Focus on Reconciliation

Significantly, the evaluation noted “following the signing of the DPA in November 1995, several efforts were made by various players that focused explicitly on reconciliation (Ćesić and Šošević 25).

However, such efforts have become neglected and underfunded by BiH authorities and the international community in light of a stronger focus on governance, democratization, rule of law, and human rights, including minority rights, with a focus on supporting BiH on its path towards integration into (the European Union) (Ćesić and Šošević 25). This has resulted in a public perception that there is little progress being made on dialogue and trust-building (Ćesić and Šošević 25). Peace-building in BiH continues to be a challenge and is daily rhetoric used by politicians, reflecting the unresolved political future of the country (Ćesić and Šošević 25).

The Evaluation Noted Several Lessons Learned

700,000 youth in BiH (aged 15 – 30) make up 20.5% of the overall population with the highest unemployment rate in Europe (60%) and an extremely fragmented education system that offers no connection with real sector employment needs; the youth is marginalized and socially excluded.

The creation of .n alternative space for dialogue that is not obstructed by institutional deadlocks proved to be an appropriate approach, A strong endorsement from BiH Presidency has resulted in a positive catalytic atmosphere Because certain initiatives in local communities could be ‘bottlenecked’ (blocked) at the level of ministries and schools, a bottom-up strategy from motivated schools; i.e., directors and teachers was recognized as key to successful grant implementation.

The Project is currently in its second generate phase, “Dialogue for the Future 2” It started in January 2018.

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Like DFF 1, it has been funded with a $2,000,000 grant from the UN Peace Building Fund; is partnered with the Presidency of BiH; and, and is scheduled to last until June 2019. It is intended to “enhance the inclusiveness of local-level governance and creating local dialogue platforms….and will ensure that women and girls will become active participants of the platforms” (DFF II).

DFF 2:

We will work with youth as the priority target group with an aim of generating a group of future leaders with an ability to lead collaboratively, Through dialogue platforms, youth will be supported to lead dialogues on issues particularly affecting them, and to engage on issues such as the SDGs that, education, culture, and brain drain, and the Media will be targeted to capitalize on their potential for social cohesion rhetoric; i.e. impartial reporting and the promotion of peace through reporting.

In July 2018, the Bosnian government adopted “The Platform for Peace,” part of a $5 million PRO-Future peace-building project funded by USAID and implemented by the Catholic Relief Services. It is a declaration document that summarizes the need for reconciliation activities and promotes the acceptance of peace-building and reconciliation processes among ethnicities and religious communities. The document notes “alarm by the preponderance of alternative or neutral interpretations of history and the absence of a strong democratic and participatory political culture…(and) calls for the creation of a Strategy for Sustainable Long-Term Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a comprehensive peace framework that will outline the path for institutionalizing trust-building and reconciliation processes” (“Bosnian Parliament Adopts Platform for Peace: Amid Post-War Divisions, Government Promotes Reconciliation Activities | News | Bosnia & Herzegovina” 1, 2).

Conclusion and Recommendations

The primary purpose of this evaluation was to present an analysis of successful peace-building and reconciliation projects; and provide recommendations for successfully converting these projects into long-term, sustainable peace-building and reconciliation initiatives. There is no assurance that the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina – as envisioned by the DPA – will survive, much less thrive. Its future will depend upon the choices made by its political leadership.