The Refugee Law Project (RLP), Faculty of Law, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, in collaboration with the African Transitional Justice Research Network (ATJRN) is accepting applications to its 2nd Institute for African Transitional Justice (IATJ), an annual week-long residential programme with a focus on Transitional Justice issues in the context of Africa. The Institute, which is scheduled to take place from 20th – 27th November 2011, in Kitgum, Northern Uganda has as its theme: “Whose Memories Count and at What Cost?”
Memory and memorialization have been chosen as the focus of the 2011 IATJ due to the powerful, albeit highly politicized role, memory plays in the analysis of the past, which invariably influences e the interpretation of the present. The ever-increasing prominence of memorials throughout post -conflict societies in Africa is motivated by the recognition that memory makes demands on us to uncover the “truth” and search for justice. It calls for societies to critically re-examine and reconcile with a painful, often contested past. It gives us an opportunity to record multiple narratives, which can be preserved as a public record in museums and memorials. Memorialization, where ethically and conscientiously conducted, has the potential to raise awareness of the forgotten, carelessly omitted, or simply neglected. The forthcoming Institute seeks to explore the tension between the loud and quiet, the weak and powerful elements of the past: whose memories attain prominence and why, and by implication whose memories are omitted, and consequently look for the solutions.
Target group:
The Institute targets researchers, graduate students, policy-makers, practitioners, and humanitarian actors with an interest in the field of transitional justice, from Research Institutions, Universities, Civil Society Organisations, NGOs, International NGOs, Regional Organisations, Foreign Missions and United Nations’ Agencies, located in or with a particular focus on Africa. The Institute hosts a maximum of 40 participants; therefore interested parties are encouraged to submit applications promptly.
Methodology
The Institute invites regional speakers and experts in the African transitional justice field to share their experiences and how they localise transitional justice policies and practices. The Institute chooses speakers able to engage analytically and practically on issues that touch on the future and limits, if any, of transitional justice in post-conflict communities, particularly in Africa but also beyond. The Institute uses various formats of instruction which includes amongst others: lectures, documentary footage, group exercises, interactive sessions, open space, and writing and reflection exercises in order to provide multiple opportunities for participants to engage with emerging issues relating to memorialization and transitional justice.
Participation Fee:
Participants from within Africa will pay USD 1050 (one thousand fifty US Dollars) and those from outside Africa will pay USD 1300 (one thousand three hundred US Dollars). The fee covers course fee, cost of materials, full-board accommodation for six nights, and a round trip transportation cost from Kampala to Kitgum.
Scholarships:
There are a limited number of partial and full scholarships for applicants who strongly motivate. Preference will be given to scholars and practitioners originating from AU-member states and Morocco who are actively engaged with African institutions and civil society organizations.
For more information and details, please visit this link.
