Localising Memory in Transitional Justice

This book addresses the relationship between micro-level memory processes and their relationship to formalised transitional justice mechanisms such as truth commissions, official commemoration, national and international trials and reparation programmes.

Taking as a point of departure, memory in transitional justice from a 'localising' point of view, the book focuses on the dynamics attached to such memory practices, along with the ways in which these affect, balance, transcend or restrain broader formalised memory and transitional justice initiatives. Producing new knowledge on how and under what conditions localised memory practices may contribute to recognition and social transformation, as well as how they may be inclusive, or exclusive, of dynamic and diverse memories, it is the role of informal localised memory-practices that provides the focus here. In this respect, the book considers how memory practices are deeply rooted in local understandings of past injustices and present justice endeavours. Drawing on original empirical and legal research from around the world, the book thereby moves beyond the idea that memory is a mere form of symbolic reparation; as it focuses on memory practices as localised, every-day and bottom-up processes that engage in more nuanced and complex ways with the aims of transitional justice processes.

With contributors from scholars working across a range of social science disciplines, as well as practitioners and social activists, this book will be of relevance in socio-legal studies, criminology, anthropology, peace and conflict studies, sociology of violence, memory studies and of course transitional justice.