The State Advisory Council for Participation calls for monument protection for the Statue of Peace Ari in Moabit and the memorial for Sintizze and Romnja murdered under National Socialism at the Brandenburg Gate. In its resolution of 25 November 2024, the Council states with reference to the monuments that “[…] both must be protected as part of the common European cultural heritage of freedom and resistance against oppression in accordance with Articles 3 TEU, 167 TFEU, and the Cultural Property Protection Act (KGSG).”
The State Advisory Council for Participation calls on the Senate Department for Urban Development, Building and Housing of the State of Berlin to work together with the relevant institutions to take measures for the permanent protection and preservation of the two endangered monuments, which commemorate victims of political persecution and abuse.
Justification
Both memorials make a significant contribution to preserving the memory of historical crimes and promoting freedom and justice. The measures are also based on the legal foundations of the European treaties (3 TEU, 167 TFEU) and the application of the Cultural Property Protection Act (KGSG).
1. Article 3(3) TEU: The European Union undertakes to respect cultural and linguistic diversity and to ensure that Europe’s cultural heritage is protected and promoted, in particular monuments representing freedom and resistance against oppression.
2. Article 167 TFEU: The Union contributes to the flowering of the cultures of the Member States, while respecting their national and regional diversity and protecting cultural heritage of European significance, such as the aforementioned monuments in Berlin.
3. KGSG: The Cultural Property Protection Act serves to protect cultural property in Germany and implements European regulations into national law. It obliges the competent authorities to preserve and protect significant monuments as part of Germany’s and Europe’s cultural heritage.
The monuments are of both national and European significance and contribute to preserving cultural heritage. They are in line with the EU’s and Germany’s objectives to promote cultural diversity and combat social exclusion. Protecting these monuments is crucial for maintaining Europe’s culture of remembrance and for educating future generations about the horrors of war and oppression. In light of the growing far-right tendencies in society, decisive action is required.
Demands
In addition to the permanent protection of the monuments, the State Advisory Council for Participation also calls for “public awareness-raising and education about the significance of these monuments as part of the shared cultural heritage of freedom and resistance against oppression.” Furthermore, regarding the Statue of Peace Ari, the Council states: “The monument should be preserved in a public and accessible location.” The Korea Verband welcomes the resolution of the State Advisory Council for Participation and its commitment to protecting the Statue of Peace and its symbolic meaning for freedom, justice, and resistance against oppression.
The full resolution and the specific demands of the State Advisory Council for Participation of 25 November 2024 can be found here:
Photo taken by Miyeon Choi on 25 November 2024.