On the International Human Rights Day, 10 December 2021, within the framework of the EU and Council of Europe joint action on “Freedom of expression and freedom of the media in North Macedonia”, an online lecture was organised for students from the master programmes in international, criminal and business law entitled “International standards for defining hate speech as a criminal act and its (ab)use as an (un)usual business model”.

The emphasis of the lecture was on Article 10 of the ECHR, according to which everyone has the right to freedom of expression. This right understands freedom to hold opinions, freedom to receive and impart information and ideas, without interference by public authority and regardless the frontiers. Yet, the exercise of these freedoms carries within its duties and responsibilities that may be subject to formalities, conditions, restrictions and penalties as prescribed by law and as necessary in a democratic society. The specific focus was placed on hate speech and the international standards defining it as criminal act, as well as its use i.e. abuse as business model by the media.

Students were actively participating in the lecture, using this opportunity to increase their knowledge on the topic. The related activities with the Faculty of Law are motivating the students to further seek and expand their views on European standards on freedom of expression and as next generation of professionals be well-prepared and apply their knowledge in their professional career paths.

This online lecture was organised within the action on “Freedom of expression and freedom of the media in North Macedonia (JUFREX 2)” . This action is a part of the joint European Union/Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Turkey 2019-2022”, that enables the Beneficiaries to meet their reform agendas in the fields of human rights, rule of law and democracy and to comply with the European standards, including where relevant within the framework of the EU enlargement process.