Laura Wiethaup

Why do you take part in this project?

Engagement and being interested in what was and is going on in the world is very important. During this meeting, I have an opportunity to meet people from various countries and know their culture. At the same time, we all learn how to accept and tolerate others, and that it is essential for our future. During simulation game, we also learn diplomacy.

What is the main idea of the project?

Here, in Krzyżowa, in the form of a simulation game, we play international court trials that have occurred in the past. As a result, we can imagine how all of this works- how do international courts, dealing with issues of human rights, act. We play roles of criminals, prosecutors, judges and journalists. We are divided into groups and each of them has to work out another legal proceedings. We conduct, for example, the case of Erdemovic - a citizen of former Yugoslavia, or the process of Flick, a German industrial magnate. We have a lot of possibilities to gain knowledge and exchange our experiences and opinions.

How do you rate this project?

Trainers are very well prepared for this project, they are very engaged and work hard so that we could truly feel our roles. Everyone appreciates has the ability to actively participate in the game. During the first evening after arrival to Krzyżowa, we were talking about our countries and our experiences related to these topic- some of the participants have already took part in this project or another projects organized in Krzyżowa. All roads lead to the Krzyżowa! This is a wonderful place, full of history. Extremely valuable initiative was the creation of the International Youth Meeting in Krzyżowa. Thanks to these, we can now participate in the projects.

Adam Rudnicki:

- During the project, we are talking with participants about what is happening in the courtroom, how does the course of the preparation look like, the process itself and the verdict. All of this will be then covered on a specially created blogs, videos and newsletters. Participants from various countries speak about their feelings and impressions and they are really positive. This is a chance for them to confront with the international environment. They have to cooperate and deal with a fast pace of work. There is no time for break- something is happening all the time- they work even at night to meet their duties, which is exactly enter into the roles of judges and criminals. Each of the roles has pros and cons: for example, defendants must show great creativity and imagination, and the judges high responsibility. A role of the defender is a tough one. During simulation game, we notice that participants are aware that they must defend criminals. They have a great occasion to show off. From a legal perspective, it is very difficult role to play but our participants deal with it very well! The project is truly interesting. Participants are excited to stimulate the course of all trails.

Organizer of the project: Kreisau-Initiative Berlin e. V., "Krzyżowa" Foundation for Mutual Understanding in Europe with the financial support of the “Remembrance Responsibility and Future” Foundation, European Union Program "Youth in Action" and Foundation "Avec et pour autres".
Supervisor of the project: Nina Lüders.