Justice and Voices: Advocating Rights of War Violence Survivors through Law, Storytelling, and Art

Survivors of sexual violence during the Yugoslav wars still face serious barriers to justice in Croatia. These include legal gaps and institutional responses that do not meet international standards. Reform recommendations published by YIHR in 2017 remain unimplemented, which shows the need for renewed action. Women’s wider wartime experiences also remain underrepresented in public debate and memorialisation. In response, YIHR is implementing a new project to stimulate public dialogue and evidence-based advocacy. Activities include an updated report and advocacy meetings to promote its recommendations. The project also engages young women activists to collect women’s war experiences and present them through a dedicated museum exhibition. An advocacy campaign and a theatre performance with expert discussion are also ongoing to amplify women’s voices and support meaningful reform.