Critical reflection on past events and understanding established facts are essential for protection against propaganda and fostering an informed public debate. This was one of the key conclusions of the first module of the Transitional Justice School, held in Kolašin from 6 to 9 March 2025, organized by the Centre for Civic education (CCE). The school is a part of the project “Education for the Future – Transitional Justice for Reconciliation”, implemented through the regional EU funded programme Support for Confidence Building in the Western Balkans, and carried out by UNDP.
During the four-day programme, participants aged between 18 to 35, from different parts of Montenegro, had the opportunity to learn about the concept and role of transitional justice in peacebuilding, dealing with the past in Montenegrin and the region, war crimes from the 1990s, the role of truth and reconciliation commission and international criminal justice, war crimes trials before Montenegrins courts, regional and international cooperation in war crimes prosecution, the psychology of violence, and pop culture in the 1990s. The school featured lectures, workshops, quiz and film screenings, followed by discussions, led are human rights activists rights, academics, historians, psychologists, filmmakers nd musicians. Additionally, a panel discussion “The Past in Your Hands Politics – Responsibility or Opportunism?” was held, featuring MPs Jasmin Ćorović from Bosniak parties and Nikola Zirojević from the SD/ European Alliance.
“It’s important to learn about these topics because past events still influence us today. Many politicians in the region (and beyond) attempt to misrepresent and misuse facts, why it is crucial for people to know what has been established in institutions as ICTY or similar bodies. This helps young people protect themselves from propaganda they are exposed to and to become better informed, so they can discuss these topics with arguments and understanding,” said dr Olga Kavran, founder and director of the NGO IUSTICOM, who spoke about international criminal justice as a key mechanism of transitional justice. She emphasized the necessity of a critical approach to court proceedings and verdicts, but also that clear and established facts should never be questioned. “This does not mean that international courts have never made mistakes, but it is important to discuss what has been determined and how – to ensure that unequivocal facts are not disputed while constructively criticizing areas that need improvement for the future development of international justice,” dr Kavran pointed out.
Lidija Vukčević, state prosecutor at the Supreme State Prosecutor’s Office, stressed the importance regional and international cooperation in prosecuting war crimes, both with countries in the region and with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). “For the prosecution to comprehensively investigate war crimes and prosecute perpetrators, this cooperation is essential. Victims, defendants, and material evidence are often located in different countries, due to the geographic scope of conflicts. Successful collaboration in gathering evidence is crucial for conducting quality criminal proceedings, ensuring that war crime perpetrators are held accountable and that victims receive justice,” Vukčević stated. She also emphasised the importance of educating young people so they can properly understand and engage with this sensitive topic.
“It is concerning that, in today’s world, we see a massive disinterest among young people in political and social issues – a kind of complacency fueled by social media entertainment, quick TikTok videos, and similar distractions. But then, when you see this group of young people, actively thinking and gathered around an initiative that focuses on raising awareness among younger generations, I believe this is the only real tool we have to combat the growing senselessness in society,” said psychologist Radoje Cerović, who held lecture on “The Psychology of Violence: How to Understand and Prevent It?“.
Participant Emir Pilav emphasized the importance of transitional justice and confronting the past for the recovery and progress of Montenegrin society, which is still deeply affected by the events of the 1990s. He also pointed out that this period remains a heavy burden for all citizens “I would particularly highlight the topic of war crimes trials in Montenegrin courts, as I believe this issue should once again be brought to public attention – both in terms of verdicts and in addressing certain shortcomings in prosecuting those responsible for crimes committed in the 1990s,” Pilav noted.
Participant Tamara Đurković shared that her personal experience with sociatal devisions inspired her to explore the 1990s in greater depth. “I come from Bar, a town where I never felt differences among people, but during my studies in Podgorica, I noticed divisions based on religion and nationality. This motivated me to research the 1990s further, first on my own and later through seminars. I learned about the CCE’s Transitional Justice School trough social media and, encouraged by positive feedback from past participants, I decided to apply. The organization and quest lecturers fully met expectations,” Đurković stated.
The second module of the Transitional Justice School will be organized in April through a study visit to crime scenes and memorial sites from the 1990s in Montenegro.
Maja Marinović, Programme Associate