Forum MKD ZA WEB

SPOT ON: National Discussion Forum

On Friday, May 24, the first National Discussion Forum was held in Skopje as part of the regional project SPOT-ON! – State Responsibility for Prosecuting Human Trafficking OFF/ON!, jointly implemented by the ASTRA (Serbia), Vatra (Albania), and Open Gate – La Strada (North Macedonia).

The forum brought together more than 20 participants from the judiciary, prosecution, police, social protection system, civil society, and academia. Through dynamic exchanges of opinions and experiences, participants actively contributed to the forum’s goal – improving the status and protection of the rights of human trafficking victims during criminal proceedings.

Based on analyses of case law and case studies, key questions were raised:

  • How are victims treated in legal proceedings?
  • Why do their rights remain invisible?
  • How can secondary victimization be prevented?

The discussion particularly focused on the lack of human resources in the judiciary and prosecution, as well as the following recommendations from the legal analysis:

  • Urgent appointment of legal representatives for victims specialized in human trafficking;
  • Protection of victims’ privacy through exclusion of the public from trials;
  • Use of audiovisual tools during victim interviews;
  • Enabling compensation awards within criminal proceedings;
  • Strengthening the capacity of the State Compensation Commission;
  • Imposing sentences that reflect the gravity of the crimes;
  • Continuous training for judicial actors on a victim-centered approach.

The forum in Skopje was the first in a series of three planned under the SPOT-ON! project. The next forum will be held in Serbia, while the final event will take place in Albania. These three forums will allow partners to assess national and regional trends in the treatment of human trafficking victims, identify similarities and differences among countries, and contribute to establishing common standards in this field.

At the forum’s closing, Marija Todorovska, Project Manager at Open Gate, thanked the participants and emphasized:

“The legal analysis gave us important insights into where we currently stand as a country regarding the position of human trafficking victims and offered us guidance on what needs to be done to improve our practices. We learned a lot from our partners, just as they learned from us throughout this process. We all share the same goal, and only by working together can we achieve it.”

 

SENKA Web (27)

Norway’s Constitution Day

Norway’s Constitution Day, celebrated annually on May 17, is one of the most important and solemn holidays in the Norwegian calendar.

On that day in 1814, in the small town of Eidsvoll, the Norwegian Constitution was adopted – one of the oldest constitutions in the world still in force. With this document, Norway declared its independence from Denmark and set off on the path to modern democracy. Although it soon found itself in a union with Sweden, the Constitution has remained a symbol of Norwegian identity and the pursuit of freedom.

Unlike many other national holidays marked by military parades or political speeches, May 17 in Norway is dedicated to the people, especially children. In all towns and villages, festive processions, known as barnetog, are organized, in which children, dressed in national costumes or bunad, proudly carry Norwegian flags and sing traditional songs. Instead of weapons and uniforms, the day is marked by smiles, balloons, and a sense of community.
Norwegians cherish this holiday with great pride, but without excessive nationalism. Their patriotism is quiet, dignified, and based on values such as freedom, equality, democracy, and respect for the rights of every individual.
Constitution Day is an opportunity to remember how important it is to preserve those values and how important it is to have a society where everyone can feel accepted and safe.

Characteristic for this day is the wearing of traditional costumes, which differ by region, and are made with great care and pride. Also, the celebration of Constitution Day is one of the rare moments in Norway where you can genuinely feel the collective solemnity and togetherness, because Norwegians, although known as modest and reserved, openly show their love for their country on that day.
Norway’s Constitution Day is not just a holiday – it represents a society that successfully balances tradition, modernity, pride, and tolerance. Perhaps this is precisely the secret of their prosperous and stable state, which even today is a model for many.

As we mark Norway’s Constitution Day, we celebrate not only a historical milestone but also the values ​​that continue to shape a just and inclusive society. We are honored to have Norway as a committed and reliable partner on the SMART Balkans journey towards lasting peace, security, stability, solidarity, and democratic development in the Western Balkans,” said Iskra Tafro, Communications Manager of the SMART Balkans project.

We are truly pleased that Norway is our companion on this journey to improve the Western Balkans.

IANS 4

An assessment Report on regional impact of the program on youth resilience in western Balkans launched and discussed on the Final 4th Regional Event

On May 7, 2025, IANS hosted the 4th Regional Forum on “Shared Challenges and Achievements in Youth Engagement and Resilience Against Crime and Violent Extremism” in Tirana. The event brought together representatives from civil society and public institutions across Albania, Kosovo, and Bosnia and Herzegovina—including organizations like SEH, PEN, and Udruženje Zemlja djece u BiH.

The forum opened with the presentation of the regional assessment report, setting the stage for a dynamic discussion on systemic challenges facing youth. Key topics included persistent youth unemployment, social exclusion, and growing vulnerability to online radicalization. Participants emphasized the urgency of early prevention and the importance of inclusive, youth-informed policymaking.

Key findings highlight a significant increase in youth awareness and engagement in preventive initiatives across the region. The report reveals that locally-led programs, when aligned with community needs and supported through cross-sectoral cooperation, effectively reduce youth vulnerability to radicalization and criminal behavior. However, structural challenges—such as limited funding, inconsistent institutional support, and lack of youth representation in policymaking—continue to undermine long-term impact.

Recommendations emphasize the need to institutionalize youth engagement through national action plans, scale up successful community-based interventions, and invest in digital literacy and mental health services as preventive tools. Additionally, the report calls for the creation of sustainable regional platforms to enable continued cross-border learning and policy alignment among civil society and state actors.

Full Report is available HERE.

The event concluded with a call for continued cross-border collaboration, data-driven strategies, and strengthened support systems to ensure young people across the region are equipped to thrive and resist negative influences.

Each country had the chance to present their good examples and models; such as the roles of schools security officers in Albania  dedicated to crime prevention; local public safety councils on Kosovo and “Be a man Club” of the Bosnian partner organization.

Iskra web SB - NE DIRATI (4)

Without U.S. dollars, but not without solutions for CSO: what’s next

What are the biggest challenges in the NGO sector after the termination of U.S. funding, and how much funding has been cut? How can strategic partnerships with other international organizations and donors be achieved? What are examples and methods of self-sustainability to overcome the suspension of U.S. funds? Recommendations for new sources of funding?

Centar za promociju civilnog društva (CPCD) invites you to join a Regional Talk within the SMART Balkans-Civil Society for a Shared Society in the Western Balkans project, on the topic:„Without U.S. dollars, but not without solutions for CSO: what’s next?” and discover answers to these important questions and take the opportunity to participate directly in the discussion!

📆 When? May 20, 2025. at 10:00 AM.

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

⏰ Duration: 90 minutes

The discussion aims to understand the impact of the termination of U.S. funding on civil society organizations in the Western Balkans, develop practical solutions for mitigating the consequences, and share experiences that have inspired the proposal of sustainable support models for affected organizations, such as new funding sources.

The discussion will focus on several key segments: actions that the government can take, how donors can contribute, how media can act, and the steps that civil society organizations can take for themselves and each other.

The panelists are representatives of the Non-governmental organizations from the Western Balkans countries who have been directly affected by funding cuts: Aida Daguda (Director of the Centar za promociju civilnog društva), Bardhyl Jashari (Director of the Metamorphosis Foundation), Juliana Hoxha (Director of Partners Albania for Change and Development), and Marija Vasiljevska (Programme Manager for Capacity Building and Strengthening of Independent Media at BIRN). The event will be moderated by Iskra Tafro, PR Manager at the Centar za promociju civilnog društva.

The discussion will be held in English, and you can register via the LINK!

DOK za web

Sarajevo for trees

Summary of the project implemented by Informal group Society for Education and Culture 

The project focuses on amending the regulations and policies of tree protection and management in Sarajevo city area in order to harmonize and modernize them, which should help the city adjust to the changing climate and extreme weather as well as rampant urbanization, while also empowering citizens in local communities as decision-makers on tree management and tree guardians. It combines a social media and media campaign with advocacy in the relevant institutions (primarily at the cantonal level), and community work on self-organization.

Project goals

To effect amendments to the legal framework and policies of trees management in Sarajevo city area in order to enhance participation of citizens, neighborhoods and local communities whose quality of life depends directly on mature trees which mitigate consequences of climate changes and uncontrolled urbanization.

Beneficiaries

  • Sarajevo City population
  • Sarajevo Cantonal Assembly MPs
  • Cantonal government
  • Municipal mayors and relevant departments (Stari Grad, Centar, Novo Sarajevo, Novi Grad)
  • Municipal councilors: Stari Grad, Centar, Novo Sarajevo, Novi Grad
  • KJKP Park (public utility company for urban green areas)
  • Forestry Department of Sarajevo University

Main activities

  • Producing recommendations and guidelines for amending relevant policies and regulations;
  • Social media and media campaign;
  • Conceptualizing the model of tree guardians;
  • Launching the Initiative for harmonizing policies and regulations of tree management in Sarajevo and initiating debates among decision-makers;
  • Initiating central data base of protected trees in the city – with emphasis on interactive and participatory process;
  • Inspiring involvement by experts and utilities actors, as well as academic public;
  • Including tree protection in the new City Master Plan;
  • Establishing self-organized neighborhood groups of Tree Guardians and their mutual networking.

 

logo - UMHCG_page-0001

Act Now for Safer Tomorrow

Summary of the project implemented by The Association of Youth with Disabilities of Montenegro 

Following the proposal of the Draft Law on Amendments to the Law on Professional Rehabilitation and Employment of Persons with Disabilities, without prior consultations with representative organizations of persons with disabilities and amendments that are not in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, AYDM has developed the project Act Now for a Safe Tomorrow. The project aims to raise public awareness and inform decision-makers about its negative impact by analyzing the current legal solution, conducting consultations with relevant stakeholders, strengthening the dialogue between the civil sector and the government, and ensuring the participation of organizations.

Project goals

To advocate for the withdrawal of the Draft Law on Amendments to the Law on Professional Rehabilitation and Employment of Persons with Disabilities by raising awareness among the public and decision-makers about its negative impact.

Beneficiaries

  • Persons with disabilities as the key target group directly affected by the proposed Draft Law , as the intervention focuses on protecting their rights to work and employment;
  • Representative organisations of persons with disabilities, which will be engaged in the consultation process and advocacy for changes in legislation;
  • Employers who hire persons with disabilities, as the amendments impact the scope of subsidies and their employment decisions;
  • Decision-makers, namely members of the Parliament and representatives of the executive government, as key actors who have the power to approve or block the Draft Law;
  • Representatives of international organisations and national institutions, as well as organisations working on the rights of persons with disabilities, who can support the initiative; and
  • Media representatives to ensure the maximum reach of the initiative’s outcomes and to raise awareness of the negative consequences of the proposed amendments.

Main activities

  • Preparation and implementation of an analysis on the application of the current Law on Professional Rehabilitation and Employment of Persons with Disabilities, including at least 10 key findings and recommendations for improving this act;
  • Organizing three consultations and meetings with representatives of organizations of persons with disabilities, persons with disabilities, employers, and other relevant stakeholders in the central, northern, and southern region;
  • Implementation of an advocacy campaign including promotion on social media through:

– Organising at least three meetings with Members of the Parliament of Montenegro, representatives of the Government of Montenegro, and other officials.

– Participation in at least five TV shows and interviews, as well as publishing articles in newspapers and portals.

– Creation of at least two press releases and official letters to international organisations and national institutions directly addressing the negative consequences of the proposed amendments and calling for accountability from the Ministry.

– Preparation and publication of visuals and video content for social media

  • Organising a press conference to present the analysis of the implementation of the current Law on Professional Rehabilitation and Employment of Persons with Disabilities

Related news: 

LAW REFORM STARTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ORGANIZATIONS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (available on Montenegrin language)

UMHCG CONFERENCE: The law must not be only a financial instrument, but a guarantor of equal opportunities and dignity for people with disabilities on the labor market

Video clips (5) from the conference are available HERE

Publications: 

Under the microscope: Analysis of the application of the Law on Professional Rehabilitation and Employment of Persons with Disabilities 2009 – 2025/Pod lupom: Analiza primjene Zakona o profesionalnoj rehabilitaciji i zapošljavanju lica sa invaliditetom 2009 – 2025 (Available on Montenegrin language) 

Tacno.net-logo-1600x900

Sustainable NGO Sector: Fair Subsidies for a Stronger Community

Summary of the project implemented by Tacno.net

The project aims to assess the impact of the minimum wage increase on NGOs in Bosnia and Herzegovina and propose legislative changes that would enable these organizations to access subsidies. Activities include research, drafting legislative proposals, lobbying decision-makers, organizing public debate, and running a media campaign. This will help ensure the stability of the NGO sector and improve support for marginalized groups. The project also raises public awareness of the importance of civil society.

Project goals

  • Assess the impact of the minimum wage increase on the NGO sector.
  • Propose legislative changes to include NGOs in the subsidy system.
  • Strengthen dialogue between NGOs and government authorities.
  • Improve the stability of the NGO sector and services for marginalized groups.
  • Increase public awareness of the importance of supporting civil society.

Beneficiaries

  • Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) – Especially those providing social services and employing marginalized groups.
  • Decision-makers – Government representatives, parliamentarians, and relevant ministries.
  • NGO sector workers – Their jobs may be at risk due to the minimum wage increase.
  • Marginalized groups – Beneficiaries of NGO services, including socially disadvantaged people, persons with disabilities, and youth without parental care.
  • The general public – Citizens who need to be informed about the importance of the NGO sector.
  • Media – A key channel for raising awareness and putting pressure on decision-makers.

Main activities

  • Research on the current situation through in-depth interviews with NGOs.
  • Preparation and publication of interviews on the tacno.net portal.
  • Engagement of an economic expert to analyze the issue.
  • Drafting a proposal for legislative changes.
  • Presenting the draft law to federal parliamentarians.
  • Organizing a roundtable discussion with government representatives, NGOs, and the media.
  • Organizing consultations with parliamentarians and experts.
  • Conducting a media campaign to inform the public.
  • Publishing analyses and interviews in relevant media outlets.
  • Collaborating with NGOs to apply additional pressure on authorities.
  • Official submission of the legislative proposal to the Prime Minister of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
  • Monitoring the adoption process of the proposed legislation in parliament.
  • Tracking the implementation of the adopted law.
  • Dissemination of results through media and social networks.

Related news: 

Humanitarna kičma načeg društva/The Humanitarian Backbone of Our Society  (Available in BHS language)

Fiskalna reforma i izazovi civilnog sektora/Fiscal Reform and the Challenges of the Civil Sector (Available in BHS language)

Tuzlanski Lotos kao žrtva fiskalne politike/Tuzla’s Lotos as a Victim of Fiscal Policy (Available in BHS language)

Nevladine organizacije na udaru fiskalne reforme: Priča zeničkog REaktiva/NGOs Under Attack by Fiscal Reform: The Story of Zenica’s REaktiv (Available in BHS language)

Obrazovanje i druženje koje traje više od 25 godina/Education and Socializing That Lasts for More Than 25 Years (Available in BHS language)