Investigating UNHCR’s Archive
In a sub-basement beneath UNHCR’s headquarters in Geneva, a vast warren of rolling stack shelves contains the physical archives of the UN Refugee Agency’s more than 70 years of operation
What Insights Do These Archives Offer?
- Reveal human stories of forced displacement
- Provide a living resource and inspiration
Significance of Archival Material
Chief of Records and Archives, Montserrat Canela, mentions that these archives hold the memories of communities and people affected by history, providing valuable insights unique to this collection.
Historical Accounts
Archives include urgent cables from staff present during major emergencies, like in Bangladesh in 1971, offering detailed accounts of events.
Role of Refugee Case Files
- Verify refugee status
- Provide primary accounts of global upheavals
- Help refugees today with protection needs
Challenges with Digital Preservation
Capturing and preserving digital material is crucial, with over 120 terabytes of data currently in the digital archives.
Access for Academic Researchers
Since 2000, UNHCR has opened its archive to researchers, offering deeper insights into historical events and the evolution of refugee policy.
Lessons from the Past
Examining past initiatives can guide current crisis responses, providing hope and solutions in a world with millions displaced annually.
Summary
UNHCR’s archive offers a unique and invaluable historical record of forced displacement, providing insights, inspiration, and practical lessons for addressing current global crises.
Source: www.unhcr.org