foko barcampny on human rights
DESCRIPTION
Presentation of the effort of the Foko digital community in Madagascar to document the 2009 Unrest.TRANSCRIPT
Use of New Media During the Turmoil in
Madagascar by the Foko digital communityPhoto credit:
Avylavitra
Background
• Origins of the crisis:o Land dealo Closing of TV stationo Poverty
• Argumentso coup or transfer of
power ?o Elected or corrupt
government ? • Casualties & Loss
o 150 casualties
• Human Rights Violations:
• Shootings of civilians (both sides)
• Repression of protests by force
• Vandalism, pillage and act of terror
• Repression of freedom of speech
Photo credit: Telegraph.co.uk
Available Information on the Crisis in the Media
• MSM coverage sporadic and lacking in depth
• Footage of evident human rights violations unseen or not stated as such in MSM.
• Local coverage is increasingly polarized.
• Information from internet users: o Scattered, mostly clustered in
specific regions especially the capital city.
o still too sparse to provide complete information
Instances of Violations of Human Rights
• Shootings of civilians, deaths: • Feb 7th April 26th
• Excessive Repression: o Intimidation, Restricted Freedom of
speech, & arbitrary arrest.
Instances of Violations of Human Rights
• Vandalism, Pillage and Arson:
Instances of Violations of Human Rights
Photo credit: thefirstpost.co.uk
Documenting the events geographically in real time with FrontlineSMS/Ushahidi platform
Use of Twitter
• Use of tag: #Madagascar • US department of State
(twitter.com/dipnote) used the tag and replies function to stop the rumor in the digital community that the US Embassy gave shelter to former president Ravalomanana
• twibes.com/Madagascar
Lesson Learned
• Pool of contributors, although growing, is still too restricted in quantity and geographically.
• Lack of contributions due to lack of awareness.
• Verifying authenticity of info is still an issue.
• Cost of internet use and texting barriers to participation.