in the Campaign for the Safety of Journalists "Journalists Matter"
The Council of Europe encourages member states to transpose the Campaign to the national context. Without each member’s committed and effective effort at national level, through the development of the so-called ‘national chapter’, the Campaign cannot reach its goals.
In this section, we will present developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina:
National Focal Point
Ms Nina MIŠKOVIĆ, Secretary of the BiH Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees
Deputy focal points:
Samir KARIĆ, head of the Department at the BiH Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees Raisa BUŠATLIĆ, expert advisor for European integration in the Office of the Secretary of the Ministry
National Campaign Committee
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, an initiative was launched to use the capacities of the existing Coordination Working Group, formed by the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2023 with support from the Project "Strengthening Institutional Capacity in the Field of Freedom of Expression and Information in Bosnia and Herzegovina (EFEx)". The project is implemented in cooperation with the Office of the Council of Europe in Sarajevo and financed through the Swedish Agency for International Development and Cooperation (Sida).
The working group brings together all the participants concerned by the areas covered by the Campaign and may invite other relevant participants depending on the theme of the meeting. At present, most of the institutions whose representatives take part in the working group agreed to undertake the tasks for the realization of the goals within the Campaign and cooperation with the focal point in this regard.
Safety of Journalists National Landscape
The High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina stated that the judiciary investigates and prosecutes all criminal acts, which are prescribed as such by criminal laws with the same procedure applying for offences committed against journalists and human rights defenders.
However, several special measures have been taken to ensure the safety of journalists:
- In case of reported threats, police protection can be assigned to journalists.
- Free media support for journalists is available through the "BH Journalists" Association, a Bosnian institution dedicated to supporting and assisting journalists in their daily work, as well as protecting their rights and freedoms. Applications can be submitted via the telephone line or through the website www.bhnovinari.ba/bs/linija-za-pomoc/
- Psychological help is available, including professional psychological support in overcoming job-related stress and fatigue, as well as developing techniques to combat fear, uncertainty and other forms of pressure that media workers, bloggers and activists may face professionally or personally. More information is available on the website www.bhnovinari.ba
- The Regional Platform for Media Freedom and Safety of Journalists has been created in 2016. It is a network of journalist associations and media unions from the countries of the Western Balkans. It has been established with the financial support of the European Union, within the framework of the EU Program of Support for Regional Networking of Civil Organizations society. More information can be found on the website https://safejournalists.net/ -
- The "Handbook for the protection of the rights of journalists and activists after the decriminalization of defamation" was published in 2024 by Transparency International Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is intended for journalists and activists and provides tools and guidelines for protecting their rights in light of the recent legislative changes that include the recriminalization of defamation.
Existing initiatives
Development of Strategic Document for Journalist Safety Commences
2025
The BiH Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees, with technical support from the EU for Inclusion in BiH project, held a working session in Konjic on 10–11 February 2025 to discuss the development of a document aimed at strengthening protections for journalists and enhancing freedom of expression. The session provided an opportunity to analyse the proposed framework and outline recommendations for its further development.
Contact points for journalist safety at prosecutors’ offices and police agencies
2024
In July 2024, the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina launched a redesigned website featuring a list of designated contact points at prosecutors’ offices and police agencies for journalist safety. The initiative aims to strengthen protections for freedom of expression and enhance respect for the rights of journalists and media professionals.
Special Prosecutor for attacks and threats against journalists
2022
Special prosecutor appointed in Public Prosecutor's Office of Sarajevo Canton to act as a contact point for communication and co-ordination among journalist associations, judicial authorities and law enforcement in cases of attacks and threats against journalists. In order to ensure that the cases are processed efficiently and as a matter of priority, the prosecutor’s office established a dedicated registry to track and oversee new and ongoing cases involving journalists.
Protecting freedom of expression and of the media in Bosnia and Herzegovina (PRO-FREX)
Reinforcing judicial expertise on freedom of expression and the media in South-East Europe (JUFREX)