ConHill AU memorial meetings continue
BRAAMFONTEIN - As South Africa prepares to celebrate 20 years of democracy, Constitution Hill continued to host dialogues in support of the AU Human Rights Memorial project.
The heritage site is in the midst of hosting a networking session of the International Coalition of Site of Conscience.
The emphasis of the dialogue held on 28 and 29 January was on the role of Africa’s unity in the condemnation of apartheid, racism and prison atrocities.
“The consultative meeting [drew] participants from across… as far as Morocco, Libya and Egypt, to make recommendations to the African Union of the memorialisation of human rights atrocities across the continent,” said Constitution Hill CEO Petal Thring.
“The meeting explored the role of education and dialogue in memorialisation.”
Delegates explored ways in which atrocities such as apartheid should not be forgotten, and how they could be represented in the memorial project.
“Heritage experts and civil society echoed the importance of designing relevant mechanisms that would ensure memorialisation processes are supported,” she said.
Delegates said there was a need to reflect on past atrocities to ensure they did not recur and to promote a human rights culture.
“The meeting offered a space to critically look at the lessons learned and [to] share experiences from various African countries and partners. Participants were in agreement that education and continuous dialogue remain central in ensuring the preservation of heritage for future generations,” said Thring.
Struggle veteran Ahmed Kathrada joined the meeting to greet guests and share personal experiences.
Kathrada also exchanged gifts with Ahmed El-Zuber El-Senussi of Libya, who was imprisoned for 31 years. El-Senussi was released only after intervention by former president Nelson Mandela.
“This meeting [preceded the] networking session of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience… This is a worldwide network of historic sites, museums, and memory initiatives dedicated to remembering past struggles for justice,” said Thring.
“Member sites from across Africa, including Senegal, Tunisia, Kenya and Algeria, will participate in the networking session.”
Details: www.constitutionhill.org.za
