Young people growing up in regions affected by armed conflicts, being exposed to and enduring the consequences of extreme forms of direct, cultural and structural violence, are often confronted with dramatic life-forming experiences, emotions and challenges. Such experiences may strongly influence their views and behaviour towards their own and other communities, their relation to conflict and peace and to their own identity. The Youth Peace Camp was developed on the assumption that when supported young people can break free from cycles of hatred, blame and intolerance and become multipliers for dialogue, peace and reconciliation in their own communities.
Since its inception in 2003, the project has brought together young people (of ages 18–25) from Armenia, Albania, Azerbaijan, Georgia (including Abkhazia and South Ossetia), Israel, Kosovo[1], Montenegro, the Palestinian Authority, the Russian Federation and Serbia. During the 8-day activity, the participants engage in an experiential learning process and develop competences in the fields of intercultural learning, dialogue and conflict transformation within a human rights education framework.
[1] All reference to Kosovo, whether to the territory, institutions or population, in this text shall be understood in full compliance with the United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1244 and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo.
