World-Class Platform for Documenting War Crimes

Dattalion — an independent team of activists and human rights defenders — is systematically collecting, verifying, and publishing media and text evidence of human rights violations and war crimes. Their mission is to document facts to hold perpetrators accountable and promote transparency by providing open access to information for the public and platforms for international organizations.

Problem

The initial temporary solution — a Python script displaying Google Drive materials via a simple web interface — ceased to cope with the growing volume of data and increasing complexity of requirements. This slowed down evidence processing and limited scalability, demonstrating the urgent need for a dedicated data collection platform and evidence management system capable of handling the sensitivity and scope of the content

Solution

We proposed creating a high-performance, scalable, and user-friendly data management platform based on Laravel and Vue. js. Laravel was chosen for its reliability and ease of scaling as the war crimes database expanded, while Vue. js with Vuetify enabled rapid development of an intuitive interface with minimal design costs. This was crucial in meeting the specific demands of custom platform development.

An automated data collection platform was implemented through Google Drive integration to ensure timely updates without manual intervention. To facilitate real-time access and in-depth search capabilities, we incorporated MeiliSearch, creating a powerful evidence search system — indispensable for locating specific media, documents, and witness statements across thousands of entries.

The result was more than a system; it was a flexible foundation for custom platform solutions, empowering the client to respond quickly to changing needs and expand their operations globally.

Work Process

1. Analysis and Planning:
   We conducted a comprehensive assessment of the client’s needs, goals, and workflows, which allowed us to begin creating a scalable database platform tailored to their mission. This phase resulted in a validated prototype and technical specification that balanced development speed, budget, and long-term scalability.
   
2. Backend Development:
   A system for scheduled data import was developed, supporting regular updates from Google Drive. This core functionality reduced the need for manual oversight — an important requirement in delivering reliable custom platform development for sensitive and dynamic data environments.
   
3. Frontend Development:
   Using Vue. js and Vuetify, we built a responsive interface that allowed for fast iteration. Following best practices in web platform development, we delivered a modular front end that could evolve along with the platform’s content and user base.
   
4. Testing and Iterations:
   Agile sprints, client demos, and live feedback loops enabled continuous improvement and alignment with operational needs. The evolving requirements were seamlessly integrated thanks to a flexible architecture.
   
5. Launch:
   The platform was securely deployed on the client’s infrastructure. Thanks to its thoughtful design, the solution now functions as a full-fledged platform for international organizations, allowing reliable data access across regions and languages.

Result

The resulting platform became a vital operational asset for Dattalion. The evidence management system dramatically improved file handling speed and integrity, and the data management platform allowed the organization to confidently scale operations. Today, it serves as both a tool for justice and a benchmark in custom platform solutions designed to support truth, transparency, and accountability.