Psychosocial Healing and Post-Conflict Social Reconstruction in the Former Yugoslavia

Abstract

Post-conflict reconstruction encompasses social, physical and political reconstruction. Social reconstruction entails rebuilding the human interactions that allow a society to function. This involves the healing of psychological and social wounds of individuals and society. Psychosocial healing is a process to promote psychological and social health of individuals, families and community groups. The Medical Network for Social Reconstruction in the Former Yugoslavia has pioneered a broad range of psychosocial healing programmes including community-integration programmes, development of volunteer action, and training of professional and lay people to take part in psychosocial healing. These programmes have demonstrated that psychosocial healing can be an effective way to heal post-conflict societal trauma and contribute to rebuilding society with an improved quality of life.

Keywords:

• Community integration
• Psychosocial healing
• Social reconstruction
• Trauma
• Volunteer action
• Yugoslavia

Notes

Paula Gutlove is director of the International Conflict Management Programme at the Institute for Resource and Security Studies (IRSS) and founded the internationally known Health Bridges for Peace project.

Gordon Thompson is the executive director of IRSS. He has more than 25 years of experience in technical and policy analysis on security issues. His interests encompass human security, national security and international security. They have jointly written numerous articles, studies and reports on issues at the intersection of social reconstruction, health care, conflict management and human security.

The Institute for Resource and Security Studies is an independent, non-profit corporation, founded in 1984 to promote international security and sustainable use of natural resources. Its projects range from detailed technical studies to preparing educational materials accessible to the public. Its International Conflict Management Programme seeks to improve communication, build understanding, promote co-operation, and develop new models for sustainable community reconstruction and reconciliation. The Health Bridges for Peace project develops medical networks for social reconstruction and human security in regions that have suffered violent conflict and war, including the Balkans, the North Caucasus, and the Middle East.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Paula Gutlove

Paula Gutlove is director of the International Conflict Management Programme at the Institute for Resource and Security Studies (IRSS) and founded the internationally known Health Bridges for Peace project. Gordon Thompson is the executive director of IRSS. He has more than 25 years of experience in technical and policy analysis on security issues. His interests encompass human security, national security and international security. They have jointly written numerous articles, studies and reports on issues at the intersection of social reconstruction, health care, conflict management and human security. The Institute for Resource and Security Studies is an independent, non-profit corporation, founded in 1984 to promote international security and sustainable use of natural resources. Its projects range from detailed technical studies to preparing educational materials accessible to the public. Its International Conflict Management Programme seeks to improve communication, build understanding, promote co-operation, and develop new models for sustainable community reconstruction and reconciliation. The Health Bridges for Peace project develops medical networks for social reconstruction and human security in regions that have suffered violent conflict and war, including the Balkans, the North Caucasus, and the Middle East.