WHY A FIELD GUIDE? The goal of the Field Guide is to provide methods for filmers to use so that their videos can be as valuable as possible in exposing abuse and bringing about justice. This resource will help ensure that more cameras in more hands can lead to more exposure and greater justice. ABOUT Activists producing footage that they hope will be used not only by journalists but also by investigators and court rooms must consider these fundamental questions: Is it clear where and when the video was filmed? Can this video be verified? Has it been tampered with or edited? Is the footage relevant to a human rights crime? Can the video’s chain of custody be proved? Would its helpfulness in securing justice outweigh its potential to undermine justice? These are some of the issues we explore throughout the guide while providing practical guidance on addressing them. WHO’S IT FOR? The Guide’s primary audience is people working in the field who are or will potentially film human rights abuses. These may be citizen journalists, activists, community reporters, and human rights investigators. If you are already filming abuses, the Guide can help enhance the evidentiary value of your videos. And if you are already investigating human rights abuses by traditional means, this Guide can help to strategically incorporate video into your human rights investigation so that it enhances your evidence collection. WHAT’s INSIDE? The guide covers: • The Law: Where Video and Law Intersect – Basic legal principles and processes. • Filming for Evidence – Practices for capturing video with enhanced evidentiary value. • Sharing and Using Eyewitness Video in Reporting and Advocacy – Guidance on verifying and curating eyewitness video in a safe and ethical way. FOR MORE INFORMATION vae.witness.org 6 VIDEO AS EVIDENCE: ABOUT THIS GUIDE V 1.0