The Next 25: A Collection of Essays on The Future of Human Rights

Q&As

What is the main focus of the Human Rights Center's work in the context of human rights?

The main focus is on digital open source investigations to uncover human rights abuses, holding perpetrators accountable, and pursuing justice in partnership with marginalized communities. They also train students and advocates in these investigative techniques.

How does the UC Berkeley Human Rights Center use technology in its human rights investigations?

The center uses digital technologies, such as social media and satellite imagery, to gather, verify, and preserve information on human rights abuses. This includes training students and advocates to use these technologies for effective investigations.

What is the Berkeley Protocol on Digital Open Source Investigations and its significance?

The Berkeley Protocol, co-published in 2020, sets international standards for the collection, preservation, and verification of digital open source information for human rights investigations. It aims to standardize methods for these investigations to ensure they are admissible in international courts.

Why is training in digital open source investigations important according to the UC Berkeley Human Rights Center?

Training is essential because the vast amount of digital information needs to be captured effectively, verified for authenticity, and used by people with the power to enact change. It helps build capacities for documenting human rights abuses globally.

How has the Human Rights Center expanded its impact beyond UC Berkeley?

They have worked with Amnesty International's Digital Verifications Corps, other universities to replicate their model, and have co-founded the UC Digital Investigations Network. They also provide training programs for human rights defenders worldwide.