Symposium: Open-Source Investigations Labs, Educational Approaches and Societal Impact

[Jessica Dorsey is an Assistant Professor of International Law at Utrecht University School of Law, a member of the core teaching team of the Utrecht University Open-Source Global Justice Investigations Lab and Managing Editor of Opinio Juris]

This week, Opinio Juris has the pleasure of hosting an exciting discussion on open-source investigations labs, educational approaches and societal impact. The collection of posts running from today through Friday come from reflections from a conference hosted by Utrecht University’s Open-Source Global Justice Investigations Lab in June 2025. For background on the conference:

Open-source investigations—including methods such as geo-location, satellite imagery analysis, and social media verification—have proven to be powerful tools for driving accountability in both human rights and environmental justice. In Syria, Bellingcat used geo-location, satellite imagery, and social media analysis to verify the use of chemical weapons in places like Khan Shaykhun and Douma. Similarly, Airwars exposed the extent of civilian casualties caused by the US-led coalition’s airstrikes against ISIS in Iraq and Syria, leading the coalition to acknowledge over 1,400 civilian deaths and adopt greater transparency measures. During the 2021 Colombian protests, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch documented police brutality through verified videos and time-stamped geo-location, leading to calls for reforms and international scrutiny of the government’s actions. In the realm of environmental harm, investigations into cross-border haze pollution in Southeast Asia employed satellite imagery and land ownership records to link illegal burning practices to major agricultural firms, raising public awareness and spurring policy changes to address the crisis. These cases demonstrate how open-source investigations can uncover the truth, amplify the voices of victims, and catalyse meaningful action toward justice and accountability. In a world where truth and accountability are increasingly under threat, and where dis-and misinformation are on the rise, the need to understand the opportunities and challenges around open-source investigations for global justice has never been stronger.

This conference brought together interdisciplinary experts from research and practice in order to explore key questions at the forefront of open-source investigations for global justice. Participants examined how open-source methods can drive meaningful accountability and redress for human rights violations and environmental harm, ensuring investigations lead to impact. Participants also discussed the role of interdisciplinary collaboration, highlighting how diverse expertise—from law to data science and beyond—enhances investigative outcomes. The conference also addressed emerging technologies, such as AI and satellite imagery, and the challenges they present for investigators. Ethical considerations, including privacy, consent, and the handling of sensitive information, were a central theme, ensuring that investigations maintain the highest ethical standards. Finally, the role of universities in this space were also explored, with discussions focusing on how open-source investigation open-source investigation labs can achieve sustainability and resilience in the face of budget cuts, political challenges, and misinformation, ensuring their continued effectiveness and credibility.

This week’s symposium will feature several contributions and reflections from educators, practitioners and scholars working in this space aiming to continue discussions in this rapidly evolving area of interdisciplinary practice and focus.