Leiden University Student Repository

Kempen, Kelly van (2016)

'They will never displace our dreams': A case study of victims of internal displacement demanding memory and citizenship in Bogotá, Colombia 2011-2015

Master thesis | Latin American Studies (MA)

Historical memory plays an important role in the aftermath of a conflict for exposing the atrocities that happened and demanding accountability. Currently, Colombia is experiencing a ´memory boom´ even though the conflict has not ended yet. The crisis of displacement is going on for years, and these internal displaced persons that have resettled in the large cities are sharing their stories of violence and claiming recognition. This thesis is the result of a research to understand the role of historical memory in processes of reconciliation for victims of displacement in Bogota, Colombia between 2011-2015. This study analyzes the construction of the Center for Memory Peace and Reconciliation in Bogotá and its role in promoting memory building in the city. It shows how the internally displaced persons use these memory practices to claim citizenship in the capital: by enhancing their self-esteem and confidence, establishing a place where they belong, contesting the negative discourse...Show moreHistorical memory plays an important role in the aftermath of a conflict for exposing the atrocities that happened and demanding accountability. Currently, Colombia is experiencing a ´memory boom´ even though the conflict has not ended yet. The crisis of displacement is going on for years, and these internal displaced persons that have resettled in the large cities are sharing their stories of violence and claiming recognition. This thesis is the result of a research to understand the role of historical memory in processes of reconciliation for victims of displacement in Bogota, Colombia between 2011-2015. This study analyzes the construction of the Center for Memory Peace and Reconciliation in Bogotá and its role in promoting memory building in the city. It shows how the internally displaced persons use these memory practices to claim citizenship in the capital: by enhancing their self-esteem and confidence, establishing a place where they belong, contesting the negative discourse and by forming social organizations claiming human rights.Show less

Author

Kempen, Kelly van

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Specialisation

Public Policy

Supervisors

Solheim, Havar

ECTS Credits

20

Language

en