Benetech Human Rights Data Analysis Group (HRDAG) designs and builds information management solutions and conducts statistical analysis on behalf of human rights projects. With our partners, we make scientifically-defensible arguments based in rigorous evidence.

HRDAG Included In Science News Report on Humanitarian Statistics

March 29, 2008, Palo Alto, CA — Dr. Patrick Ball and Romesh Silva of Benetech's Human Rights Data Analysis Group (HRDAG) are included in a Science News story about statistical tools that help guide responses to human rights crises. The report, entitled "Humanitarian Statistics," describes HRDAG's analysis of deaths during the Indonesian occupation of Timor-Leste from 1974-1999. HRDAG's analysis for the Commision for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation concluded that the country suffered more than 100,000 deaths beyond what would have been expected in peacetime and that this rate of mortality was not driven by direct violence but rather famine-related deaths.

Benetech HRDAG develops database software, data collection strategies, and statistical techniques to measure human rights atrocities. Our technology and analysis is used by truth commissions, international criminal tribunals, and non-governmental human rights organizations around the world. Our analysis identifies the trends and patterns which is the evidence of crimes of policy.

The incorporation of HRDAG into Benetech brings together HRDAG's considerable field experience with Benetech's software engineering expertise. Together, we will build tools and projects that help human rights workers do their jobs better.

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The Human Rights Data Analysis Group (HRDAG) was incubated for more than a decade at the Science and Human Rights Program. AAAS supports the application of science to human rights as one way that science serves society.

HRDAG is now a Benetech project. Learn more.

Benetech HRDAG
480 S. California Ave.
Suite 201
Palo Alto, CA 94306-1609
Voice: 650-644-3400
Fax: 650-475-1066
hrdag@benetech.org

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The Human Rights Data Analysis Group (HRDAG) applies information technology solutions and statistical techniques to help human rights advocates build evidence-based arguments.