Rule-of-law tools for post-conflict states: archives

Archives are vital to the successful operation and outcome of all transitional justice processes. Most of the key records important for human rights purposes are governmental. However, important documents are also often in the possession of international intergovernmental bodies, private sector entities, and individuals. Strengthening and building capacity in the national archives system - one that is able to handle both governmental and non-governmental materials - are therefore vial steps in a transition. When a transitional justice institution completes its work, it will have assembled a large - in some cases, extremely large - volume of records. These records are a concentrated, rich source of information for the history of the country and its people. This rule-of-law tool for post-conflict States aims to provide guidance to United Nations field missions, transitional administrators and civil society on the management, reform, use and preservation of archives to help guarantee and enforce human rights, particularly the right to the truth.