Ethical Challenges in Human Rights Research

• Activity Number: 594
• Type: Invited
• Date/Time: Thursday, August 4, 2011 : 8:30 AM to 10:20 AM
• Sponsor: Committee on Scientific Freedom and Human Rights
• Author(s): Shana Swiss*+
• Companies: Women's Rights International
• Keywords: Human Rights ; Women's Rights ; Ethics ; Informed Consent ; Questionnaire Design ; Survey Methods

Abstract

Since the media broke the "story" of rape in the former Yugoslavia in the early 1990's, surveys on the prevalence of rape have been conducted in many countries in conflict. In the aftermath of many of these surveys, women have reported feeling re-victimized and exploited: expectations of assistance have not materialized, violations have been reported out of context, stereotypes and prejudice have been exacerbated. Women have felt disempowered, marginalized, and pathologized. However, long-term research collaborations with local organizations can build skills, develop leadership, and increase local credibility and power. Case studies from Liberia and Sri Lanka show how local organizations took the lead in framing the research questions, conducting the surveys, interpreting the data, and using the statistics to advocate for change. This presentation will explore ethical responsibilities when considering a random-sample survey in conflict situations including risks and benefits, informed consent, data protection and ownership, contextualizing human rights violations in the specific conflict situation, and reporting survey findings in multiple formats that local communities can use.