CONCEPT NOTE
SIENA SYMPOSIUM
Co-organized by
the University of Siena,
the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities,
and the Institute for Historical Justice and Reconciliation (IHJR)-
EuroClio Project on Contested Histories
Over the past decade, successive High Commissioners on National Minorities (HCNMs) of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) have identified disputes over the memorialization of historical narratives as one of the factors underpinning tensions within diverse societies. Historical narratives glorifying certain events and individuals from the past can elicit pride in some members of the population while causing a sense of injustice, anger and/or disenfranchisement among others. When issues around contested histories cause discord in society, decision-makers at the local and/or national levels are likely to face difficult decisions as to the best steps forward. Legal dynamics often play an important role, through municipal ordinances, state or national legislation, or international agreements or conventions, and social, political and cultural considerations need to be taken into account. Because the HCNM often has to provide concrete advice to decision-makers in what can sometimes be tense situations, the institution has been actively gathering expertise and experience from those who have experienced similar challenges.
The objective of the meeting in Siena is to bring together government officials, municipal authorities, legal experts, policy-advisors, journalists, scholars and educators to exchange practical experience related to historical narratives in diverse societies. The discussion willaddress deliberations over monuments, memorials, statues, sites of remembrance, names of streets and other landmarks in public spaces. It will also include issues related to education, which can be a fundamental tool to promote multiple perspectives in historical narratives among younger generations.
The symposium will examine principles, processes and good practices in dealing with these controversies. Specific case studies will be examined in an attempt to determine lessons learned to help inform policy that can be of use to decision-makers and educators at the local, regional and national levels.
To register please contact Ms. Nataša Šakota (natasa.sakota@osce.org), OSCE HCNM and Ms. Marie-Louise Jansen (marie-louise@euroclio.eu), IHJR-EuroClio Project on Contested Histories. Please provide the following details: your name and last name, title/position and institutional affiliation.