Les liaisons fructueuses - RUIG-GIAN

V – Eclairages | Entretien
The UNHCR and the Global Cold War, 1971-1984
Interview with Jussi Hanhimäki, Jérôme Elie and Lee McDonald 1
conducted by Laurence Mortier
What was the rationale behind this project
and for using the archives of the Office of
the UN High Commissioner for Refugees
(UNHCR) as a central point ?
Hanhimäki : This research project examined
the records of UNHCR field and
headquarters operations during the period
1971-1984 and resulted in the creation
of an online archival database and the
publication of original, policy-relevant
findings. Several of the refugee movements
that took place during this crucial
period are relatively similar, in terms of
geographical areas, to the refugee situations
we face today (Afghanistan, Iraq,
Angola, the Great Lakes region, etc.).
By analysing the context and responses by
international actors, we can draw lessons
and use them to better comprehend current
and future emergency situations. Policy-makers
and policy-analysts can benefit
directly from this research.
McDonald : The records addressed by this
project and awaiting declassification and
archival processing consisted of 222 linear
meters of paper documents covering
the period 1971-1984. The processing of
these documents in the framework of this
project has preserved their physical state
and enabled scholars and policymakers
to access this crucial resource on late 20 th
century refugee issues.
Hanhimäki : The UNHCR is an operational
organisation that in general does
not have sufficient resources available to
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1. Jussi Hanhimäki is Professor of International History and Politics at the Graduate Institute of International Studies ; Jérôme Elie was PhD candidate at the GIIS when this research was
undertaken ; Lee McDonald is Senior Archivist at the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).