ETAC Training Series: The Role of Photos and Videos As Evidence Of Human Rights Abuses - The International Coalition to End Transplant Abuse in China

The proliferation of smartphones and social media has increased awareness of events that might otherwise go unreported. However, as digital data is easy to manipulate, it can be difficult, if not impossible, to use this footage as evidence. Even footage depicting heinous crimes, if it cannot be verified, may be of little use to legal authorities investigating the perpetrators. If it goes to trial, the footage likely will not be admitted or will be given little weight. Presenter Wendy Betts, addresses some of the challenges to authenticating photo and video, which make it difficult to use the footage as evidence to hold the perpetrators responsible. She also discusses tips for capturing photo and video in a way that can increase its evidentiary value.

Wendy Betts is the Director of eyeWitness to Atrocities, an organisation that combines law and technology to promote accountability for serious international crimes. The eyeWitness system allows human rights documenters to capture photos/videos of human rights violations that can easily be authenticated by a court. She previously served as the Director of the American Bar Association War Crimes Documentation Project. She has written and presented on topics related to human rights documentation, international criminal law, digital evidence, and accountability. Ms. Betts has a M.A. in International Relations/International Economics from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and a J.D. from the University of San Francisco School of Law.

ETAC often hosts trainings and webinars focused around educating and empowering the community towards ending forced organ harvesting in China. Guest speakers are industry professionals from a range of backgrounds (including law, politics and journalism), who share their expertise in dealing with issues surrounding human rights, media and laws and regulations. Many of these events are recorded and uploaded to our YouTube channel. If you are interested in staying up to date on our latest news and events, please subscribe and follow us on social media:

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What is forced organ harvesting? Watch the explainer video here.

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