The Initiative was founded on the belief that democracy is essential and that there is no alternative when it comes to the protection of human rights and civil liberties, nor in enabling reconciliation, which is inherently a democratic process. Since its establishment, the Initiative has contributed to democratic development, the promotion of democratic political culture, the strengthening of democratic social and state institutions, and the vision of global democracy and democratic peace. In addition to numerous educational programs and activities that encourage civic engagement, especially among young people, as well as major and widely recognized efforts such as organizing the Youth Summit for Democracy in Zagreb in 2017, the Initiative integrates democratic principles and the core values of civil rights and freedoms into all of its programs. In order to enhance the impact of its democratic engagement in Croatia, in the region, and globally, the Initiative will during this strategic period work on the following key initiatives:
Cooperation aimed at strengthening the infrastructure for the protection of human rights and democracy (Council or Commission for Human Rights)
Political Youth Network — In 2014, the Initiative initiated the establishment of the Political Youth Network (PYN), a network of youth branches of political parties. Members of this network are organized groups of young people within various political parties across the region. This is a globally unique network that connects young people from different countries and political affiliations, bridging not only national but also ethnic, political, and ideological divides, and promoting the belief that all politically engaged actors have a duty to understand, promote, and protect human rights and contribute to reconciliation. PYN will focus on significant program development, enabling more exchanges among young politicians, involving more human rights organizations in mentoring politically active youth, and creating a guide for young political actors on human rights and civil liberties. To date, PYN's work has been supported by the German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMFUS) and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), and in this strategic period, the Initiative will aim to mobilize support from European political foundations, whose involvement could contribute to program development, engagement intensity, and the credibility of PYN’s work.
Protection of Human Rights and Democracy Activists — Although the protection of activists who, through their work and dedication, contribute to the realization of human rights, civil liberties, and democratic development has never formally been part of YIHR programs, the organization has, over the past 15 years, on several occasions provided support to activists from repressive regimes who were exposed to significant pressure and risk (e.g. activists from Turkey, Russia, etc.). In the context of the global rise of authoritarian governance models, including in Croatian and European neighborhood, the need for organizations that offer this kind of protection is growing. YIHR has therefore established cooperation with other organizations such as Front Line Defenders and Civil Rights Defenders, as well as with other social actors in Croatia (including prominent law firms, PR agencies, and members of parliament in the Croatian Parliament and the European Parliament), in order to provide effective protection to endangered activists, particularly young activists and especially those from the region. Given the growing international need and the positive impact that the protection of human rights defenders and political freedoms can have on the domestic public and institutions, YIHR will, during this strategic period, develop protocols and programs to support and protect activists who are endangered in their own societies. In doing so, it will strive to make Croatia a safe place for them, where they can live freely and continue their work in promoting and defending human rights and freedoms in their home countries.
Human Rights Student Union — The Initiative has collaborated on multiple occasions with student clubs and organizations, and students make up the majority of participants in the Initiative's programs. At the same time, there is a lack of university-based organizations in Croatia that promote human rights. Therefore, during this strategic period, the Initiative will work with a critical group of students from multiple universities across the country to establish the Human Rights Student Union. This organization, which the Initiative will support technically, will organize university-based activities that allow students to learn about human rights, connect with human rights organizations from Croatia and abroad, and engage in advocacy for the promotion and protection of human rights.