Poland is now emerging out of this post-Holocaust landscape after many decades of various groups of memory activists and public institutions undertaking commemorative efforts to protect these sites. However, even now, these groups are confronted with a lack of tools and common standards for dealing with this heritage.
The Difficult Heritage Remembrance Framework derives from a Central and Eastern European context, but it can serve as an inspiration and
provide a toolkit for other countries – in Europe and beyond – that are dealing with diverse types of difficult heritage.
The missing guidelines and standards often lead to conflict or the opening of social divides when commemoration initiatives and activities are introduced. This is mainly due to strong taboos surrounding the history, ownership and legacy of these places. At the same time, there are many dedicated local memory activists, devoting their time and resources to caring for these sites. This document is intended as a living resource that can support their efforts.