This weekend, the Estonian Human Rights Centre is organizing the youth camp “Human Rights ABC”, bringing together 45 young people from Estonia and Ukraine. With the support of trainers and mentors, participants will explore their role in a democratic society, gain inspiration and courage, and acquire the knowledge needed to organize human rights events within their communities.

The project’s main goal is to equip Ukrainian refugee youth in Estonia with the knowledge and tools to promote human rights and civic engagement. To enhance societal impact and foster integration, the program also includes their Estonian peers. Young participants will be guided by trainers and mentors from the Estonian Human Rights Centre and the UN Migration Agency (IOM).

In addition to raising awareness of human rights, the camp encourages young people to become human rights defenders themselves.

“People often realize the importance of human rights only when they are taken away,” says project manager Joosep Nahkor. “Through this camp, we hope to convey the message that human rights belong to everyone and that everyone has the power to stand up for them. Youth-led initiatives bring human rights and democratic principles closer to their communities, fostering a more equal society.”

By the end of the three-day interactive camp, youth teams will develop project ideas on human rights-themed mini-projects with the help of mentors. These projects—designed in a freely chosen format—will raise awareness of human rights and empower young people to become advocates and active members of civil society. The first youth-led initiatives are expected to be finalized by April 2025.

The project is funded by the Bilateral Relations Fund of the EEA and Norway Grants.