The International Committee of Memorial and Human Rights Museums (ICMEMOHRI) is one of the 31 official International Committees of ICOM – the International Council of Museums. Founded during ICOM’s general Conference in Barcelona (Spain) on 3 July 2001, ICMEMOHRI brings together institutions and professionals committed to preserving the memory of public crimes and promoting human rights, justice, and democratic values through education and public engagement.

Our Purpose

ICMEMOHRI serves as a global platform for memorial and human rights museums. These are often located at historically significant sites of atrocities or are created by communities to remember and reflect on violations of human dignity, including genocide, war crimes, political repression, slavery, forced displacement, and systemic violence.

A Global Think Tank

As a forum of exchange, ICMEMOHRI facilitates dialogue, research, and collaboration between museums, survivors, educators, and scholars. It supports ethical practices, shared remembrance, and public awareness across diverse cultures and contexts.

Part of ICOM

Within ICOM’s global network, ICMEMOHRI contributes to shaping international museum standards, promotes the ICOM Code of Ethics, and works to ensure that the memory of past atrocities remains a tool for building more just and inclusive societies.

Committees as ICMEMOHRI are global think tanks on museums and heritage issues. They define the museum professional’s standards, share scientific information, establish partnership with other organizations and develop recommendations for ICOM members.

Plea for the creation of ICMEMO

Rules of ICMEMO

International Memorials Museum Charter

Code of Ethics ICOM

To become a ICMEMOHRI membership click here.

Membership questions may be directed to: Massimiliano Azzolini secretary.ICMEMOHRI@icom.museum