• Joint letter to President Obama on closing Guantanamo
    If ever there were a moment to act upon the promise you made over four years ago to shutter the prison, it is now.
    Apr 11, 2013
  • Joint letter to CIA Director Brennan on Appointment of Director of Clandestine Service
    We are deeply concerned by reports in reputable news sources that you are considering appointing as the new Director of Clandestine Service of the Central Intelligence Agency an individual who reportedly was closely involved in setting up CIA secret detention facilities (known as “black sites”).
    Apr 10, 2013
  • US: Address Guantanamo Hunger Strike, End Indefinite Detention
    The current hunger strike highlights the problem of ongoing detention without charge at Guantanamo.
    Mar 29, 2013
  • Canada: Repatriate Canadian Citizen Imprisoned at Guantanamo
    Canada should immediately take steps to repatriate Omar Khadr, a Canadian citizen currently imprisoned by the United States at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and demonstrate Canada's commitment to the basic rights of its own citizen, a close and long-time ally, and to the rule of law.
    Jul 13, 2012
  • US: Joint Letter Regarding US Engagement at Upcoming Rights Council Session

    Since joining the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC), active U.S engagement has made a valuable contribution to strengthening the institution and demonstrating its capacity to respond to urgent human rights situations. We are encouraged that the U.S. plans to seek a second term on the Council to continue shaping the HRC into a relevant and effective part of the UN human rights system. The June HRC session offers an important opportunity for U.S. leadership to solidify gains and move the Council further toward becoming a strong and consistent voice for human rights around the world. 

    Jun 20, 2012
  • Uzbekistan: Joint Letter to Secretary Clinton regarding State-Sponsored Forced Labor and Child Labor
    We write to ask that, as part of your ongoing advocacy on behalf of human rights around the world, you urge the government of Uzbekistan to immediately take the appropriate steps to abide by its international commitments to end state-sponsored forced labor and child labor, beginning with an invitation to the International Labour Organization (ILO) to monitor the 2012 cotton harvest.
    Apr 24, 2012
  • Letter to President Obama: Targeted Killings by the US Government
    The Obama administration has taken few steps to provide greater transparency and accountability in conducting targeted killings, intensifying concerns both in the US and abroad about the lawfulness of these attacks.
    Dec 16, 2011
  • Letter to Secretaries Clinton and Napolitano on Camp Ashraf in Iraq
    We are writing to you before the December 31 announced closure of Camp Ashraf (also known as Camp New Iraq) to urge the US government to take proactive steps to prevent further deterioration in the stand-off between the Iraqi government and the leadership of the Mohjahedin-e Khalq (MEK). This confrontation risks becoming violent and a destabilizing factor as the US military leaves the country and Iraq continues its precarious transition to democratic rule.
    Dec 15, 2011
  • Letter to President Barack Obama Regarding his Visit to Indonesia and Human Rights Issues
    President Obama's administration has placed great emphasis on its deepening relationship with Indonesia. Human Rights Watch believes Obama's trip to Bali for the East Asian Summit on November 19, 2011, is an important opportunity for him to raise human rights issues with the Indonesian government, both publicly and privately, including matters concerning freedom of religion, freedom of expression, and accountability of the military for human rights abuses.
    Nov 15, 2011
  • Letter to President Obama: Clarify Alleged CIA Role in Detention and Interrogation in Somalia
    We write to express serious concern about allegations made in recent articles published in The Nation magazine and The New York Times that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is involved in detention, interrogation, and transfer operations in Somalia that may violate domestic and international law.
    Sep 20, 2011