Freedom of expression as guaranteed by Article 10 of the European Convention of Human Rights is fundamental for the well-functioning of democratic societies
The protection of freedom of expression depends in large part on the work of legal professionals working in the field. Hence, it is crucial that they are well trained on the European standards regarding the protection of freedom of expression. In this context, the EU and Council of Europe joint action on Freedom of Expression and Freedom of the Media in South-East Europe (JUFREX) relies on a group of dedicated trainers, composed by judges, prosecutors, and lawyers from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia who have been trained on instruments and approaches regarding protection of freedom of expression and freedom of the media so they can pass the knowledge and educate other peers in the region on this topic.
The Regional Conference gathering legal professionals in the field of freedom of expression took place with aim to enhance the knowledge and skills of this already existing group of certified trainers. The event discussed about the latest updated training tools developed under JUFREX, the updated Handbook on Freedom of Expression for Trainers, the recent Human Rights Education for Legal Professionals (HELP) online courses on Freedom of Expression and on the Safety of Journalists, and last but not least, the latest developments in the case law of the European Court of Human Rights on freedom of expression.
Continuing the planned training activities and providing legal professionals and law-enforcement officials with the necessary tools for safeguarding freedom of expression and freedom of the media at the national and regional level remains a priority for the European Union and the Council of Europe.
This Conference is organised by the joint programme of the European Union and the Council of Europe "Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Turkey 2019-2022", and its action on "Freedom of expression and freedom of the media in South-East Erope (JUFREX).
*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence
