26-28 June 2024 – The Open Society Foundation Western Balkans (OSF-WB) and the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) co-organised the 11th Global Fact Conference in Sarajevo, where fact-checking organizations from around the world came together to highlight that fact-checking enhances public discourse and should not be perceived as censorship.

The statement, known as the “Sarajevo Statement,” was formally presented during the conference and was endorsed by 130 fact-checking organizations from 80 countries worldwide, including organizations from the Western Balkans, all signatories of the IFCN Code of Principles.

The statement voiced concerns over escalating attacks on fact-checking institutions and the global fact-checking community. It underscored that employees of these organizations have increasingly encountered various forms of harassment, online threats, and legal challenges in recent years, especially in Georgia, the United States, Brazil, and the Philippines.

The Sarajevo Statement, drafted by IFCN and its member fact-checking organizations, addresses these ongoing challenges, emphasizing that fact-checking is crucial for freedom of expression, providing accurate information to the public, and enhancing information ecosystems.

OSF-WB supported the conference aiming to enhance regional political accountability and technological innovation in the Western Balkans. These initiatives foster democratic values and informed civic participation, addressing misinformation and promoting accountable governance in the digital age.