crimes committed by totalitarian regimes - Ministrstvo za pravosodje

Crimes committed by totalitarian regimes
– Conducting wide-scale scientific research of crimes committed by totalitarian regimes, as well as
resistance to these systems;
– Launching and implementing numerous educational activities, based on results of scientific
research, comprising, among others, proper exposure of the subject of crime in school curricula,
providing students and teachers with appropriate teaching material, organising competitions
for young people in order to encourage interest in history, popularising the subject by means of
publications, staging exhibitions, producing documentaries, opening websites, etc.;
– Commemorating crimes and victims of crimes within the Public Space (monuments, memorials,
museums, protection of crime sites against degradation and devastation);
– Removing from the Public Space symbols connected with totalitarian regimes (street names,
monuments, etc.);
– Adequate honouring of victims of totalitarian regimes, both on the symbolic plane (nullification
of illegal acts by totalitarian regimes: e.g. court sentences, awards and honours, etc.), and the
material one (compensation, provision for appropriate living standards, social benefits, proper
medical care), recording evidence (accounts) by victims of totalitarian regimes for generations to
come.
5. The European perspective
Activities similar to the ones undertaken by The Institute of National Remembrance are performed
in all post-Communist states. These are executed by both state agencies, as established for this purpose,
and museums, research centres, as well as NGO’s. There are, however, significant differences as to
the level of research of crimes committed by totalitarian regimes; the same pertains to the scope of
educational activities, as undertaken there. There is no doubt that all states of the European Union, in
particular the western ones, are much more aware of the Nazi crimes than the Communist ones. The “old”
EU countries only occasionally undertake to popularise knowledge of the Communist totalitarianism,
such activities are dispersed too.
As far as legal undertakings, such as the Framework decision on Racism and Xenophobia, are
undoubtedly very important, however, they may not replace institutional activities, in particular with
respect to scientific research and public education. It seems necessary that a plane be established on
which to provide for constant co-operation of respective institutions dealing with crimes of totalitarian
regimes. This would serve to exchange experiences, as well as to undertake joint ventures in the field of
scientific research and education which, in turn, could lead to establishment of the Museum of the Two
Totalitarianisms.
The experience of the two totalitarian regimes – the Nazi and the Communist ones – is one of
the most significant European experiences of the 20 th century. On the one hand, it is an example of
barbarous crimes and violation of basic human rights, but, on the other, it is a lesson in unparalleled
heroism, uncompromising defence of basic values. We have to learn this lesson: we owe it to the
victims, ourselves and the generations to come.
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