Citizens in actionfor human rights

by Brynne Tuggle

The topic of citizens involved in reporting the news is usually discussed in the journalism world. But “citizen reports” are not constricted to news outlets. An organization called Witness is using the same tools to bring light to human rights around the world.

The group’s mission statement says that it uses video “to open the eyes of the world to human rights violations.” The organization seeks to give power to the people by training and supporting local groups to use media for human rights advocacy. Witness provides video cameras and editing equipment to these organizations.

This is a unique organization because of the way it positions itself to effect change. Most people think getting involved with a human rights campaign involves giving money or maybe volunteering, but what Witness is doing could be revolutionary. By providing these smaller organizations with the tools they need to capture some of the problems and needs “on camera”, the organization is doing much more. It’s giving the power to the people to be their own voices through words and pictures.

Witness created, "The Hub", a participatory media site dedicated to human rights media. Anyone can participate in this community by uploading his or her own video, photos, or audio to campaign against human rights abuses. "The Hub" is the perfect platform for anyone concerned about human rights to get involved by becoming the eyes and the voices of the people who need to be seen and heard. Here, people can create groups and promote action for the causes that are most important to them. Witness provides the tools.

The organization’s slogan is “See it. Film it. Change it.” This is exactly what giving the power to the people is all about. This organization is using people who “know the story the best” to be the eyes and ears for everyone else. Isn’t this what participation is? Bringing light to a story or need so as to effect change in the world around you? I think so. And I believe we who are interested in this idea of citizen participation in storytelling can learn something from Witness. It’s about giving people the tools they need and an outlet to use those tools so their voices can be heard.