News and updates from BCSDN and the region
According to the latest CIVICUS Monitor update on Serbia, one of the 5 countries currently on the Monitor Watchlist, April 2019 was marked by attacks on journalists working for independent and investigative networks. Often these threats and smears have revolved around journalists being portrayed as foreign mercenaries or anti-Serb traitors. In regards to freedom of assembly and the wave
Read more →Until 13 June 2019, UNESCO will be accepting proposals for innovative projects that aim to strengthen the cultural and creative sectors in developing countries, in the framework of its 10th IFCD call for applications. The International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) is a multi-donor fund, established by the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the
Read more →The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) supports small-scale but high-impact projects in developing countries, which align with the six action areas that guide the Government of Canada’s international assistance. The program is directed at projects conceived and designed predominantly by local partners. Projects are selected and approved by the relevant Canadian Embassy or High
Read more →As world leaders gathered in Paris to negotiate a new climate agreement in December 2015, more than 600,000 people in 175 countries marched in support of the process. Meanwhile, the French government used emergency powers, originally intended to fight terrorism, to put two dozen environmental advocates under house arrest for the duration of the negotiations.
Read more →Almost before the flames were out, while smoke still rose through the fallen ceiling of Paris’ famed Notre Dame Cathedral, donors began to step forward. In just two days over $1 billion had been raised for the Cathedral’s eventual rebuilding, much of it coming from mega-donors. And, just as quickly, others spoke up to question
Read more →NGOs in Eastern Europe and Central Asia have shown resilience under pressure by inventing new ways to generate funds, including hybrid for-profit and non-profit models, and creative partnerships. The pressure on non-governmental organizations and independent media in Eastern Europe and Central Asia has been devastating for many groups. Yet it has also proven the resilience
Read more →Within the development and humanitarian section, issues of abuse, exploitation and sexual harassment have been identified as a major issue. Action is urgently needed to better safeguard community members and staff from abuse, exploitation and sexual harassment of any kind. For safeguarding to be successful it must take place on multiple levels and be built
Read more →When space closes for labour rights defenders, the situation is far worse for those at the margins. Labour rights are human rights and must be protected. Labour Day, otherwise known as International Workers Day, is rooted in the activism of labour rights movements and is a product of organising by labour rights defenders. This activism
Read more →To develop the next generation of peacebuilders, the OSCE Secretariat is organizing the OSCE Summer School for 20 young people from the South Caucasus and other OSCE regions interested in international affairs. The goal of the Summer School is to promote cross-regional exchanges and build the professional skills of young political experts. During the Summer
Read more →The Gender Justice Legal Defenders Fellowship offers aspiring female human rights lawyers and activists a paid opportunity to take on gender violence or discrimination case with mentorship and support from an expert human rights lawyer. Fellows will identify a specific case of gender violence or discrimination and then execute a chosen intervention towards justice, reparations, and accountability.
Read more →Since 1996, the International Summer University, organized by the Institute of Advanced Studies Kőszeg and the Institute for Social and European Studies, in cooperation with the University of Pannonia, has been a great opportunity for experts, activists, practitioners, policymakers, researchers, social scientists and students to discuss contemporary challenges and international cooperation. From 28th June – 6th
Read more →The purpose of the comparative review study of the role and involvement of the civil society organizations (CSOs) in the UNCAC review process from the countries in the region (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Croatia) is to bring insight in the best practices and lessons learned. The study provides overview of the process of
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