Iraq Body Count project

IBC Nov08

The Iraq Body Count project (IBC) is a non-governmental organization that maintains a public database of civilian deaths in Iraq resulting from the Iraq War and subsequent violence. The project was initiated in 2003 by volunteers from the United Kingdom and the United States.

History

The Iraq Body Count project was established in response to the 2003 invasion of Iraq by a coalition led by the United States and the United Kingdom. The founders aimed to provide an accurate and comprehensive record of civilian casualties, which they believed was lacking in official reports. The project relies on media reports, hospital and morgue records, and other sources to compile its data.

Methodology

IBC uses a rigorous methodology to ensure the accuracy of its data. The project collects information from multiple sources, including news agencies, non-governmental organizations, and official records. Each reported death is cross-referenced with at least two independent sources before being added to the database. The project also categorizes deaths by cause, location, and date.

Impact

The data provided by the Iraq Body Count project has been used by researchers, policymakers, and human rights organizations to assess the human cost of the Iraq War. The project has been cited in numerous academic studies and reports, and its findings have been used to advocate for greater accountability and transparency in military operations.

Criticism

The Iraq Body Count project has faced criticism from various quarters. Some critics argue that the project's reliance on media reports may lead to underreporting or overreporting of casualties. Others contend that the project's methodology does not account for all civilian deaths, particularly those in remote or inaccessible areas.

See also

• Casualties of the Iraq War
• Human rights in Iraq
• War on Terror
• Collateral damage
• Civilian casualties