As we announced last week, we’re embarking on a couple of new projects on the use of technology and data in human rights documentation.
We know that there’s a lot going on out there in this space at the moment – new research projects on the use of technology by human rights defenders, human rights organisations exploring new innovative uses of technology or data in their documentation work, or simply individuals with a background in or interest in the topic.
As per our general ethos, we want to build upon – and contribute to – our collective intelligence on this topic, rather than working in separate spaces. So, as a first step, we’ll be hosting a first community call on the topic of new uses of technology and data in human rights documentation, to be held on March 2nd, at 6pm CET, using Uber Conference (details on how to join the call are below).
Anyone with an interest in the topic is welcome to participate – either just by listening, or by sharing what you’re working on! We’ll be joined by representatives from the newly-launched Human Rights Methodology Lab, a collaboration between Human Rights Watch, NYU and Columbia University, Sam Dubberley from the Eyewitness Media Hub, with other participants TBC.
We’ll be sharing briefly what we’re planning and working on, and we look forward to hearing from others, too. We’d love to hear from as many people as possible – and if you don’t have anything to share but you’d like to listen in, you’re also very welcome to join!
We’ll use this Etherpad to document notes for the call in a comprehensive and participatory way, and and these will be regular calls – so don’t worry if you can’t make this first time.
We will be using an online conferencing service called UberConference. This service allows us to connect up to 100 participants using VOIP or phone. This is not a video conferencing system, so don’t worry about brushing your hair!
Using Firefox or Chrome, go tohttps://www.uberconference.com/theengineroom .
If you have trouble using your computer for audio, you can connect using your phone. Just dial 607-821-7499 (you don’t need a PIN).
UberConference’s System requirements. For help, visit the UberConference user guide, or the UberConference support portal.
Tom started out writing and editing for newspapers, consultancies and think tanks on topics including politics and corruption in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, then moved into designing and managing election-related projects in countries including Myanmar, Bangladesh, Rwanda and Bolivia. After getting interested in what data and technology could add in those areas and elsewhere, he made a beeline for The Engine Room. Tom is trying to read all of the Internet, but mostly spends his time picking out useful resources and trends for organisations using technology in their work.
Sign up here to join the RD mailing list – a community of hundreds of practitioners addressing the challenges and opportunities for responsibly using data for social change. It’s a place for healthy debates and resource-sharing about strategy, compliance, innovation and emerging risks.
The Responsible Data community is diverse and our passions are, too. We have a unifying interest in supporting the responsible use of data in social change efforts. If you want to meet others interested in the vanguard of privacy, equity, transparency and security of data in the 21st century social sector, join us!