What distinguishes a commemorative activity as a reconciliation mechanism?

A commemorative activity is distinguished as a reconciliation mechanism when it promotes shared understanding, acknowledges the suffering of all victims, and fosters empathy and dialogue across conflicting groups. While commemoration generally involves remembering and honoring past events or individuals, its role in reconciliation goes further. For a commemorative activity to serve as a reconciliation mechanism, it must actively promote a more inclusive and balanced narrative of the past, acknowledging the experiences and perspectives of all those affected by the conflict. It should also provide opportunities for members of different groups to come together, share their stories, and listen to each other with empathy. Furthermore, the activity should aim to foster a sense of shared responsibility for the past and promote a commitment to preventing future violence. For example, a memorial dedicated to victims of a civil war would be a reconciliation mechanism if it included the names and stories of victims from all sides of the conflict, provided space for members of different communities to grieve together, and promoted dialogue about the causes of the war and how to prevent it from happening again. In contrast, a commemorative event that only honors the victims of one side of the conflict and reinforces divisive narratives would not serve as a reconciliation mechanism.