Monday, January 28, 2013

Archives of Dictatorships Colloquium. Pierrefitte-sur-Seine (I)

I had the pleasure to attend the Colloquium on Archives of Dictatorships organized by CECOJI and SIAF (Interministerial Service of French Archives) at the impressive new building of the French National Archives located at the outskirts of Paris, at Pierrefitte-sur-Seine. The colloquium was held from 24 to 25 January 2013.
CECOJI (Centre of Studies for the International Juridical Cooperation) was founded in 1995 and associates the University of Poitiers and the CRNS (National Center for Scientific Research) the main public research institution in France. CECOJI specializes in several fields, including human rights and international law. Therefore, the colloquium paid special attention to the confluence of human rights and international law in a controversial field such as the one presented by the archives of dictatorships and authoritarian governments (such as Vichy France). SIAF replaces since 2009 the Direction of French Archives as directing body of the French Public Archives. SIAF belongs to the French Ministry of Culture. I will try to cover the main issues treated at this interesting Colloquium in a series of posts, to avoid lengthy narratives

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Back on the road again...

After a long time of silence (too many personal changes...) I'll try to reactivate this Blog. An interesting Colloquium on "Archives of Dictatorships" held at the new building of the French National Archives at Pierrefite-sur-Seine will provide the perfect excuse. Stay tuned!

Friday, May 18, 2012

7 archivist positions published for the International Residual Mechanism for UN Criminal Tribunals

The International Residual Mechanism for the UN Criminals Tribunals established in December 2010 is publishing 7 archivist positions. After publishing back in December 2011 a Chief Archivist (P-5) position based in The Hague, the Residual Mechanism is now publishing a Chied Deputy Archivist (P-4) position based in Arusha and a set of three positions each for both Arusha and The Hague: Archivist, Digital Archivist and Audiovisual Archivist, all of them at the P-3 level. Really a remarkable feat for a truly ambitious project.

Monday, April 30, 2012

University of Connecticut Libraries, Curator of Human Rights Collections

Position Announcement Title: University Librarian II (UCP 7) or University Librarian III (UCP 9) Department: Library Dodd Center Search #: 2012498 Campus/Location: Storrs Campus Position Summary Working in a team environment, the Curator of Human Rights performs curatorial work in support of Archives & Special Collections programs in the collecting area of Human Rights. Following established departmental procedures the curator acquires and processes archival collections and works closely with donors and potential donors. S/he works in close cooperation with other Curators, the Team Leader and subject Librarians to plan and establish area goals and to ensure that established collection and public service goals are met. The curator serves as primary contact to the Human Rights Institute. The curator provides in-person and written reference services and responds to requests to use human rights collections and materials, including determining access and intellectual property rights relating to access. Evening and/or weekend hours are occasionally required. Duties and Responsibilities 1. Collection Development - Performs curatorial duties for the Human Rights collections in all formats. - Serves as the primary contact with current and potential collection donors. - Prepares reformatted and born-digital material for ingest into the digital repository, including metadata and file format normalization. - Creates and maintains metadata and finding aids for the collections within his/her curatorial areas in accordance with area and professional best practices. - Develops and/or furthers knowledge of electronic resources, reference and specialized sources in the Human Rights. - - Assists in selecting human rights materials for library collections in collaboration with the appropriate subject Librarians. 2. Reference Service - Provides assistance to researchers using collections on site, electronically and by mail to ensure proper and appropriate use of unique materials. - Develops and maintains reference materials online to support research and teaching needs. - Provides general reference services at the Reading Room reference desk as assigned. 3. Instructional Service - When requested, develops and presents instructional programs for University faculty and students on the significance and use of collections in the curatorial area. - Develops instructional seminars, guides, bibliographies, brochures, handouts and online materials that teach the use of archival and library resources that support collections in the curatorial area. 4. Academic Liaison - Maintains regular contact with faculty as appropriate; attends and participates in Human Rights Institute meetings and public programs where appropriate. - Assists in selecting human rights materials for library collections in collaboration with the appropriate subject Librarians. 5. Team Development - Attends and participates in area and team meetings. - Works closely with other members of the Archives & Special Collections team to plan for the area's functional operations, to ensure that team goals and objectives are met, and to achieve an efficient and collegial team environment. - Responsible for establishment and expenditure of endowment funds as appropriate and related to her/his curatorial areas. 6. Professional Service and Professional Development - Participates in ASC and Library programs. - Contributes to the life of the University. - Participates in appropriate professional activities. - Represents the University in appropriate professional associations, consortia and projects. 7. Other duties as assigned. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: 1. A graduate degree in Library or Information Science from a program accredited by the American Library Association. 2. Understanding of issues and challenges relating to human rights documentation. 3. Three years experience in an academic library, archives, or related institution. 4. Two years experience working with digital content in a repository or archival setting. 5. Ability to work independently, identifying problems, implementing revisions and changes to policies and creating and implementing new policies. 6. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 7. Demonstrated ability to work in a team-based environment. Additional Qualifications for Appointment as Librarian III: 1. Six years experience in an academic library, archives, or related institution. 2. Three years experience working with digital content in a repository or archival setting. Preferred Qualifications: 1. Experience with digital content management and digital curation. 2. Demonstrated work or field experience in human rights documentation. 3. 3-6 years experience in an academic research library or archives. 4. Experience working with archiving web and/or social media resources. 5. 1-3 years of archival experience, including for example reference, arrangement and description, or digital curation. 6. Experience with Archivists Toolkit or similar collections management application. 7. Undergraduate or graduate degree in human rights or related field. 8. Significant contributions to the archival or library profession including professional committee membership or publications. Appointment Terms This is a full-time, permanent position. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience and includes a full benefits package. To Apply Please submit a cover letter addressing your qualifications for the position, a current resume, and names and contact information for three references via Husky Hire. This job posting is scheduled to close on 5/25/2012. The University of Connecticut is an EEO/AA employer.

Monday, November 28, 2011

DECLARATORIA DE BOGOTÁ DE LOS ARCHIVOS DEL SECTOR DE LOS DERECHOS HUMANOS - NOVIEMBRE 2011

ARCHIVEROS SIN FRONTERAS - COLOMBIA Bogotá D.C. - Colombia info@asfcolombia.org
 En el marco de la I JORNADA DE ARCHIVOS DEL SECTOR DE LOS DERECHOS HUMANOS: Investigación, Memoria, Desclasificación, Políticas y Acceso, organizada por Archiveros sin Fronteras - Colombia y realizada en Bogotá el 22 de noviembre de 2011, se abordó el tema central de los archivos de los derechos humanos y su relación con la investigación para la reconstrucción de la memoria histórica, el acceso, la transparencia y la desclasificación de los documentos. National Security Archive. National Security Archive, Proyecto Profis GIZ, Redes Locales Ciudadanas, Soft & Di, y la Universidad Externado de Colombia.
DECLARATORIA DE BOGOTÁ DE LOS ARCHIVOS DEL SECTOR DE LOS DERECHOS HUMANOS - NOVIEMBRE 2011
1. Reglamentar con un enfoque diferencial el tratamiento técnico de los archivos del sector de los derechos humanos, tanto públicos como privados, que permita su pronta organización y utilidad como herramienta para la restitución de los derechos de las víctimas del conflicto armado.
2. Convocar al Archivo General de la Nación de Colombia e instituciones académicas, para que implementen programas de capacitación a las organizaciones gubernamentales y no gubernamentales del sector de los derechos humanos, para que sus integrantes puedan apropiarse de los procesos de organización y preservación de sus archivos.
3. Elaborar una guía de orientación para la organización y preservación de los archivos del sector de los derechos humanos, que también incluya el manejo y custodia de todos los soportes que los integran, entre otros: papel, video, audio, fotografía, fílmico, audiovisual, medio magnético, electrónico y análogo.
4. Solicitar la participación de personal técnico, tecnólogo y profesional formado en la disciplina archivística, para garantizar una adecuada gestión documental del sector de los derechos humanos.
5. Intervenir los archivos estatales fundamentales para la investigación de graves violaciones de derechos humanos, con el propósito de que sean debidamente organizados y protegidos y que su consulta sea facilitada a las víctimas y a sus apoderados. Se recomienda que esta labor la lidere el Archivo General de la Nación de Colombia.
6. Establecer, en el proceso de reglamentación de la Ley 1448 de 2011 Ley de Víctimas, la delimitación de competencias del Centro de Memoria Histórica y del Archivo General de la Nación, respecto de los archivos del sector de los derechos humanos.
7. Comprender que el proceso de construcción de memoria no puede estar cifrado por una fecha de inicio y que ante la vigencia del conflicto se deben analizar sus manifestaciones en la sociedad actual.
8. Propender por que el proceso de construcción de memoria del conflicto sea liderado por las victimas e involucre a los grupos de memoria que trabajan en las diferentes regiones colombianas.
9. Crear espacios de estudio, análisis y concertación para determinar cuál entidad dentro de la cadena de custodia y bajo qué parámetros, se encargará de los archivos generados por las organizaciones sociales defensoras de los derechos humanos, garantizando la integridad, conservación y accesibilidad contando con la voluntad de las víctimas de publicar sus testimonios.
10. Conminar a las entidades estatales a cumplir con la responsabilidad legal, de salvaguardar los archivos a su cargo, con especial atención al sector de los archivos de derechos humanos.
11. Formular por parte del Gobierno las políticas, planes, programas y normatividad que promueva el derecho de acceso a la información pública, de acuerdo con los estándares internacionales.
12. Propender por que se promulgue una ley de acceso a la información en la que la desclasificación de los documentos, establezca períodos límites de tiempo, con base en el tratamiento especial que requiere la información sensible contenida en estos archivos, atendiendo el derecho a la intimidad, la verdad, la justicia y la reparación.
Esta Declaratoria contribuye al fortalecimiento de la discusión sobre la realidad de los archivos del sector de los derechos humanos en medio de una Justicia Transicional, para la construcción de una política pública acerca del tratamiento técnico de estos archivos.

Invitamos a toda la sociedad, en especial a las organizaciones de la sociedad civil, la comunidad archivística y la academia tanto a nivel nacional como internacional, a adherirse a esta Declaratoria.
Nombre
Entidad / Persona natural
Nit / documento identidad Ciudad Firma
 

Diversos expertos del ámbito nacional e internacional acompañaron el diálogo con las organizaciones de la sociedad civil y la academia, para identificar la problemática de los archivos de este sector en cuanto a los aspectos técnicos objeto de la Jornada. Teniendo en cuenta que los archivos de este sector son herramienta para la restitución de los derechos humanos y la recuperación de la memoria histórica, específicamente se trataron temas como la problemática y el papel de los archivos para la defensa de los derechos humanos, los archivos en el marco de la Ley de Victimas, los avances de la Ley de Transparencia que cursa en el Congreso y la experiencia del
Las entidades que participaron en el evento, fueron: Archivo Familia Jorge Eliecer Gaitán, Asociación para la Promoción Social Alternativa MINGA, Centro Alteridad y Derechos Humanos, Centro de Memoria Paz y Reconciliación de la Secretaría de Gobierno de la Alcaldía Mayor de Bogotá D.C., Centro de Investigación Y Educación Popular CINEP, Colectivo de Abogados José Alvear Restrepo, Comisión Colombiana de Juristas, Comisión Intereclesial de Justicia y Paz, Consultoría para los Derechos Humanos y el Desplazamiento – CODHES, Corporación Claretiana Norman Pérez Bello, Corporación Fondo de Solidaridad con los Jueces Colombianos FASOL, Escuela Interamericana de Bibliotecología de la Universidad de Antioquia, Fundación AFFIC Ciencias Forenses al Servicio de la Justicia y los Derechos Humanos, Fundación Karisma, Fundación para la Libertad de Prensa FLIP, Grupo de Normatividad del Archivo General de la Nación de Colombia, Junta de Acción Comunal La Ponderosa, Justapaz Comisión de Paz de CEDECOL, Movimiento Nacional de Victimas,
Los temas fueron analizados y debatidos en cuatro mesas de trabajo. Como resultado se acordó presentar públicamente, ante distintas instancias, las conclusiones reunidas en la siguiente declaratoria para salvaguardar el patrimonio documental que testimonia el conflicto armado vivido en las últimas décadas en Colombia, reconocido en la Ley Víctimas y también para garantizar su organización, acceso y desclasificación.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Institute for Historical Justice and Reconciliation


The Institute for Historical Justice and Reconciliation is a nonprofit, educational organization seated in The Hague. Founded in 2004 by Elazar Barkan, professor and co-director, Center for Human Rights at Columbia University, and Timothy W. Ryback, deputy secretary general of the Académie Diplomatique Internationale in Paris, the IHJR first operated as a project of the Salzburg Global Seminar. In October 2008, the IHJR was established as an independent institute in The Netherlands. The IHJR continues to work in partnership with the Salzburg Global Seminar. Under Dutch law, the IHJR is a non-profit foundation (stichting) eligible to receive charitable contributions.
The IHJR conducts its programs under the auspices of an international Executive Committee chaired by The Honorable Richard J. Goldstone, Co-chairman of the Human Rights Institute of the International Bar Association and former chief prosecutor of the United Nations International Criminal Tribunals for Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia.
The core of the IHJR activity is the development, funding and execution of multi-year projects and networking initiatives. These are selected by the co-directors in consultation with the Executive Committee. Projects are conceptualized, developed and funded in cooperation with regional partners with local capacity and expertise.
Several key criteria are used in selecting a project or initiative. These include:
  • compatibility with the IHJR mission;
  • the availability of appropriate partners and adequate levels of funding;
  • the potential to produce practical outcomes, e.g., publications, historical commissions, public forums, or other "products" or activities that contribute to reconciliation processes in the region.
The IHJR seeks projects and networking initiatives that can promote positive, forward looking results and intends to inspire others to replicate the work and to build capacity in the region. The themes and modalities for dealing with issues are determined by local and regional partners while the IHJR plays a support and facilitating role.

The IHJR has completed projects for the Middle East and the Former Yugoslavia:

It has ongoing projects in Haifa, Armenia and Kenya, as well as networking initiatives in East Asia, India-Pakistan, Indonesia, Poland and Ukraine:

Former Stasi employees to be banned from working at Stasi archive

The law relating to the records of the State Security Service (Stasi) of the former German Democratic Republic is to be amended, the cultural spokesman for Germany's Free Democratic Party said on Monday.
Reiner Deutschmann told the regional daily Mitteldeutsche Zeitung that Germany's governing coalition had agreed to add a clause dictating that former Stasi employees are unable to work for the authority that now administers the files compiled by Communist East Germany's secret police.
Under the new law, "anyone who officially or unofficially worked for the Stasi is not allowed to work for the authority," Deutschmann told the paper.
It would also retrospectively apply to the 47 former Stasi workers currently working at the archive.
According to Mitteldeutsche Zeitung, the federal commissioner of the authority, Roland Jahn, has joined the Christian Democratic Union and FDP in advocating this change to the 1991 Stasi Records Act. Since taking the helm in March, Jahn has questioned the continued employment of former Stasi workers, claiming it undermines the credibility of the authority.
After several failed attempts at encouraging the employees to leave voluntarily, Jahn commissioned a report into the legality of their employment by the Berlin lawyer Johannes Weberling.
In the report published in July, Weberling recommend a change in the law, with the proviso that the former Stasi employees currently in the agency should be provided with "equivalent jobs [elsewhere] in the federal administration."