The training was held under the Reconcile project, supported by the European Union, and brought together journalists, civil society representatives, researchers, and students.
The training consisted of four thematic lectures that provided participants with in-depth, practical insights into key challenges related to dealing with the past. Topics covered included documenting war crimes in international media; collecting evidence on war crimes from institutions and non-governmental organizations; the transition of war crimes investigations from international to domestic mechanisms, with a focus on building prosecutorial capacity; and the impact of hate speech and disinformation on establishing the truth about war crimes. The sessions were delivered by experienced practitioners, including Kreshnik Gashi, Editor-in-Chief of Kallxo.com; former war crimes prosecutor Drita Hajdari; Professor Halim Bajraktari; and Labinot Leposhtica, Head of the Legal Office at BIRN Kosovo. Drawing on their professional experience, the speakers shared practical insights into war crimes investigations, judicial proceedings, and the ethical challenges of reporting on sensitive and complex issues.
Participants emphasized the importance of creating spaces for discussion and learning on these topics. Journalists and civil society representatives noted that the training offered knowledge and perspectives they had not previously encountered, particularly on ethical reporting standards and the protection of victims’ identities. Several participants stressed that understanding when and how to withhold sensitive information is essential for responsible journalism, especially when reporting on victims of war crimes and other serious violations.
The training session brought together 38 journalists, activists, researchers, and members of victim groups, out of whom 29 were women. The aim of fostering meaningful discussion and exchange on the role of media and civil society in addressing war crimes and transitional justice in Kosovo was addressed during this session
The Reconcile project is funded by the European Union. The content and views expressed are the sole responsibility of BIRN Kosovo and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.
Workshop Overview and Participant Breakdown
Date: 12 January 2026
Location: Pristina, Kosovo
Number of participants per country:
Kosovo 35
BiH: 1
Serbia: 2
Total Number of Participants: 38
The full findings and activities are available in the EDS Report, which can be accessed here.