UNICEF Young Reporters: Every word leaves a mark
Call for solidarity, empathy, and support as a response to hate speech and peer violence among young people in Montenegro
- Crnogorski
- English
- Shqip
Podgorica, 9 November 2025 – UNICEF Young Reporters in Montenegro have launched the campaign “Every word is a choice”, calling for solidarity, empathy, and support – as a response to hate speech and peer violence among young people in Montenegro.
“Every day, we choose a side – when we hear hate speech, when someone stays silent, when we see injustice, or when someone is left alone,” say the young reporters in their video message.
Their message stems from the desire for young people’s voices to be heard in public – to show that they care and that they want a community where, instead of division, understanding, solidarity, and respect for diversity are cherished as the true wealth of every society.
“Sometimes it’s hard to say something different from the majority, but if we stay silent, nothing changes. That’s why I choose the courage to speak up and to support those who are alone,” says Luka Vujović, one of UNICEF’s young reporters.
“For me, choosing empathy means standing by someone who is struggling, even when everyone else looks away. It’s a small act that can change someone’s life,” adds Viktorija Milić, a UNICEF young reporter.
The young reporters’ message reminds us that all of us – children, young people, and adults – shape the society we live in every day through our words, actions, and reactions.
For that reason, they call on everyone to take responsibility and to choose empathy, solidarity, and respect for diverse identities and cultures, because these are the choices that create a mentally healthy and humane society, for every child.
The “Every word is a choice” campaign by UNICEF Young Reporters is carried out within the programme Together for Common Good - “Enhancing citizens’ trust in institutions and building resilient communities”, which is implemented by UNDP, UNICEF, and UNESCO in cooperation with Government of Montenegro. The programme is funded by UN Peacebuilding Fund.
Watch the video by UNICEF Young Reporters on UNICEF Montenegro’s social media channels:
- https://www.tiktok.com/@unicefmontenegro/video/7570752300675829048?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
- https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQ11qxHD4qS/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
- https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1HJc9i7gRz/
- https://x.com/UNICEFmne/status/1987547384851697798?s=20
- https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7393312898795687936
