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New book offers guidance to researchers working in war zones

Friday 5 June 2009

A new publication offering the latest advice and guidance for field researchers working in dangerous situations has been developed by the Centre on Human Rights in Conflict at the University of East London (UEL) in collaboration with the American University in Washington, DC. 

Surviving Field Research: Working in Violent and Difficult Situations, is edited by Chandra Lekha Sriram, John C. King, Julie A. Mertus, Olga Martin-Ortega, and Johanna Herman.

Professor Chandra Lekha Sriram, Chair in Human Rights at UEL’s School of Law, said: “In recent years there has been increasing research into mass atrocities such as genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other human rights violations. Academics and researchers seeking to analyse the causes of, and offer practical responses to these atrocities face a number of practical and ethical challenges.

“The aim of this book is to guide researchers in identifying and addressing challenges in conducting qualitative research in difficult circumstances, such as conducting research in autocratic or uncooperative regimes, with governmental or non-governmental officials, and perhaps most importantly, with reluctant respondents such as victims of genocide or war criminals.”

UEL’s Centre on Human Rights in Conflict based at Stratford is an interdisciplinary organisation promoting policy-relevant research focused on the relationship between human rights and violent conflict. Key research areas include the human rights obligations of business in conflict zones and the development of human rights protections and rule of law in conflict and post-conflict countries.

For further details see http://www.uel.ac.uk/chrc/publications/index.htm

Ends.

UEL Press office contact: 0208 223 6239 or 07595 056245

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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