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Regional Plenary “Quo Vadis, Balkan?” in Sarajevo: The New Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina Must Be the Result of Broad Social Agreement, Professional Accountability, and Politics

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**The Fifth Regional Plenary “Quo Vadis, Balkan?” Held in Sarajevo**

The fifth regional plenary “Quo Vadis, Balkan?” is being held in Sarajevo from June 6 to June 8. As in previous years, the event gathers a large number of experts, officials, organizations, academic and state institutions, decision-makers, as well as media representatives, diplomatic delegations, and members of the academic community.

This year, the partners of the Regional Academy for Democratic Development from Novi Sad and the Center for Civic Education from Podgorica in organizing the plenary are the Faculty of Political Sciences of the University of Sarajevo. The event is supported by the European Fund for the Balkans. The Regional Plenary “Quo Vadis, Balkan?” is one of the most significant regional initiatives bringing together prominent civil society organizations, experts, and activists focusing on democracy, reconciliation, and regional cooperation.

Yesterday afternoon, the plenary was opened at the Faculty of Political Sciences by Prof. Dr. Sead Turčalo, Dean of FPN US, Balša Božović, Executive Director of ADD, Daliborka Uljarević, Executive Director of CGO, and Aleksandra Tomanić, Executive Director of the European Fund for the Balkans (EFB), which supported this year’s plenary. The opening was followed by a conversation with the first president of Slovenia, Milan Kučan, about the ongoing impact of the breakup of Yugoslavia on political conditions in the Western Balkans. Additionally, there was a discussion on the topic “POLITICS AND RELIGION – WHERE DOES (MIS)USE BEGIN?” with prominent experts: Prof. Dr. Dubravka Stojanović, Prof. Dr. Dino Abazović, Prof. Dr. Boban Batrićević, and Prof. Dr. Branko Sekulić.

The second day of the plenary began with the panel “Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Need for a New Constitution,” featuring Sabina Ćudić, a representative in the House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH, Sandra Benčić, a member of the Croatian Parliament, Dr. Slaven Kovačević, an expert on geopolitics and Euro-Atlantic integrations from Sarajevo, Dr. Lejla Balić, a professor at the Faculty of Law at the University of Sarajevo, and Prof. Čedomir Čupić, a retired professor from Serbia.

Professor Čedomir Čupić stated that when discussing this topic, the political level is fundamental, and that Bosnia and Herzegovina is not defined as a state by its constitution but as a democracy. He noted that it seems to him that Bosnia and Herzegovina is a unique example of a confederation of two entities where ethnic and civic principles are mixed. Its name is derived from a spatial rather than an ethnic determination, which he sees as a significant advantage. The religious affiliation of citizens greatly influences the functioning of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The war destroyed the individual as a political subject, and specific identities, in this case, religious and ethnic, have overtaken the civic identity, which is the ideal of any society. He concluded that this constitution cannot be changed in the political context of Bosnia and Herzegovina and that the only opportunity for change is the urgent admission of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the European Union, with any constitutional change requiring the strengthening of citizens’ rights and the central state, which are essential for the functioning of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a state.

Sandra Benčić, a member of the Croatian Parliament, emphasized that the “Možemo” party believes that the issue of protecting the Croatian people in Bosnia and Herzegovina cannot be resolved without considering the entire political context of the country. She stressed that the necessary constitutional changes for Bosnia and Herzegovina must be the culmination of a political and expert process and a dialogue on designing Bosnia and Herzegovina as a complete democratic state that balances civic and collective rights. She noted that this is a par excellence political issue that has been blocked due to political elites’ preference for the status quo, which is the main problem. Without different political forces and influences, the necessary dialogue cannot occur. She added that the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina have not had the opportunity to discuss the kind of state and government they want, and this process must be linked to the process of Bosnia and Herzegovina joining the European Union. She highlighted that the constitution is primarily a political document, and only secondarily a legal one. She also pointed out the problem of inequality before the law among citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as evidenced by European Court of Human Rights rulings. She concluded that Croatian politics can provide support but must not offer any solutions to Bosnia and Herzegovina, as this must come from the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Sabina Ćudić, a representative in the House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH, emphasized that the constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina was primarily adopted to stop the war, which is its greatest success. She stressed that the issue of constitutional change is a broader societal question that must involve experts, the responsibility of the academic community, and must be moved away from the exclusive decision-making of politicians, as most of the political community directly benefits from the current state and draws its legitimacy from the way Bosnia and Herzegovina is currently organized.

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The Mothers of Srebrenica will be awarded the annual Award for Merit in the Fight for Democracy and Human Rights

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Within the Sarajevo Plenum, organized by the Regional Academy for Democratic Development (ADD) from Novi Sad, the Center for Civic Education (CGO) from Podgorica, and the Faculty of Political Sciences at the University of Sarajevo (FPN US), the annual Award for Merit in the Fight for Democracy and Human Rights will be presented today to the Mothers of Srebrenica Association.

 

This award recognizes the tireless dedication of the Mothers of Srebrenica in their fight for justice, truth, and human rights. Their contribution to nurturing the culture of remembrance, confronting the past, and supporting survivors and their families is invaluable. In particular, we want to highlight their crucial role in advocating internationally for the adoption of the United Nations Resolution on the Remembrance of the Genocide against Bosniaks in Srebrenica, significantly contributing to the global recognition and condemnation of this gravest crime, as stated in the award’s explanation.

ADD, CGO, and FPN assess that the Mothers of Srebrenica’s fight for justice and truth has not only empowered survivors and the families of victims but has also provided the entire international community with an example of courage and dedication to human rights. Their activity continuously reminds the world of the importance of confronting the past to build a better future together.

The award ceremony will take place during the second day of the Sarajevo Plenum “Quo vadis, Balkan?”, one of the most significant regional initiatives that brings together prominent civil society organizations, experts, and activists dealing with democracy, reconciliation, and regional cooperation.

The Sarajevo Plenum was opened yesterday afternoon at the Faculty of Political Sciences by Prof. Dr. Sead Turčalo, Dean of FPN US, Balša Božović, Executive Director of ADD, Daliborka Uljarević, Executive Director of CGO, and Aleksandra Tomanić, Executive Director of the European Fund for the Balkans (EFB), which supported this edition of the plenum.

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Regional plenum “Quo vadis, Balkan?” in Sarajevo: Serbia and RS’s Reliance on China and Russia a Hindrance on the EU Path

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At the Faculty of Political Sciences at the University of Sarajevo, the major plenary session “Quo vadis, Balkan?” has begun, featuring around 50 participants, including intellectuals, officials, organizations, and former politicians.

“Where is the Balkans Headed” is both the title and the key question of the conference attended by academics and politicians. The goal is to identify the key problems hindering the progress of Western Balkan countries on their path to the European Union. Participants from all Balkan countries are united in their response.

“We have identified that Serbia is trying to take a hegemonic position within the region and we believe that a positive change in Serbia would liberate the country, as Serbia, in a way, holds the entire Western Balkans captive,” says Sead Turčalo, Dean of the Faculty of Political Sciences at the University of Sarajevo.

Balša Božović from the Academy for Democratic Development in Novi Sad points out the problem of how to democratize Serbia so that it no longer has an authoritarian government.

“A government that can behave this way towards its neighbors. And this is a question that neither the opposition in Serbia nor the pro-civic and pro-European forces in the region offer an answer to,” he adds.

Apart from the desire for homogenization, which particularly affects Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, representatives of the region’s academic community believe that Serbia’s and Republika Srpska’s reliance on China and Russia is contrary to European values and a hindrance on the EU path.

Today’s government is compared to the wartime and pre-war government, especially by those who were politically active during those years. They say that current relations are still a phase of the breakup of the former Yugoslavia.

“It not only influenced but still influences. This process is not yet over, and the question is when and how it will end,” emphasizes Milan Kučan, the first president of Slovenia.

Azem Vlasi, the former president of Kosovo, says that the same policy as during Slobodan Milošević’s time is in place in Serbia “regarding their pretensions and ambitions.”

The fight against the regression of democratic practices and the path to complete democratization and the European Union must continue together. Particularly, they say, activists and intellectuals must be involved to overcome the forces that pull the Balkans backward.

“We do not have enough activism among those who are intellectually superior, who are ideologically progressive, and who lead progressive policies,” adds Daliborka Uljarević from the Center for Civic Education in Podgorica.

Progressive policies are expected to strengthen in the coming period, and therefore, such gatherings where experiences, knowledge, and views can be exchanged are considered significant. Additionally, through panels and closed sessions, they will discuss the complex system of governance in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the impact that the results of the European parliamentary and US elections might have on the development of Western Balkan countries. Especially if the world moves to the right, and Bosnia and Herzegovina remains at a crossroads between a national and civic state.

SOURCE: N1 BIH

Balša Božović

Božović: There is neither peace nor security in the Western Balkans with Vučić.

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They defend themselves from any consideration of the rule of law and the possibility that they will one day have to answer for what they have done. Thus, it is necessary to once again fabricate some kind of “people’s event” to homogenize their strength to continue – says Božović, emphasizing that Vučić does not seek any support from the SPC, it is all a diversion to the public because the SPC is part of his organization which has absolute power.

The citizens of Serbia are prisoners of a synergy of crime, sin, and the heavenly empire. The moment that breaks the narrative of the “unity of the Serbs” is when the cartel is purged for everything it has done since the late eighties, through the nineties until today – evaluates Balša Božović, Executive Director of the Regional Academy for Democracy Development.

Absolute Power

Responding to the question about the aim of the announced Serbian assembly on May 5 and 6, and which political moment breaks the narrative of the unity of the Serbs, Božović says that the goal is absolute power at any cost.

– The main goal of the all-Serbian assembly, from the one at Gazimestan in 1989 to this Easter 2024, is the survival of the para-state cartel in power. The goal is absolute power at any cost. It is hard to find a rational explanation for their actions in such irrational impulses, but one thing is certain – until Serbia breaks with the policy of the para-state cartel, which officially began at the eighth session and unofficially much earlier, and confronts the crimes that arose from those few decades of their formal and informal power, there will be neither peace nor security in the Western Balkans. It’s not just up to the citizens of Serbia because they themselves are prisoners of that synergy of crime, sin, and the heavenly empire. The moment that breaks this story about the “unity of the Serbs” is when the cartel is purged for everything it has done from the late eighties through the nineties to today – says Božović.

New “People’s Event”

The Presidents of Serbia and the Republic of Srpska, while walking through a vineyard on Fruška Gora, looking at the Danube with the Patriarch of the SPC Porfirije, announced at the beginning of March that the all-Serbian assembly will take place on May 5 and 6, not only in Belgrade but also in other parts of Serbia.

“An assembly” will occur exactly one year after two massacres in Serbia committed by a minor (13 years old) and an adult (21 years old): the first burst into the classroom he attended and cold-bloodedly killed nine students and security workers, later another student died in the hospital, while the second killed nine and wounded 12 young people. However, none of the mentioned trio mentions the tragedy of the society and the state that peaked on May 3 and 5.

The goal of “assembling,” according to the President of Serbia, is to make important decisions about the survival of the Serbian people on their hearths, economic progress, preservation of the script, cultural heritage and of course these decisions should be adopted by the parliaments of Serbia and the Republic of Srpska.

The question arises – from what are Serbia and the Republic of Srpska defending themselves with these announced archaic gatherings and why does Vučić seek, as he said, “blessing and support from the SPC.”

– They defend themselves from any thought of the rule of law and from the fact that they will one day have to answer for what they have done. Therefore, it is necessary to once again fabricate some kind of “people’s event” to homogenize the strength to continue – says Božović and points out that Vučić does not seek any support from the SPC, it is all a diversion to the public because the SPC is part of his organization which has absolute power.

– The para-state cartel consists of the mafia, the party, state security, and the SPC at whose head is Aleksandar Vučić. They strive to perpetuate the narrative of endangered Serbdom, according to the model “one people, one country, one leader”, to absolve themselves for several decades of sowing evil across the region and Serbia – says Božović.

Vučić’s Whining

The daily whining about great pressures on Serbia in the media appearances of the President of Serbia has become usual, and to make it more convincing, an enemy from the West has been invented.

Asked how he sees this Vučić’s lamentation that he is exposed to external pressures, and when he goes abroad he does not mention the pressures, Božović answers:

– The whining is part of the hysteria that needs to generate hatred towards the “enemies of Serbdom.” Vučić took over the cartel once led by Milo

šević, then Koštunica. He has diligently learned from their mistakes. Raised by Vojislav Šešelj and educated by Dragoš Kalajić, he has become a hybrid Greater Serbian nationalist eager to enter the history textbooks. Submissive to those stronger than himself, a ruthless bully towards the weaker, he conducts a policy that tells the great powers, either in the East or the West, what they want to hear. Meanwhile, he prepares the domestic public for conflict with states and nations in the region, hindering their European path and threatening their sovereignty. He has staked everything on the bet that in Europe, right-wing populists will win the next elections, and Trump will win in the USA, perhaps then having more favorable international circumstances for Serbia to be at least a square meter larger than it is today – concludes Božović.

(Source: Portal Analitika)

Design Youth Fund Call

Call for Proposals for the Youth Fund „Local Youth Initiatives“ is open!

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Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe

We are officially launching the open Call for Proposals for the Youth Fund „Local Youth Initiatives“ within the framework of the project Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe funded by the European Union.

Youth Fund for Local Youth Initiatives provides grants to support civil society organizations for projects that will improve and develop participatory youth policies in communities of the Western Balkans by supporting youth initiatives and fostering active citizenship and participation of young people in monitoring reforms and policies impacting youth in the region.

Eligible organizations for applying are civil society organizations registered in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, North Macedonia and Serbia.

Project proposals within this Call will be submitted in a two-step procedure: 1st step – Concept Note phase and 2nd step – Full application phase.

Deadline for submitting concept notes is 8th May 2024 by 20:00 (Belgrade time).

Applicants must apply in English, online to the email address: youthfund@centaronline.org.

Information session on this Call for proposals to be held online, on 12th April 2024, from 12:00 to 13:30 (Belgrade time). Should you be interested in this session, please fill in the form by 11th April 2024 to be found here.

Questions requesting further explanations of the Call may be sent by e-mail no later than 20th April 2024 to the E-mail address youthfund@centaronline.org. Replies will be individually sent to applicants by 25th April 2024.

You can find below the Guidelines for grant applicants and the annexes needed for the project application.

The Youth Fund „Local Youth Initiatives“ is a FSTP (financial support to third parties) i.e. sub-granting activity of the three-year regional project „Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe“ (RYDE), funded by the European Union in the period 2023-2026 through EU Civil Society Facility and Media Programme in favour of the Western Balkans and Turkey for 2021-2023 (IPA III). The RYDE project is being implemented by the Center for Democracy Foundation from Serbia as a lead partner in cooperation with the partnering civil society organizations from the Western Balkans: Academy of European Integrations and Negotiations (Albania), Youth Act Center (Albania), Kosovar Stability Initiative (Kosovo*), Network of Progressive Initiatives (Bosnia and Herzegovina), NGO Info Center Foundation (North Macedonia) and Regional Academy for Democratic Development (Serbia). 

Regional Academy for Democratic Development

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Vučić called for the persecution of Dinko Gruhonjić to continue

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Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić continued the persecution of professor and journalist Dinko Gruhonjić with his statement yesterday, supporting the violent blockade of the Faculty of Philosophy in Novi Sad.

It is unprecedented for a president of a country to address university professors in such a manner, telling them “shame on you,” fully aware that the video which initiated the witch hunt against Dinko Gruhonjić was edited and that he did not praise any war criminal. It seems Aleksandar Vučić has forgotten that individuals have lost their lives following such media campaigns.

As the most powerful man in the country, Aleksandar Vučić is sending a message to the hooligans to continue with the blockade, mimicking some kind of reenactment of a “spontaneous gathering of a people” in which Dinko Gruhonjić is meant to serve as an example of what will happen to anyone who questions the Radical hornet’s nest of Vučić’s regime. Vučić’s behavior towards the autonomy of university and the Faculty of Philosophy in Novi Sad mirrors that of Milošević’s attitude towards the autonomy of Vojvodina, while an organized mob of hooligans wearing t-shirts with the image of the murderer of Prime Minister Đinđić simulates a new “happening of the people.”

Violence stems from words, and with his address, Vučić has called for the violence to continue. This is unacceptable, and he will personally be held responsible for any consequences of this violence! While threatening university professors, Vučić did not once refer to the hooligans who, wearing t-shirts with Legija’s image, blocked the faculty and expelled professors and students from it. We insist on calling them hooligans, not spontaneously gathered students, because only hooligans would wear Ulemek’s image on their shirts in Zoran Đinđić Street, where the faculty is located.

We are very concerned for the safety of all professors and employees at the Faculty of Philosophy in Novi Sad and all those students who, together with their professors, opposed the aggressors who occupied the faculty. Vučić stands behind the discipline imposed on the Faculty of Philosophy in Novi Sad, and there is no doubt about it. We call on the University of Novi Sad, as well as the Universities of Belgrade, Niš, and Novi Pazar, to support their colleagues, and we call on students from all faculties in Serbia to defend their colleagues whose teaching has been hindered by the hooligan blockade. It becomes clear that by defending the Faculty of Philosophy in Novi Sad, we are defending every person in Serbia and their freedom.

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Regime to stop the persecution of Ana Lalić, Aida Ćorović, Zoran Kesić, Milivoj Bešlin, and Dinko Gruhonjić

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The Regional Academy for Democratic Development calls on the authorities to immediately cease the brutal persecution of journalist Ana Lalić, journalists Dinko Gruhonjić and Zoran Kesić, historian Milivoj Bešlin, and activist Aida Ćorović.

The shameful campaign that has been waged against them for days in the regime tabloids directly targets these people, whose only sin lies in the fact that their views do not suit the regime. The insults to which they are daily exposed by the media controlled by the authorities represent a public call to violence, and it is not surprising that death threats have been made against them and their family members since this campaign against them began.

The media conducting this lynching also have accomplices in the state bodies who do not react to these insults or direct threats, and Vučić’s regime will bear the responsibility for any consequences.

Novi Sad, March 17, 2024.

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Finland should support the Western Balkans EU Integration as it did with the Baltics

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Kalevi Sorsa Foundation has supported democracy in the Western Balkans since 200. Additionally, we want to bring the voices of the Western Balkans into the European debate. In this article, the President of a Serbian think tank Academy for Democratic Development, Balša Božović writes about why Finland should take an active role in supporting the Western Balkans path towards the EU membership. He suggests that Finland could support the Western Balkans the same way it did with the Baltic’s in the 1990’s when they were applying for their EU membership.

 · Balša Božović
 
RUSSIA HAS PROVEN ITS ABILITY TO PROVOKE UNREST IN THE WESTERN BALKANS
 
The conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have highlighted Europe’s vulnerabilities. These developments present European Union with a novel set of circumstances requiring the consolidation of its strength, reorganization of its internal capabilities, and the continuation of its role as a beacon of peace, democracy, and freedom across the continent.

In these changing geopolitical landscapes, the European Union finds itself lacking the capacity to defend Ukraine or influence the cessation of hostilities in the Middle East. Obviously, EU must continue the supporting Ukraine, but it also has the opportunity to solve problems in its own immediate neighborhood, notably the Western Balkans.

The onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine has further complicated the dynamics within the Western Balkans. Russia has demonstrated not only its ability to halt the region’s progress towards EU integration but also its capacity to instigate unrest, cause instability, and intimidate Europe by suggesting the possibility of opening a ”second front” in the Balkans.

Although lacking the power to incite a widespread war in the region, Russia has shown it can provoke disturbances i.e. in Northern Kosovo, which is evidenced by the terrorist attack in Banjska, Kosovo, thereby signalling to the EU and its Western allies its active and destructive presence in the Western Balkans.

This malign influence is predominantly funnelled through the regime of President Aleksandar Vučić in Serbia. Vučić’s administration, alongside Lukashenko’s in Belarus, stands out in Europe for its refusal to align Serbian foreign and security policy with that of the EU. Amidst the war in Ukraine, Serbian officials have been rewarded by Putin for adhering to a so-called military and foreign policy neutrality, which, in reality, solely benefits Moscow’s regime.

Serbia remains the only country, besides Belarus, not to impose sanctions on Russia. Instead it has chosen to deepen its cooperation with Russia since the onset of aggression against Ukraine. Thus, Russia impedes Serbia’s EU integration and reform processes. Russia has also extended its influence to Northern Kosovo, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and even North Macedonia.

Does this necessitate Serbia’s isolation? No. Should efforts towards strengthening democracy and rule of law in the Western Balkans be abandoned? Certainly not. Any neglect by Western partners, whether partial or total, merely solidifies Russia’s influence network and further undermines peace in the region.

THE NORDIC COUNTRIES COULD HELP IN RESOLVING WESTERN BALKANS CHALLENGES

Firstly, the political instability of the six small Western Balkan states should be addressed by the European Union. The EU must assert that the Western Balkans fall within its sphere of influence and interest. It needs to demonstrate the functionality of its political mechanisms and its capacity to successfully integrate the Western Balkans. Such actions would significantly bolster the EU’s self-confidence and credibility, as becoming a global power necessitates proving its efficacy as a regional force first.

Secondly, the time has come for EU member states to shoulder part of the burden of Western Balkans European integration, showing additional solidarity with the EU’s consolidation efforts. It’s widely acknowledged that the existing model of EU enlargement has depleted its capacities and trust, necessitating a rejuvenating approach, particularly with the aid of EU member states themselves. Here, the Baltic model of EU integration, associated with Finland, merits consideration.

During the 1990s, as the three Baltic states embarked on their journey towards EU membership, three Nordic EU member states—Denmark, Sweden, and Finland—partnered with Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. These Nordic countries provided the Baltic’s with training for public officials, assistance in law harmonization, institution building, and the establishment of necessary decision-making and implementation procedures. They also facilitated communication with EU institutions. This approach is heralded as the most successful instance of EU integration since 2004, if not in its entire history.

The neutrality of the Nordic countries is one of the reasons to apply the Baltic model in the Western Balkans. The role of the largest member states or neighboring countries, would be problematic for the Western Balkans as they have political interests in the region. It could undermine the citizens trust in the EU and the integration process.

Therefore, the six EU member states – Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Estonia would be excellent partners. They are stable democracies with no particular political interests in the Western Balkans. In addition, they are strongly committed to the EU.

FINLAND CAN BE OF GREAT IMPORTANCE TO THE WESTERN BALKANS COUNTRIES

Finland’s relevance to the Western Balkans extends beyond its democratic achievements and economic stability. Its most critical asset is its extensive experience in counteracting Russian influence, the primary vulnerability of Western Balkan states, especially Serbia, which is the most susceptible to Russian sway.

The advocacy for the Baltic model in the Western Balkans was initiated by Prof. Dr. Vesna Pusić, former Croatian Minister of Foreign Affairs, during the international conference PLENUM in Zagreb in 2022. She articulated the necessity of surrounding Serbia with success to counteract Russian influence, emphasizing the need for a successful integration story by 2030 to restore the EU’s credibility and agility, particularly important for Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, and the Western Balkans.

Montenegro, despite its small size and economy, is ready for EU membership but faces political crises instigated by pro-Russian factions and with Serbia’s assistance. Their aim is to derail the country’s European path. Finland, along with Estonia, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Ireland, can support Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Bosnia and Herzegovina in their democratic reforms and European integration efforts. The support would also symbolize Europe’s return to the Western Balkans.

Serbia, with its substantial pro-European opposition and societal need to escape decades of Moscow’s influence, requires robust and decisive partners like Finland to realign with Europe. The Baltic model of European integration could serve as a vital instrument for the region’s Europeanization, ensuring peace and stability in Southeast Europe.

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Second Module of the Training ‘Engaging Men and Boys in Gender Equality’

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In Novi Sad, with the support of the United States Embassy, the second module of the seminar “Engaging Men and Boys in Gender Equality” was held last weekend. At this event, thirty participants from across Serbia gained practical knowledge on how to organize activities in their communities that will contribute to greater involvement of men in the fight for gender equality.

The seminar participants, young men aged between 18 and 35 years, during three intensive days, became acquainted with examples of good practice in engaging men in the fight for gender equality. They explored the possibilities of creating alliances and forming partnerships in this area, learned what makes a good message, how to make others care about the cause they advocate for, how to lead a campaign, organize an event, and plan with limited resources, as well as how to raise funds for their projects, apply for financing, and communicate with potential donors.

                     A significant portion of the workshops, trainings, and educational sessions over the weekend was dedicated to the participants’ independent project ideas, focusing on future activities they will implement in their communities – be it municipalities, schools, organizations, or universities.

Given that the first module of the seminar was devoted to developing the participants’ theoretical knowledge about gender equality, various forms of discrimination, gender-based violence, gender-sensitive language, stereotypical gender roles, the concept of gender and sex, as well as institutional mechanisms for equality protection, the second module focused on developing practical knowledge and skills. The work was organized through practical workshops, trainings, and work in smaller groups.

During the seminar, participants also developed their project ideas – initiatives they will implement themselves in their own environments.

The lecturers at this seminar were: Marija Srdić, who spoke to the participants about examples of good practice in engaging men in the fight for gender equality and skills for forming alliances and partnerships between men and women in this field; Maja Sedlarević, who discussed planning, event organization, and campaigns; Ivana Stevanović, who led workshops on message formation and communications; Biljana Maletin, who talked about fundraising, applying for financing, and making contact with donors; and Ana Pataki, who discussed social media campaigns and awareness-raising campaigns.

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The expulsion of Koposova and the extradition of Gnjot would signify support for Putin and Lukashenko

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The Regional Academy for Democratic Development demands that the competent authorities refrain from expelling Russian Elena Koposova and from making a decision to extradite Belarusian journalist and opposition activist Andrej Gnjot to the dictatorial regime in Belarus. The reasons for their threatened expulsion from Serbia and extradition to Belarus are legally non-existent, undemocratic, and violate basic human rights.

Elena Koposova has been living in Serbia with her family for four years and in 2022, she signed an anti-war appeal, which was the reason the Security Information Agency marked her as a threat to Serbia’s security. Journalist and well-known opponent of the dictatorial Belarusian regime, Andrej Gnjot, who was detained by the police the moment he stepped into Serbia and has been in the District Prison in Belgrade for four months, was not even summoned to the court for a hearing when the Belarusian request for his extradition arrived.

We remind that this would not be the first time Serbia extradites political prisoners to undemocratic regimes. Despite the opposition of the United Nations and decisions by the European Court of Human Rights, individuals have been extradited to Turkey and Bahrain, where they face persecution, torture, and death. Just a few days after the murder of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, the expulsion of Koposova from Serbia and the extradition of Gnjot to Belarus would be a message that the regime in Serbia supports the persecution and inhumane treatment of critics of dictatorial regimes in Russia and Belarus.

Novi Sad, February 22, 2024.

 
 
 

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