In today’s interconnected Europe, young people increasingly face discrimination based on ethnicity, migration background, religion, social status, sexual orientation and other factors. Such experiences limit their participation in community life, reduce trust in institutions and deepen social divides. Although many young people care about equality and human rights, they often lack safe spaces and practical tools to address discrimination constructively and confidently. Recent data highlight the scale of exclusion. In 2024, around 24.1% of young people aged 15–29 in the EU were at risk of poverty or social exclusion (European Commission: https://tinyurl.com/fm3ru2rf). Structural disadvantages reduce access to civic, cultural and international opportunities, increasing vulnerability to discrimination. Rates are particularly high in Bulgaria (30.3%), Romania (27.9%), Greece (26.9%), Spain (25.8%), Latvia (around 25%), Italy (around 23%) and Cyprus (around 17%) (KEY FIGURES ON EUROPE 2025 EDITION, https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-key-figures/w/ks-01-25-003, p. 26). Discrimination among young people is increasing, with reported cases rising from 22% in 2019 to nearly 33% in 2023, compared to 16% among older adults. Women face higher rates (rising from 17% to 25%), and young people from minority backgrounds, face discrimination on multiple grounds such as ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation. Youth also encounter online discrimination at twice the rate of older groups, highlighting the urgent need for youth-centred human rights and tolerance initiatives (https://tinyurl.com/56nu6vn5). Furthermore, recent international data indicates that online harassment is becoming a major concern for youth, with approximately one in six adolescents having experienced cyberbullying. Such incidents are linked to serious mental health consequences, including increased anxiety, depression and self-harm risk. These trends underline the urgency of initiatives that equip young people with tools to build resilience, foster tolerance and address harmful behaviour in digital environments (https://tinyurl.com/5n6xe22m). The key gap identified is not only the presence of discrimination, but the lack of accessible, experiential and creative frameworks that enable young people to respond safely, confidently and collectively. Based on internal observations from participating organisations (from Cyprus, Romania, Denmark, Spain, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Latvia and Italy) a significant share of young people – estimated at roughly one third of those involved in local youth activities, have witnessed discriminatory behaviour but did not intervene. The main barriers include low confidence, uncertainty about rights and fear of social consequences. This reinforces passive bystanding, normalises exclusion and leaves vulnerable peers without support. The project aims to address this gap by creating safe spaces where youth can practise constructive responses through creative, rights-based methods. Youth exchanges of this kind are needed because young people require safe and supportive environments where they can explore discrimination, reflect on experiences and understand different realities across Europe. Artistic and experiential methods are especially effective, as they allow youth to engage with discrimination both emotionally and intellectually. Through non-formal learning, group discussions and creative expression, participants will build empathy, intercultural communication, critical thinking and confidence to respond to intolerance. Theatre, storytelling, visual arts and video will be used not as entertainment but as practical tools that help young people express their perspectives, understand human rights more deeply and challenge harmful stereotypes. Participants will act as co-creators by contributing to artistic outputs, co-leading moments and supporting dissemination. At least 24 youth with fewer opportunities will be actively included through tailored support and peer-led approaches in line with the Erasmus+ Inclusion and Diversity Strategy. MAIN AIM To tackle discrimination and promote tolerance among young people through human-rights-driven artistic methods, ensuring meaningful participation of those with fewer opportunities. OBJECTIVES 1. To strengthen participants’ understanding of discrimination and human rights by analysing real cases and comparing situations across the participating countries. 2. To promote positive and respectful attitudes towards diversity through structured intercultural dialogue and collaborative learning experiences. 3. To apply storytelling, theatre, visual arts and video creation as creative methods to challenge discrimination, counter harmful stereotypes and promote tolerance. 4. To encourage participants, especially those with fewer opportunities, to advocate for their rights and initiate follow-up actions promoting tolerance in their local communities.