Course content:
Documentary evidence plays an important role in dealing with the past processes. It is indispensable for truth seeking, accountability, reparations, institutional reforms, vetting, memorialization and history. However, if the creation, collection, management, and preservation of such evidence is not properly done, records and archives documenting violations of human rights and international humanitarian law can be at risk of losing their value and thus prevent their future usability.
In this course, participants will acquire a comprehensive understanding on how documenting and archival practices can support dealing with the past processes. Additionally, topics related to documenting and archiving principles, good practices for the creation and capture of information, arrangement and description, access, preservation and protection will also be introduced. Finally, participants will also learn about ethical and legal responsibilities, such as informed consent, information privacy, the right to be forgotten and do no harm.
This course is perfect for civil society and governmental actors who want to update their skills in a practice-oriented manner. Course materials are introduced by drawing on concrete examples, which allows participants to gain valuable knowledge for their daily work.
In this course, you will:
- Acquire a comprehensive understanding of documenting and archiving practices to support the right to know, the right to reparations, the right to justice as well as the guarantees of non-recurrence.
- Familiarize yourself with documentation and archival principles, technical requirements, and practices.
- Reflect on ethical principles and legal responsibilities involved in the creation, management, access, and preservation of records and archives for dealing with the past processes.
- Exchange with experts and practitioners and become part of a community of practice
Course structure:
This course is offered in an interactive virtual format. The course consists of preparatory readings, 6 half-days of online-facilitated course (04/05/06 June & 11/12/13 June), and individual or group assignments to work on throughout the course.
Tuition fee: CHF 1500
Application: Apply on our website. Last day to apply is the 31 March 2025.
Contact us at academy@swisspeace.ch if you have any questions.