The 5th Seminar of the School of Politics - Transitional Justice and Peacebuilding

October 2025

The Prishtina Institute for Political Studies (PIPS) successfully concluded this year’s Transitional Justice and Peacebuilding Seminar, held as part of the School of Politics Program. Over three days, participants explored the theoretical foundations, practical mechanisms, and regional experiences of transitional justice, while reflecting on the importance of addressing the past to build sustainable peace in Kosovo and the Western Balkans.

The seminar began with an introduction to the core concepts and mechanisms of transitional justice, focusing on truth-seeking, accountability, reparations, and institutional reform. In the first session, Mr. Besart Lumi led an engaging lecture titled “Understanding Transitional Justice: Exploring its Mechanisms for Peace and Reconciliation.” His session provided a comprehensive overview of how post-conflict societies can navigate complex legacies of violence and injustice while fostering reconciliation and coexistence.

The second day deepened this understanding through a series of interactive discussions and case-based learning. The morning session, “History, Memory, and Dealing with the Past,” examined the historical roots of the conflict in Kosovo, offering a chronology of events and an analysis of the social and political dynamics that shaped the parallel structures and systematic discrimination of the 1990s.

Later, Mr. Bekim Blakaj led a session on “Navigating Justice and Reconciliation,” where participants explored practical aspects of documentation, memorialization, and legal accountability. This was followed by Mr. Korab Krasniqi, who emphasized the importance of preserving collective memory through public art, exhibitions, and monuments, as well as the ongoing challenges in memorializing victims of war crimes.

The day concluded with a powerful discussion led by Ms. Anna Di Lellio and Ms. Garentina Kraja on their recently published book, “The Strongest Link: An Oral History of Conflict-Related Rape Survivors in Kosovo.” The session shed light on the silence and stigma surrounding survivors of wartime sexual violence and explored the intergenerational impact of trauma that continues to affect communities more than two decades later.

The third and final day, held on October 19th, featured two thought-provoking sessions. Ms. Serbeze Haxhiaj discussed the challenges and best practices in reporting sensitive issues, emphasizing balanced journalism and victim-centered storytelling when addressing topics related to conflict and justice. In the closing session, Dr. Nataša Kandić provided a regional perspective on transitional justice in the post-Yugoslav space, focusing on the work of the RECOM Reconciliation Network. Her session examined ongoing efforts to establish a regional, fact-based truth-telling process about the crimes and human rights violations committed during the 1990s conflicts.

With Dr. Kandić’s session, the seminar came to a close — wrapping up three days of intensive dialogue, reflection, and exchange of ideas among emerging political leaders, practitioners, and scholars.

PIPS extends its sincere gratitude to all lecturers and participants for their contribution, energy, and commitment throughout the seminar.

This activity was made possible with the assistance of the regional project “EU Support to Confidence Building in the Western Balkans,” funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).