The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has officially opened its Ukraine Archive to external applicants, providing access to a rich compilation of journalism focused on the Russia-Ukraine war. This archive, launched in response to the full-scale invasion that began in February 2022, offers over 30,000 video and audio reports curated from EBU member organizations, including notable broadcasters like France Télévisions, Telewizja Polska, and the BBC.
Researchers, journalists, and human rights advocates can request access to this searchable collection, which includes verified social media content from the Eurovision Social Newswire team and other credible media outlets like AFP. The archive serves as a crucial resource, focusing on the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II.
Comprehensive Resources for Human Rights Research
The Ukraine Archive is designed with user-friendliness in mind. Its content is organized by various criteria such as location and date, and each item is tagged to reflect alleged human rights violations in the context of armed conflict. Over 100 tags have been developed in collaboration with human rights experts, covering issues like “Violence Against Person – Killing” and “Infrastructure Damage – Bridge.” This tagging system allows users to efficiently locate specific instances of human rights abuses, enhancing the research process.
Anne Koch, the Project Lead for the Ukraine Archive, expressed pride in the collaborative effort that has brought this resource to fruition. She noted the contributions of national broadcasters, technical experts, and archivists working under challenging conditions, particularly those at Suspilne, the Ukrainian public broadcaster.
Koch emphasized the role of journalists in documenting atrocities, stating, “When they are not present, there is less accountability.” Quoting human rights activist Nadia Murad, she highlighted the essential function of journalists as voices for conflict victims, stating that they collect evidence critical for accountability.
Combating Disinformation and Ensuring Accountability
The importance of the Ukraine Archive extends beyond documentation; it serves as a countermeasure to the disinformation that often proliferates during wartime. By preserving accurate and independent journalism, the archive aims to create a detailed narrative of the ongoing conflict, countering misinformation and propaganda. The phrase “Truth is the first casualty of war” underlines the archive’s mission to safeguard the historical record, making it a valuable resource for journalists, documentary makers, and researchers.
Koch believes this initiative exemplifies how multiple media organizations can collaborate effectively, creating a resource that exceeds the sum of its parts. The EBU’s commitment to preserving this archive may inspire similar efforts in other conflict zones, potentially enhancing public trust in media at a time when journalism faces significant challenges.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, so does the collection and archiving of journalistic efforts. The Ukraine Archive not only stands as a testament to the bravery of journalists but also as a long-term resource for future accountability and understanding of this pivotal moment in history.
The work of the EBU and its partners marks a significant step in ensuring that the stories of those affected by the war are preserved for posterity.
