Since the dissemination of SFRY in the beginning of the ’90, in Western Balkan countries which were part of this federation starts new era where ethno-nationalism raises up and becomes a tool of member countries who ask for independence, these requests don’t find reply in peaceful way, the countries end up in inner war. It started with war in Slovenia, followed by Croatia, BiH to Kosovo and end up with inner war in Macedonia.
The populations of these countries/states were quite diverse by the ethnic and religious background which was a factor of huge disagreements, but in this context one enormous role played the lack of equal job opportunities, common welfare for citizens no matter their ethnic or religious background and lack of human rights, application of one standard for all citizens.
The wars in Balkan have influenced to make division between nations and certain religious communities living in this region, the result of these wars were a loose of people life, enormous material damages (destroyed households, cultural objects, factories etc.)
The end of wars in Balkan, did not result with the end of conflicts and divisions among populations, the barriers and hate speech based on ethnic and religious identities were reinforced even though not every Serbian citizen, Albanian, Croatian or Bosnian was agreeing and supporting the attacks done against each other. These divisions were not only against those who really have been involved in crime actions but were highlighted in level of nationalism boarders.
Since the 1999 until nowadays, we as society, entire Balkan has a yet long way to do in real Peace and Reconciliation, among people by dealing with the past through giving the answer in questions which has not been yet resolved, like missing persons, return in place of origin. Nonviolent environment and contribution on initiating Reconciliation Process in various approaches, distinguish levels has been assured and supported mainly by international factor. The real non artificial Reconciliation and Peace among peoples in Balkan can be achieved, it is not a dream but requires huge engagements, efforts and readiness by native peoples of all ethnic and religious groups, beyond the politics and politicians will. That it is worthy working proof are regional initiatives with purpose of educating and making aware us new generations of these peoples, representatives of our ethnics’ and religious communities. The decision on the how youths want to live today and tomorrow is in our hand, it’s up to us, but it is need of efforts, synergies and proper education to take the right path.
One sincere purpose, with equal rights, consideration and respect toward commitment on Reconciliation in Balkan, I felt in Youth Reconciliation Ambassadors Program, where number of 20 participants attitude and will for Reconciliations I strongly believe that represents attitudes hundred, thousand peers outside the program, who are open in heart and mind to respect and accept each other if the flow of this program, non formal education touches them too, and doesn’t let them to be abandoned in the mercy of destiny with potential of building walls between people who differ from them by ethnic or religious background. In this way by the fear of the not knowing the other it will be easier to hate as a self-protection.
