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NSI in Media

Fields of work

Normalization of relations/dialogue

NSI contributes to normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina

Beograd – Pristina; Photo: EPA / Valdrin Xhemaj

NSI facilitates open exchange on the Brussels dialogue and normalization process among opinion-makers from civil society from Kosovo and Serbia. Moreover, NSI provides evidence-based independent analyses and recommendations for decision-makers involved in the process.

Key Assumptions:

–   There is a need for fostering a regular in-depth dialogue between civil society actors engaged in the normalization of relations from both sides, so to be able to propose improvements to the Track I dialogue among the officials based on an in-depth understanding of internal political dynamics and sentiments on both sides and NSI is well-positioned to facilitate such dialogue.

–    NSI will represent and include diverse representatives of the Kosovo Serbs community in the dialogue between civil society actors from different sides, which will add important voices and perspectives to the process.

–   NSI is capable of delivering high quality analysis using the evidence collected through qualitative and quantitative research, and producing recommendations for which NSI is able to advocate with decision makers.

To see the projects we are implementing or have implemented in the area of Normalization of relations/Dialogue, see our Reference List.

Normalization of relations/dialogue

NSI contributes to normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina

Beograd – Pristina; Photo: EPA / Valdrin Xhemaj

NSI facilitates open exchange on the Brussels dialogue and normalization process among opinion-makers from civil society from Kosovo and Serbia. Moreover, NSI provides evidence-based independent analyses and recommendations for decision-makers involved in the process.

Key Assumptions:

–   There is a need for fostering a regular in-depth dialogue between civil society actors engaged in the normalization of relations from both sides, so to be able to propose improvements to the Track I dialogue among the officials based on an in-depth understanding of internal political dynamics and sentiments on both sides and NSI is well-positioned to facilitate such dialogue.

–    NSI will represent and include diverse representatives of the Kosovo Serbs community in the dialogue between civil society actors from different sides, which will add important voices and perspectives to the process.

–   NSI is capable of delivering high quality analysis using the evidence collected through qualitative and quantitative research, and producing recommendations for which NSI is able to advocate with decision makers.

To see the projects we are implementing or have implemented in the area of Normalization of relations/Dialogue, see our Reference List.

Trustbuilding and Dealing with the Past

New Social Initiative supports different approaches to Trustbuilding and Dealing with the Past initiatives among communities

NSI intents to achieve several outcomes in order to meet this goal:

– NSI will be the channel of positive stories on inter-ethnic relations and reaching wider public by offering the innovative communication tools for visual and public affairs influencers (YouTubers, Instagramers, TikTokers, Journalists, Professionals and CSOs);

– NSI will be the convener and facilitator for structured exchange of attitudes and opinions, thus supporting trust building and collaboration among CSOs speaking on behalf of different ethnic groups in Kosovo;

– NSI will harvest and spread counter-narratives and positive stories, thus creating space for exchange and dialogue by partnering with media and digital outlets across Kosovo.

Key Assumptions:

–   New innovative solutions for trust building will resonate better with citizens, especially youth, and the positive frame of the inter-ethnic relations could disrupt diminish the strength and malign influence of the negative narratives they were socialized in;

Photo: Emerging Europej

–  “Pockets of Freedom” or forums, which remove the publicity constraints, will strengthen the bonds between CSOs from different communities, thus increasing the trust between them and allowing them to establish stronger coalitions on crucial societal topics, especially those related to the inclusion of the non-majority communities;

–  Engaging different audiences with opposite narratives on the same topic will soften the rooted stereotypes about the “other” communities and address the grievances from the past, and will fertilize the ground for trust building.

To see the projects we are implementing or have implemented in the area of DwP/trust-building, see our Reference List.

Trustbuilding and Dealing with the Past

New Social Initiative supports different approaches to Trustbuilding and Dealing with the Past initiatives among communities

Photo: Emerging Europej

NSI intents to achieve several outcomes in order to meet this goal:

– NSI will be the channel of positive stories on inter-ethnic relations and reaching wider public by offering the innovative communication tools for visual and public affairs influencers (YouTubers, Instagramers, TikTokers, Journalists, Professionals and CSOs);

– NSI will be the convener and facilitator for structured exchange of attitudes and opinions, thus supporting trust building and collaboration among CSOs speaking on behalf of different ethnic groups in Kosovo;

– NSI will harvest and spread counter-narratives and positive stories, thus creating space for exchange and dialogue by partnering with media and digital outlets across Kosovo.

Key Assumptions:

–   New innovative solutions for trust building will resonate better with citizens, especially youth, and the positive frame of the inter-ethnic relations could disrupt diminish the strength and malign influence of the negative narratives they were socialized in;

–  “Pockets of Freedom” or forums, which remove the publicity constraints, will strengthen the bonds between CSOs from different communities, thus increasing the trust between them and allowing them to establish stronger coalitions on crucial societal topics, especially those related to the inclusion of the non-majority communities;

–  Engaging different audiences with opposite narratives on the same topic will soften the rooted stereotypes about the “other” communities and address the grievances from the past, and will fertilize the ground for trust building.

To see the projects we are implementing or have implemented in the area of DwP/trust-building, see our Reference List.

Citizen participation

NSI is working on increasing non-majority participation in decision making processes for the purpose of getting better services and making institutions more accountable

Source: NSI photo archive

NSI works to achieve this goal on both supply and demand side of the citizen participation: 1) on the demand side, the outcomes of our engagement are the benefits that citizens have by utilizing the mechanisms of citizens’ participation, and 2) the creation of low profile community spaces which will support resonant voices; 3) on the supply side, the outcomes of our activities will be established and improved participation mechanisms in the institutions (in mostly Kosovo Serb majority municipalities).

Key Assumptions:

–    The increased demand for the better services will boost the efficiency of the institutions and increase their accountability;

–    Resonant voices are reluctant to speak out because of the non-pluralistic nature of the political arena of the Kosovo Serb community, but their participation in closed group discussions will encourage them to speak up in the future and preserve social capital required for any collective action;

–   Kosovo Serb majority municipalities will be open for cooperation on non-controversial issues, and will accept the citizen participation mechanisms.

To see the projects we are implementing or have implemented in the area of Citizen Participation, see our Reference List.

Citizen participation

NSI is working on increasing non-majority participation in decision making processes for the purpose of getting better services and making institutions more accountable

Source: NSI photo archive

NSI works to achieve this goal on both supply and demand side of the citizen participation: 1) on the demand side, the outcomes of our engagement are the benefits that citizens have by utilizing the mechanisms of citizens’ participation, and 2) the creation of low profile community spaces which will support resonant voices; 3) on the supply side, the outcomes of our activities will be established and improved participation mechanisms in the institutions (in mostly Kosovo Serb majority municipalities).

Key Assumptions:

–    The increased demand for the better services will boost the efficiency of the institutions and increase their accountability;

–    Resonant voices are reluctant to speak out because of the non-pluralistic nature of the political arena of the Kosovo Serb community, but their participation in closed group discussions will encourage them to speak up in the future and preserve social capital required for any collective action;

–   Kosovo Serb majority municipalities will be open for cooperation on non-controversial issues, and will accept the citizen participation mechanisms.

To see the projects we are implementing or have implemented in the area of Citizen Participation, see our Reference List.

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Uncategorized
15/09/2023

The Serbia-Kosovo conflict represents one of the most intractable and complex geopolitical issues in the Balkans. Rooted in historical grievances, ethnic tensions, and territorial disputes, this protracted conflict has seen numerous attempts at resolution, including international mediation efforts. However, the role of media in shaping public opinion and influencing the political discourse in both Serbia and Kosovo has often been overlooked but is of paramount importance in understanding the dynamics of this conflict.

Media, as a powerful tool of information dissemination, plays a crucial role in constructing narratives and influencing public perception. In the context of the Serbia-Kosovo conflict, media framing can significantly impact how people in each country perceive the “other,” the negotiation process, and the prospects for peace. Different media outlets may employ diverse framing techniques, ranging from responsible reporting to sensationalism and biased representation, which can either contribute to constructive dialogue or exacerbate hostilities between the two nations.

This policy paper aims to delve into the intricacies of media framing in the context of the Serbia-Kosovo conflict, focusing on the media discourse in the Serbian and Kosovo media. By identifying and analyzing four key thematic areas, 1. Exacerbation of Tensions, 2. Weakening Confidence in the Normalization Dialogue, 3. Balancing and Inclusion of Viewpoints, and 4. Portrayal of the EU and Negotiators, this study seeks to shed light on how media framing contributes to shaping public opinion and influencing the political landscape in both countries.

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Uncategorized
15/09/2023

The Declaration of Missing Persons, adopted within the framework of the Brussels Dialogue, represents a significant step towards addressing the long-standing issue of missing persons in the post-conflict societies of Kosovo and Serbia. However, the implementation of this declaration holds several challenges that must be justly addressed to ensure the overall success of the legal implementation of the document. This policy paper examines the key challenges that hinder the performance of the Declaration of Missing Persons and provides recommendations to overcome these obstacles, by presenting diverse narratives from each party included in the Brussels Dialogue process and those highly familiar with it.

The paper begins by providing an overview of the Brussels Dialogue and the importance of the Declaration of Missing Persons in facilitating the process of accounting for missing persons in Kosovan and Serbian areas of the 98-99’ conflict. It highlights the fundamental principles enshrined in the declaration, including the main principles of transitional justice, which serve as the guiding framework for its implementation.

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Policy briefs
15/09/2023

This policy paper aims to outline a comprehensive approach towards achieving the full implementation of the ‘Implementation Annex to the Agreement on the Path to Normalisation of Relations between Kosovo and Serbia’. The paper analyzes the current challenges and provides strategic recommendations to address them effectively. It emphasizes the importance of sustained political will, regional cooperation, and international support as key factors for successful implementation. By promoting dialogue, fostering trust, and ensuring compliance, this paper seeks to contribute to permanent settlement of relations between Serbia and Kosovo.

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Uncategorized
15/09/2023

This policy brief explores the role that youth organizations can play in fostering much-needed cooperation between the youth of Kosovo and the youth of Serbia – as critical, albeit underutilized actors, in building bridges towards reconciliation. The two countries share a history of conflict and tension, with inter-ethnic relations being still fragile, despite marked progress. Acknowledging the remarkable potential of youth as the driving force behind transformative change, this brief presents a comprehensive approach to empowering youth organizations to become initiators of peace, understanding, trust-building – and ultimately reconciliation between the formerly warring countries. Through meaningful and constructive engagement, this brief describes how these organizations can create a solid foundation for a more peaceful and prosperous future in the Western Balkans. This policy brief also highlights the need to empower youth organizations in Kosovo and Serbia, recognizing their potential to serve as catalysts for reconciliation and cooperation. Ultimately, this brief advocate to provide youth organizations with tangible support, including financial resources, capacity building programs and technical assistance. By strengthening youth skills in conflict resolution, peace building, intercultural communication and leadership, youth organizations in Kosovo and in Serbia can effectively engage their communities while initiating constructive dialogue and paving the way towards peaceful co-exitance.

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Publications
07/08/2023

The Western Balkans still grapple with the aftermath of the wars that took place between 1990 and 2001. While the war-affected countries have developed economically and in terms of institution building and overall stability, the legacy of the conflicts has not been dealt with effectively and still impacts and shapes social relations between different ethnic groups. These underlying social tensions are entrenched in the social fabric of the Western Balkans and are a key factor in regional politics. As such, although the Western Balkans have moved on from the period of violence, they have not yet transformed into peaceful societies. Alongside good governance and economic development, the transformation of these countries into democratic and peaceful societies is an important element in realising their aspiration to become members of the European Union (EU). The explicit aim of the EU’s enlargement policy for the Western Balkans is to firmly anchor peace by restoring trust among citizens and societies, facilitate reconciliation and good neighbourly relations, and ensure lasting stability

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Uncategorized
28/07/2023

One of the key outcomes of the Strengthening Inclusive Victims’ Voices (SIVV) project was the production of joint sets of locally grounded transitional justice (TJ) principles meaningful to victim groups in North Macedonia, Serbia and Kosovo, as well as at the regional level.

The primary aim was the establishment of victim-centered and practical TJ principles at the national and regional levels in the West Balkans that are relevant to the daily lives of victims.

This project is a joint initiative implemented in Kosovo, Serbia and North Macedonia, by PAX Peace Movement, International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ), Integra, New Social Initiative (NSI), Citizen Initiatives (CI), and Action for Peace (PA), supported by the European Union.

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Uncategorized
21/07/2023

One of the key outcomes of the Strengthening Inclusive Victims’ Voices (SIVV) project was the production of joint sets of locally grounded transitional justice (TJ) principles meaningful to victim groups in North Macedonia, Serbia and Kosovo, as well as at the regional level.

The primary aim was the establishment of victim-centered and practical TJ principles at the national and regional levels in the West Balkans that are relevant to the daily lives of victims. The specific objectives of the principles are set out in detail in the preamble

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Uncategorized
18/05/2023

All Our Tears flow through four different lenses and write painful stories of our recent past. This unique exhibition is dedicated to the stories of victims of wars in the Western Balkan region. The goal of the installation is to acquaint the general public with the stories and make a plea for support for the victims and other affected groups in the region in their pursuit of truth and justice.

The exhibition consists of 34 original photographs, taken by four photographers in various places in Serbia, Kosovo and North Macedonia. The photographers did not know other yet managed to create a universal story with their photographs and unite the painful memories of ordinary persons and their suffering.

The exhibition All Our Tears aims to advance mutual understanding at the collective and individual level in order to increase social development and cohesion.

Organized by Civic Initiatives, Peace Action, Integra and New Social Initiative, with the support of PAX and ICTJ, this regional exhibition traveled from Belgrade to Skopje and Prishtina, during 2022

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Uncategorized
10/05/2023

This document presents the annual CSO report on the human rights situation in Kosovo for the year 2022. The report is produced jointly by civil society organizations (CSOs) working in a diverse number of areas relevant to human rights. This report aims to serve as an independent tool to assess the overall human rights situation in Kosovo, thus lling in an existing gap in joint reporting on human rights in Kosovo at the local and international levels, in addition to enhancing cooperation and coordination between CSOs.

The following 37 CSOs contributed to this report:

Activism Roots, Advancing Together (AT), Artpolis, Balkan Sunflowes Kosovo (BSFK), BIRN Kosova, Centre for Equality and Liberty (CEL), Civil
Rights Program Kosovo (CRP/K), Center for Legal Aid and Regional Development (CLARD), Coalition of CSOs for the Protection of Children in Kosovo (KOMF), Democracy for Development (D4D), FOL Movement, Group for Legal and Political Studies (GLPS), Association of Paraplegics and Paralyzed Children of Kosovo (Handikos), Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS), Kosovar Gender Studies Center (KGSC), Kosova Rehabilitation Center for Torture Victims (KRCT), Kosovar Civil Society Foundation (KCSF), Kosovo Law Institute (KLI), Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), Kosovo Women for Women (KW4W), Kosovo Young Lawyers (KYL), Missing Persons Resource Center (MPRC), Network of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian Women’s Organizations of Kosovo (RROGRAEK), Nevo Koncepti, New Social Initiative (NSI), NGO Aktiv, Partners Kosova, Roma in Action (RIA), Reconciliation Empowering Communities (REC), Roma Versitas Kosovo (RVK), Save the Children Kosovo, Syri i Vizionit, Terre des Hommes Kosovo, Voice of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptians (VoRAE), Vullnetaret e Qytetit (VEQ), Youth Assembly of Ferizaj (YAF), Youth Initiative for Human Rights – Kosovo (YIHR KS), YMCA Kosovo.