Young people willing to leave the past behind in Bosnia and Herzegovina
3 April 2012Young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) are willing to question prejudices prevalent in wider society and are eager to break with the past. However, new research by Saferworld finds that whilst young people can potentially play a constructive role in a peaceful future for BiH, they face huge challenges. Understanding these obstacles, as well as young people’s concerns and aspirations is vital to encouraging their role in building Bosnia’s future resilience to conflict.
The research was launched at an event in Sarajevo on 29 March attended by over 50 representatives from national civil society organisations and international agencies and donors. Carried out in co-operation with Nansen Dialogue Center (NDC) Sarajevo between April and September 2011, the research looks at young people's perspectives of peace and security in BiH. Young people (age 16–30), who make up more than 20 percent of the population, have grown up in a deeply divided society recovering from conflict and one where ethnicity is exploited for political ends, stifling meaningful reconciliation. Yet this generation does not carry the same trauma of conflict as previous generations.
The full report, Leaving the past behind, the perceptions of youth in Bosnia and Herzegovina,finds that young people in BiH have limited opportunities to voice their concerns. Mustafa Cero, from NDC explained that most of the young people interviewed, have little faith in politicians: “When they hear the word politics the main association is with corruption, enrichment and power.” Young people need encouragement and support in order to play an active and constructive role in civic and political life.
The research project provided a rare opportunity for the young participants to engage with others from different backgrounds on sensitive issues. Even in so called mixed schools, subjects that are considered more sensitive, such as religion, languages and history are taught in ethnically segregated classes using different curricula, undermining a sense of common citizenship. The report concludes that young people need more opportunities to meet and interact with different ethnic and religious groups in a constructive way that goes beyond co-existence and encourages peaceful and positive relationships.
As part of the project Saferworld trained young people in research and advocacy techniques, enabling them to contribute additional findings and building their confidence to engage with decision makers beyond the lifetime of the project.
The research forms part of the EU-funded ‘People’s Peacemaking Perspectives’ project, a joint initiative implemented by Conciliation Resources and Saferworld and financed under the European Commission's Instrument for Stability. The project provides European Union institutions with analysis and recommendations based on the opinions and experiences of local people in a range of countries and regions affected by fragility and violent conflict.
Find out more about the People's Peacemaking Perspectives project
