Context & Background
In the wake of escalating conflicts and human rights violations, Open Archive, a nonprofit organization committed to preserving truth to power, has set its sights on Ukraine. This Eastern European nation has been grappling with a complex and volatile situation characterized by war crimes, territorial disputes, and political upheaval. Open Archive has taken on the formidable task of understanding and supporting the efforts of Decentralized Archivist Communities in Ukraine.
The conflict in Ukraine, marked by its intensity and humanitarian implications, has generated a pressing need for accurate and comprehensive documentation. Open Archive recognizes that these records serve as a critical resource for revealing truth, advocating for justice, and preventing future violations. Moreover, the organization acknowledges that a decentralized approach to archiving is essential in this context, given the challenges posed by censorship, political bias, and the sheer volume of information generated in the midst of conflict.
Decentralized Archivist Communities have emerged as vital players in the documentation and archival landscape. These grassroots groups, often comprising activists, journalists, technologists, and concerned citizens, have taken it upon themselves to gather, verify, and archive information related to war crimes in Ukraine. Their efforts are marked by their commitment to the pursuit of truth.
Understanding the dynamics, challenges, and potential solutions within these Decentralized Archivist Communities is vital for Open Archive's mission. To gain insights, the organization has undertaken an in-depth needs assessment by conducting five interviews, and deploying surveys among players within these communities. These interviewees represent the diverse range of roles within the archiving ecosystem.
They include tech-savvy individuals responsible for ensuring data security, frontline activists collecting data in high-risk zones, researchers cross-referencing information, and individuals who liaise with international organizations to advocate for accountability.
