Satellite program aims to deter atrocities in Sudan

A partnership between Google, the U.N., Harvard University and a group led by actor George Clooney has developed a high tech plan to try and prevent large-scale violence in Sudan. Many observers fear reprisals from North Sudan if Southern Sudan votes to form an independent state, as is expected in two weeks. The group will use geosynchronous mapping satellites and multimedia information gathered from the ground to deliver a constantly updated image of Sudan to the world. Their hope is that atrocities will be less likely to occur if the whole world is watching.

For more detail on the project, we speak to Charlie Clements, Director of Human Rights Documentation at Satellite Sentinel Project and executive director of Harvard’s Carr Center for Human Rights Policy. We also speak with Andrew Natsios. Professor at Georgetown University in the Practice of Diplomacy and has a book coming out early next year called “Sudan and Darfur: What Everyone Needs to Know.”