Frequently Asked Questions
What is CSSP?
CSSP is a Berlin-based conflict resolution organization which was established out of lessons learned of the International Mediator Prof. Dr. Schwarz-Schilling in Bosnia. In 2004 CSSP started as a three year pilot project to work in the areas of Bosnia, Kosovo and Macedonia promoting the use of mediation to find local solutions to local problems. Since then the team founded the CSSP e.V. as a non-profit, non-partisan NGO promoting interethnic mediation and dialogue in conflict areas.
Where do we work?
CSSP's main areas of activities are Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia (FYROM) and Serbia. When the needs arise or a request is made, we have undertaken other initiatives within the South Eastern European region. Additionally, we have on occasion worked in other regions on an ad hoc basis in Sri Lanka and Vietnam. Depending on the nature of the request and available funding, CSSP is willing to assess its possible contribution in other areas.
How do we choose the areas where we work?
CSSP firmly believes that agreement to mediation must derive from the mediation partners, therefore a prerequisite is the consent of the governments where we work and more importantly the consent of the municipal conflict parties’ participating in our activities. CSSP achieved these consents in the beginning of 2005 and our activities are endorsed by international organizations (UN missions, EU mission, OSCE). More important, however, is the consent to our activities in local communities. Thus CSSP does not work in any area before getting approval of local leaders.
With support of the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Auswärtiges Amt) and the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) we now work in Serbia, Macedonia, Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina. In these areas we support peace building initiatives on the local (municipal) level through Integrative Mediation in close cooperation with the respective governments and international structures (UNMIK, EULEX, OSCE, OHR etc.). Our mission is to bring local leaders together to discuss and solve disputes within the local communities.
Where does CSSP get its funding from?
CSSP is primarily financed by the German Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt), and it receives logistical and structural support from the German Parliament (Deutscher Bundestag) due to its decision to support our activities. As Prof. Dr. Christian Schwarz-Schilling was ten years a federal minister in the German government (1982-1992) and 26 years a member of the German Bundestag, our relationship with both institutions is very good. Furthermore CSSP receives funding from the Austrian Development Agency and Rational Games. Also, CSSP applies for funding from other grant giving institutions.
What is Integrative Mediation?
The CSSP approach was developed by Dr. Juan Diaz out of the lessons learned in the Officer of the international mediator in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Prof. Dr. Christian Schwarz-Schilling. Integrative Mediation is based on team mediation and training on the grassroots level. We use five elements to solve local problems and build capacities for mediation. These elements are: stakeholder consultation, conflict analysis, inter-community mediation, interactive training and systemic advocacy.
Is CSSP providing trainings in mediation?
CSSP is cooperating with Inmedio and the Berghof Peace Support Center in Berlin to develop a Multi-track Peace Mediation course in German. Additionally, CSSP provides ad hoc and specially designed mediation training programs for international institutions. In this regard, we have trained EU firefighters, EU Police Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the OSCE in Kosovo. CSSP further conducts training for local mediators and supports the development of mediation standards in the countries it works in.
Are CSSP and the Schwarz-Schilling Stiftung the same organisation?
No, CSSP and the Schwarz-Schilling Stiftung are not the same. CSSP is an independent NGO founded with Prof. Dr. Christian Schwarz-Schilling as its honorary president, and the Schwarz-Schilling Stiftung is a foundation founded in 2003 by Prof. Dr. Christian Schwarz-Schilling. Apart from the personal connection through Prof. Dr. Christian Schwarz-Schilling there is no connection between the two organizations.
