Call for Investigative Stories on Human Rights Abuses (Albania)

This call is organized by BIRN Albania as part of the project “Clarification of corruption through investigative journalism” funded by the National Endowment for Democracy.

This project aims to build bridges between journalists, experts and civil society activists so they can strengthen the fight against corruption and impunity through investigative journalism.

Through this competition, three (3) journalists or groups of investigative journalists will be selected to produce investigative articles in the field of human rights, in cooperation with civil society. The winners will be selected by a jury composed of experienced journalists and experts in this field.

Priorities

• Priority in the selection will be given to proposals that include one of the following topics, suggested as priority during a round table organized between journalists and civil society representatives during the month of November:
  • Sexual violence, sexual harassment and gender-based violence
  • Bullying in schools and social networks
  • Violation of human rights in the digital space
  • Attacks and disinformation against human rights activists
  • Violations of the rights of migrants, marginalized groups and minorities
  • Violation of rights to access to medical services
  • Barriers in the reintegration of persons returned from war/conflict areas
  • Human rights in prisons and closed institutions
  • Children’s access to vaccines
  • Violation of the rights of minors
  • Violation of human rights at work

Funding Information

• Selected applicants, who will receive a stipend of USD 1,200 (minus personal income tax), will have a period of three months to complete their research and prepare the article for publication.

Expectations

• Successful candidates are expected to engage and fulfill all obligations related to the investigation, such as: frequent meetings with the editor, publishing the text on the BIRN Albania website, as well as respecting the standards of investigative journalism and professional ethics.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants may submit more than one application, but only one proposal per candidate will be selected.
• The right to apply is available to all journalists in Albania, employed by other media or freelancers.
• Candidates must formulate a detailed proposal for the competition. The proposals should aim to expose the cases of violation of human rights in Albania.

For more information, visit BIRN.