The Use of Geospatial Imagery in Myanmar for Atrocity Prevention

Abstract

This paper aims to explore to what extent the usage of geospatial imagery can serve as a tool for atrocity prevention in a context of armed conflict and post-conflict. While most attention has been paid to the use of geospatial imagery to document mass atrocities for advocacy and accountability purposes, less attention has attracted the potential of this technology as a preventive tool. In the case of Myanmar, a special interest is on how to advance in the use of geospatial imagery to guarantee the safe return of the Rohingya refugees and how to prevent acts of genocide after the coup d’état by the military junta in 2021. The paper argues that one of the greatest advantages of the geospatial technology is the ability to monitor human rights violations in a large scale without violating the territorial integrity of the state. Beyond advocacy efforts, geospatial imagery can have a greater value for conflict analysis and early warning by helping organizations performing on the ground to coordinate their responses. Despite having access to more sophisticated tools, like the use of geospatial imagery, to assist atrocity early warning, the political will to intervene remains crucial to adopt measures to prevent mass atrocities.