Strengthening reconciliation and non-recurrence through the empowerment of diverse communities in the Western Balkans (RECONCILE)

Posted on
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo
February 2025 – February 2027

BIRN Hub

Summary

The project aims to strengthen transitional justice in the Western Balkans, with a focus on Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and Kosovo, through targeted media interventions and the archiving, digitalisation, and documentation of relevant materials.

It seeks to promote reconciliation by making archives accessible to the public, supporting civil society actors through research grants, fostering fact-based journalism via specialised training, encouraging youth engagement in reconciliation processes, and producing inclusive journalistic content that advances empathy and social cohesion. 

Donor

European Commission – European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA)

Main Objectives

The main objective of the project is to enhance the effectiveness of transitional justice mechanisms in the Western Balkans, particularly in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and Kosovo. This will be achieved through targeted media production using archives and capacity-building interventions. The aim is to encourage reconciliation, support justice processes, and engage various stakeholders in the post-conflict healing efforts.

Specific Objectives

  • Equip journalists with the skills and knowledge for accurate, impartial, and sensitive reporting on war crimes.
  • Improve access to and use of archives and information relevant to transitional justice and human rights.
  • Engage and educate young people on issues of justice, human rights, and accountability.
  • Promote equality, diversity, and non-discrimination in media coverage and reporting practices.

Target groups

The project foresees the inclusion of young people, journalists, civil society actors, researchers, artists and historians in the promotion of equal rights, local and regional community engagement, supporting youth and marginalised groups, and to combat all forms of intolerance.

Main Implementer

Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN Hub)

Partners

BIRN Kosovo