Holocaust research and archives allow victims, survivors, and their descendants to reclaim their histories and their identities. They help societies deal openly and accurately with the past. The IHRA helps overcome obstacles that may block access to archives or hold back the work of researchers.

Useful resources on archival access and Holocaust research

The IHRA works with governments and archival networks to develop tools that will advance access to archives and support Holocaust research.

Recommendations & Guidelines
Explore

Recommendations on Archival Access

Helping archivists and policymakers advance Holocaust research and safeguard the record.

Recommendations & Guidelines
Explore

Guidelines for Identifying Relevant Documentation for Holocaust Research, Education, and Remembrance

These guidelines offer a single tool for identifying relevant documentation for Holocaust research, remembrance and education.

Recommendations & Guidelines
Explore

FAQs: Data Protection Regulations and Archival Access to Holocaust Collections

These FAQs help advance open access to Holocaust documentation as it relates to the GDPR.

Explore the subject of archival access

Advancing access to archives requires both international cooperation and coordinating multiple bodies within governments. Learn more about the different moving parts by visiting our Explore page on archival access.

Find out things like:

  • Why is access to archival material on the Holocaust important?
  • What are some of the obstacles that stand in the way?
  • What can policymakers do to support archival access?

Project highlights: Advancing Holocaust research and access to archives

Internal projects led by our experts, as well as grant projects we fund, help us counter distortion and safeguard the record.

Monitoring Access to Holocaust Collections

We are working with key decision makers to identify and address obstacles to archival access.

Locker of Memory

This IHRA Grant project is working to uncover the lost history of the Jungfernhof concentration camp outside of Riga, Latvia.

The IHRA’s Academic Working Group

The IHRA’s Academic Working Group (AWG) encourages all countries and societies to deal openly and accurately with the historical record. Its experts monitor and advise on issues related to freedom of research, access to archives, and new developments in Holocaust studies. Made up of leaders in academia from the IHRA’s Member, Liaison, and Observer Countries, the AWG bridges the divide between experts and governments, and provides policy and decision makers with unique insight into how to promote academic research on the complex topic of the Holocaust.

Our eight Focus Areas

Antisemitism

We are creating a shared understanding of how antisemitism impacts our societies – and how we can fight it.

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Holocaust denial and distortion

We are leading global efforts to tackle the growing threat of Holocaust denial and distortion.

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Archives and research

We are helping victims, survivors, and their descendants to reclaim their histories and identities.

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Holocaust, genocide and crimes against humanity

We use comparative scholarship, education, and commemoration to build a world without genocide.

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Genocide of the Roma

We are raising awareness of the genocide of the Roma to help combat antigypsyism/anti-Roma discrimination.

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Education

We create tools and resources that help people teach and learn about Holocaust-related issues.

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Remembrance

We help governments, organizations, and communities remember victims and survivors in an appropriate way.

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Sites of the Holocaust and the Genocide of the Roma

We work with memorials and museums and help safeguard the places where the Holocaust happened.

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Explore the IHRA resource library

We develop tools that empower people to safeguard the record and
counter distortion.

This page collects all of our resources in one place.

Resources