North Macedonia: Joint Art Action Against Hate
Under the title “Art Against Hate,” young peace activists organized a very special street action at the end of April in Kumanovo (North Macedonia). They were supported by the Centre for Nonviolent Action (CNA), a partner organization of the Civil Peace Service (ZFD) provider KURVE Wustrow.
Participating students, together with representatives of the artists’ association FORMA, created a mural symbolizing reconciliation, coexistence, and the promotion of peace. Through this, they aim to counter messages of intolerance and violence in society with images of solidarity, diversity, and cohesion.
“We launched this campaign because we believe it is still necessary to work with young people on nonviolence and against hatred between Macedonians and Albanians,” said Teodora Sokolovska from the group of peace activists. “We need more engagement and influence from activists and civil society. We also need more encounters and exchanges between different communities. Everything begins with young people, as they are the driving force of social change.”
Macedonian and Albanian students working together
On the day before the street action, secondary school students of Macedonian and Albanian backgrounds had the opportunity to get to know each other during a one-day workshop. They addressed topics such as teamwork and communication, hate speech, nonviolence, and nonviolent action. They also learned more about engaged street art as an effective tool for social change.
“Our society needs activities like these. Secondary school students in particular lack opportunities to meet, get to know one another, and engage in dialogue,” said Fatmire Ajdari from the group of peace activists. “The workshop and the entire action have shown that communication, cooperation, and understanding the needs of others can break down prejudice and barriers among young people. We wish for peace, respect, nonviolence, and progress.”
A similar action to the one in North Macedonia recently took place in Banja Luka (Bosnia and Herzegovina). Another action is planned to follow in Niš (Serbia) with the support of the CNA.
Since 1997, the ZFD partner organization CNA has been committed to dealing with the past and fostering dialogue between communities in the former Yugoslavia. Its two offices in Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and Belgrade (Serbia) employ staff working in multi-ethnic teams, including two Civil Peace Service experts. CNA’s activities also include working with survivors and veterans from all former conflict parties.
This text, originally written in German, was published on the website of the Civil Peace Service Consortium (Konsortium Ziviler Friedensdienst). The slightly adapted text and the images were taken from CNA’s website.