This report is the second of two consecutive studies undertaken on historical and memorial narratives.

The first was presented to the General Assembly in October 2013 on the writing and teaching of history (A/68/296).

Summary and Recommendations

In this report, the Special Rapporteur stresses the importance of setting out the conditions to ensure a multi-perspective approach when it comes to narratives of the past.

Memorialization should be understood as processes that provide the necessary space for those affected to articulate their diverse narratives in culturally meaningful ways. She recommends that transitional justice strategies and reconciliation policies include cultural rights. These rights call for policies that promote cultural interaction and understanding between people and communities. Beyond erecting physical monuments, memorial practices encompass a variety of engagements that can also take the form of numerous activities and artistic expressions. They should stimulate and promote civic engagement, critical thinking and discussion regarding the representation of the past.

Read all recommendations and conclusions of the report on memorialization processes.

Learn more about the work of the mandate relating to history and memory on the page dedicated to this issue in focus.

Methodology

To inform both her reports and elucidate ways and means to sensitize institutions and society on diverse cultural heritage and to enhance cooperation for its safeguard and promotion, the Special Rapporteur held an expert meeting and a public consultation in Geneva.

The Expert meeting on cultural rights in divided and post-conflict societies, was organized by the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) in association with the University of Ulster. It was held in Derry, Londonderry, Northern Ireland, on 1-3 July 2013.

See the short video about the consultation and read the keynote speech by the Special Rapporteur.

Read the report of the Northern Ireland Commission on Human Rights to the Human Rights Council on the consultation (A/HRC/25/NI/5).

The open consultation was held on 5 July 2013 in Geneva. Member States, specialized agencies, intergovernmental organizations, national human rights institutions and non-governmental organizations were invited to take part.

See the note verbal and read below the statements from the experts invited:

• Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights, Farida Shaheed
• Ms. Dubravka Stojanovic, Professor at the History department, Faculty of Philosophy, Belgrade university
• Mr. Pierre Hazan, Co-Director of the PIMPA research project ("Politics of Memory and Art Practices: The Role of Art in Peace and Reconstruction Processes"), Geneva University of Art and Design
• International Bureau of Education
• Conseil national des droits de l'homme, Morocco
• Bahá'í International Community