Beyond Stones and Statues: Unraveling the Norm of Memorialization

• In Event: The Nexus between Transitional Justice and International Norms

Abstract

Memorials and other memorialization efforts for atrocity crimes have increased substantially in the post-Holocaust era. Prior to this point, memorials were focused on commemorating war dead and exalting national leaders. Following the creation of Holocaust memorials, we see a proliferation of memorials, monuments, and other forms of remembrance and commemoration proliferate throughout international society. Holocaust memorials in Israel, Germany, and the United States seem to serve as models as what a memorial “should” look like. Post-genocide societies, such as Rwanda, have modeled memorial museums on Holocaust memorials and we see an increased understanding of what a memorial should look like and what it should include. It is increasingly evident that the normative trend of reparations and apologies includes the expectation of memorialization. In General Assembly Resolution A/Res/60/147 Basic Principles and Guidelines on the Right to Remedy and Reparation for Victims of Gross Violations of International Human Rights Law and Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law (2005) one sees that reparation for harm suffered includes such measures of “public disclosure of the truth”, “public apology”, and “commemorations and tributes to the victims”. All of these are often expected to be integrated into modern memorials. Further, in July 2022, the United Nations published Combating Holocaust and Genocide Denial: Protecting Survivors, Preserving Memory, and Promoting Prevention. In this policy paper, experts argue, “Among the most effective measures to prevent denial and distortion of the Holocaust, genocides and atrocity crimes is to build accurate, inclusive collective memory of these events alongside an inclusive national identity.” Memorialization efforts were listed as a key component to prevent denial and distortion. Both Germany and Rwanda have created extensive, albeit different, forms of memorialization; including a proliferation of memorials throughout both countries. Other countries have created memorials to events that occurred both within their own country and for events on foreign soil. This paper proposes to delve into the intricate relationship between memorialization practices and the broader framework of international norms, exploring the reciprocal influence that each exerts on the other. I will investigate the role of Holocaust memorialization in shaping international norms and in turn, how international norms have shaped countries such as Rwanda. By examining specific cases and drawing on theoretical frameworks, I plan to shed light on how memorialization practices contribute to normative expectations, contestations, and adaptations in the realm of transitional justice, and explore the impact of these normative expectations on post-conflict societies.

Author

• Stephanie Wolfe, Weber State University