News and updates from BCSDN and the region
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) welcomes Turkey’s Constitutional Court’s decision to annul a legal clause allowing local courts to remove online news. The clause, introduced in 2020, enabled the removal of online content violating individuals’ “personal rights” or privacy. CPJ’s Turkey representative, Özgür Öğret, applauds the Court’s move, stating it is a step in
Read more →Following a series of prominent arrests, Bosnia and Herzegovina might secure the initiation of accession talks with the EU in 2024. However, there is concern that Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik could disrupt this progress by pursuing actions that threaten the stability of the state. The EU may decide on Bosnia’s accession talks in March,
Read more →SLAPP lawsuits aim to stifle public advocacy by burdening defendants with legal proceedings. The European Union is considering an anti-SLAPP directive, providing individuals targeted by such lawsuits with early dismissal options, cost coverage, and potential penalties for the plaintiff. In Serbia, SLAPPs cases, often brought by government officials, have raised concerns about freedom of expression.
Read more →The Government of North Macedonia has released a survey to assess the effectiveness of the indicators outlined in the Government’s Action Plan for Cooperation and Development of Civil Society, with a specific focus on engaging registered CSOs. This survey is designed to support the Department of Cooperation with CSOs within the Government of North Macedonia
Read more →Croatia’s Government has proposed amendments to the Criminal Code and the Act on Protection from Domestic Violence. The changes include new criminal offenses, with a focus on addressing the aggravated murder of women. These amendments represent an effort to combat violence, expanding victims’ rights and introducing stricter measures for restraining orders. The amendments also increase
Read more →Sputnik Turkey journalists have been on strike for five months, fired by the news agency after demanding better pay and rights. Striking journalists, motivated by dissatisfaction with low pay, inflation, and media restrictions, have encountered challenges due to geopolitical tensions between Turkey and Russia and some colleagues’ betrayal. Without salaries, they receive support from the
Read more →The Rendir APP is a self-assessment tool to enhance the accountability of CSOs. This user-friendly application facilitates organizations in self-evaluating their adherence to the Global Standard for CSO Accountability, pinpointing strengths and areas for enhancement. The Global Standard comprises 12 aspirational commitments, emphasizing not only current organizational practices but also potential future actions. The Rendir
Read more →The Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) lays out nine commitments for aid organizations, providing clear benchmarks for evaluating their performance in helping crisis-affected communities. Verification methods, including self-assessment, independent verification, and certification, aim to improve effectiveness and understanding. In the global dashboard, 163 organizations have been verified, with 32 certified, 30 independently verified, and 123 self-assessed.
Read more →The Swiss Philanthropy Foundation and the Organization of the Swiss Abroad conducted a survey revealing that 93% of Swiss abroad have made gifts in the past three years, with 78% being financial. The diaspora, representing 10% of the Swiss population, is as generous as those living in Switzerland. Transparency is crucial for them, with 38%
Read more →Target group: Vulnerable groups of foreigners, state and local institutions, media, local citizens and municipalities in North Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Albania, BiH, and Serbia. Aim: To invite project proposals aligned with the “Inclusion of Foreigners in WB – Access to Social and Economic Rights (FOSTER)” initiative. Developed by seven CSOs in collaboration with the Balkan
Read more →Target group: CSOs with expertise and experience in combating violence against women and domestic violence in Serbia Aim: To fund awareness and advocacy campaigns by CSOs in Serbia, focusing on promoting the values and provisions of the Istanbul Convention—an initiative by the Council of Europe to prevent and combat violence against women and domestic violence.
Read more →Target group: Primary young civic educators (under 35) and young NGOs (under 3 years of existence), at least 2 partners from different European countries. Aim: To pioneer new ideas in civil society, enhance their visibility and integrate them into NECE, a growing pan-European network of civic educators. Amount: 10,000 EUR Duration: up to 12 months
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