News and updates from BCSDN and the region
Serbian CSOs united under the Three Freedoms Platform strongly condemn police brutality against citizens protesting outside the City Assembly of Belgrade on December 24. They call for an urgent reaction from the authorities to protect basic rights and freedoms. The citizens have been gathering daily to express dissatisfaction with undemocratic election conditions and reported election
Read more →SLAPP lawsuits, meant to intimidate public participation, pose a serious threat to freedom of expression in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The British company Adriatic Metals recently filed a SLAPP lawsuit against the CSO activist Hajrija Čobo, accusing her of damaging their reputation for advocating clean water rights. BCSDN member from BiH CPCD, supports Čobo and condemns
Read more →Representatives of the network for protection against discrimination held a press conference urging parliamentarians to ensure an unbiased and transparent selection process for members of the Commission. They emphasize the need for fair representation in all positions of the Commission, denouncing the insertion of partisan members that compromises the Commission’s independence. The Network highlights legal
Read more →Veysel Ok, a lawyer representing three Kurdish journalists, has raised concerns about their potential imprisonment. These journalists are facing legal threats because of their reporting on increasing human rights violations in Turkey. Ok, who is also a co-chair of the Media and Law Studies Association, has emphasized the rise in rights abuses in eastern Turkey,
Read more →A recent study by the Center for Civil Communications reveals that, on average, only 0.1% of the budget of the Macedonian municipalities is allocated to support citizen associations and foundations. The research highlights that over 90% of funds allocated through budget item 463, intended for non-governmental organizations, primarily went to sports clubs closely associated with
Read more →The Government of North Macedonia adopted the Transparency Strategy for 2023-2026, proposed by the Cabinet of the Deputy Prime Minister responsible for good governance policies. The priority areas outlined in the strategy, are: enhancing active transparency, improving access to public information, fiscal transparency of the government and other executive authorities, enhancing digital capabilities for data
Read more →BIRN explores the potential repercussions of a draft bill in Bosnia’s Republika Srpska entity aimed at regulating CSOs receiving foreign funding. Critics argue that the bill, reminiscent of similar legislation in Russia, raises concerns about authoritarianism and could significantly impact CSOs working to safeguard democracy, media freedom, and human rights in Republika Srpska. The draft,
Read more →The regional report on judicial response to femicide in the Western Balkans, published by the AIRE Center is a condensed version of national research conducted in the Western Balkans from 2018 to 2021. Initiated by Women’s rights organizations, the research focused on understanding femicide characteristics, patterns, and causes. The main aim of the report is
Read more →Liberties provides a tailored approach for CSOs to protect their digital information. Emphasizing the importance of securing personal and sensitive data, the guide addresses unique threats faced by CSOs engaged in digital activism. It highlights the need for a comprehensive approach covering people, processes, and technology, offering insights into understanding cyber risks, the impact of
Read more →Albania’s Special Prosecution Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) has faced criticism from the media community for questioning journalist Elton Qyno about his sources, conducting a raid on his home and workplace, and seizing his computer. Journalists argue that they are not obligated to disclose their sources. Qyno, in an interview with local media, deemed
Read more →In 2021, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) initiated a project to address the limitations and adverse effects of the flawed implementation of its standards, particularly Recommendation 8. The 2023 amendments to Recommendation 8 aim to rectify the misapplication and misunderstanding of R8, which had led to excessive and restrictive measures on civil society. The
Read more →BCSDN expresses concern over recent events jeopardizing freedom of expression and association in North Macedonia. In the most recent attack, a defamation lawsuit targeted the Investigative Reporting Lab (IRL), exemplifying a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) aiming to silence critical voices. The judge’s disconcerting statement, questioning IRL’s media status and limiting journalistic activities, sets
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