A young girl who kept a diary during the Bosnian War, documenting her experiences and emotions, providing a unique and personal perspective on the conflict. Her diary was later published and became an international bestseller.
Zlata Filipovi, a Bosnian-Irish diarist, is best known for her heart-wrenching and insightful diary that captured the horrors of the Bosnian War from a child's perspective. Her diary, nicknamed "Mimmy," has become an iconic representation of the human cost of war and a powerful tool for raising awareness about the plight of children in conflict zones.
Zlata was born on December 3, 1980, in Sarajevo, Bosnia, to a middle-class family. Her childhood was marked by the outbreak of the Bosnian War in 1991, which forced her family to live in a state of constant fear and uncertainty. Despite the dire circumstances, Zlata found solace in writing, and her diary became her confidant, recording her thoughts, feelings, and experiences during the war.
Zlata's diary is a testament to the resilience and courage of children in the face of war. Her writing is raw, honest, and poignant, offering a unique perspective on the siege of Sarajevo and its impact on civilians. The diary has been translated into multiple languages and has become a powerful tool for educating people about the human cost of war.
In 1993, Zlata and her family escaped to Paris, where they lived for a year before relocating to Dublin, Ireland. She attended St. Andrew's College and later graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in human sciences. Zlata has continued to write and has worked in the field of documentary and film production.
Zlata has dedicated her life to promoting peace, tolerance, and human rights. She has worked with organizations such as Amnesty International Ireland and the Network of Young People Affected by War (NYPAW). In 2011, she produced a short film, "Stand Up," which addressed homophobic bullying in schools. Zlata has also spoken extensively at schools and universities around the world, sharing her experiences and advocating for children's rights.
Zlata has received several awards for her courage and humanitarian work, including the Child of Courage Award from the Simon Wiesenthal Centre in Los Angeles in 1994. She has also served on the Executive Committee of Amnesty International Ireland and was a member of the UNESCO Jury for the Prize for Children and Young People's Literature for Tolerance.
Zlata's diary and humanitarian work have had a profound impact on modern society. She has inspired a generation of young people to become involved in promoting peace, tolerance, and human rights. Her story has also raised awareness about the plight of children in conflict zones, highlighting the importance of protecting their rights and well-being.
Zlata's remarkable story serves as a testament to the power of courage, resilience, and the human spirit. Her diary and humanitarian work continue to inspire and educate people around the world, ensuring that the lessons of the Bosnian War are never forgotten.
97 Years Old
A young Jewish girl who documented her experiences hiding with her family during the Nazi occupation in a diary, which became a powerful and enduring symbol of hope and resilience. Her diary has been translated into over 60 languages and has sold millions of copies worldwide.
Born in 1909
A brave and selfless individual who risked their life to hide a Jewish family, including a young girl who would become a symbol of hope and resilience, from the Nazis during WWII. This hero's actions allowed the family to survive for two years, and their story to be told.
