Reconciliation Reconciliation in the OSCE area can be seen as a process that aims to overcome conflicts by breaking vicious cycles of mutual misperceptions and divisive memories that often result in violence, through the transformation of political and societal relationships.14 In post-conflict societies, reconciliation can relate to a variety of processes and initiatives, including transitional justice in cases of conflict-related crimes. In deeply polarized and divided societies, reconciliation processes work toward re-establishing trust, building confidence, and promoting dialogue and tolerance. Reconciliation can be effected at different levels—the individual, the community, and the national—and include larger social or political processes. Some activities implemented by the OSCE in support of reconciliation processes are listed below. 1. War crimes trial monitoring As part of its mandate to develop democratic political institutions at all levels in post-conflict societies, the OSCE puts a particular emphasis on judicial and legal reform as a cornerstone of re-establishing the rule of law and re-building the trust of citizens in the state. To enhance the fairness, effectiveness and transparency of judicial systems, and thus build trust in the rule of law, the OSCE developed a war crimes trial monitoring programme, which is 14  OSCE (2012, 2013a). 73