Human Rights Archives and Documentation Program

News Response from Clint Williamson, U.S. Department of State, on protecting archives of international criminal tribunals. [Original letter to State] Overview of Working Sessions and Outcomes: "Human Rights Archives and Documentation: Transforming Ideas into Practice." March 3-4, 2008. FOCUS on Global Resources Newsletter, Winter 2007/2008 (Human Rights Documentation) Conference Results: "Human Rights Archives and Documentation: Meeting the Needs of Research, Teaching, Advocacy, and Justice." October 4–6, 2007

Purpose: Support the gathering, preservation and appropriate accessibility of archives and documentation regarding violations of human rights and legal proceedings regarding same in all world regions. 

For purposes of the program, the term “human rights” refers to those rights specifically described in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and “archives and documentation” will include:

• the records of official tribunals, courts, truth commissions, and investigations of human rights violations;
• records of non-governmental organizations devoted to preventing, monitoring and documenting human rights violations, including reports and documentation generated by such organizations for advocacy and awareness;
• evidence and documentation collected by those official and non-governmental organizations; and
• documentation and evidence of human rights violations gathered by others. 

 

Activities: 

1. Facilitate efforts by CRL/GRN institutions to identify, preserve and provide access to human rights-related archives and documentation, by collecting and sharing information about the nature and status of at-risk materials, and providing other technical, communications, and financial support for preserving and maintaining those materials. 

2. Support efforts by NGOs and local and regional archiving organizations to identify, gather, protect, and maintain human rights-related documentation and evidence, by helping them strengthen their technical, legal, and operational capabilities.

3. Promote the placement of human rights-related archives and documentation in appropriate repositories that are well positioned to serve the interests of the victims and affected communities, national and international legal regimes, and historians and researchers.