On 25 March 2021, Anja Bosilkova- Antovska, BCSDN Policy and Advocacy Coordinator, participated at the Regional Thematic Network Forum: “Role of CSOs and CSOs Thematic Networks- Structuring the Dialogue with Public Authorities for Policy Reforms (Local/ Regional Initiatives)”, organized by Local Democracy Agency Subotica, as a member of the Balkan Network for Local Democracy (BNLD). The virtual event gathered around 50 participants from the region, bringing different experiences to each panel discussion, such as the regional networks’ role, the democratic culture, and the regional EU accession challenges. Ms. Bosilkova-Antovska presented the role, activities and achievements of BCSDN as a leading…
Author: anja
On 18 March, BCSDN member Partners Albania, together with ECNL and BCSDN, organized the regional workshop: “NPO engagement in Anti-Money Laundry/ Combating Financing of Terrorism processes– lessons from the WBT”. Ms. Juliana Hoxha, the Executive Director of PA, opened the workshop introducing organization’s current projects on AML/CFT, and together with Ms. Klotilda Tavani Kosta, the Director of programs in PA, moderated the event. CSOs’ representatives from WBT shared their engagement in these processes and agreed on the need for a coordinated advocacy effort with the international institutions. Ms. Vanja Skoric, Director of Program at ECNL, outlined the regional and global…
A smear campaign was launched against the investigative portal KRIK, emerging in Serbia’s major government-funded tabloids. The organization (a member of the Organised Crime and Corruption Research Network (OCCRP), was connected with an organized criminal group headed by a recently-arrested crime boss, under investigation for several murders. The campaign made unsupported and inaccurate claims that the criminal fed information to KRIK for publication. Not only that this act discredits the work of investigative journalists, but it also endangers their physical safety. The International Press Institute (IPI) and several other press freedom groups condemned the smear campaign against KRIK, alluding that allegations may be…
European press freedom and journalists’ organizations expressed their concern about Slovenia’s state of media freedom and the Prime minister’s attacks on the Slovenian Press Agency (STA) independence. They state that journalists’ denigration, and the ruling party’s attempts to exercise greater control over the country’s public service media, generates a hostile climate for critical reporting. Moreover, the latest STA financing suspension is an example through which the administration undermines its sustainable funding model and undercuts public trust in journalism. The media groups recommend the Commission engage the Slovenian authorities to ensure that the funding continues and demand the attacks against media to…
Thousands of protesters took to Istanbul’s streets after Turkey pulled out the Istanbul agreement designed to protect women from domestic violence, signed in 2011 to stop killing women and girls. Many national and international organizations condemned and, with joint actions, urged against the Turkish authorities’ decision that seriously affects women’s rights. BCSDN member from Turkey, TUSEV, emphasized the importance of the İstanbul Convention by publishing an announcement about the annulment of the Convention by the President’s Decree. Women’s Coalition Turkey alludes that to combat all forms of violence against women and domestic violence, the Government and the Turkish Grand National Assembly are obliged to implement…
To maintain an independent, representative, and effective Council for Cooperation with and Development of the Civil Sector in the next three years in N. Macedonia, the General Secretariat of the Government announces a Public Call for the election of 16 members of the Council among associations and foundations. Organizations registered under the Law on Associations and Foundations can nominate a candidate for Council member in one of the following areas: civil society development, democracy and the rule of law, promotion and protection of human rights and anti-discrimination, economic and sustainable development, science, education and lifelong learning, youth, social, and child…
Global counterterrorism is pursued through a closed institutional infrastructure. It includes UN entities, among which the Office of Counter-Terrorism (OCT). FATF recommendations are internationally endorsed global standards against money laundering and terrorist financing to enable countries to tackle illicit use of the financial systems. The FATF’s approach has been criticized as enabling governments to target civil society through repressive financial regulation. In 2020, the FATF alerted governments that used its AML/CFT standards to inappropriately freeze civic activists’ and organizations’ accounts and initiate dubious human rights organizations’ investigations. Recognizing that the recommendations were misapplied, FATF showed capacity to mitigate its consequences. The UN Global Terrorism Strategy should also acknowledge civil…
On 30 March 2021, BCSDN held an online event to present the project results of 5 Macedonian CSO networks, which under the program “Sustainable Civil Society– State Financing of CSOs” enhanced their capacities, transparency, and accountability. The EU-funded program is implemented by MCIC in partnership with BCSDN and the CNVOS from Slovenia. The Executive Directors of MCIC and BCSDN opened the meeting, introducing MCIC’s and BCSDN’s engagement towards accountable and transparent organizations. Mr. Aleksandar Krzalovski from MCIC provided a brief overview of the state of CSOs in the country and the need for CSOs’ accountable, and transparent operations, while Ms.…
In its latest newsletter, the Global Standard for CSO Accountability through the Cluster B commitments examines how different organizations approach to change; what kind of actions they implement to ensure that the people they cooperate have a key role in driving their work; how organizations are building strong, accountable, and respectful partnerships, and how they are being transparent in front of their constituencies. Three interviews focus on organizations’ challenges for requesting vulnerable groups’ feedback and managing and scaling up feedback systems, while six testimonies present lessons learned, encouraging CSOs’ reflection. Find the newsletter here. Source: Global Standard for CSO Accountability
In its recent blogpost, Accountable Now presents how CSOs practicing a different kind of accountability towards their stakeholders is at the heart of the Global Standard’s mission. According to GS’ dynamic accountability, CSOs are not only accountable to their donors and governments but primarily to their constituents and stakeholders. Through implementing dynamic accountability practices like meaningful engagement, learning through closing feedback loops, and participatory decision making, CSOs shift the power towards those whose lives are impacted. GS Partners use the 12 Commitment framework to guide their actions with their communities of CSOs in their country and/or region. Among the other partners, BCSDN…