The embassies of France and Germany announced today that the executive director of Civic Initiatives, a civil society organization from Belgrade, Maja Stojanović, is the winner of this year’s French-German award for human rights and the rule of law.
Ambassador of France Florence Ferrari stated that the engagement of Maja Stojanović is consistently aimed at “defending democratic processes, protecting human rights and promoting independent media”, without which “no democratic society can progress”, the joint statement of the two embassies reads.
“By awarding the Franco-German prize for human rights to Maja Stojanović, France and Germany reaffirm their joint commitment to support those in Serbia who dedicate their voices to the fight for human rights and the reform of the rule of law, areas that are essential for Serbia’s progress on the way to the European Union,” said Ambassador Ferrari.
German Ambassador Anke Konrad stated that the work of Maja Stojanović shows “the necessary role of civil society in the promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and the rule of law.”
“The Franco-German Prize for Human Rights and the Rule of Law is a testament to the unwavering commitment and courage of all those who stand up for democracy and human rights,” said Ambassador Konrad.
Stojanović thanked for the recognition and said that for her it was “a confirmation of the importance of the voices of citizens who fight for dignity, justice and human rights every day.”
“It is a recognition of the work of Civic Initiatives and all other organizations and citizens who persistently defend democratic processes in Serbia and reminds us how important engaged citizens are for the future of our society,” said Stojanović.
Maja Stojanović has been dealing with human rights for more than twenty years, and since 2014 she has been the executive director of Civic Initiatives. Previously, she was the president of the Board of Directors of the House of Human Rights and Democracy in Belgrade.
He participates in several initiatives to strengthen democratic processes, media independence and transitional justice throughout Serbia and the Western Balkans.
She began to engage in activism in the Student Union of Serbia.
The Franco-German Prize for Human Rights and the Rule of Law was established in 2016. It is awarded worldwide for work in the defense and improvement of human rights, freedom of expression, impartial reporting in the media, the fight against impunity and torture, discrimination, violence against women and the promotion of equality between men and women. The award is given to 15 laureates each year.