Guiding Principles for Civil Society Documentation
The process of documenting human rights abuses is a process that can lead to accountability of perpetrators and justice for victims. Yet, it can also be an extremely difficult process for those who have witnessed and experienced mass atrocities. This module explores the important ethical and investigative principles, including the principle of doing no harm, the notions of confidentiality and informed consent, the risks of traumatization and re-traumatization, and the importance of a system of referrals to service-providers in the context of interactions with traumatized and vulnerable populations.
Introduction to Day 1
Do No Harm
This video outlines the principle of “do no harm,” and how documenters may adhere to the principle in the context of human rights documentation.
Informed consent
This video outlines the principle of “informed consent,” and how documenters may adhere to the principle in the context of documentation.
Confidentiality
This video outlines the principle of “confidentiality,” and how documenters may adhere to the principle in the context of human rights documentation.
the Risk of Re-Traumatization
This video outlines the principle of “recognizing and preventing the risk of re-traumatization,” and how documenters may adhere to the principle in the context of human rights documentation.
Managing Expectations of the victim or witness
This video discusses how to best manage the expectations documentation, so as not to inadvertently raise false hopes.
Referring Witnesses to Professional Assistance
This video discusses best practices of when and how to refer victims and witnesses to professional assistance.
Best Practices for Conducting Documentation Missions During COVID-19
This video discusses best practices when conducting civil society documentation missions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Security Considerations
This video reviews the security considerations you need to take into account when planning your mission and what to keep in mind during and after the documentation mission.