IDEA, Willamette University, and the Association for Creative Communication and Debate (ACCD) in Serbia present the Serbian Youth Debate Human Rights Project, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. The aim of the Serbian Youth Debate Human Rights Project (SYDHR) is to develop a better understanding of human rights, democratic processes and sense of civic responsibility and commitment to peaceful community development among youth in Serbia. The Serbian Youth Debate Human Rights Project is an innovative human rights based deliberative education program that engages students in research, critical analysis, preparation for a series of public debates, debate tournaments and debate youth forums where students participate in a friendly exchange of ideas about human rights issues. SYDHR will help youth to develop critical thinking skills and to become articulate in their expression of their thoughts and ideas. Further, project activities will help Serbian youth develop meaningful relationships based upon mutual respect and intellectual achievement with youth from diverse ethnic, religious and national backgrounds.

In addition to monthly trainings and tournaments, the SYDHR Project will include a six day regional youth forum for youth from throughout the former Yugoslavia. The SYDHR Regional Youth Forum will take place August 16th-22nd, 2008 in Belgrade. Regional Youth Forum updates will be posted here.