Quaker Peace and Social Witness: Dealing with the Past in Bosnia, Croatia, and Serbia and Montenegro

About this grant

For the most part, the transition to democracy in the Western Balkans has failed to address the issue of dealing with the past at the national and grassroots levels. A few non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and some religious and civic leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Serbia and Montenegro are exploring ways to deal with the past in their communities and with their consituencies. However, these NGOs and individuals are often working in isolation and without any support in very difficult circumstances. Multiyear funding will support efforts help citizens in the Western Balkans come to terms with the past and address related issues of fear and noncooperation. Activities will include working with the media, cultural organizations and artists to find and create ways to educate the public about dealing with the past; bringing together interested NGOs and civic groups to share experiences and good practices in dealing with the past; and providing training for NGOs, civic groups and community leaders to resolve issues related to dealing with the past.The Quaker Peace and Social Witness program, a project of the Religious Society of Friends in Britain, has been active in the Western Balkans since 1991.