The 18th edition of the Children's Rights Festival is arriving in Slavonia with a message on the importance of empathy, healthy peer relationships and creating an environment where children and young people feel safe to express their opinions and feelings. This year's edition takes place from 21 October to 30 November across Croatia, organised by the association Alternator with numerous partners, including UNICEF, the Office of the Ombudsman for Children and the Kultura Nova Foundation.
In Đakovo, on 4 November, pupils in the fifth and sixth grades of Vladimir Nazor Primary School will watch the feature film "We Won't Give Up the Playground" as part of the film programme "Good Vibrations". The following day, on 5 November, a panel titled "I Feel, Therefore I Am" will be held in Slavonski Brod. In Pakrac, a screening of short films is scheduled as part of the "Children's Creativity" programme.
The "I Feel, Therefore I Am" panel at the Economics and Biotechnology School in Slavonski Brod will bring together Ana Tomić, a non-violent communication educator, Ankica Matasović, a psychologist, and Patricija Čuletić, a social work student and active volunteer. The panel will take place from 11:30 to 12:15, followed by an informal social gathering. Mirna Vovk is the acting principal of the Economics and Biotechnology School.
In Pakrac, a screening of short films made by children from film clubs across Croatia will be held for pupils of Braće Radić Primary School at the Sloga Cultural Centre. Among the selected films is "Habib", produced by Braće Radić Primary School in Pakrac.
The festival's programme also highlights the challenges children face in the digital environment. According to the EU Kids Online 2025 survey, almost half of children who have experienced unpleasant or hurtful behaviour online state that it came from friends. After the last disturbing experience online, only one in five children discussed it with a parent or guardian.
Over 18 years, the Children's Rights Festival has gathered more than 165,000 participants, and nearly 400 films have been screened.
