The ICTY Outreach documentary on the role and motivation of witnesses, Through Their Eyes – Witnesses to Justice, was shown to students of a summer school with a focus on “Working through Trauma” in Amsterdam today. Co-organised by Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Universität Hamburg, the summer school brings together researchers and students for five days of discussion on topics ranging from individual traumatic experiences to collective responses to trauma.
One of the film’s producers, Petar Finci, offered students an overview of the establishment of the ICTY and the important role of victims and witnesses in its work. The screening prompted a lively discussion, with the students interested in topics ranging from the Tribunal’s role in creating a narrative of the conflict in the former Yugoslavia, to its influence on public opinion and reconciliation in the region. Several students highlighted the importance of the younger generations having access to information about the Tribunal and its work.
Prof. Dr. Fernando Enns, one of the organisers of the summer school, welcomed the opportunity for students to engage with representative of the Tribunal to discuss its role and achievements.