More than 100 young people from across Serbia gathered on Wednesday, 19 November, at the Human Rights House in Belgrade for Youth Rights Talks 2025, one of the country’s largest annual events dedicated to the human rights of young people. This year’s programme centred on the right to freedom of assembly and association.
Throughout the full-day event, dozens of young speakers addressed key social developments that have shaped the past 12 months in Serbia: youth activism manifested through student protests and civic mobilisation, locally led initiatives, new forms of organising and resistance, as well as issues related to safety, mental health, and their vision of the society in which they wish to live, work, and participate.
With powerful and deeply moving speeches and discussions, young people shared their experiences and challenges from the past year – from taking university entrance exams only days after incidents of police brutality in which their parents were injured, to organising community assemblies that mobilised local residents and brought cultural and artistic activities to areas far from major urban centres.
They spoke about what it means to be an activist in small and rural communities, and about efforts to protect the symbols of Belgrade that are disappearing under the pressure of uncontrolled urban development and the interests of large capital. They emphasised that, despite physical attacks, smear campaigns in tabloids, police violence, and institutions’ unwillingness to protect the rights of citizens, they remain steadfast — driven by solidarity, mutual support, and collective care, which they see as the foundation of their struggle for freedom and a more just society.
Sonja Tošković, Executive Director of the Belgrade Centre for Human Rights, underlined that at a time when the space for free assembly and expression is increasingly constrained, Youth Rights Talks 2025 provided a platform for dialogue, exchange, and collective reflection on how young people can unite, support one another, and act together for meaningful social change.
“For a full year now, Serbia has witnessed mass protests led by students and citizens, during which young people have clearly demonstrated their aspiration for a society grounded in justice, solidarity, and accountability”, Tošković stated.
Plamena Halacheva, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia, stressed that democracy across Europe is facing significant pressures and that strengthening its resilience requires empowered and motivated citizens, transparent decision-making, the right to education and unhindered access to information, as well as building trust between institutions and the public. “These values are equally important for the Western Balkans region and for Serbia on its European integration path,” she added.
Youth Rights Talks has, for eight consecutive years, provided a vital platform for young people to freely express their views on current societal challenges, ensuring that their perspectives, ideas, initiatives, and personal stories are heard and recognised.
The event is organized by the Belgrade Centre for Human Rights.
Youth Rights Talks 2025 is part of the project “Stepping Stones to Youth Diversity in Serbia”, supported by the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia. The event is supported by the Ministry of Tourism and Youth. The content of this call is the sole responsibility of the Belgrade Centre for Human Rights and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or the Ministry of Tourism and Youth
