Severina Vučković

When steel is tempered, it becomes the finest steel. Once it reaches that state, no one because they are no one can do anything to it, because those who trample on us are, in the end, Nobody and Nothing. Back then, there was no Youth Initiative for Human Rights. Now there is. In fact, it has existed for a long time throughout the entire region.These young people work together across the region that bitter old men once divided through conflict. And we have finally lived to see a generation of young people unburdened by the past, yet fully aware of it fighting for a better future, for solidarity among young people from all our countries.These intelligent young people call for accountability because they know that we are each other's closest neighbors, and because we have no other region to call home. They understand that hatred only brings harm, and they stand for love, peace, and freedom. What could be more normal or more beautiful than that? They care about justice and about helping people. The future belongs to them, and it is our responsibility to support them every step of the way.

Marko Šelić Marčelo

The space that the Initiative creates in the physical world is important, but even more important is the space it creates in people's minds. These are spaces of freedom, love, and humanity—values that should be inherent to every person. Unfortunately, people can be stripped of all these qualities if they are exposed for long enough to hatred, fear, and vulgarity. The Initiative is surrounded by people determined to bring that space into the real world and, at last, color it with brighter, more beautiful shades. That may not happen today, perhaps not even tomorrow. But I believe with all my heart that the day will come. And I thank the Initiative for bringing it closer.

Ana Martinoli

I am grateful for YIHR's unwavering commitment to truth and justice. The Initiative's work inspires me to push the boundaries of what is possible in education, to encourage students to ask difficult questions, and to engage meaningfully with issues that are essential to the progress of Serbian society as a whole. The Initiative's projects, events, and advocacy are a call to action. They inspire us to become part of the change we want to see in the world. In a country that is still coming to terms with its past and continues to fight for fundamental human rights, YIHR serves as both a mirror and a guide. It shows us where we have been and illuminates the path toward a more just and inclusive future—a future that I hope we are steadily moving toward.

Olga Manojlović Pintar

By drawing attention to contemporary manifestations of Ur-Fascism and openly confronting them, the Youth Initiative has remained steadfast in its fight to protect hard-won rights while also advocating for the expansion and recognition of rights that are still denied to minority groups. Through numerous public activities, it has promoted the ideals of social responsibility—both ethical and environmental—as well as solidarity, both moral and active. It has exposed the opponents and deniers of human rights, as well as those who distort the truth about the wars, and has grown into one of the most significant civil society organizations in Serbia today.