Summary

The report deals with the regulatory framework concerning the obligation to adopt memory processes and ensure their non-regression, analyses the challenges and opportunities surrounding these processes in situations of conflict and transition, and addresses the problem of the weaponisation of memory on social networks. The report highlights the need for vigorous, active and multidimensional memory policies in order to respond adequately to past crimes and prevent their recurrence. The report concludes with recommendations that are addressed primarily to States but also to the United Nations.

Background

In the report, the Special Rapporteur lists the main activities that he undertook between July 2019 and June 2020 and provides an analysis of memorialisation processes in the context of serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law as the fifth pillar of transitional justice.

In 2019, the Special Rapporteur held an expert meeting at the United Nations Office at Geneva to obtain input for the present report. He also organised an open-ended consultation with States, international organisations, national human rights institutions and non-governmental organisations to give them an opportunity to express their views on the issue. The Special Rapporteur is grateful for the valuable contributions received.

Inputs Received