World-Class Platform for Documenting War Crimes

Dattalion — аn 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 interface — ceased to cope with the growing volume of data and increasing complexity of requirements. This slowed down evidence processing and limited scalability. A more advanced evidence management system was required to ensure sustainable growth and usability.

Solution

We proposed custom platform development of a high-performance, scalable, and user-friendly system based on Laravel and Vue. js. Laravel was chosen for its reliability and ease of scaling as the database grows, while Vue. js with Vuetify enabled rapid development of an intuitive interface using a ready-made UI kit.

An automated data collection platform was implemented via integration with Google Drive, ensuring timely updates and reducing manual effort. Integration with MeiliSearch provided a powerful evidence search system, essential for working with large datasets and ensuring precision in retrieving relevant materials.

Work Process

1. Analysis and Planning:
   We thoroughly studied the client’s workflow and project requirements, allowing us to propose an optimal architecture — balancing development speed, budget, and future scalability. Prototypes and technical documentation were prepared and approved to minimize rework.
   
2. Backend Development:
   We built a backend system for scheduled imports from Google Drive, turning the raw dataset into a live data management platform. Automated processing helped maintain an up-to-date dataset with minimal effort. Laravel Scout and MeiliSearch were integrated to support fast, accurate search within a growing evidence library.
   
3. Frontend Development:
   A clean and efficient user interface was created using Vue. js and the Vuetify component library. This setup allowed us to quickly launch a stable data collection platform without compromising usability or visual structure.
   
4. Testing and Iterations:
   Ongoing demo sessions allowed rapid feedback loops and iterative improvement throughout the project. This helped fine-tune the experience based on actual use scenarios.
   
5. Launch:
   The finished product — a secure, scalable custom platform solution — was deployed to the client’s subdomain with clear pathways for future expansion. This modular approach allows ongoing enhancements without significant downtime or redesign.

Result

The resulting scalable database platform became a central tool in Dattalion’s work, opening access to trusted data for a global audience and strengthening its mission. The new evidence management system significantly boosted operational efficiency, enabling the team to manage thousands of files, grow rapidly, and support more organizations worldwide with verified, real-time information.