Representatives of state and entity institutions, independent bodies and civil society of Bosnia and Herzegovina gathered at the first meeting of the Cross-Coordinating Working Group on Monitoring and Reporting on Freedom of Expression and Freedom of Information in Bosnia and Herzegovina, held in Jahorina on 14 and 15 June 2023.
The Working Group, established by the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees with the support of the project aims at consolidating the capacities of the Ministry and other relevant institutions and stakeholders to monitor, analyse, and report on the realisation of these rights and the country’s compliance with international obligations in these areas. The environment that enables strong and independent journalism and the public’s access to information is a crucial condition for a functioning democratic society. That is why freedom of expression and free access to information are fundamental values and rights of every citizen. Unfortunately, in 2023 we are witnesses to a worsening state of the freedom of the media, not only on an international level but also specifically in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The participants agreed that establishing a co-operative human rights monitoring and reporting cycle on freedom of expression and access to information, with efficient multisectoral co-operation and co-ordination is a cornerstone for the achievement of their long-term capacity to contribute to the promotion of freedom of expression, freedom of the media and freedom of information. In this regard, the members of the Working Group have agreed on the priorities and next steps, including capacity building and training activities, upgrading of monitoring and reporting methodologies and practices at use, and the production of a pilot report on freedom of expression and access to information.
This activity is supported through the framework of the project ‘Enhancing institutional capacities on freedom of expression and information in Bosnia and Herzegovina (EFEx)’, that is implemented by the Council of Europe and funded through the voluntary contribution of Sweden, through the Swedish International Development Co-operation Agency (Sida).
