Promoting open dialogue is crucial for strengthening the protection mechanisms for journalists and ensuring a free and responsible media space in Bosnia and Herzegovina. With this objective in mind, a two-day conference was held on 22 and 23 April 2025 in Igman, organised by the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and Herzegovina with the support of the Council of Europe.

Across five panel discussions and thematic sessions, representatives from the media, public institutions, and domestic and international organisations assessed key challenges faced by media professionals in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Topics included journalist safety, professional autonomy, access to information, and the media’s role in safeguarding human rights and democracy.

Journalists also shared personal testimonies of threats and pressure they have experienced in the course of their work.

“Free, safe, and responsible media are the foundation of any democratic society. Unfortunately, journalists in Bosnia and Herzegovina frequently face pressure, threats, and even physical violence. This conference is a vital step towards raising awareness and devising concrete solutions to improve their status and protection,” said Sevlid Hurtić, Minister of Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and Herzegovina, during his opening remarks on the first day of the conference.

Vahagn Muradyan, Deputy Head of the Council of Europe Office in Sarajevo, highlighted that the Council of Europe is closely working with institutions at all levels in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as with media and civil society, to support the country in protecting freedom of expression and access to information in line with European standards.

“Journalists face growing challenges, not only in Bosnia and Herzegovina but across Europe. They need our support. Freedom of expression is the bedrock of a democratic and pluralistic society. Access to accurate and reliable information is essential for meaningful public participation, and journalists play a crucial role in this,” Muradyan added.

Key conclusions from the conference will be incorporated into a strategic document aimed at improving the position of journalists and fostering a safer and more supportive environment for media work in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The organisation of this conference was supported by the Council of Europe's Division for Cooperation on Freedom of Expression as part of the project  as part of the project “Enhancing Institutional Capacities on Freedom of Expression and Information (EFEx) in Bosnia and Herzegovina“, funded under the Council of Europe Action Plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina 2022-2025 by voluntary contributions from Sweden via the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA).