The overall research aim of the Rights for Time project is to investigate how the long-term and often invisible legacies of conflict—particularly memory, trauma, and protracted harm—shape humanitarian protection, human rights policy and practice across multiple countries. The project explores how these “deep times” of injury continue to hinder effective protection and can unintentionally reproduce harm when not adequately recognised within existing legal, policy and humanitarian frameworks. By generating a new evidence base grounded in interdisciplinary research, the project seeks to influence local, national and international policy models to respond more effectively and sustainably to the enduring impacts of conflict.
This report draws together findings and insights from across the network’s diverse interdisciplinary activities, undertaken collaboratively by academic researchers, policymakers, NGOs, CSOs, local community groups, and activists. It brings into dialogue academic research and creative practice with the lived experience and expertise of individuals and communities directly affected by the long-term consequences of violence—including refugees, women, children and other marginalised groups. The purpose of this report is to consolidate learning across these interconnected strands of work, highlight shared themes and outcomes emerging across contexts, and strengthen the collective understanding of how deep-time harm can and should inform protection practices.
Where relevant, links and references are provided throughout the report to guide readers to project outputs and related research materials. The Rights for Time network is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council and led by a consortium of international partners committed to transforming how the long-term legacies of conflict are understood and addressed within humanitarian and human rights policy.
