In my master's thesis, we investigated the erasure from the register of permanent residents that occurred on February 26, 1992, in Slovenia. We focused on the consequences of the erasure, the opinions of those affected, attempts to rectify the injustices, responsibility, awareness, and their feelings. In the theoretical part, we used literature to describe the main characteristics of the erasure, how it occurred, the consequences, and the ways in which attempts were made to rectify the injustices. In the empirical part, we presented the results and findings of a qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews with six individuals, both directly and indirectly affected by the erasure, supplemented by literature. We found that the consequences of the erasure are still present today, with many erased individuals still lacking regulated status in Slovenia 33 years after the event. Many are still working instead of being retired due to the loss of employment years during the erasure.
Our findings revealed that efforts to rectify the injustices faced by the erased were weak and exclusionary for many. From the literature and the interviews conducted, it can be concluded that attempts to repair the damage were more about creating a public image of a desire and effort to correct the injustices rather than a genuine desire by the state and its authorities to investigate responsibility and establish mechanisms for actual redress. We also found that the erasure will always remain part of the identity of the erased individuals and their relatives, with the pain remaining in their lives as a consequence of the erasure that can never be fully repaired or compensated.
The results of the research contribute to greater awareness of the erasure, add new voices to those of the erased, as each story is truly unique and valuable. We also interviewed those who have spoken about the erasure multiple times and are part of the struggle of the erased, thereby also part of Slovenian history.
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