Columbia University invites practitioners of Historical Dialogue and Accountability or those dealing with the Past from Central Eastern, Africa and Southeastern Europe, the Middle East and South and Southeast Asia to apply for this Fellowship. Historical dialogue and accountability is a growing field of advocacy and scholarship that encompasses the efforts in conflict, post-conflict, and post-dictatorial societies to come to terms with their pasts. In contesting nationalist myths and identities, in examining official historical narratives, and opening to competing narratives about past violence, historical dialogue promotes inclusivity of minorities that suffered in the past as well as with (former) enemies.
Advocates of historical dialogue work to:
- Collect and provide facts about the history of particular conflicts
- Provide analysis of past violence grounded in empirical research
- Acknowledge the victims of past violence and human rights abuses
- Challenge and deconstruct national or ethnic memories of heroism and/or victimhood
- Foster shared work between interlocutors of two or more sides of a conflict
- Identify and monitor how history is misused to divide society and perpetuate conflict
- Enhance public discussion about the past.
The Institute for the Study of Human Rights (ISHR) at Columbia University is incorporating an innovative program – the Fellowship for Historical Dialogue and Accountability. Practitioners of historical dialogue and accountability from conflict, post-conflict and post-dictatorial societies will have the opportunity to involve in training, project work, networking and academic study. The comprehensive program offers Fellows with the opportunity to sharpen practical skills in fundraising, advocacy and leadership, develop a deeper understanding of dealing with the past, and promote mutually beneficial relationships with their peers and with international and non-profit organizations in New York City. During the Fellowship participants will design a project which addresses a long standing sectarian conflict, history of repression or past gross human rights violations in their society, country or region.
Fellows will participate in one assigned graduate course about the politics of history and reconciliation, Fellowship workshops focusing on skill building, Fellows’ Projects, classes about concepts and methods of historical dialogue, meetings with international organizations and NGOs in New York City and public speaking opportunities as well as social activities with their peers.
Fellows are expected to design a project which addresses a long standing sectarian conflict, history of repression or past gross human rights violations in their society, country or region throughout the semester. The Project can be something that’s entirely innovative and in the planning phase; that is nearing completion; or that has existed for some time but is in need of revision.
Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate at least two years of work on projects relating to historical dialogue and accountability. The Fellowship is fully funded. Travel, visa and accommodation costs are fully covered. During the program Fellows will receive health insurance as well as a stipend to cover living expenses in New York City.
Deadline: April 15th, 2012.
For further application, visit the link.
