Building a case for evidence: research at the International Records Management Trust, Rights and Records Institute

The availability of documentary evidence strengthens civil society by helping to protect legal rights and prevent human rights violations. Legal redress, voting rights, land registration and pension claims all depend upon the availability of records. Conversely, the loss of control of records undermines the state‘s ability to protect the people. Furthermore, in the absence of well‐managed records, information can be manipulated, transparency becomes impossible and fraud flourishes. Citizens cannot participate meaningfully in the governance process or hold government officials accountable for their actions and decisions. Freedom of Information is meaningless. The International Records Management Trust, Rights and Records Institute is dedicated to serving the international information management community. It acts as a leading resource for technical information and services through research and education. Through its activities, the Institute seeks to empower developing country governments to manage public records in support of citizen’s rights and to make public sector service delivery more efficient and economic. This article introduces broadly the work of the Trust and the newly established Rights and Records Institute and inform on both ongoing and completed research.