AHRDO’s third research report focuses on the role of ‘memory’ in conflict prevention and peace building. The report argues that memorializing the violence and human rights abuses of the past plays a preemptive and deterrent role in the renewal of violence. Conflict recurrence constitutes one of the most salient aspects of the country’s history, yet Afghans have little memory of the violence and destruction caused by these cycles other than a few exaggerated heroic acts. Institutionalizing the memorialization of conflict and violence involves the creation of national war museums, monuments and historical sites, but there has been little attempt to initiate such a process. Other than the obsolescent tombs of cruel rulers, there are no historical sites and monuments that connect the Afghan people to this violent history. To address this vacuum, AHRDO has created the ‘Memory Box’ project, which focuses on the collection, preservation and institutionalization of personal items reminiscent of the victims of these recurring conflicts. It is hoped that this will ultimately serve a conflict preventive function. The collection of these cherished artifacts and their preservation in a ‘War Victims Museum’ will serve as an educational source, thereby revealing the destructive effects of violence and war in Afghanistan. ahrdo.org/about/latest-development/63-afghanistan-the-role-of-memory-in-peace-building-
Posted on: Sun, 10 Nov 2013 12:28:15 +0000
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