Advancing freedom of expression and access to information will continue to be a key priority for the authorities in the entire Bosnia and Herzegovina. The commitment of the relevant institutions at the State, entity and Brčko District levels, independent bodies, as well as representatives of the civil society, to the establishment of an efficient human rights monitoring and reporting system on these two topics has been reaffirmed at the Third Steering Committee meeting of the project 'Enhancing institutional capacities on freedom of expression and information in Bosnia and Herzegovina (EFEX)', held on 4 December 2023.

Following the Steering Committee meeting, key beneficiaries, partners and stakeholders gathered together at the Third meeting of the Cross-Coordinating Working Group on Monitoring and Reporting on Freedom of Expression and Freedom of Information in Bosnia and Herzegovina on 5 and 6 December, to continue their work on  establishing co-operative human rights monitoring and reporting processes on freedom of expression and access to information. During the meeting, all representatives stressed the importance of this cooperation to contribute towards achieving a full monitoring and reporting cycle based on the human rights approach, and in building institutional capacities on freedom of expression and access to information standards.

The Council of Europe remains committed to supporting the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina in their endeavours towards ensuring that both practices and legal framework are compatible with international standards and allow Bosnia and Herzegovina to meet its international obligations.

The project ‘Enhancing institutional capacities on freedom of expression and information in Bosnia and Herzegovina (EFEx)’ is implemented by the Council of Europe and funded through the voluntary contribution of Sweden, through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).