Conducting effective research into state complicity in human rights abuses

This paper is aimed at exploring how to conduct effective research into state complicity in human rights abuses, in ways that can help contribute to state accountability. This type of research is challenging: the secretive nature of state complicity in abuses presents considerable difficulties for the researcher, both in terms of access to evidence, and in terms of safety and security for the researcher and for the victims. However, recent developments in the methods and the types of data available present new opportunities for strengthening the quality and scope of research that is possible. Drawing on our own experience of research into state complicity in human rights abuses, specifically our work to map the CIA’s rendition, detention and interrogation (RDI) programme, we aim to show how we have tried to navigate the difficult terrain of human rights investigation. The paper begins by exploring a number of the challenges involved. We then discuss recent developments in human rights investigation techniques, and the opportunities these present, as well as the emerging body of critical scholarship that is beginning to shape this kind of work among practitioners and academics alike. We consider some of the imbalances of power that affect this type of research. We then demonstrate how we tried to embrace new opportunities, while being mindful of the risks involved and the limitations of what we can achieve. We close with some reflections on ways forward for this type of research.