External Reports

Interpretation of sites of memory

By International Coalition of Sites of Conscience (ICSC) • January 2018

This study on Interpretation of Sites of Memory reviews existing theories and models of heritage interpretation, sheds light on the potential challenges and opportunities in the interpretation of sensitive cultural sites related to memory for visitors and the public at large, clarifies how the World Heritage List may affect the interpretation of cultural sites for present and future generations; and focuses on best practice of interpretation at Sites of Memory. Read More

Report to the City of New York

By The Mayoral Advisory Commission on City Art, Monuments, and Markers • January 2018

Announced in September 2017, the Mayoral Advisory Commission on City Art, Monuments and Markers convened to advise the Mayor on issues surrounding public art and historic monuments and markers on City-owned property. The Commission was co-chaired by the President of the Ford Foundation, Darren Walker, and the Commissioner of Cultural Affairs, Tom Finkelpearl. Read More

Report of the Committee to Establish Principles on Renaming

By The Committee to Establish Principles on Renaming • December 2016

The charge of the Committee to Establish Principles on Renaming was to articulate a set of principles that can guide Yale University in decisions about whether to remove a historical name from a building or other prominent structure or space on campus —principles that are enduring rather than specific to particular controversies. The committee reviewed the experience both at Yale and in other institutions and communities that have addressed the question of renaming. In doing so, it consulted with experts,… Read More

Holocaust Memorial Days in the OSCE Region

An Overview of Good Governmental Practices

By OSCE • December 2012

The publication is aimed primarily at describing governmental practices, but also non-governmental activities to commemorate the Holocaust. The purpose is to share information on when and how OSCE participating States commemorate the Holocaust. It is hoped that sharing such information may encourage governments to draw on each others’ good practices and innovations in order to enrich their own activities and better fulfil their commitments to promote remembrance of the tragedy of the Holocaust. Read More

The Ljubljana Guidelines on Integration of Diverse Societies

By OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities • 2012

Based on the experience of the HCNM and the advice of internationally recognized experts, these HCNM Guidelines seek to provide guidance to OSCE participating States on how best to integrate diverse societies. They cover structural principles without which good integration policies are difficult to conceive as feasible; principles for integration, which include necessary basic theses and values that relate more specifically to integration; elements of an integration policy framework, which provide an architecture for the elaboration and implementation of integration… Read More

Historical Reconciliation and Protracted Conflicts

By EASI – Euro-Atlantic Security Initiative • February 2012

In this report, a working group explore deeper solutions to the challenges of achieving historical reconciliation between countries divided by deep-seated historical grievances and of breaking through the long-standing impasse in resolving a number of protracted conflicts within the Euro-Atlantic region. Read More

The Competition

Transforming the Palazzo degli Uffici Finanziari Facade

By Autonomous Provincial Council of Bolzano-Bozen • 2011

On 2nd February 2011, the Autonomous Provincial Council of Bolzano-Bozen announced a competition for ideas to transform the controversial fascist-era facade of the Palazzo degli Ufficio Finanziari. The competition was open to artists, architects, historians and anyone involved in the cultural sphere. The solution had to transform the bas-relief into a place of memory, so that it was “…no longer visible directly but accessible thoughtfully, with appropriate explanatory texts.” The ideas and the projects could be presented in any form,… Read More

The Memory of the Crimes Committed by Totalitarian Regimes in Europe

Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and to the Council

By European Commission • December 2010

The report aims to present how the Commission intends to play a meaningful role in this process and to provide a basis for further discussion on how the European Union can contribute to promoting the memory of the crimes committed by totalitarian regimes. It also aims to answer the request from the Council to report on the need of an additional instrument in this area. Read More

Memorialization and Democracy

State Policy and Civic Action

By Sebastian Brett, Louis Bickford, Liz Ševčenko & Marcela Rios • 2007

Following the first international conference on Memorialization and Democracy, the report considers how memorialization efforts around the globe can serve democracy. It encourages policy-makers to view memorials as serious social and political forces and to create innovative strategies for integrating them into democracy-building plans. It aims to encourage continuing discussion and analysis on the subject, emphasizing that memorialization plays a central role in the direction and shape of civic life and politics. Read More