The 2021 ‘Krunoslav Sukić’ recognition for the promotion of peacekeeping, nonviolence and human rights

The 2021 “Krunoslav Sukić” Recognition for the promotion of peacekeeping, nonviolence and human rights is gratefully presented to the Peace Institute of Ljubljana

for 30 years of continuous creation, affirmation and implementation of a culture of peace;

for a key role in the beginnings of the anti-war campaign in the Republic of Croatia;

for connection of peace policy to human rights strategies – in particular the rights of the most vulnerable;

for inspiration of civil initiatives inside and outside the borders of Slovenia, the theoretical formation of the idea of civil society;

for spreading the concept of peace, which is not only the absence of war, but is linked to modern trends in non-violent community structure – as communities of interest and communication, groups and individuals, regions and worldviews, lifestyles and traditions.

Peace Institute – The Institute for Contemporary Social and Political Studies was established in June 1991 in Ljubljana as a continuation of the movement for a culture of peace and nonviolence from the 1980s. Cooperation between the institute’s founders and activists from Croatia began in 1986 with joint campaigns to defend peace policy, halt the construction of nuclear power plants in Yugoslavia and support conscientious objection.

Among the greatest achievements of the Peace Institute is the successful defence of the rights of 25,671 citizens erased from the register of permanent residence in 1992. It was only after a lawsuit was filed that a final judgment of the European Court of Human Rights brought about some kind of justice. These people have been living for years, some even today, without documents, social and health insurance, the possibility of legal employment, schooling or leaving the country, in constant fear of the police and deportation.

The work of the Peace Institute constantly puts itsself in conflict with government institutions. The institute faces serious problems such as very uncertain financial support and the threat of taking over the space in which they operate.

The Peace Institute has been and remains an inspiration, source and support to all of us who have chosen peace work, nonviolence and human rights as the foundation of our lives and activities. This recognition of ours is a big THANK YOU.

We dedicate the recognition to the deceased co-founder of the Peace Institute Tonči Kuzmanić.