Open Society Foundations’ Human Rights Data Initiative

The Open Society Foundations’ Human Rights Data Initiative (HRDI) helps human rights organizations improve their capacity to make the data they collect searchable and reusable, and to capture data in such a way that it can be cross–referenced, integrated with new analytical tools, and disseminated through a host of new distribution platforms.

HRDI is currently conducting research on topics that cut across the fields of human rights and transparency/accountability, where new uses of data can be a game–changer. HRDI has chosen to begin this initiative on the theme of eminent domain and other methods of state expropriation of property and housing through evictions and housing allocation decisions. As this is an area where human rights intersect with an issue of intense civic interest, the project will investigate how these expropriations affect a range of rights, and explore ways in which civil society organizations can use data to challenge government abuses of eminent domain.

As HRDI aims to support the development of global expertise in this field, “game–changing data” will be a defining longer–term theme for HRDI. As the project unfolds, we expect not only to learn more about the abuse of eminent domain and urban planning, but also to learn:

•        what kind of data it takes to reach a new audience with human rights advocacy

•        what data can create new momentum in an existing field

•        when data design for advocacy has an impact, and when it is merely cosmetic

HRDI has a full program of work for 2013. It is always open to applications for projects from new partners whose purpose and priorities match their own, however it cannot guarantee to fund your project. It endeavors to respond to  applications for funds which meet the criteria specified within two months.

The deadline to submit concept notes is ongoing.

For more information, visit this link.