Today is International Archives Day and on this day the ICA wants to express its support for the statement issued by ALA – ICA’s Latin American Branch (ALA) – on 24 May 2021. There has been an increase in social protests in some Latin American countries, most recently in Colombia, which has resulted in attacks on public buildings and the destruction of archives. The statement calls on public authorities, civil society and social organisations to recognize the inalienable value of archives in restorative justice, democracy, transparency, accountability and memory. It also calls on citizens and decision-makers to protect archives and ensure that proper safeguards are in place to prevent their destruction or theft.
Let us all take the time on IAD 2021 to remember the vital importance of our work and the holdings that we preserve now and for the future generations.