Migrated Archives Revisited

Abstract

This article argues that interest in resolving problems associated with migrated archives which had been given priority by many African countries soon after independence appears to have waned over the years such that not much activity is taking place towards the restitution of these archives to their countries of origin. The article begins by identifying the broad categories that constitute migrated archives and shows how agencies such as the International Council on Archives, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization the United Nations have sought solutions to this issue. The article explores various options for dealing with migrated archives such as digitization, microfilming and bilateral arrangements which may include the adoption of Mutual Cultural Heritage concept in which disputed archival claims are considered to be a shared cultural property belonging to more than one state.

Keywords: Archival Claims, Migrated Archives, Mutual Cultural Heritage, Shared Cultural Property