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The Role of Minorities in State Apologies for Historical Wrongs: Healing the Nation through Participation?

Van de Graaf, Cathérine (2017) JAMM07 20171
Department of Law
Faculty of Law
Abstract (Swedish)
National apologies are offered by a political representative of the state to members of a minority group for the historic wrongs they suffered within that state. They are used as a reparation measure to further reconciliation, to build mutual confidence and to create a shared identity in a society divided by historic human rights violations. They are a part of the right to remedy for victims of gross human rights violations.
The research question is whether a national apology, as part of a bigger project of reconciliation, can be successful when the recipient is not involved in the drafting process. The topic is approached from a legal perspective and complemented by social psychology, particularly procedural fairness theory.
The entire... (More)
National apologies are offered by a political representative of the state to members of a minority group for the historic wrongs they suffered within that state. They are used as a reparation measure to further reconciliation, to build mutual confidence and to create a shared identity in a society divided by historic human rights violations. They are a part of the right to remedy for victims of gross human rights violations.
The research question is whether a national apology, as part of a bigger project of reconciliation, can be successful when the recipient is not involved in the drafting process. The topic is approached from a legal perspective and complemented by social psychology, particularly procedural fairness theory.
The entire process must be based on three pillars: dialogue, knowledge and respect. The state needs to ensure the effective participation of minorities to enable them to voice opinions and share testimonies in accordance with their own customs and procedures. Based on this information, the state should recognize its responsibility and ensure the inclusion of the wrongs in national history through publicity and education. The entire process needs to convey a deep respect, both through ceremony and general treatment. Minority participation is an essential precondition of a national apology aiming to be a successful reconciliation process. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Van de Graaf, Cathérine
supervisor
organization
course
JAMM07 20171
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
language
English
id
8937700
date added to LUP
2018-03-19 14:29:36
date last changed
2018-03-19 14:29:36
@misc{8937700,
  abstract     = {{National apologies are offered by a political representative of the state to members of a minority group for the historic wrongs they suffered within that state. They are used as a reparation measure to further reconciliation, to build mutual confidence and to create a shared identity in a society divided by historic human rights violations. They are a part of the right to remedy for victims of gross human rights violations.
The research question is whether a national apology, as part of a bigger project of reconciliation, can be successful when the recipient is not involved in the drafting process. The topic is approached from a legal perspective and complemented by social psychology, particularly procedural fairness theory.
The entire process must be based on three pillars: dialogue, knowledge and respect. The state needs to ensure the effective participation of minorities to enable them to voice opinions and share testimonies in accordance with their own customs and procedures. Based on this information, the state should recognize its responsibility and ensure the inclusion of the wrongs in national history through publicity and education. The entire process needs to convey a deep respect, both through ceremony and general treatment. Minority participation is an essential precondition of a national apology aiming to be a successful reconciliation process.}},
  author       = {{Van de Graaf, Cathérine}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{The Role of Minorities in State Apologies for Historical Wrongs: Healing the Nation through Participation?}},
  year         = {{2017}},
}