Deadline: 29-Jan-2026
The Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN) invites students, journalists, researchers, and human rights practitioners from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Serbia to a three-day regional workshop on documenting and archiving human rights violations and international crimes in Sarajevo from 11–13 March 2026. The workshop covers open source investigations, digital archiving, ethical and legal standards, verification of digital content, and AI applications, with travel, accommodation, and meals fully covered.
Overview
This three-day workshop is designed to strengthen the capacity of participants to collect, verify, archive, and manage sensitive materials related to human rights violations and international crimes. The training combines expert-led sessions, hands-on exercises, and practical case studies to provide participants with ethical and practical skills in digital archiving and open source investigations.
Key Topics
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Principles and standards of open source investigations
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Digital archiving methodologies and tools
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Verification and contextualization of digital content
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Ethical, legal, and security considerations when handling sensitive data
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Practical case studies and hands-on exercises
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Use of AI in open source investigations
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible participants include students, journalists, researchers, civil society activists, and human rights practitioners who:
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Are aged 20–36
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Reside in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, or Serbia
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Are engaged in law studies (including international and humanitarian law), political science, transitional justice, or related fields
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Are involved in human rights documentation, advocacy, investigative journalism, research, archival work, memorialization, or accountability initiatives
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Have a strong interest in transitional justice, archiving, and documenting human rights violations
AJRN encourages participants with a background or active engagement in relevant fields to apply, including freelancers, early-career professionals, and students.
Funding and Support
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Travel, accommodation, and meals covered by BIRN for selected participants
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Participation is fully funded, including visa arrangements where required
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Early applications are encouraged to facilitate travel and logistics
How to Apply
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Complete the online application form
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Include a short biography (up to 200 words)
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Submit a brief motivation statement explaining interest in the workshop and relevance to current work
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Register for the info session on 23 January 2026 at 16:00 CET (optional but recommended)
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Submit applications no later than 29 January 2026, 17:00 CET
Workshop Dates and Attendance Requirements
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Workshop dates: 11–13 March 2026
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Travel days: 10 March (arrival) and 14 March (departure)
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Selected participants must confirm availability for all dates
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Travel and accommodation will be organised in advance by BIRN
Why This Workshop Matters
This workshop equips participants with the practical, ethical, and technical skills needed to responsibly document, archive, and analyze information related to human rights violations and international crimes. It addresses contemporary challenges in digital archiving, strengthens capacity for transitional justice initiatives, and empowers participants to contribute to accountability and public awareness in the Balkan region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can apply? Students, journalists, researchers, civil society activists, and human rights practitioners aged 20–36 from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, or Serbia.
Is prior experience in human rights required? While relevant experience is beneficial, a strong interest in transitional justice, archiving, or documenting human rights violations is essential.
What costs are covered? Travel, accommodation, meals, and visa arrangements for selected participants.
What is the application deadline? 29 January 2026, 17:00 CET.
Is there an info session? Yes, on 23 January 2026 at 16:00 CET.
What are the workshop dates? 11–13 March 2026, with travel on 10 and 14 March.
What topics will be covered? Open source investigations, digital archiving, verification of content, ethics and legal considerations, practical exercises, and AI in investigations.
Conclusion
The BIRN Sarajevo workshop provides a unique opportunity for participants to enhance their investigative and archival skills, engage with contemporary challenges in human rights documentation, and strengthen professional capacity to contribute meaningfully to transitional justice and accountability initiatives in the region.
For more information, visit BIRN.
