Analyzing the Intergenerational Effects of Conflict on Survivors and Its Impact on Their Decision-making and Development: A Case Study of Colombia with Rwanda as a Model for Peace and Economic Building.

Diane MUTONI

Master's thesis

Abstract:

This thesis investigates the intergenerational socio-economic and psychological impacts of Colombia's prolonged armed conflict on survivors and their descendants while examining the potential applicability of Rwanda's post-genocide reconciliation and development policies as contextually adaptable models for Colombia. This research is guided by three core questions: (a) What are the socio-economic and psychological consequences of the Colombian conflict for survivors and their descendants? (b) What post-genocide strategies has Rwanda implemented to address comparable challenges? (c) Which elements of Rwanda's policies can be adapted to Colombia's context to support reconciliation, peacebuilding, and inclusive development? This research used a qualitative method and was conductedthrough a semi-structured interview of the direct survivors and their first and second generations in Meta and Bogotá. Its discoveries showed lasting patterns of trauma, involuntary migration, joblessness, inherited poverty, fractured social trust, and a deep sense ofloss and yearning. Most respondents identified a clear gap for policy intervention, especially about land restitution, increased access to education andmental health care, and community-based programs for reintegration. Inspired by the Rwandan post-genocide recovery story, especially the Gacaca courts. Through a comparative case study of Rwanda's post-genocide recovery particularly the use of Gacaca courts, this research underscores the relevance of community driven reconciliation mechanisms. The study contributes to scholarly debates on transitional justice and post-conflict recovery, offering policy recommendations for enhancing Colombia's existing institutional frameworks.

Abstract:

This thesis investigates the intergenerational socio-economic and psychological impacts of Colombia's prolonged armed conflict on survivors and their descendants while examining the potential applicability of Rwanda's post-genocide reconciliation and development policies as contextually adaptable models for Colombia. This research is guided by three core questions: (a) What are the socio-economic and psychological consequences of the Colombian conflict for survivors and their descendants? (b) What post-genocide strategies has Rwanda implemented to address comparable challenges? (c) Which elements of Rwanda's policies can be adapted to Colombia's context to support reconciliation, peacebuilding, and inclusive development? This research used a qualitative method and was conductedthrough a semi-structured interview of the direct survivors and their first and second generations in Meta and Bogotá. Its discoveries showed lasting patterns of trauma, involuntary migration, joblessness, inherited poverty, fractured social trust, and a deep sense ofloss and yearning. Most respondents identified a clear gap for policy intervention, especially about land restitution, increased access to education andmental health care, and community-based programs for reintegration. Inspired by the Rwandan post-genocide recovery story, especially the Gacaca courts. Through a comparative case study of Rwanda's post-genocide recovery particularly the use of Gacaca courts, this research underscores the relevance of community-driven reconciliation mechanisms. The study contributes to scholarly debates on transitional justice and post-conflict recovery, offering policy recommendations for enhancing Colombia's existing institutional frameworks.

Keywords

Transitional Justice, Intergenerational Trauma, Post-Conflict Societies, Reconciliation, Memory of Politics Survivor Agency, Structural Violence, Gacaca Courts, Comparative Case Study, Political Fragmentation Emotional Resilience, and Restitution.

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 29. 5. 2025

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: Mgr. Eva Šerá Komlossyová, Ph.D.

Palacký University Olomouc

Faculty of Science

Master programme / field:
Global Development Policy / Global Development Policy