The Republic of Armenia’s law on archives establishes a comprehensive legal framework for managing archival documents within the country. It defines the key elements of archival activities, including the stocking, registration, preservation, and usage of both state-owned and private archival documents. The law identifies the archives business as the activities of various entities—state bodies, local self-governing bodies, legal and natural persons—related to handling Armenia’s archival documents, which are considered part of the nation’s cultural heritage.
The legislation outlines the responsibilities and powers of government bodies at different levels. The Armenian government is tasked with implementing state policy in the archives sector, establishing rules for the management and preservation of archival documents, and ensuring compliance with international treaties. Local self-governing bodies have the authority to create, reorganize, or liquidate community archives and manage the property rights of community-owned archival documents.
The law categorizes archival documents into various types, such as personnel documents, documents with personal and family secrets, particularly valuable documents, and rare documents, each requiring specific handling, registration, and preservation measures. It emphasizes the permanent preservation of documents deemed valuable for the state’s historical and cultural legacy, setting clear guidelines for temporary and permanent preservation periods.
Additionally, the law regulates the ownership and transfer of archival documents, ensuring that state and community property cannot be privatized or alienated without legal authorization. It also addresses the conditions under which private archival documents can be included in the national archives collection and the responsibilities of legal and natural persons in managing their archival holdings.
Access to and usage of archival documents are also covered, with provisions to protect documents containing state secrets or personal information. The law promotes transparency and public access while balancing the need to safeguard sensitive information. It encourages international cooperation in archival activities, setting rules for the import and export of archival documents and their copies. Overall, the law aims to preserve Armenia’s documentary heritage and ensure its organized management and accessibility.
ՀՀ օրենքը «Արխիվային գործի մասին»
