In early 2006 IBC was invited to introduce its work at a Working Group Meeting on methods used by researchers to estimate armed conflict deaths (organised by the Small Arms Survey, Geneva, 17 Feb 2006).
Well-received by experts at the meeting, On Iraq Body Count summarised the project’s key features and innovations.
Political/social impact: public awareness
- many press and media citations drawing attention to the human costs of the war
- project has a set a precedent for mainstream use
- ongoing nature keeps issue alive and in the public eye
5.1 The political/social impact: Public awareness
-
A large number of press and media reports have cited our figures, discussed and assessed our work. Nearly all mentions have been in the context of drawing attention to the human cost of the war.
-
Our work has set a precedent. Future conflicts will have some kind of project using media reports. Marc Herold’s precursor to our work, gathering media reports in the Afghanistan war beginning in 2001, set a precedent which was picked up mainly within the peace movement. IBC has set a precedent which has put this kind of work into the public mainstream.
-
Because the study is ongoing, it keeps the issue alive. The number keeps changing, and so remains report-worthy. This keeps it in the public eye.