Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park- photo licensed under creative commons

On November 1, The International Center for Transitional Justice launched a new website, Memory & Justice. The website was initiated as a guide for memorial sites that observe mass atrocities around the globe. In commemoration of these events, the website utilizes social media and the visual arts to memorialize past and current atrocities, stimulating public conversation and awareness around human rights violations. 

Questions are raised, debates are drawn, and most importantly, pedagogical strategies are enforced enabling others to learn and critically engage in issues of genocide and racism. The site not only disseminates knowledge, but aims to address the complexities behind the meaning of memorials. ICTJ’s mission is to redress and prevent exploitative conduct of mass abuse, but in doing so, they recognize that memorials can often isolate and render hostility or resentment against accused groups. In acknowledging this, ICTJ  aims to create a safe space for victims, but equally a respectful setting of open discourse and dialogue. M&J projects range from the Comarca Balide Prison to Halabja Monument and recent topics include, “Do multiple narrative enhance or hinder a memorials meaning” and “What is the difference between public memorials and public art?” Their expansive directory of topics not only serve as an educational platform, but as a place where social justice can be acquired through the promulgation of knowledge and the acknowledgment of  our historical past.

Sarajevo Roses

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 http://memoryandjustice.org/

“ ICTJ seeks holistic solutions to promote accountability and create just and peaceful societies”