site.btaVP Iotova Stresses Importance of Being Vocal in Defending Human Rights

Addressing participants in an international youth forum of the Red Cross and Red Crescent here on Thursday, Bulgarian Vice President Iliana Iotova stressed the importance of defending human rights and ensuring their protection. “We must be vocal in standing up for human rights, their guarantees, and their security,” she said. “I am sure you will find many allies, because it is not true that all politicians or countries have lost their humanity. You have the most important role – to show that you are stronger than division, conflict, and war,” Iotova said. She recalled receiving a decoration from the Bulgarian Red Cross, which she described as her most cherished, as it represents an award for altruism.

“We are living in a time more alarming and dangerous than we have seen in years. Every night, the news confronts us with new conflicts, dividing lines, and wars. A decade ago, we believed human rights were guaranteed forever. But lately, we have witnessed a loss of human rights. It is as if talking about human rights – and fighting for them – has gone out of fashion. Your role is vital: you need to revive the conversation about guaranteeing and safeguarding human rights, because with your work you fight so they can exist and be respected.”

Sofia is hosting the 26th Youth Assembly of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Network of Europe and Central Asia. Held every two years, the Youth Assembly brings together representatives from national societies across Europe and Central Asia. It serves as a platform for building partnerships, sharing best practices, and launching joint initiatives to support humanitarian efforts and promote the active involvement of young people in the Red Cross movement.

The participants were also welcomed by Manuel Bessler, Vice President ex-officio of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and board member of the Swiss Red Cross; Danish Ambassador to Bulgaria Flemming Stender; and Bulgarian Red Cross President Hristo Grigorov.