Research Right to memory and “identities” of death in the street

Analysis and proposals informed by rights-based approaches and inequality reduction.

Abstract

In response to the questions “How do homeless people die in Chile?” and “What happens to their memories and their bodies after their demise?”, we analyze sustainable development goals with an emphasis on inequality reduction (SDG10), addressing aspects of the whole life cycle, especially economic, social, and cultural differences at the time of death, in an attempt to make visible a problem that has been rendered doubly invisible (in life/death). Our study follows the methodological guidelines of the qualitative research, benefiting from documentary support, a literature review, and an exploration of this topic in the Chilean press. The novel aspect of the study is that it combines a largely conceptual approach linked to the notion of death on the street with concrete experiences such as those of the Street People Foundation [Fundación Gente de la Calle] and Dignity Mausoleum [Mausoleo Dignidad]. The article also includes debates and reflections conducted as part of a discussion cycle organized alongside key actors, emphasizing the scope and challenges of this topic with a view to the recovery of memory and the right to identity, while at the same time establishing a connection with other rights such as aid for ending poverty (SDG1).