News and updates from BCSDN and the region
A year after the live-streamed femicide of Nizama Hecimovic, BiH has made no significant legislative changes to address domestic violence or femicide. Despite some improvements in court protection for victims, activists criticize the state’s inaction, highlighting a lack of official data on femicides and ongoing violence. In response to Hecimovic’s killing, protests were held in
Read more →On 7 August, the Bulgarian Parliament passed a controversial amendment to ban LGBT “propaganda” in schools, proposed by the pro-Russian Revival (Vazrazhdane) party. The law prohibits any promotion or discussion of nontraditional sexual orientations and gender identities in the educational system. The amendment passed with a majority vote, while a separate text defining “nontraditional sexual
Read more →A recent surge in online censorship in Türkiye has seen over 200,000 items blocked by courts in 2023, marking a six-fold increase from the previous year. The Free Web Türkiye platform accuses President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s administration of using censorship to obscure governmental misconduct and corruption, with nearly 198,000 domains, 14,680 news articles, and thousands
Read more →In June 2024, online hate speech surged around LGBT Pride events and Euro 2024 football matches. The Istanbul Pride march, held amid a police blockade, saw widespread abuse online, including calls for violence against LGBTQ+ individuals. Similar online hostility was noted across Southeast and Central Europe, with Pride events in Zagreb, Tirana, and Sarajevo receiving
Read more →An international fact-finding mission will assess press freedom and journalist safety in Croatia from 9-20 September. Organized by Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) partners, including ARTICLE 19 Europe and the European Federation of Journalists, the mission will examine recent attacks on journalists, challenges with media ownership transparency, and legal threats, including SLAPPs. This follows after
Read more →Since November 2023, nearly 200 organizations in North Macedonia have utilized the Civil Resource Center’s self-assessment tool to evaluate their organizational capacities. The results show that organizations generally excel in areas like organizational values, commitment, and culture, which include aspects such as trust, leadership commitment, and conflict of interest policies. However, there are notable challenges
Read more →In response to growing humanitarian needs and funding shortfalls, NGOs must transform their structures to create a sustainable impact. Donors are now seeking immediate, measurable social outcomes, prompting NGOs to optimize resources and demonstrate transparency. Innovative financing models, such as outcomes-based financing (OBF) and development impact bonds (DIBs), reward organizations for achieving specific social impacts
Read more →This summer, Serbia saw notable philanthropic efforts despite a typically lower donation period. NURDOR’s “Solidarity Bazaar” raised 1.1 million RSD for parent houses supporting children with cancer. Luka Petrović donated 2 million RSD to renovate the home of the Đokić family in Katrga, with additional public contributions. Mateja Patrnogić’s lemonade stand in Kragujevac collected 343,500
Read more →At the F20 Climate Solutions Forum held from 4-6 June in Rio de Janeiro, a crucial issue emerged as funding continues to be disproportionately allocated to projects in the Global North, despite the Global South facing the most severe climate impacts. The F20, comprising over 80 foundations that influence climate policy and set agendas ahead
Read more →Target group: Employees of public media services in the Western Balkans Aim: To support mobility for enhancing quality journalism in the region Amount: Up to 5 000 EUR Duration: Varies depending on the mobility project Deadline: 30 August Link to more information (Mreza Mira)
Read more →Target group: Local CSOs in Serbia Aim: Support for local activists and organizations defending against SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) and other pressures. Amount: Up to 10 000 EUR per organization Duration: Up to 15 months Deadline: 5 September Link to more information (Partners Serbia)
Read more →Target group: Public and private entities based and registered in CEI Member States (public/public equivalent bodies, private entities, NGOs/CSOs), as well as International Organisations. Aim: Strengthening cooperation among the CEI Member States and implementing the strategic goals and main objectives set by the CEI Guidelines and Rules of Procedure and the CEI Plan of Action.
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