldina Miličević, Assistant Mayor of the City of Zavidovići stated: “We can all contribute to addressing the problem of hate speech and, whenever possible, help prevent it. This is one of a series of activities implemented by the City of Zavidovići, and the one today is organised together with the European Union and the Council of Europe aiming to prevent hate speech.” She also emphasised the importance of involving young people in the decision-making processes, through local projects and initiatives.

Slađan Ilić, Director of the Local Democracy Agency said: “We are very pleased that Zavidovići, a small local community, is part of initiatives like this. It is important to show that even small communities are raising their voices against hate speech and discrimination on any grounds in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

Hana Marušić, a youth representative added: “The most important thing is that young people participate in activities like this because the world is up to young people and we are here to bring about change. It is very important to organise such street actions where citizens who do not have the opportunity to attend some workshops can be informed about the dangers of hateful narratives.”

This activity is organised under the action “Towards an equal, inclusive and tolerant Bosnia and Herzegovina” as part of the joint European Union and Council of Europe programme Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye”, in partnership with the City of Zavidovići and the Local Democracy Agency.