The article discusses the sinking of a vessel off the coast of Pylos, Greece, which was under surveillance by Frontex, the European Union’s border security agency. Despite being aware of the vessel's distress, Frontex did not intervene promptly, leading to the loss of hundreds of lives. The agency's actions, as well as those of the Greek coastguard, are under scrutiny. The article criticizes Frontex for its failure to prevent human rights violations and for not using its significant resources to save lives. It also highlights the agency's defensive stance during a seminar in Warsaw, where it focused on terminology and legal protections rather than its humanitarian responsibilities. The author argues that the EU's approach to migration is overly punitive and calls for a more compassionate and responsible use of power to save lives and uphold human dignity.

The article discusses the sinking of a vessel off the coast of Pylos, Greece, which was under surveillance by Frontex, the European Union’s border security agency. Despite being aware of the vessel's distress, Frontex did not intervene, leading to the loss of hundreds of lives. The article criticizes Frontex's lack of action and the EU's approach to immigration, highlighting the agency's significant budget and its failure to prevent human rights violations at EU borders. It also recounts the author's visit to Frontex headquarters during the incident, where the agency's representatives focused on correcting misconceptions rather than addressing the ongoing tragedy. The article suggests that the EU's policies criminalize migration and calls for a more humane approach that values human lives over border control.

The article recounts the author's experiences in Belgrade, Serbia, during the COVID-19 pandemic. After Serbia closed its borders, a curfew was imposed, and the government began to enforce strict measures, including building a temporary hospital. President Aleksandar Vučić's address sparked protests against his administration's handling of the crisis. As the pandemic progressed, Serbia appeared to relax restrictions, but a report by BIRN suggested underreported COVID-19 data. Political tensions rose with hunger strikes and protests against the government's actions. Despite initial non-violent protests, the situation escalated with police violence. The author reflects on the contagious nature of both fear and hope amidst these events.

The article describes the dire conditions and police brutality faced by refugees in the Vučjak camp near Bihać, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The camp, situated on a former landfill and surrounded by minefields, is where men with no space in other camps are forced to live. The local Red Cross provides two daily meals, but the refugees, including minors, lack proper clothing and footwear, often as a result of attempts to cross the border or mistreatment by Croatian police. The article details an incident of a police officer assaulting a refugee and the subsequent intimidation of the journalist by police. It also covers earlier events of the day, where police segregated refugees at the Bira camp and forcibly transported them to Vučjak. The EU, through organizations like IOM, UNHCR, and DRC, funds the camps, but there is a lack of transparency in how the funds are used, with allegations that a significant portion is allocated to strengthening border control rather than improving conditions for migrants. The article criticizes the EU for witnessing the humanitarian crisis and violence at its borders without taking effective action.

Gill Phillips, director of editorial legal services at The Guardian, discusses the evolving role of media lawyers amidst the digital transformation of journalism. She has provided legal counsel on major stories like the Edward Snowden leaks and has seen increased dangers for journalists, including state surveillance and high-profile murders. Phillips emphasizes the importance of pre-publication legal work to avoid potential lawsuits and post-publication handling of legal complaints. She also notes the shift towards collaborative journalism, as seen in the Snowden, Paradise Papers, and Panama Papers cases, which has increased safety and allowed for more effective handling of large data sets. Phillips advocates for the necessity of media lawyers, especially in regions like the Balkans where investigative journalism faces autocratic regimes and limited legal support. She also addresses the challenges of protecting whistleblowers and the ethical responsibility of journalists to report the truth, distinguishing between fake news and propaganda.

The article discusses the violence and abuse faced by migrants at the borders of the European Union, with a focus on recent incidents recorded by No Name Kitchen, a volunteer group aiding migrants in Bosnia. It highlights cases of violence, including sexual violence, racism, and Islamophobia against migrants, particularly women, by border officials in countries like Croatia and Slovenia. The article criticizes the lack of action and condemnation from European leaders and contrasts the EU's response to migrant abuse with its reaction to the Cologne attacks in 2015. It also points out the hypocrisy of European liberals who condemn US policies but ignore abuses at EU borders. The author calls for accountability and action against these human rights violations, warning that ignoring them could lead to a Europe where violence against 'the other' is acceptable.

The article discusses the situation in Idomeni, a small village near the Greek-Macedonian border, which became a provisional refugee camp after the Balkan route was closed, leaving around 15,000 refugees and migrants stranded. The camp was known for its sense of community and solidarity among volunteers and refugees. However, the European Union is criticized for its failure to handle the crisis, as the refugees were eventually moved to government-run camps with poor conditions and limited freedom. The article highlights the despair and loss felt by the refugees and volunteers, as independent camps like Idomeni and EKO station were shut down, and the refugees were dispersed to various camps, severing the close ties they had formed.

Migrants in Greece are protesting against poor living conditions and treatment through hunger strikes. The protests began at Elliniko camp, an abandoned sports complex from the 2004 Olympics, now housing 1,000 refugees. Similar dissent is growing on the Aegean islands, where conditions are dire, with recent deaths from smoke inhalation and hypothermia. The islands are overcrowded, with Lesbos alone housing 4,800 people in camps designed for 3,800. Mayors from five islands have demanded the transfer of people to the mainland. Mental health professionals criticize the inhumane conditions and the impact on migrants' mental health. The European Commission plans to speed up asylum procedures and possibly transport people to the mainland, but the logistics remain unclear. Advocates argue for better living conditions and clear communication about the future to the migrants.

Nidžara Ahmetašević is a distinguished journalist based in Sarajevo, known for her investigative reporting on sensitive issues such as human rights, migrations, war crimes, and the influence of media. Her dedication to journalism has been recognized through various accolades, including being short-listed for the European Press Prize in 2022 and winning the Fetisov Journalism Prize for her contribution to peace. Her work not only sheds light on critical social issues but also contributes to the broader discourse on peace and justice.

Bosnia and Herzegovina has experienced a significant population decline of 20 percent since the last census before the 1992-1995 war. The recent census, conducted in October 2013, has become a point of contention among political entities due to its potential impact on the power-sharing government structure based on ethnic quotas. The results, which are yet to be officially published, suggest a shift in the ethnic composition, with Bosniaks now making up over half the population. The EU has pressured Bosnia to publish the census as a condition for its application to join the union. However, political entities like Republika Srpska have their own methodologies for counting the population, which could exclude many Bosniaks and Croats. The dispute over the census methodology has led to concerns about the accuracy of the results and accusations of political manipulation. Bosnia also faces the challenge of the highest youth unemployment rate in Europe, with over 65 percent of young people jobless.

The article discusses the multifaceted issues facing Bosnia and Herzegovina, including the problem of stray dogs, poverty, corruption, and the country's readiness to apply for EU membership. Despite the government's optimism about joining the EU, experts like Jessie Hronesova and Bodo Weber express skepticism about Bosnia's preparedness and the potential reinforcement of corrupt political elites. The country struggles with high unemployment, low GDP, and a lack of basic services, such as adequate healthcare. The European Commission's progress report, which claims Bosnia is on the reform track, is widely criticized by the public and analysts. Human Rights Watch also highlights the vulnerability of journalists and the lack of progress in protecting human rights. The article paints a bleak picture of life in Bosnia 20 years after the war, with many citizens considering emigration due to the lack of solutions to the country's problems.

The article recounts the atrocities committed during the Bosnian War in Prijedor, where Bosniaks and Bosnian Croats were expelled, tortured, raped, and killed by Serb nationalists. Emir Hodžić, a survivor, returned to Prijedor to honor the victims and faced resistance from local authorities. The article discusses the efforts of survivors and activists, including Edin Ramulić and Goran Zorić, to commemorate the victims and promote dialogue, despite opposition and threats. It also touches on the challenges of achieving justice, with few convictions for war crimes and a lack of public awareness or interest in the trials. The Bosnian government's disinterest in addressing war divisions and the economic hardships faced by the country are highlighted. The article concludes with a powerful demonstration where activists laid out schoolbags and white roses to honor the murdered children, and a plea from Zoran Vučkovac for a memorial.

The article discusses the aftermath of catastrophic floods in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, and Croatia, which caused significant damage and displaced many people. It highlights the resilience and solidarity among the affected communities, including the influx of volunteers and the humor that helps them cope. The piece also delves into the story of Edin Džeko, a Bosnian footballer playing for Manchester City, who has become a symbol of hope for Bosnia. Džeko's background, his connection to the Bosnian war, and his role in uniting the country through football are explored. The national football team's journey to the World Cup and their efforts to aid flood victims are also covered, illustrating the sport's power to bring people together and provide a sense of national pride amidst adversity.