An app that can collect legally admissible evidence in conflict zones has been launched by the International Bar Association (IBA) with support from LexisNexis Legal & Professional.
The “eyeWitness to Atrocities app” is a new tool for documenting and reporting human rights atrocities in a secure and verifiable way so the information can later be presented as evidence in court. It could play an important role in holding to account perpetrators of atrocities such as genocide, torture and crimes against humanity.
Gathering verifiable evidence immediately on arrival at the scene of an atrocity can play a crucial role in later bringing perpetrators to justice.
IBA Executive Director Mark Ellis says: “Until now, it has been extremely difficult to verify the authenticity of these images and to protect the safety of those brave enough to record them.”
When a user records an atrocity, the app automatically collects and embeds into the video file GPS coordinates, date and time, device sensor data, and surrounding objects such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi networks.
