Applying restorative approaches in intercultural settings in Serbia: Theoretical departures and methodological approach of the VDS’ action research in three multiethnic communities

During 2014 and 2015 within the EU funded FP7 research project ALTERNATIVE, the Victimology Society of Serbia implemented an action research with the aim to test the applicability of the ‘Third way’ model in multi-ethnic communities in Serbia, more directly affected by the wars in the former Yugoslavia, and to further up-grade it, both theoretically and practically. Additionally, the action research aimed at coming to the ideas about possible future steps, and developing a tool (practical guide/manual) for applying restorative approaches in intercultural settings in Serbia. The action research consisted of two parts: the participatory seminars titled From the conflict toward the peaceful life in the community, which were implemented in three multi-ethnic communities in Serbia (Medveđa, Prijepolje and Bačka Palanka), and developing the Manual on best practices of applying restorative justice approaches in intercultural settings that should serve for raising awareness and education on restorative approaches in conflict transformation. The aim of the article is to present main theoretical departures and methodological approach of the action research, with a particular focus on the seminars, as well as main conclusions and lessons learned in regard applicability of restorative approaches in the multiethnic communities in Serbia. [The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7-SEC-2011-1) under grant agreement n°285368