Confidential Records in the Archives of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Access and Protection

Abstract

One of the first associations related to the Archives is that it is a place where one keeps old and confidential documents. Although these observations lay not far from the truth, Archives of Bosnia and Herzegovina in its repositories does not hold “attractive” confidential fonds such as secret service dossiers, police records, confidential material of international organizations or classified material from the ex-YU top authorities. However, the Archives is a keeper of fonds created by Commission for Real Property Claims of Displaced Persons and Refugees in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Government / Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina and personal and family fonds and collections. These documentation is not accessible for free research. It is necessary to fulfill certain legal procedures in order to exercise the right to access their content. Considering their political and cultural importance, Archive has provided adequate conditions for their protection, both in terms of access and regards their storage and preservation. Due to the specific nature of those fonds and collections, additional attention is required in order to research permission was in accordance with established legal norms and regulations.