By Natalie Kerby | Individual Philanthropy Associate
Today, it is not just human rights that are under attack, it is truth itself. For 25 years, WITNESS has dedicated itself to exposing the truth, and now with your support, we are more committed than ever.
Together, we’ve been making it possible for anyone, anywhere to use video and technology to protect and defend human rights. Here are some of the incredible successes that you have made possible in the past few months:
In North Dakota, protesters have been fighting against the Dakota Access Pipeline for months. The pipeline would cause environmental damage and destroy sites held sacred by the Sioux community. After an activist reached out to “thank [WITNESS] for existing”, noting that they were using our resources at the protest, we worked with indigenous activists and allies to customize our Video as Evidence Guide for the water protectors. Additionally, one of WITNESS’ partners was able to lead a series of trainings for activists on the front line and provide strategies for maximizing the impact of live video at pivotal moments as the fight for indigenous sovereignty and environmental rights continues.
WITNESS has also been ramping up our Mobil-Eyes Us initiative, which seeks to connect “distant witnesses” – the people who may not be physically present during a human rights crisis, but can nonetheless take action if asked for the right thing at the right time – with citizens and activists on the front lines.
In July and August 2016, WITNESS piloted this project with partners documenting human rights violations leading up to and during the Rio Olympics. We are now developing ways to contextualize and direct actions around a livestream, as well as bring in the right viewers in order to take action.
From livestreaming human rights abuses in Rio to supporting #NoDAPL protesters fighting for indigenous land rights, you are helping WITNESS equip activists with the skills and tools to amplify marginalized voices and uplift the truth.
Thank you, for standing up for human rights. Thank you, for making change possible.
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