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In Memoriam: Jan van EckSearch for Common Ground is saddened by the sudden death of Jan van Eck. Jan was a prominent politician in South Africa, who devoted himself to conflict resolution within South Africa and in particular, in Burundi. In 1995, he committed to dedicating himself to the peace process in Burundi where he started a “political dialogue project” working in coordination with the Search for Common Ground team in Bujumbura. The goal was to contribute towards reconciliation, ongoing and inclusive negotiations, the search for home-grown compromise solutions and the progressive development of a democratic culture.In 2003 the project moved under the auspices of the Institute for Security Studies where Jan continued his work through the end of 2007. Jan devoted himself unselfishly to the search for an inclusive peace in Burundi. He succeeded in developing both the necessary degree of trust and perceived neutrality amongst virtually all the political role-players, regardless of their ethnic, political or military affiliation. This enabled him to play a significant role in brokering dialogue, building confidence and breaking down political and ethnic stereotypes. Jan was named a “Paul Harris Fellow” by the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International “in appreciation of tangible and significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world”. Jan was a valued colleague and friend, and he will be missed. Please click here if you would like to make a donation to support our projects.
Search for Common Ground (Washington DC)
1601 Connecticut Ave. NW, #200 Washington, DC 20009-1035 Phone: (+1 202)265-4300 Fax: (+1 202)232-6718 E-mail: search@sfcg.org |