Application deadline: 01 August 2026
Deadline for questions: 20 July 2026
The Youth Initiative for Human Rights (YIHR), with financial support from the European Union, is implementing the project “Rights First”, which aims to strengthen participatory democracy and support Serbia’s path toward EU membership by building the capacities of civil society organizations, with a special focus on young people and marginalized groups.
The project is jointly implemented by the Youth Initiative for Human Rights, Independent Journalists’ Association of Vojvodina, Human Rights Committee Niš, LINK Sombor, LIVRIT Preševo, Vojvodina Civic Centre, and the Center for Academic Progress from Novi Pazar.
Following the first successfully implemented call for proposals, YIHR continues to support projects aimed at improving respect for human rights and strengthening the rule of law. In this cycle, 3 projects will be supported focusing on public advocacy initiatives for the adoption/amendment or better implementation of public policies in the Republic of Serbia, and 7 projects focusing on civic activism in the field of human rights and the rule of law.
Thematic Framework of the Call
The political and social context in the Republic of Serbia since the end of 2024 has been characterized by increased civic participation triggered by student blockades and efforts to uphold the rule of law and fundamental human rights. We are witnessing citizens’ determination and persistence to influence decision-makers to respect public policy documents and to propose evidence-based amendments where improvements are needed.
Through this call, the Youth Initiative for Human Rights aims to support the efforts of citizens across Serbia to implement activities that will improve respect for fundamental human rights and strengthen the rule of law.
In the EU accession process, the Republic of Serbia is required to fulfill the conditions of Cluster 1, which represents the foundation of the accession process.
The European Commission’s 2025 Serbia Progress Report highlights the need for consistent implementation of regulations, strengthening of human rights institutions, and work on:
- Institutional framework for the promotion, protection, and enforcement of human rights
- Improvement of the legal framework for anti-discrimination
- Strengthening the fight against hate speech and hate crimes
- Action plans for combating violence against women
- Protection of LGBTIQ persons and national minorities
- Freedom of expression, protection of journalists, and media law reform
Project proposals under the “Rights First” call directly respond to needs in the field of the rule of law, supporting initiatives that change public policies and engage citizens in public life.
Who can apply?
Lot 1: Associations, foundations, endowments, and civil society networks registered with the Serbian Business Registers Agency (SBRA) before 01 January 2023, with experience in public advocacy.
Lot 2: Informal groups (minimum 3 members) and civil society organizations with experience in implementing smaller initiatives (up to EUR 15,000) focused on civic activism and citizen engagement.
The call is not open to state institutions, local government units, other governmental bodies, political parties, religious organizations, or the private sector.
Grant amount and duration
- Lot 1: up to EUR 10,000 per project (duration: 10–12 months)
- Lot 2: up to EUR 5,000 per project (duration: 6–8 months)
Timeline
- Application deadline: Saturday, 01 August 2026, by 23:59
- Deadline for questions: Monday, 20 August 2026, by 12:00
- Evaluation period: 30 days after the application deadline
How to apply?
All important information about the call can be found in the Application Guide. The application form is available in Serbian and English, along with the budget template. Submit your project proposal and contribute to improving respect for human rights, the rule of law, and participatory democracy in communities across Serbia.
This project is implemented with the financial support of the European Union. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of the Youth Initiative for Human Rights and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union.
