The international network “Youth Human Rights Movement” was created in 1998. Initially, the main mission of the network was to develop a new generation of young human rights defenders and civic activists. YHRM staff was engaged in the protection and monitoring of human rights in conflict areas in Russia and abroad – in Bishkek and Osh, Kyrgyzstan (in July-August 2010 in connection with inter-ethnic clashes), in Chechnya (periodically since 2009 as part of the Consolidated mobile group), in Georgia (in August 2008 in connection with the military conflict), participated in the work of human rights missions in Belarus (2010).

In 2013, the Norwegian Nobel Committee nominated YHRM for the Nobel Peace Prize for awareness-raising activities and advocacy around the world. In 2009, the YHRM received participatory status at the Council of Europe, the largest intergovernmental organization for the protection of human rights in Europe.

Official position/function in relation to the conflict

The YHRM condemned the policy of the Russian government towards Ukraine, criticized the actions of Russian and separatist formations in Donbas. The founder and head of the YHRM, Andrey Yurov, being a member of the Human Rights Council under the President of the Russian Federation (2015-2018), constantly raised the issue of human rights in conflict zones, and also spoke at meetings of international organizations.

Actions in relation to the conflict

The YHRM was one of the co-organizers and active participants of the Crimean Field Mission for Human Rights (along with the Moscow Helsinki Group, see separate item) with the aim of monitoring violations of humanitarian rights on the peninsula. The Crimean Field Mission ceased operations in mid-2015 “due to pressure and obstacles from both the Russian and Ukrainian authorities.” After the outbreak of hostilities in eastern Ukraine, the YHRM participated in monitoring the humanitarian situation along the contact line.

YHRM announced its closure in February 2020 due to the fact that “it has actually ceased to exist as a really functioning community”. Notwithstanding, former staff of the network continues to lead the organization’s directions, including peacekeeping projects in Donbas, human rights in Donbas.