CBM welcomed students of the European Master’s Degree in Human Rights and Democratization

Community Building Mitrovica hosted a meeting with 23 students of the European Master’s Degree in Human Rights and Democratization and Vienna Master of Human Rights.

After a brief introduction from both parts, the topics tackled were: Human Rights, multi-ethnic projects, youth, women, media, division and politics. During her word CBMs director Aferdita Sylaj emphasized that there are many multi-ethnic projects that CBM implemented and  is implementing,  and some are registered as independent NGOs : Mitrovica Rock School, Women association for Human Rights, etc – while “Supportive business environment for women start-ups in North and South Mitrovicë/a” is project that is breaking patriarchal barriers.

Various questions were raised from students’ during the discussion: Is situation still violent? How can division be solved? Is there possibility to be solved from the bottom up? Educational system is it divided or not? How do the agreements between Kosovo and Serbia influence everyday life in this fragile region?! How do you reach people that you bring in your activities? What strategies you use while discussing sensitive topics?

CBMs Director by answering these questions emphasized that politics has its own influence and sometimes may cause tensions regarding the ethnic division; there are also many obstacles in educational system: in Kosovo we have Kosovo educational system and Serbian educational system; regarding bringing people together Mrs.Sylaj said that it is easier to reach women and youth comparing with institutions, who are the hardest party to attain. While discussing for sensitive topics CBM makes preparations on the best way when it comes to approaching these fragile topics for both parts and even though there are arguments from both sides situation is well managed and there are no incidents or no hard feelings included.