26
January
2010

Discover the past for the future – The role of historical sites and museums in Holocaust education and human rights education in the EU - Summary

The European Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) conducted European-wide research in 2009 on the contribution of memorial sites to Holocaust education and human rights education in the European Union (EU). This summary report, derived from the main report 'Discover the past for the future. The role of historical sites and museums in Holocaust education and human rights education in the EU', provides selected findings, discussion points and recommendations.

The Holocaust has rightfully become an integral part of the collective cultural memory of Europe and the world. As the Holocaust and other National Socialist crimes pass from living memory, the question arises as to how best to educate a new generation in these events to ensure they are never repeated. How should the Holocaust be presented in historical reflection? Should it be integrated into a broader human rights perspective? If so, how?

This research highlights the need to forge further pedagogical links between Holocaust education and human rights education, which would complement visits to memorial sites and museums.