Strengthening Memory and Education for Justice

From 24–25 July 2025, the African Transitional Justice Research Coalition (ATJRC) convened at the Newlands Southern Sun Hotel in Cape Town for an important meeting on Memory, Education, and the African Union Transitional Justice Policy (AUTJP).

At a time when authoritarianism, historical denialism, and democratic backsliding are on the rise, this gathering focused on how unresolved histories of violence continue to shape political and social realities across Africa. The discussions explored practical strategies for promoting public memory, historical education, and civic awareness about past atrocities and how the AUTJP can serve as a tool to hold states accountable for building sustainable peace, justice, and democratic order.

Themes and Discussions

Participants examined:

  • How collective memory and education can prevent the recurrence of violence.
  • The role of truth-telling and memorialisation in strengthening democratic resilience.
  • The importance of integrating the AUTJP into national curricula and civic education.
  • Ways to bridge research, policy, and community initiatives to sustain memory work across generations.

The meeting reaffirmed that memorialisation and education are not only about the past — they are essential tools for shaping Africa’s future. By keeping memory-work alive, supporting educators and practitioners, and amplifying civil society’s voice, ATJRC and its partners continue to advance the vision of a continent grounded in accountability, resilience, and peace.

A heartfelt thank you to all participants, facilitators, and partners who made this meeting a success. Together, we are building spaces where memory informs justice, and education drives transformation.

 

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