Open Call: 6th Generation of the Transitional Justice School (Montenegro)

The Transitional Justice School offers a multi-module training programme for young people in Montenegro to develop knowledge and practical understanding of transitional justice, war crimes, dealing with the past, and remembrance culture. Students, activists, journalists, researchers, and young professionals aged 18–35 can participate, with all programme, study-visit, and accommodation costs covered by CCE.

What Is the Transitional Justice School?

The Transitional Justice School is an educational programme designed to help young people in Montenegro better understand the country’s recent past and the broader processes involved in transitional justice and reconciliation.

The programme addresses gaps in formal education by providing participants with knowledge and practical perspectives on war crimes, remembrance, dealing with the past, and related social and political issues.

Participants will learn from experts and take part in interactive discussions, study visits, and institutional activities.

What Does the Programme Cover?

The training focuses on several interconnected topics, including:

• Transitional justice.
• War crimes.
• Dealing with the past.
• Remembrance culture.
• Historical memory.
• Reconciliation.
• The role of civil society.
• The role of media in addressing the past.
• Institutional responses to war crimes.
• Regional perspectives on transitional justice.

The programme combines theoretical learning with practical visits to places and institutions connected with these issues.

Programme Structure

The Transitional Justice School consists of three modules.

Module 1: Theoretical and Interactive Training

The first module is a four-day training programme in southern Montenegro.

Participants will take part in lectures, discussions, interactive sessions, and other educational activities led by national and regional experts.

Module 2: Study Visit

The second module consists of a two-day study visit to northern Montenegro.

Participants will visit:

• Sites connected with war crimes.
• Places of remembrance.
• Locations relevant to understanding Montenegro’s past.

The study visit allows participants to connect the theoretical knowledge gained during the first module with real places and historical experiences.

Module 3: Institutional Visits and Completion Ceremony

The final module includes visits to relevant institutions dealing with transitional justice and related issues.

The programme will conclude with an award ceremony for participants who successfully complete all three modules.

Who Is Eligible?

The programme is open to young people who:

• Are 18 to 35 years old.
• Are from Montenegro.
• Have an interest in transitional justice and dealing with the past.
• Are able to participate in all three programme modules.

Eligible professional and educational backgrounds include:

• Students.
• Activists.
• Journalists.
• Researchers.
• Young professionals.

Participation Requirements

Participants must be prepared to attend all three modules.

Completion of the entire programme requires participation in:

1. The four-day theoretical and interactive training.
2. The two-day study visit.
3. The final institutional and programme module.

Applicants should therefore ensure that they can commit to the complete programme schedule before applying.

Who Will Lead the Training?

The sessions will be delivered by national and regional experts with experience in areas such as:

• Academia.
• Civil society.
• International organisations.
• Journalism and media.
• Transitional justice.
• Historical research and remembrance.

This multidisciplinary approach gives participants different perspectives on how societies address difficult and contested aspects of their past.

Costs Covered

CCE will cover all costs associated with participation in the Transitional Justice School.

Support includes:

• Training costs.
• Study-visit costs.
• Accommodation.

This allows selected participants to take part in the full programme without having to cover the main programme-related expenses themselves.

Why It Matters

Understanding transitional justice is important for young people living in societies affected by conflict and difficult historical legacies.

The programme helps participants develop the knowledge needed to:

• Understand war crimes and their consequences.
• Examine how societies deal with difficult pasts.
• Understand the importance of remembrance.
• Engage in informed discussions about historical events.
• Explore the role of institutions and civil society.
• Recognise the importance of reconciliation and social dialogue.
• Contribute to more informed public conversations.

For journalists, researchers, activists, and young professionals, the programme can also provide useful knowledge for future work involving human rights, public policy, media, education, or civil society.

How the Programme Works

Step 1: Submit an Application

Eligible young people from Montenegro should apply for participation in the Transitional Justice School.

Step 2: Selection of Participants

Applicants will be selected based on the programme’s eligibility requirements and their interest in transitional justice and related subjects.

Step 3: Attend the First Module

Selected participants begin with the four-day theoretical and interactive training in southern Montenegro.

Step 4: Participate in the Study Visit

Participants then take part in a two-day visit to sites of war crimes and remembrance in northern Montenegro.

Step 5: Complete the Final Module

The final stage includes institutional visits and the programme’s completion activities.

Step 6: Receive Recognition

Participants who complete all three modules will be recognised during the programme’s award ceremony.

Tips for Applicants

Applicants can strengthen their applications by:

• Clearly explaining their interest in transitional justice.
• Connecting their academic, professional, or community activities to the programme.
• Showing an interest in understanding Montenegro’s past.
• Demonstrating willingness to engage respectfully with complex and sensitive topics.
• Confirming their availability for all three modules.
• Explaining how the knowledge gained could contribute to their future work or community involvement.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Applying without confirming their age eligibility.
• Failing to demonstrate an interest in transitional justice or related issues.
• Assuming attendance at only one module is sufficient.
• Overlooking the requirement to participate in all three modules.
• Providing vague information about their motivation.
• Failing to consider the sensitive nature of discussions surrounding war crimes and remembrance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Transitional Justice School?

The Transitional Justice School is a multi-module educational programme for young people in Montenegro focusing on transitional justice, war crimes, dealing with the past, and remembrance culture.

Who can participate?

Students, activists, journalists, researchers, and young professionals from Montenegro aged 18–35 are eligible to apply.

How many modules are included?

The programme consists of three modules: a four-day training, a two-day study visit, and a final module involving institutional visits and an award ceremony.

Are programme costs covered?

Yes. CCE covers the costs of the School programme, study visits, and accommodation for participants.

Where does the training take place?

The first module takes place in southern Montenegro, while the second module includes a study visit to northern Montenegro. The final module includes visits to relevant institutions.

Do participants have to attend all three modules?

Yes. Participation in all three modules is required to complete the programme.

Who teaches the programme?

Training sessions are led by national and regional experts from academia, civil society, international organisations, and the media.

Conclusion

The Transitional Justice School provides young people in Montenegro with an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of war crimes, transitional justice, remembrance culture, and dealing with the past. Through theoretical training, study visits, expert discussions, and institutional engagement, participants can connect academic knowledge with real-world experiences.

With training, study visits, and accommodation costs covered by CCE, the programme offers an accessible learning opportunity for students, activists, journalists, researchers, and young professionals aged 18–35. Applicants should be prepared to participate fully in all three modules and demonstrate a genuine interest in understanding the past and contributing to informed dialogue about transitional justice and reconciliation.