"Transitional justice is a response to systematic or widespread violations of human rights. It seeks
recognition for the victims and to promote possibilities for peace, reconciliation and democracy.
Transitional justice is not a special form of justice but justice adapted to societies transforming
themselves after a period of pervasive human rights abuse. In some cases, these transformations happen suddenly; in others, they may take place over many decades." -ICTJ (2008)
recognition for the victims and to promote possibilities for peace, reconciliation and democracy.
Transitional justice is not a special form of justice but justice adapted to societies transforming
themselves after a period of pervasive human rights abuse. In some cases, these transformations happen suddenly; in others, they may take place over many decades." -ICTJ (2008)
Many techniques can be employed to attempt to restore justice to the victims of human rights violations. Some of these techniques fail, while others help victims restore trust and peace. Each technique should be chosen with care, so that the technique will help instead of hinder the relationship between the persecuted and government.
China's atrocities have hurt many women, children, and families. It is important to remember those whom have been harmed, in order to stop the policies for once and all, and in order to keep them from ever coming again. Memorialization effort is the technique that should be implemented in China. Using a museum that has pictures of victims, buildings, and points to perpetrators and atrocities should be incorporated so that we never forget the harms the policy caused.
Museums have been used as memorialization efforts by many places that have faced abuse. Some used museums to patch up the relationships between the harmed and the government. Others, were reluctant to utilize memorials in museums the correct way. In return, they did not patch the trust of the victims back. Here are two examples of the strengths that can be in a memorialization effort and two examples of the weaknesses that China needs to be aware of.
Hiro
Sonnet media (2006) describes Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum in their site "Memory & Justice". Described is how this memorialization effort was created in 1949 as a park, museum, and infrastructures honoring those who were killed by the atomic bomb. People see the whole city as a representation of peace. Kinzo Tange the parks designer stated, "“Peace does not come naturally; instead it has to be sought and obtained.”
Strengths:
Weaknesses:
When relating this to China we have to ask the questions how large should this museum be, where should it be placed, and who should take responsibility for such atrocities? There should also be many stories incorporated, so that no one feels left out, and every angle of the One-Child Policy is covered.
Sonnet media (2006) describes this memorialization effort as a museum that was created in the same Hungarian building where many were tortured by the Facist Arrow Cross Party. Many of these victims were tortured just for not having coinciding political beliefs as the party.
Strengths:
Weaknesses:
Judy Barsalou (2007) describes the importance of memorialization efforts and the precautions one should take in her article "The Urge to Remember: The Roles of Memorials in Social Reconstruction and Transitional Justice". She states that it is very important to first look at the atrocities in order to know what form the memorial should become. "Memorial projects that encourage survivors to explore contested memories of the past, promote learning and critical thinking, and facilitate ongoing cultural exchange are more likely to advance social reconstruction" (Barsalou, 2007). Therefore, it is crucial to look into the effort, and conduct the effort with respect. It is also important to research past efforts that have had successes and failures in order to complete the memorial with care, and deducing significances correctly. In order to accomplish the results wanted from a memorialization effort in China one must include many people with experience to help in the building process. Some specialists that can aid in a memorialization effort are counselors, artists, and those who specialize in history and justice fields. Utilizing all these angles will help to have a higher chance of success and will make sure that the project is done with appropriateness and precaution.
The best place to incorporate a museum is one where a lot of people will be able to see it. I believe this memorial should be placed in Beijing, in order to honor the people hurt, and teach a large number of people and students the harms the One-Child Policy causes.
China's atrocities have hurt many women, children, and families. It is important to remember those whom have been harmed, in order to stop the policies for once and all, and in order to keep them from ever coming again. Memorialization effort is the technique that should be implemented in China. Using a museum that has pictures of victims, buildings, and points to perpetrators and atrocities should be incorporated so that we never forget the harms the policy caused.
Museums have been used as memorialization efforts by many places that have faced abuse. Some used museums to patch up the relationships between the harmed and the government. Others, were reluctant to utilize memorials in museums the correct way. In return, they did not patch the trust of the victims back. Here are two examples of the strengths that can be in a memorialization effort and two examples of the weaknesses that China needs to be aware of.
Hiro
shima Peace Memorial Park and Museum
Visit the Site
Sonnet media (2006) describes Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum in their site "Memory & Justice". Described is how this memorialization effort was created in 1949 as a park, museum, and infrastructures honoring those who were killed by the atomic bomb. People see the whole city as a representation of peace. Kinzo Tange the parks designer stated, "“Peace does not come naturally; instead it has to be sought and obtained.”
Strengths:
- There is enough space to have many stories about the bombing and the victims, in order to not be one sided about the bombing.
- In 1999 a memory of the victims of Korea who died in the park was also put forward.
Weaknesses:
- There has been much debate over the fact that the military role was not discussed. The question is whether or not any of those partially responsibility ever took any responsibility?
When relating this to China we have to ask the questions how large should this museum be, where should it be placed, and who should take responsibility for such atrocities? There should also be many stories incorporated, so that no one feels left out, and every angle of the One-Child Policy is covered.
Terror Háza Múzeum (House of Terror Museum)
Visit the SiteSonnet media (2006) describes this memorialization effort as a museum that was created in the same Hungarian building where many were tortured by the Facist Arrow Cross Party. Many of these victims were tortured just for not having coinciding political beliefs as the party.
Strengths:
- The building is the same place where much violence was held, making Hungarians feel like the government was finally shining light on the horrible acts that took place.
- "To a significant extent, memorials made to commemorate mass atrocity today seek not only to remember and mourn victims but also to inspire public commitment to preventing similar atrocities from ever taking place again." (Sonnet Media, 2006).
Weaknesses:
- Because of the incorporation of the political parties some feel like this building is too political and is just for propaganda
- "Over-the-top" and "campy" in the way they depict the happenings that took place.
- The museum is too one-sided, and does not display many views and stories
- Many Hungarians claim that the museum does not show any Hungarian responsibility
Judy Barsalou (2007) describes the importance of memorialization efforts and the precautions one should take in her article "The Urge to Remember: The Roles of Memorials in Social Reconstruction and Transitional Justice". She states that it is very important to first look at the atrocities in order to know what form the memorial should become. "Memorial projects that encourage survivors to explore contested memories of the past, promote learning and critical thinking, and facilitate ongoing cultural exchange are more likely to advance social reconstruction" (Barsalou, 2007). Therefore, it is crucial to look into the effort, and conduct the effort with respect. It is also important to research past efforts that have had successes and failures in order to complete the memorial with care, and deducing significances correctly. In order to accomplish the results wanted from a memorialization effort in China one must include many people with experience to help in the building process. Some specialists that can aid in a memorialization effort are counselors, artists, and those who specialize in history and justice fields. Utilizing all these angles will help to have a higher chance of success and will make sure that the project is done with appropriateness and precaution.
The best place to incorporate a museum is one where a lot of people will be able to see it. I believe this memorial should be placed in Beijing, in order to honor the people hurt, and teach a large number of people and students the harms the One-Child Policy causes.
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