Finding a way of dealing with the past is a great challenge in (post-) conflict societies as this issue can reignite old conflicts or create new ones. In many countries, civil society and journalists focus their work on dealing with the past, searching for the truth, and developing cultures of remembrance.
Opportunities for international exchange are very limited while the need for a transfer of knowledge on successful methods and the scientific discourse on the subject is immense. The multilateral and interdisciplinary Fellowship for Historical Dialogue and Accountability enables a comparative exchange on ways of dealing with the past in various (post-) conflict societies. The fellows have the opportunity to continue their studies during the fall semester at Columbia University in the city of New York, broaden their international network, conduct interdisciplinary research and develop a project to be implemented in their home country.
With support from the Robert Bosch Stiftung and other donors, the Fellowship for Historical Dialogue and Accountability was established in 2012 at the Institute for the Study of Human Rights at Columbia University under the leadership of the Academic Director, Professor Elazar Barkan.