Back Multiprofessional seminar on protection of journalists from online violence

Multiprofessional seminar on protection of journalists from online violence

What are the types of behaviour that constitute online harrasment, what are the differences between online harrasment towards journalists in the context of their profession and on gender-based violence? What are the forms of legal protection in the international law, that are available in Bosnia and Herzegovina and which implementation issues exist? These are the questions that were the subject of lively discussion at the multiprofessional seminar for the representatives of the media and judiciary professional communities.

Journalists from Bosnia and Herzegovina shared their experiences. The fact that violence towards journalists is seen as expected within the media community has been emphasised, as well as the fact that, due to the lack of trust in the institutions' response to violence, majority of cases remains unreported. Gender aspect of online violence towards women jorunalists is also present, and it is usually manifested through the insults concerning their physical appearance, sexual life and similar.

Council of Europe expert and a lawyer from London, Victoria McEvedy, talked about legal remedies at the international level and successful practices. Domestic legal professionals have pointed out that the legal framework is not developed enough to provide adequate protection to the victims of online violence in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Law on protection from discrimination is used a temporary solution, but it does not cover all kinds of the violence. Council of Europe offers a series of guidelines and a Guide for implementation of Recommendation CM 2016 (4) on protection of journalism and other media actors. This publication shares good practices from several member states, that can serve as model to domestic institutions for a more efficient approach to protection of journalists.

The seminar was organised in a hybrid manner, combining online and in-person participation, while respecting all safety measures in regard to COVID-19 and gathering a total of 34 participants – representatives of the judiciary, civil society as well as journalists and education professionals.

This workshop was organised in partnership with Association of Journalists of Bosnia and Herzegovina, within the joint European Union/Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Turkey 2019-2022”, and its action on “Freedom of expression and freedom of the media in Bosnia and Herzegovina (JUFREX)”.

Tuzla 23 - 24 September 2021
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Horizontal Facility III

The joint European Union and Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye” (Horizontal Facility III) is a co-operation initiative, running from 2023 until 2026.

The programme covers actions in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Türkiye. It enables the Beneficiaries to meet their reform agendas in the fields of human rights, rule of law and democracy and to comply with European standards, which is also a priority for the EU enlargement process.

The third phase of the programme is worth €41 million (85% funded by the European Union, 15% by the Council of Europe).

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*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence.