Exploring avenues for more effective protection of journalists in Bosnia and Herzegovina was the key focus of a joint session of the Cross-Coordinating Working Group on Monitoring and Reporting on Freedom of Expression and Freedom of Information - comprising of institutions, independent bodies, and civil society organisations - together with prosecutors and police officers designated as points of contact for journalist safety.

According to Council of Europe standards, states have a duty to create a supportive environment that enables everyone to freely express opinions and ideas without fear. Yet, journalists in Bosnia and Herzegovina face persistent challenges, including intimidation, verbal and physical attacks, threats, and abusive litigation, all of which jeopardize their mission and safety.

Addressing this pressing issue, the joint session held on 11 December in Sarajevo offered a good opportunity to share valuable insights and experiences from related fields, contributing to the development of actionable recommendations for enhancing journalist safety.

The prosecutors and police officers from across the country, who are designated points of contact, play a pivotal role in improving systematic protections for journalists, while the Working Group actively supports the implementation of the Council of Europe’s Safety of Journalists Campaign, led by the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This united effort represents a significant step forward in safeguarding press freedom and ensuring that journalists can perform their vital work without fear or interference.

Aside from the joint event, both groups also carried out their individual activities. On 10 December 2024, the designated points of contact received training on efficient and transparent investigations of reported cases of threats against journalists, including online threats, enhancing their capacity to address journalist safety.

Meanwhile, the Working Group held its regular meeting on 12 December 2024, focusing on finalising the draft Pilot Report on freedom of expression and access to information, further advancing their ongoing efforts in this critical area.

This joint activity is organised by the Division for Cooperation on Freedom of Expression, within the framework of the projects ‘Enhancing institutional capacities on freedom of expression and information in Bosnia and Herzegovina (EFEx)’, funded through the voluntary contribution of Sweden, through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), and action “Protecting freedom of expression and of the media in Bosnia and Herzegovina (PROFREX)”, that is a part of the joint European Union and the Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye”.