The rights to freedom of expression and access to information are the cornerstones of democratic society. 

Representatives of institutions at the State, entity and Brčko District levels, independent bodies, as well as representatives of the civil society in Bosnia and Herzegovina, are working to establish a robust human rights monitoring and reporting framework.

The representatives of key beneficiary and partner institutions gathered together at the Fourth meeting of the Cross-Coordinating Working Group on Monitoring and Reporting on Freedom of Expression and Freedom of Information in Bosnia and Herzegovina on 21 and 22 February 2024 in Banja Luka. The members of the Working Group, with the support of Council of Europe experts, advanced in the development of comprehensive Reporting Guidelines on freedom of expression and access to information. The group also focused on preparing the Pilot Report on these two topics, aiming for a complete monitoring and reporting cycle rooted in the human rights approach. 

This activity is organised within the framework of the project ‘Enhancing institutional capacities on freedom of expression and information in Bosnia and Herzegovina (EFEx)’, implemented by the Council of Europe’s Division for Cooperation on Freedom of Expression, and funded through the voluntary contribution of Sweden, through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).