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 experiences 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.
Do No Harm
This video will outline 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 will outline the principle of “informed consent,” and how documenters may adhere to the principle in the context of documentation.
Confidentiality
This video will outline the principle of “confidentiality,” and how documenters may adhere to the principle in the context of human rights documentation.
The Risk of Re-trautmatization
This video will outline 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 the Expectations of the Victim or Witness
This video will discuss how to best manage the expectations documentation, so as not to inadvertently raise false hopes.
Referring Witnesses to Professional Assistance
This video will discuss best practices of when and how to refer victims and witnesses to professional assistance.