Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 12
The Role of Information
and Communications
Technologies in Human Rights
Monitoring and Advocacy
John Lannon
Leeds Metropolitan University, UK
abStract
This chapter analyses tools and techniques used to document human rights abuse. It outlines the oppor-
tunities and pitfalls associated with the use of information and communication technologies by human
rights organizations, and it examines the importance of rigorous documentation to underpin human rights
work. Tools developed to help grassroots organizations record usable and actionable information are
contrasted with an initiative that actively involves citizens in the reporting of xenophobic attacks. The
analysis shows that the tools and systems used to monitor human rights violations are essential to the
effective implementation of human rights standards. It also shows that new technologies can empower
ordinary citizens to become directly involved in awareness building and debate about human rights
abuse.
'Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as
if you were to live forever'. -- Mahatma Gandhi
(1869-1948), Indian philosopher, internationally
esteemed for his doctrine of nonviolent protest.
discrimination and illegitimate coercion, typically
by state actors. They provide the basis upon which
the notions of dignity, equality and human security
can be upheld and promoted at all levels of society,
and they are codified in a widely endorsed set of
international undertakings known as the Interna-
tional Bill of Human Rights. This includes the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR),
the International Covenant on Civil and Political
Rights (ICCPR), the International Covenant on
introDuction
Human rights are a set of universal claims that ex-
ist in order to protect individuals from oppression,
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