News and updates from BCSDN and the region
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 →In 2023, the Dynamic Accountability Community of Practice (DACoP) accomplished several milestones, including a collaborative planning session, thematic newsletters on ‘Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion’ and ‘Learning Forward,’ and an online workshop on ‘Co-Design and Collaboration.’ Looking ahead to 2024, DACoP is dedicated to expanding further and encourages active participation to shape responsive initiatives. The community
Read more →In the latest episode of the podcast series “Shifting the Power – Global Voices Rising,” Akmal Ali, representing PIANGO, a Forus member with over 30 years of experience empowering NGOs and the civil society sector across 24 Pacific countries and territories. He stresses the significance of localization and unity in empowering local communities to decide
Read more →Bosnia and Herzegovina has shown commitment to participating in EU programs, especially the Europe for Citizens program. The Ministry of Justice initiated the accession process to the Citizens, Equality, Rights, and Values (CERV) Program for 2021-2027. The agreement between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the EU for participation in the CERV program was signed in Brussels
Read more →FRA’s report on ‘EU funds: Ensuring compliance with fundamental rights’ suggests ways to ensure the new rules are being upheld and people’s rights respected. FRA calls on the EU and its Member States to: involve fundamental rights experts explicitly throughout all stages of funding and make better use of their expertise, data and findings; monitor
Read more →Members of the Forbes Nonprofit Council provide insights into anticipated trends that nonprofits should be prepared for in 2024. The emphasis on tech investments, including virtual collaboration tools and data analytics, will play a crucial role in ensuring adaptability and success. Donors are demanding tangible impacts, urging nonprofits to invest in comprehensive evaluation and impact
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: This call aims 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
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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