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.

Benetech Human Rights Data Analysis Group (HRDAG) Releases Report for the Liberian Truth and Reconciliation Commission

July 3, 2009, Palo Alto, CA — The Benetech Human Rights Data Analysis Group (HRDAG) has released a report based on its analysis of more than 17,000 victim and witness statements collected by the Liberian Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The report, entitled "Descriptive Statistics From Statements to the Liberian Truth and Reconciliation Commission," is included as an annex to the final report of the Liberian Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) released on July 1 in Monrovia, Liberia. The press release and summary of the HRDAG report provides details on the findings.

HRDAG provided the statistical expertise to transform information from the TRC statements into scientifically-defensible knowledge to create a clear historical record and help end impunity for the perpetrators of human rights abuses in Liberia. According to the HRDAG report, former Liberian President Charles Taylor &mdash already on trial for war crimes and crimes against humanity for his role in Sierra Leone's civil war &mdash also led the Liberian rebel group responsible for the largest number of violations during Liberia's 24 years of civil unrest.

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
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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.