Aberdeen Youth Movement (AYM) has received the Anne Frank Award 2025 from Action for a Fairer World and Grampian Regional Equality Council (GREC).
The judging panel was unanimous in its view that the evidence met the standard for the award. They found the AYM to be very strong in the area of children’s rights, strong in the areas of democracy and civil society, and had undertaken work to help raise awareness of genocide and persecution.
The Aberdeen Youth Movement is the official voice of young people in Aberdeen. It works with others across the city to improve representation of young people in Aberdeen. It is made up of young people, aged between 14-25 years old, from different areas and interest groups in the city.
Councillor Christian Allard, Co-Leader of Aberdeen City Council said: “To receive the prestigious Anne Frank Award 2025, highlights the hard work, enthusiasm and dedication of all the members of Aberdeen Youth Movement, to give young people across the city a voice.
“In these challenging times, it is essential that our young people feel included, have a voice, are listened to and are empowered to help them make a positive impact locally, nationally and internationally.”
David Innes, Chair, Action for a Fairer World, said: “ "Action For a Fairer World are so pleased to be working with Grampian Regional Equality Council (GREC) on these awards to recognise the work of children and young people. We had several schools coming forward for the awards but were pleased that the first recipient came from the fantastic community based youth group AYM."
Maria Jose Pavez, Co-General Manager, Grampian Regional Equality Council (GREC), said: "We are thrilled to relaunch the Anne Frank Awards this year acknowledging the work of Aberdeen Youth Movement to promote Equality and Human Rights.
“We are looking forward to seeing AYM inspire more people, as well as seeing how other youth groups take their lead. It is key to see collaboration in innovative ways to raise awareness on key issues such as children's rights, genocide and persecution, Holocaust education, discrimination and inequalities, and refugees and migration."
Specific feedback from the judging panel:
- Children's rights are a major strength and a central aspect of the ‘what and how’ of the Aberdeen Youth Movement.
- There are specific activities the group are involved in which relate to other strands of the Anne Frank award. These include the White Armband Day to remember the campaign of ethnic cleansing in northern Bosnia-Herzegovina and also the awarding of grants to address inequality and benefit groups in the city.
- The group has also done a considerable amount to raise awareness of and participation in local and national democracy.
- Impressive breadth and depth of work, and really encouraging to see living and lived experience of young people so core to this work.
- Congratulations on the TPAS (Tenant and Landlord Participation Advisory Service) Good Practice Award, really positive that AYM is engaging with Aberdeen City Council’s budget consultation discussions.
- Also, great to see AYM engaging around remembering Bosnian genocide.
Lily Macdonald , member of AYM steering group, said: “It is a huge privilege to receive the Anne Frank Award for our work advocating for youth empowerment and rights. We are delighted and grateful to receive such a meaningful award.”
Sam Milne, member of AYM steering group, said: “It’s an absolute honour to be given this award and to get the recognition for all the good work our group does. I’m so proud of my friends and colleagues in AYM for all their hard work.”