Skip to main content
Policy and methodological publications

Berkeley Protocol on Digital Open Source Investigations: A Practical Guide on the Effective Use of Digital Open Source and Information in Investigating Violations of International Criminal, Human Rights and Humanitarian Law

Published

03 January 2022

Focus

Investigative methodologies

The Berkeley Protocol on Digital Open Source Investigations identifies international standards for conducting online research of alleged violations of international criminal, human rights, and humanitarian law. The Protocol provides guidance on methodologies and procedures for gathering, analysing, and preserving digital information in a professional, legal, and ethical manner. The publication also sets out measures that online investigators can and should take to protect the digital, physical, and psychosocial safety of themselves and others, including witnesses, victims, and first responders (such as citizens, activists, and journalists) who risk their own wellbeing to document war crimes and human rights violations so that those who are responsible are brought to justice. The Protocol is available on the websites of OHCHR and the Human Rights Center at the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law. It will also be issued in all six official UN languages, in print and electronic mediums.

ISBN:

978-92-1-154233-2

Author:

Published jointly by OHCHR with the Human Rights Center at the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law

Print format:

A4 soft cover

Sales number:

E.20.XIV.4