Citation

Koettl C. Genocide Stud. Prev. 2017; 11(1): e1440.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, University of Toronto Press)

DOI

10.5038/1911-9933.11.1.1440

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article critically reviews the use of ICTs for human rights crisis research. While focusing on two specific technologies--satellite imagery and mobile phone technology--it proposes a general framework for analyzing the added value of ICTs. The author suggests that their added value in mass atrocities research arises from their ability to reduce information uncertainty, a challenge that is exacerbated in the digital age. This is different from delivering "truth", an inaccurate description that only leads to unfulfilled expectations and hopes. The article is written from a practitioner's perspective, drawing from the work of a global human rights watchdog, thus avoiding the trap of inferring conclusions from a single region or a single tool. The author provides several case studies on how ICTs were successfully used in human rights crisis research by reducing information scarcity and assessing the quality of information.

Language: en