The training was organised within the framework of the Reconcile project, which is being implemented simultaneously across several Western Balkan countries and aims to strengthen professional knowledge and public understanding of dealing with the past.
The session featured contributions from experienced practitioners, including journalist and managing editor at Kallxo.com, Kreshnik Gashi, former prosecutor Drita Hajdari, and dealing with the past expert and practitioner Ibrahim Makolli and head of Legal Office at BIRN Kosovo, Labinot Leposhtica. They shared insights from their professional engagement with war crimes documentation, judicial processes, international cooperation, fact-checking and media documentation of war crimes.
During the training, students explored key concepts related to transitional justice and post-conflict accountability in Kosovo and the wider Western Balkans. The programme combined theoretical frameworks with practical discussions, covering international legal standards on war crimes, mechanisms of transitional justice and accountability, ethical principles and challenges in reporting sensitive topics, and the role of media and civil society in shaping public discourse. Particular attention was given to fact-based, professional reporting, as well as the impact of hate speech and disinformation on distorting the truth. This training was attended by 45 participants.
Several participants shared their experiences and expectations from the training, highlighting the importance of such initiatives for younger generations who did not directly experience the war. Students emphasised that understanding past crimes and learning how they are documented and reported in the media is essential for building informed and responsible professionals in journalism, law, and public service.
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: 8 January 2026
Location: Pristina, Kosovo
Number of participants per country: Kosovo 45
Total Number of participants: 45
The full findings and activities are available in the EDS Report, which can be accessed here.