ICA SAHR – Managing UNHCR Records - Montserrat Canela Garayoa

Since its creation in 1950, UNHCR has helped millions of refugees and internally displaced persons find safety and durable solutions. Solutions mean being able to return to their country of origin in safety and dignity, or, if return is not an option, to start a new life in a new country. In this context, information is vital, and the role of the Records and Archives Section covers two key aspects: supporting the work of the organization by providing information where and when it is needed, and providing access to external researchers, balancing access with protection. Managing UNHCR’s records throughout their lifecycle is a challenging and inspiring task that requires vision, flexibility, and a degree of courage. This presentation will outline the nature and of the UNHCR archives and its role in protecting the lives and memories of displaced people around the world and across the years. This presentation explored the unique challenges of managing UNHCR records throughout their lifecycle and their role in protecting the lives and memories of displaced people worldwide. The conference was moderated by Trudy Peterson. Speaker Montserrat Canela Garayoa is the former Head of the Records and Archives Section of the UNHCR. She holds a Master's Degree in History and a Master's Degree in Archival Sciences from the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (UAB) and an Engineering Degree in Computer Management from the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC).  Between 1984 and 1989 she was director of the Arxiu Comarcal de la Segarra, where she created one of the first educational services for students in Catalonia. She then moved to Barcelona as Head of the Administrative Archives of the Departament de Cultura de la Generalitat de Catalunya (Department of Culture of the Generalitat de Catalunya) between 1989 and 2000, where she pioneered the implementation of the Records Management Programme in the Catalan administration. In 2000 she began her international career at the UNHCR, first as Records Manager and then as Head of Section from 2008 until her retirement in October 2024.  She is a member of the Association of Catalan Archivists, Archivist without Borders and is currently President of the ICA Section of International Organisations ICA/SIO.