A Plan for Intervention in Emergency Situations Where Traditional Communications Infrastructure May be Unavailable or Cut Off by the Government

WITNESS has been working for over 20 years, empowering activists to use video to document injustice. The organization’s activities, facilitated through the development of the internet, have brought hidden images and stories to the forefront, enabling key stakeholders and the public to visualize abuse that helps push for lasting change.

Over time, WITNESS has expanded in its scope and mission. This Capstone was originally focused on devising a plan for critical response during periods of political instability but evolved into focusing on the use of video for change (V4C) in general. Per the recommendation of the client, the students focused on Bahrain, the Central African Republic (CAR), South Sudan and Venezuela.

Findings have varied greatly. CAR and South Sudan, both in a period of severe conflict, have very low rates of internet penetration with radio serving as the primary means of mass communication.  Low literacy rates and technological limitations, including access to electricity and mobile networks, further the barriers for video activists. Physical intimidation and government imposed or self-censorship are common. Internet access is largely nonexistent outside these countries' capitals. Video is not a popular form of media, making the safety risks for citizens holding cameras high. That being said, human rights defenders have expressed interest in video advocacy, especially in CAR.

Venezuela, which recently witnessed mass protests related to high crime rates, inflation and little access to basic goods, is an interesting target for WITNESS.  There is significant potential for V4C given the country's high internet penetration rate as well as widespread popularity of social media.  Addressing security and verification trainings remain critical.

Finally, Bahrain represents a very different case. Internet penetration is high, and digital activism has been key during and ever since the 2011 uprising. However, Bahraini netizens are subject to significant security concerns, specifically resulting from the government's tech savvy use of the internet to mimic or locate online activists. Most opposition and dissidents are currently in jail or in exile. For the Royal Family, the internet is a tool, not a threat. Because of the brutal crackdown and government's expertise in surveillance, the V4C initiative in Bahrain faces particular challenges, and there may be other countries where WITNESS could more efficiently expend its resources.