Switzerland: Dealing with the Past: Theory & Practice Course

Course Topic

Finding a way to deal with a violent past following events such as civil war, the end of an authoritarian regime or occupation, is often argued to be the basis for lasting peace, democracy and rule of law. International advocacy networks, norms and legal frameworks support national and local actors in the design of mechanisms and processes like truth commissions, tribunals or commemorations. The ways in which these different actors interact shape, among other factors, whether a particular dealing with the past process succeeds in being locally relevant and effective. This course focuses on the potentials and challenges of designing and implementing a dealing with the past process, and the ways in which actors can work together to ensure effective policy decision-making. Topics include:

– ‘Local’ approaches to dealing with the past

– ‘International’ norms and frameworks

– State and nation-building

– Social transformation

– Impact assessment

Target Audience

This course is designed for practitioners and academics interested in bridging their own experiences with current conceptual insights and practical knowledge on dealing with the past.

A minimum of two years of professional experience in relevant fields and a university degree (minimum BA) or an equivalent educational background are required.

The course will be held with a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 25 participants.

Application & Fees

Tuition fee: 2'800 CHF
Discounted tuition fee*: 2'600 CHF

Travel, food and accommodation costs are not included in the fee and must be covered by the participants.
* A limited number of discounted tuition fees are available for: self-payers with limited financial resources, small institutions with limited financial resources, members of the swisspeace Support Association. Granting of discounted tuition fees is decided by the Course Directorate on a case-by-case basis.
A limited number of scholarships are available.
Please indicate in the online application form if you are applying for the discounted tuition fee or a scholarship and upload a letter outlining your reasoning to do so.

Deadline for registration: 29 February
Notification of admission: 15 March
Deadline for payment: 31 March

If a candidate is accepted on the course, s/he will receive an invoice from swisspeace in due time. Any person who fails to make the payment in the timeframe given will forfeit their place on the course. Upon request, the amount due may be remitted in two installments. (Please contact us for more information.) Terms and Conditions.

Apply now.

Contact: Please visitacademy.swisspeace.ch or contactacademy@swisspeace.ch for more information.