Expanded Digital Collection from Memoria Abierta: Human Rights Publications in Argentina

The Digital Publications Library of Memoria Abierta(opens in a new tab) is a project aimed at preserving, disseminating, and providing access to periodical and non-periodical publications produced and collected by human rights organizations in Argentina and beyond. This collection allows us to learn about the history of the human rights movement and its members, their forms of organization and interventions, and recognize their impact on the social and political context.

The archives of these Human Rights organizations reflect a vast network of intellectual and social movements. As a result, the Digital Public Library of Memoria Abierta provides access to organizational publications as well as materials from other actors, reflecting the complex web of relationships and historical events they have been and are part of.

The issues addressed in these publications are diverse. They include, among others: news and analysis on human rights issues in Latin America, national and international justice, information on the situation of disappeared and detained persons and political prisoners, interviews on social and political situations, matters related to the struggle for truth and justice, and information on the activities of these organizations. There is also a set of publications on specific topics such as gender, indigenous peoples, education, security forces, justice, impunity, youth and politics, among others.

At present, all digital materials accessible online were digitized and published as part of the MEAP funded "Human Rights Publications from Memoria Abierta(opens in a new tab)" project MEAP´s project. The Digital Publications Library of Memoria Abierta(opens in a new tab) will continue to expand by exploring materials held by all of the following organizations:

• Asamblea Permanente por los Derechos Humanos (APDH)
• Centro de Estudios Legales y Sociales (CELS)
• Comisión Memoria, Verdad y Justicia de Zona Norte
• Familiares de Desparecidos y Detenidos por Razones Políticas
• Madres de Plaza de Mayo – Línea Fundadora
• Asociación de Trabajo y Estudio de la Mujer (ATEM)
• Servicio Paz y Justicia (SERPAJ)
• FEDEFAM

In addition to providing access to their newsletters, newspapers and publications, the Digital Publications Library offers digital access to facsimiles of magazines and other reference publications that these organizations have treasured. A collection that provides an overview of their evolution and their active participation in various political contexts, not only nationally but also regionally and internationally.

These publications are a relevant source for understanding the recent history of Argentina and the crucial role played by human rights organizations in resisting and denouncing the crimes of dictatorships, as well as in opening their agenda in democracy and promoting public policy debate and advocacy over the last four decades.

The Digital Publications Library of Memoria Abierta is a living testimony of the ongoing commitment of these organizations to the upholding of human rights in Argentina and Latin America.