News and updates from BCSDN and the region
The Fundamental Rights Forum 2024, organized by the EU Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA), aims to shape Europe’s rights-based future. Focusing on themes like climate change, technological advances, and threats to democracy, the Forum provides space for dialogue and action. Participants will engage in the Marketplace of Connection, Forum Stage with global leaders, and the Human
Read more →The Freedom House Report 2024, highlights global freedom decline for the 18th year, impacting one-fifth of the world’s population due to armed conflicts, attacks on pluralism, and harming elections. The Western Balkans and Turkey countries’ reports reveal that Serbia experiences deteriorating political rights and civil liberties, marked by irregularities and media bias in recent local
Read more →The paper presents CONCORD’s recommendations to the EU and Member States to continue their support of civic space and an enabling environment for civil society worldwide through a structured and systemic strategy. It ties each section to the EU’s commitments to the OECD DAC recommendations on enabling civil society in development cooperation and humanitarian assistance
Read more →BCSDN welcomes the EU Parliament’s adoption of the Anti-SLAPP Directive, known as Daphne’s Law. The Directive sets a standard protecting media and public watchdogs from strategic lawsuits, requiring member states’ implementation by 2026. BCSDN has intensified its efforts to tackle this pressing issue due to the alarming prevalence of SLAPPs across the Western Balkans and
Read more →The Bosnian Parliament’s upper chamber unanimously passed the Law on the Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorist Activities. Prior to the vote and adoption at the House of Peoples, the House of Representatives adopted the legislation in December last year. This Law is one of the crucial conditions on the country’s path to
Read more →The SafeJournalists Network expresses concern over the Albanian Supreme Court’s decision on journalist Elton Qyno’s case, where his equipment was confiscated. Qyno challenged the seizure, arguing it violates journalistic source confidentiality. The action sets a worrisome precedent. While legal adherence is acknowledged, it should align with international principles safeguarding journalistic sources, crucial for democratic societies.
Read more →The Civic Space Report 2023 prepared by the European Civic Forum highlights the pressing challenges to democracy in the EU, and the need to safeguard democracy. With the impending Defence of Democracy package, the report emphasizes the need to address both external threats and internal challenges to strengthen democratic resilience. Examining the decline in trust
Read more →Environmental associations in the Federation of BiH have submitted a law to the parliamentary procedure aimed at protecting citizens, activists, and journalists from lawsuits intended to silence them. The proposed Law on Citizens’ Initiative and Protection of Citizens and Activists aims to create a legal framework safeguarding individuals involved in environmental activism. A press conference
Read more →March is Women’s History Month, celebrating women’s achievements and advocating for gender equality. Accountable Now launches a social media campaign, highlighting Commitment 2: Women’s Rights and Gender Equality of the 12 Accountability Commitments. Throughout March, they share tools, resources, and stories from global organizations, inviting submissions for an online gender equality toolbox. The campaign aims
Read more →The #ShiftThePower Summit in Bogota, happened in December 2023, provided insights into trust dynamics and power shifts in global development. The event emphasized the local touch with Colombian stalls, fostering open conversations. Trust emerged as a crucial factor in various development contexts, such as rebuilding trust in war-torn areas, creating safe spaces for collective problem-solving,
Read more →On March 5-6, 2024, Movement for Community Led Development, CIVICUS, and Peace Direct will host an online consultation on ‘Better Inclusion for Development Conferences.’ The two-day event will discuss the experiences of actors from the Global South in conferences about the locally led agenda. The consultation aims to create guidance for NGOs, foundations, and donors,
Read more →The Philea Forum 2024 addresses challenges facing philanthropic organizations in an era marked by eroded public trust and heightened societal demands. Focusing on trust as foundational to legitimacy, the forum seeks solutions to counter misinformation and pitfalls that compromise philanthropy’s credibility. It delves into questions of legitimacy, accountability, and power imbalances within the sector, aiming
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