CULTURAL HERITAGE & HUMAN RIGHTS

THE WORK OF HERITAGE FOR PEACE DURING THE YEARS 2000

Abstract

Within the scope of the «VI Coimbra International Conference on Human Rights: a transdisciplinary approach», we propose an investigation about Cultural Heritage and its correlation with Human Rights. More precisely, on the use of Cultural Heritage as an instrument and/or process to promote peace, gender equality, social inclusion, international solidarity, cultural cooperation, sustainable development, and community empowerment. The selection of the subject matter derives from a recognized demand of approaching Cultural Heritage in a more humanized and democratic way, which implies the consideration of new voices, perspectives, methods, and actions. In fact, there is a growing effort to call civic society to engage in Heritage processes and create space for professionals, academics, and actors from different geographies, cultural backgrounds, and beliefs to express their viewpoints. This approach contradicts what could become a purely Eurocentric and, therefore, a unidimensional line of thinking. Ergo, our research aims to explore some examples in which Heritage safeguard contributed to the promotion of Human Rights, and vice-versa. Thus, we enhance three initiatives from the NGO Heritage for Peace ([H4P], Barcelona, Spain) which took place during the years 2000. Namely, the Abuab project (meaning doors), the workshop «Empowering Civil Society for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas», and the plan for the «Protection of Heritage at Places in Conflict through Digital Tools». Such actions had positive impacts both in European and Middle Eastern territories. The methodology adopted for our investigation includes a documental analysis of the international doctrine about Cultural Heritage, Human Rights, and civic participation in Heritage processes, a critical reflection on the H4P initiatives, and a discussion about their possible adaptation, alteration, or improvement. During the research, we also raised the hypothesis that some of these actions may appease or create some tensions between newly arrived people and local citizens. Finally, we believe the present research can motivate cultural institutions, workers, scholars, and heritage communities to search for new ways of handling Heritage issues in a more (socially) active way.