Dealing with the Past (2-day course in Basel)

Course Description

Finding a way to deal with a violent past in the aftermath of civil war, the end of an authoritarian regime or occupation, is argued by some to be the basis for lasting peace, democracy and the rule of law. This includes the identification of past human rights violations, the prosecution of perpetrators on a national or international level, the rehabilitation of victims, the establishment of truth commissions, reparation programs, guarantees of non-recurrence and commemoration. Course participants will critically reflect on such processes and assess their effects on society as a whole and on victims and perpetrators in particular.

In this course you will:

• understand different approaches to dealing with the past.
• get familiar with the most important notions, concepts and mechanisms relevant to transitional justice and dealing with the past (truth commissions, archives, reparation programs, guarantees of non-recurrence, etc.).
• learn how dealing with the past processes have been designed and implemented in different contexts.
• learn about the complexities, challenges and politics inherent in dealing with the past processes and the design of mechanisms and interventions.
• exchange experience and become part of a community of practice.

Course structure

The course consists of preparatory readings and a 2-day on-site training (Monday and Tuesday). The course schedule is 9h00-12h30 and 14h00-17h30 (may be subject to change).

The course is open to the public, but also part of the CAS Civilian Peacebuilding Essentials Program, a postgraduate program that is offered annually by swisspeace and the University of Basel and runs from September to August.

Course methodologies

Our faculty uses innovative teaching techniques to enhance participants' learning experience. These include:

• expert inputs and exchange with experienced international scholars and practitioners
• exercises in which participants apply the acquired tools in case studies and relate them to their own experiences
• peer exchange during which participants share best practices and develop strategies to face potential challenges in practice or research
• self-study in which participants deepen their knowledge on dealing with the past processes

Tuition Fee: CHF 1'100

For more information, visit our course website.

Apply by 15 October 2024 on our website.