SECURITY SECTOR SCHOOL FOR JOURNALISTS
1st – 6th December 2008
Prishtina, Kosovo
Overview
The Security Sector School for Journalists is a project drafted by the Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS).[1] The primary objective of this project is providing journalists or students studying journalism with comprehensive knowledge on the security issues, and foster regional cooperation on democratic oversight of the security institutions.
The concept of democratic control of the security mechanism includes three dimensions: one is institutional, where the security institutions are directed and managed by the civilians; second is the impact of the international organizations such as EU, NATO etc, and third is democratic control from the civil society, respectively, democratic control from NGO’s and media.[2] As long as institutional and the impact of international organizations is being build in Kosovo, through this project, KCSS strengthened the activity of media in security sector.
The Internal Security Sector Review in Kosovo (ISSR) identified the comprehensive achievements, necessities and challenges related to the security issues in Kosovo. One of the main elements is the lack of the professional journalists covering security issues.
KCSS in cooperation with KIJAC, in line with its objective for the development of democratic oversight of the security sector, deemed it necessary to fill the gap by offering its expertise and logistical capacities in contributing to this aspect. By organizing Security Sector School for Journalists, the media coverage for the security issues will be increased and the approach towards this sphere would be more professional.
Target groups:
The target groups were as follow:
Journalists in Kosovo and other Western Balkans countries covering security issues
Students studying journalism, from Kosovo or other Western Balkans countries
Up to 35 participants attended regularly the Security Sector School for Journalists. During the selection process a particular attention has been given for the minority community’s participation. In addition, the gender representation in a proportionate level was highly appreciated
Fee, travel, food and accommodation have been fully covered for the participants.
Program
The lectures held 6 days intensively, a study trip and social activities. By the end of the School participants received a CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE. The lectures took place at the Kosovo Institute for Journalism and Communication KIJAC www.kijac.org 7km north of Prishtina (near Sulltan Murati torn)
Each day had intensive lectures with at least four international and local lecturers per day. The lectures where taught in English language.
Security Sector School for Journalists included various topics related to the security policies therefore the topics were split into the following modules:
Module I (Monday 1st December & Tuesday 2nd December)
The first module made up theoretical and basic approach on the security issues. Participants within two days received a significant knowledge on the new security concept and new security agenda. In addition to the theoretical concepts, this module gave a prominent place towards important security challenge in the Western Balkans - Security Sector Reform (SSR). Participants gained practical overview of two study cases. Furthermore a mapping exercise of the security sector and democratic oversight took place in this part.
Lecturers: KCSS, DCAF, UNDP, MoD Albania and Marshal Centre
Module II (Wednesday 3rd December & Thursday 4th December)
Second module made up the core part of the security sector – the assessment of risks and threats. It evaluated the contemporary asymmetrical threats especially those perceived in the Western Balkans. Particular attention has been given towards the issues of organized crime and corruption, economic crisis as threat, terrorism etc. In addition, this module includes the issue of international organizations in the Western Balkans in particular EU-NATO Relationship in the Western Balkans. A study visit has been organized at the Kosovo Centre for Public Security, Education and Development.
Lecturers: KCSS, UNDP, MoIA, KIJAC
Module III (Friday 5th December & Saturday 6th December)
First day of this module included the aspects of the new security architecture in Kosovo. The senior governmental officials of Kosovo made presentations about the new security institutions in Kosovo, minority integration, the process of disbandment of KPC and resettlement and policing issues.
The last day consisted on the practical topics on the media professional coverage of certain security institutions. Due to their expertise, the KIJAC lecturers took the main part in the final day. In addition, various local and international experts brought their specific experience on the media coverage of security sector.
Lecturers: KIJAC, Government Officials,
"Security Sector School for Journalists" Agenda
List of Participants - " Security Sector School for Journalists"
