Balkan School on Internet Governance

Freedom of expression is one of the foundations of a democratic and pluralistic society. Its corollary is access for everyone to accurate, reliable and timely information, a key precondition for informed public participation. The role of the media and journalists in seeking out, verifying and distributing information is crucial.

States have the responsibility to provide adequate safeguards, both through law and practice, for the effective enjoyment and protection of freedom of expression, including by creating an enabling environment for free and responsible media to flourish and play their essential role in democracy.

The Council of Europe is well placed to help prevent and address the threats to the exercise of the rights and freedoms guaranteed by Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, both offline and in the online environment.

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25 representatives of the civil society, academia, technical community, private sector, media and the government from across the South-Eastern Europe attended the first edition of the Balkan School of Internet Governance held in Jahorina, Bosnia-Herzegovina, on the 21-25 August 2017. Initiated by the Center for Internet Governance (Bosnia-Herzegovina and Bulgaria) and the Center for Law and independent Media (Serbia), the forum provided an introduction on a broad range of issues related to the emergence of the digital world, its critical infrastructure and governance map. It further explored cybersecurity and data protection, human right online and the role of intermediaries, copyright and jurisdiction issues.

The Council of Europe Internet Governance Strategy, the Guide to Human Rights for Internet Users were presented along with other international tools and best practices. The faculty included representatives of the Council of Europe, the school’s institutional partner, and a range of supporting organizations: EURid, Internet Society, RIPE NCC and DiPLO.

Participants are expected to further engage in existing internet governance formats on the national, regional and international level, such as SEEDIG, EURODIG, IGF, WSIS. They will be able to spread digital literacy and promote and protect human rights online in the Balkan region.

For more information please consult the BSIG webpage.

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Jahorina 21-25 August 2017

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In time of conflict

The right to freedom of expression and information constitutes one of the essential foundations of democratic society. In conflict situations and wars, the role of the media is critical in providing the public with accurate and timely information. Trustworthy news and images can contribute to the protection of civilians and conflict prevention, bring to the attention of the international community the horrors and reality of conflict and expose violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.

Visit the "Freedom of expression in times of conflict" webpage

Journalists Matter Campaign

Journalists Matter, the Council of Europe Campaign for the Safety of Journalists is an initiative aiming to promote press freedom and protect journalists from violence, threats, and harassment while performing their duties. As part of this Campaign, the Council of Europe is inviting everyone to support their cause, take action for their enhanced protection, while raising awareness about the importance of safeguarding journalists and their right to report the news freely and without fear.

Visit the "Campaign for the Safety of Journalists" webpage