Building Peace at Sites of Memory: Community Relationships with UNESCO World Heritage in Post-Genocide Rwanda

Rwanda's recent inscription of genocide memorials (Nyamata, Murambi, Gisozi, and Bisesero) on UNESCO's World Heritage List highlights the tension between peacebuilding, community participation, and political constraints in post-genocide contexts. While the management plan for these sites marks a shift toward greater community engagement compared to past Rwandan heritage practices, it still faces significant limitations due to narrative inclusivity challenges, national politics around genocide memory, and international World Heritage regime influences. This study analyzes these dynamics, revealing how even peace-oriented sites grapple with the complexities of participation and governance in post-conflict settings.

Bolin, A. (2025). Building Peace at Sites of Memory: Community Relationships with UNESCO World Heritage in Post-Genocide Rwanda. Heritage & Society, 18(2), 163–185. https://doi.org/10.1080/2159032x.2025.2506132