CK 13_pravo na mir_eseji_fb

CK 13 Call for Essays on the Topic “The Right to Peace”

Youth Center CK13, Youth Center KVART, and Youth Initiative for Human Rights—Montenegro announces a call for essays on “The Right to Peace”.

The call is open to young people under 30 from Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Croatia.

Through this competition, Youth Center CK13, Youth Center KVART, and Youth Initiative for Human Rights—Montenegro want to contribute to the regional affirmation of the right to peace as a central human and political right.

Inspired by the wave of student uprisings in Serbia and the support in the region the aim is also to contribute to the affirmation and dissemination of young people’s thoughts and views on peace and their role in building more just societies and sustainable peace.

Understanding peace as a multidimensional concept and phenomenon and bearing in mind its structural, cultural, and individual assumptions, essay topics may concern dealing with the war past and present, all forms of violence, non-violence policies, anti-war activism, reconciliation, dialogue, gender/gender equality, social/economic/ecological justice, minority rights, political rights, democracy, the situation in the region or more expansive, the development of local communities…

If these topics are important to you, if you are sensitive to injustice, if you are thinking about how to build a new world and have a penchant for writing, we encourage you to respond to the call and convey through the written word what you consider and feel is relevant for building peace and affirming the right to peace.

Papers should correspond to the essay form between 1000 and 3000 words. Use the Times New Roman font, size 12, and line spacing 1.5 when writing.

Papers can be written in Serbian, Montenegrin, Bosnian, and Croatian.

The call is open until March 31, 2025.

Send your essay to [email protected] with the note “Call for essays” and the following basic information:

1. Name and surname
2. Address
3. Phone number
4. Short biography
Representatives of partner organizations will jointly select submitted works based on formal criteria, understanding, personal attitude, and approach to the topic.

The selected essay authors will be awarded a cash prize of 100 euros.

The collection of selected essays will be published in print and digital form, publicly promoted, and distributed through the organizers’ and authors’ friendly and partner networks. In addition to the selected essays, the collection will include essays by established regional authors.
The selection results will be announced by the end of May. Only the authors of the selected essays will be contacted.

The call is announced within the framework of the “Right to Peace” project, supported by the SMART Balkans.

trening w

Call for registration: Training The Role of Civil Society Organizations in Foreign Policy

Centar za promociju civilnog društva (CPCD) invites you to participate in a training session within the SMART Balkans-Civil Society for a Shared Society in the Western Balkans project, on the topic: The Role of Civil Society Organizations in Foreign Policy.

📆 When? January 31, 2025, at 10:30 AM.
🔗 Where? Online, via the ZOOM platform (after you complete the registration, you will receive a ZOOM access link).
⏰ Duration: 120 minutes

The training aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of advocacy mechanisms that enable civil society organizations to influence government institutions, including the Government and Parliament, ensuring that adopted policies align with the values our country officially upholds.

The training will offer a deeper understanding civil society organizations’ role in shaping foreign policy, with a focus on the goals and humanistic values essential for both foreign and domestic state affairs.

The trainer is Dina Bajramspahić, a policy researcher with sixteen years of professional experience in Montenegrin civil society, focusing on EU integration processes and rule of law.

Civil society organizations serve as a bridge between citizens and decision-makers. This training will empower participants with the knowledge to better understand how organizations can influence foreign policy, enhance their advocacy skills, and develop the ability to identify key stakeholders and decision-making processes in foreign policy.

Special attention during this training will be given to Cluster 6 of the EU accession negotiations, which encompasses two chapters: Chapter 30, “External Relations,” and Chapter 31, “Foreign, Security, and Defense Policy.” The training will also address how civil society can contribute to meeting obligations and shaping the expectations placed on candidate countries seeking membership.

The language in which the training will be held is B/H/S and Montenegrin.

To join this useful training, simply register via the LINK!

Iskra web SB - NE DIRATI (52)

From the darkness of violence to a new beginning

How it started?

Years of enduring violence, emotional manipulation and indifference of the community, have left many women trapped in the cycle of fear and uncertainty, including the woman who asked for help from the Women’s Rights Centre (WRC). She endured everything in silence, hoping that something will change for the better. However, the turning point was, when her husband assaulted her with a knife, in front of their three children. In that moment she realised that she must protect her family. This act of violence was the spark necessary, for her, to seek help.

Her case is not just a story of individual struggle, but a mirror reflection of the challenges faced by victims of domestic violence, in the institutional protection system.

General Information:

  • Client: M.H., age 35, mother of three
  • Problem: Physical and psychological abuse from her husband, which escalated with the knife assault in front of the children.
  • Goal: Protection of the client and her children through legal proceedings (divorce and restraining order) and psychological support.

Problem Background:

  • Long-term endurance of violence: Physical violence, threats, degradations, emotional manipulation
  • The husband’s criminal past: his problematic, bordering on criminal, behaviour further contributed to the growing fear and uncertainty in the members of his family
  • Societal indifference: The neighbours, even though familiar with the situation, did not react to the abuse, only one female neighbour called the police.

Challenges in Seeking Justice

Although the turning point forced the client to face reality and seek help, her journey to justice was anything but simple. The high-risk violence, manipulative behaviour of her husband’s lawyer and the lack of understanding of her basic rights, have made the process of seeking justice far more complex. She has occasionally doubted her decisions, contemplated returning to her abuser, faced intimidation and attempts of violation of the restraining order. Institutional challenges further aggravate her journey to a normal life.

High-risk danger:

  • The abuser used a knife and physical force in front of her and their children.
  • Repeated cycle of abuse

Lack of knowledge on legal framework:

  • The client did not possess any knowledge on her basic rights during restraining order timeframe.

Manipulative behaviour of the husband’s lawyer:

  • During the legal proceeding the lawyer of the husband tried abusing the lack of knowledge of WPC’s client to try and endanger her safety.

Repeated return to the abuser:

  • The client returned to the abuser several times in the hope that he would change, which made the process even more difficult.

The Support which Changed Everything

The key factor in this case was the support provided by WRC. From the very first correspondence the client has received legal consulting, as well as psychological support, which helped her in overcoming the most difficult moments in her struggle. The legal intervention has secured a restraining order, while the psychological sessions helped the client to confront her past trauma and to find strength for a new beginning. In addition, a trusted person from the Center for Women’s Rights was by her side in key moments, joining her in court proceedings and providing her with security and support.

Legal Support:

  • Interventions at key moments ensuring that the client has correct and relevant information about her rights and ways of protection at her disposal, for the entirety of the process.
  • Legal representation ensured that her rights were not violated during the process.
  • Legal representation was provided during the restraining order proceedings
  • Mediation with the Prosecutor’s Office, including giving testimony and submission of the video of the incident, which was recorded by her son.
  • The husband was convicted to 1 year and 7 months in prison
  • Drafted lawsuit for divorce and motion for relief from court costs.
  • The member of the CZP was a trustworthy person, who accompanied the client at the hearings and intervened in the attempt to violate the restraining order.
  • Because of the CZP intervention the client felt emotionally secure during the process.
  • The judge recognized the importance of the presence of a trusted person and enabled their active participation during the proceedings.

Protection of the Client:

  • Prevention of violation of restraining order
  • Police escort organized during the confiscation of personal belongings of the victim, from the abuser.

Coordination with Institutions:

  • Police: Intervention during the incident and implementation of protective measures.
  • Centre for Social Work: House visits and participation in the trial.
  • Judiciary: The judge showed sensitivity and allowed the presence of a trusted person during the hearing.

The Turning Point: When Bravery Won?

The turning point occurred when the client, with the support of the CZP, resolutely refused the manipulations of her husband’s lawyer and insisted that the restraining order be respected. A trusted person was with her every step of the way, including the situation when her husband needed personal belongings collected under police escort.

These experiences showed her that she is not alone and that with the right support she can ensure safety for herself and her children.

Result of the Turning Point:

  • The abuser was sentenced to prison because of domestic violence.
  • The divorce was finalized, and the court obliged the husband to pay alimony in the amount of 450 KM for their three children.
  • The contact of the husband with the children was limited to a telephone for the duration of the restraining order.

New Beginning. Life after Abuse:

The client is empowered, emotionally stable and ready for a new beginning. During this process she recognized her needs and made the first steps towards a better future for herself and her children.

  • Psychological support: Support provided through 10 sessions has helped her deal with her pas trauma and to find her confidence.
  • Independence: The client got a job and started working actively to ensure stability for herself and her children.

Lessons Learned

This case points to key aspects of support and systemic challenges in working with victims of violence:

Key Role of Legal and Psychological Support:

  • Legal Aid, including representation and informing about her rights, has ensured that WPC’s client remains safe and protected during the process.
  • Psychological support helped her overcome emotional trauma and build confidence for a new beginning.

Importance of a Trustworthy Person:

  • The presence of a trusted person during trial and other proceedings significantly reduced the client’s stress and increased her feelings of safety.

The System and its Shortcomings:

  • Restraining order: Although a restraining order was imposed, the lack of adequate supervision led to additional stress and danger to the client’s life.
  • Releasing the abuser from custody: The decision which contribute to the fear and uncertainty of the victims.

Recommendations for Future Cases

In order to improve the protection of victims and ensure the efficiency of the system, the following measures are recommended:

Strengthening the supervision of the implementation of protective measures:

  • Improve communication between institutions for the purpose of monitoring and efficient implementation of the restraining order.

Intensive Education of Women:

  • Raise the awareness of women and their rights in regard to restraining orders, in order to reduce the chances of misuse.
  • Strengthen the development and distribution of simple guides on victims’ rights and the steps they can take.

Raising Awareness in the Community:

  • Campaigns that encourage citizens to report violence and provide support to victims.

Promoting the role of a trusted person:

  • Introduce the practice of more frequent recommendations of trusted persons/helpers who would accompany victims through legal and institutional processes.
  • Trusted persons reduce the victim’s stress, increase the feeling of security and help prevent manipulation by lawyers or other actors.

Conclusion

This case shows how the coordination of legal, institutional and practical support can make a crucial difference in the lives of victims of violence. By providing continuous legal and emotional support, the client was able to break the cycle of violence and secure a better future for herself and her children.

Moreover, the importance of the role of a trusted person who provided the client with a sense of security, helped in key decision-making moments and protected her from manipulations is particularly emphasized. This role should be integrated into all phases of work with victims of violence, with stronger support from institutions.

In addition, the case also points to shortcomings in the implementation of protective measures, such as restraining orders and control of abusers, which left room for additional fear and insecurity of the victim. Therefore, it is necessary to improve supervision and communication between institutions in order to make protection measures more efficient.

Lastly, institutions, community and individuals must work together to create a system that provides protection, empowerment and justice to victims of violence. The role of the CZP in this process is proof that a multidisciplinary approach can ensure lasting changes and enable victims to start a new life.

 

narkone

There is only one path to health: effective prevention! Children and young people need real role models and systemic solutions, not patching holes

A minor shot his peers. A boy was beaten by his classmates. Violence among children in schools. Children of younger ages using drugs. Headlines we often read in the media. And then come quick solutions. Lectures are organized for children and youth on how it is wrong to beat other children, how they shouldn’t carry weapons in schools, and drugs are of course prohibited by law, so where did they even get these things? Occasionally, a psychoactive substance is shown as part of the presentation. Former drug users are invited to share their experiences of what they went through, how they got out of it, and now live a happy life.
Why is this wrong? Because there are no instant solutions for anything, especially not for the healthy lives of children and young people. Because lectures, without the development of key social skills in children and youth, can have the opposite effect—they might learn incorrect information and actually become curious to try a particular substance they may not have even known existed. Not to mention how wrong it is to give space to a former drug user in front of children. It’s great that they recovered, but it’s not great if this triggers even one child to go through the same experience. Because, although intended with good intentions to show a bad example of the path they shouldn’t take, it might be exciting for young people to go through similar things, thinking “look, someone was at rock bottom but now everything is fine.” But is it? And what about all the other examples where people didn’t recover, where they didn’t find their “happy” ending?

There is only one path to health: effective prevention! Prevention is not a sprint, but a marathon. The path to health is a race that lasts a lifetime. Prevention is continuous work, not a reaction to a problem. Prevention must be planned and systemic. Interventions with children and young people should be long-term and age-appropriate, but most importantly, they must be proven and beneficial for them. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, significant funds are allocated at various levels for so-called prevention programs, the majority of which have no evidence or indicators to show that they are effective (positively).

Association for Addiction Prevention NARKO-NE, implements scientifically-based and proven effective preventive methods in working with its users. In order to reach as many children and young people as possible with preventive interventions, the Association continuously works on educating key individuals who work with children and youth (teachers, educators, psychologists, social workers), as well as decision-makers and policy creators, since they are the ones who decide which preventive programs will be funded. And we want only those programs that benefit children and youth to be funded, don’t we?

The employees of the Association NARKO-NE are the only licensed trainers for conducting training based on the European Prevention Curriculum (EUPC) in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This curriculum is a key resource in the EU for advocating the implementation of effective and proven prevention approaches. The importance of these trainings and this approach is also testified by a training participant, Dragan Vukadin, Head of the Department for Combating Drug Abuse at the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina:

It is very important for me to understand the science-based prevention material so that I can act correctly in my work and further pass on this knowledge to my colleagues while advocating for effective preventive strategies. The Ministry of Security of B&H supports all activities of non-governmental organizations closely related to our field. I believe that the NARKO-NE Association can achieve a lot in advocating evidence-based prevention in B&H. It will require a lot of effort and work, as outdated approaches are still used in practice, but the results will be visible because NARKO-NE is an organization that has already demonstrated expertise and persistence in its work.

The wellbeing of children and young people is not the task of one person or one institution. For children and adolescents, there are two main environments for the prevention of psychoactive substance use – family and school, but the work doesn’t end there. According to research conducted by the NARKO-NE Association in 2024, every fifth child between the ages of 13 and 17 in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is at risk of addictive behaviors due to poor quality use of their free time. It is essential to create a safe and encouraging environment in the community where young people will have opportunities for personal development and the opportunity to grow into healthy, successful individuals.

NARKO-NE strives, in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders, both governmental and non-governmental, to work towards creating such a healthy environment for young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Nadija Bandić, Assistant Minister at the Federal Ministry of Education and Science, and also one of the participants in the EUPC training, emphasizes the importance of effective programs:

What I thought I knew about preventive programs was shown to me in a completely different light, especially regarding which intervention methods are effective and which can be harmful. Everything I learned about the European Prevention Curriculum, we will strive to integrate into a very important document. Namely, the Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina has adopted the initiative from the Federal Ministry of Education and Science and the NARKO-NE Association to create the first comprehensive strategy for addiction prevention, which is currently in the finalization process.

 A safe environment and adequate, effective programs are crucial for children and young people to develop the necessary life skills and strengthen their personalities, as challenges will always arise, and new trends and drugs will continue to emerge. Therefore, it is essential to empower children and youth to resist these influences. Ultimately, if we consider the economic aspect, prevention is very important because every one convertible mark invested in a quality program and prevention system can save the state up to 10 BAM in treatment and the costs of managing the consequences of addiction.

Association NARKO-NE has made significant strategic progress in the field of addiction prevention in Bosnia and Herzegovina during 2023 and 2024, with the support of the SMART Balkans Core grant.

Iskra web SB - NE DIRATI (49)

On Education – Detailed and Diverse

Step by Step Podcast “Besjede o obrazovanju” was launched in March 2020, during the pandemic, when video platforms became a regular space for meetings, learning, and discussions. During the spring months of 2020, a new episode aired daily, featuring alternating hosts and editors – Nedim Krajišnik and Namir Ibrahimović – who engaged in conversations with various guests about education, education during the pandemic, and the reactions of authorities to the new challenges in schools.

Starting from the second season, the podcast has been produced in a dedicated studio. Over 150 episodes have been aired so far, featuring discussions with diverse participants and exploring every possible aspect of education: why schools are structured the way they are, their strengths and weaknesses, the barriers to alternative education models, and the lack of serious education policies. The podcast has examined the role of higher education institutions in shaping educational concepts, highlighted significant international and domestic research, and aired special episodes addressing urgent issues in schools.

The show has also discussed various educational concepts and research on how children learn, how schools can support or hinder them, and provided a platform for students to share their experiences and propose alternative perspectives on schools.

When viewed on the COI Step by Step video channel, technical and visual advancements over time are evident, while the content quality remains consistent – addressing current and universal topics, asking the right questions, and delivering messages with goodwill.

Over the past five years, the podcast has featured numerous guests – innovative teachers from the Community of Innovative Educators, school principals, educational researchers, students, experts, and university professors – all stakeholders in education who cannot remain silent about missed opportunities to improve its quality.

In total, the COI Step by Step video channel, which hosts all podcast episodes, has amassed over a million views. Since late 2023, episodes have also premiered on the popular Bosnian portal Klix.ba.

Support from SMART Balkan and funding from Norway have ensured that discussions on education continue with the same passion and energy. Viewer feedback on YouTube includes comments such as:

“It’s truly a pleasure to listen to Prof. Veličković with such a beautiful and simple way of expressing himself that it’s impossible not to grasp the essence of his presentation. Wonderful to follow such a coherent thought process, delivered without interruptions, digressions, etc. Compliments to the host for mastering the journalist’s role by asking questions and then remaining silent. A sad truth about education in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but a very enlightening episode. Bravo.”

“An excellent guest. Thank you for creating such content!”

“A wonderful podcast and a wonderful guest.”

“What an extraordinary, educated, progressive, and honorable woman (Zineta Bogunić)… Thank you, Nedim and Namir, for all you do; you are a beacon of light and a glimmer of hope in a place where it has long been extinguished.”

“Besjede o obrazovanju” can be followed on the Center for Educational Initiatives Step by Step channels (available HERE) and via Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most-read portal, Klix.ba.

The podcast was developed with the support of the regional project SMART Balkan – Civil Society for a Connected Western Balkans.

 

Iskra web SB - NE DIRATI (5)

Notice for Applicants: Second Public Call for National Interventions

Dear esteemed applicants who have submitted applications under the second public call for SMART Balkans grants for National Interventions in the six Western Balkan countries – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Serbia (Call Reference No: SB NI-2 01/24). We are herby informing you of the postponement in the publication of the results for the abovementioned public call.

Due to the large number of applications received, the completion of the selection process, originally planned for December 2024, is postponed. This change is in accordance with the SMART Balkans consortium’s right to adjust the timeline based on the varying period needed for project evaluations, as stated in the public call text (page 3, Timeline for project implementation).

We anticipate that this delay will not impact the overall timeline of the selection process.

Thank you for your understanding and patience.

rt - web

Invitation to the Regional Talk: Making Volunteering EU-tiful: Current Trends in the Western Balkans

What are the rights and responsibilities of volunteers, and how are they defined in the laws of different countries in the region? How, and to what extent, do the current volunteering laws in the Western Balkan countries align with EU standards? What are the biggest challenges civil society organizations and volunteers face in implementing the existing legislation? What steps are the Western Balkan countries taking to improve the legal framework for volunteering? What impact have these efforts had on aligning with the standards set out in the European Charter on the Rights and Responsibilities of Volunteers? 

Centar za promociju civilnog društva (CPCD) invites you to join a Regional Talk within the SMART Balkans-Civil Society for Shared Society in the Western Balkans project, on the topic: Making Volunteering EU-tiful: Current Trends in the Western Balkans. Discover answers to these important questions related to volunteering and take the opportunity to participate directly in the discussion! 

📆 When? December 5, 2024, at 11am on International Volunteer Day 

🔗 Where? Online, via the ZOOM platform (after you complete the registration, you will receive a ZOOM link for access). 

⏰ Duration: 90 minutes 

The event aims to bring together experts who work on the laws and legal frameworks related to volunteering, those responsible for applying these laws in practice—in our case, civil society organizations that engage volunteers, and individuals currently in volunteer status. 

During the discussion, the aspects of the Low on Volunteering and volunteer obligations will be covered in the context of national legislation. The legal frameworks in the Western Balkan countries and the EU will be discussed, as well as challenges in implementing legislation and practical recommendations for improvement from the perspective of civil society organizations. 

The panelists are experts with significant experience in the fields of law and volunteering-related areas: Prof. Dr. Mehmed Hadžić (Faculty of Law Sarajevo), Gabriella Civico (Centre for European Volunteering – CEV), Goran Adamovski (Volunteers Centre Skopje), Jasmina Banjalučkić (Institute for Youth Development KULT), Irma Rešidović (Youth Council of FBiH), Dejan Rađen (PRONI Center for Youth Development), Lazar Petrović (Law firm Stanković & Partners and European Movement Serbia), and Milena Šćepanović (Community impact accelerator ADP-Zid). The event will be moderated by Mersiha Jaskić, Project Manager at the Centar za promociju civilnog društva. 

Register HERE.