US Domestic Policy

Joint letter to Senate Judiciary Committee on confirmation hearing for James B. Comey

The public does not know the full scope of Mr. Comey’s role in the approval and use of torture and other abuse. We urge you to have him explain that role during his confirmation process.

Jul 1, 2013
US/North Carolina: Don't Deter Workers From Reporting Abuses

Human Rights Watch and Student Action with Farmworkers write to voice opposition to Section 1 of the North Carolina Commerce Protection Act of 2013, SB 648, and to express concern that the bill would stifle investigations that expose workplace abuses and deter employees from reporting abuses, including unsafe working conditions.

Jun 17, 2013
US: Over-Criminalization Task Force Should Examine Federal Sentencing Practices

Human Rights Watch sent this letter to members of the US Congress, regarding the scope of the new Congressional Over-Criminalization Task Force. If the task force is to be effective, it needs to tackle multiple flawed facets of the criminal justice system, including not only overcriminalization but also federal sentencing practices.

Jun 17, 2013
US/New York: Increase Protections for Farmworkers

With the New York State legislative session scheduled to end on June 20, 2013, Human Rights Watch urges Republican Senate Leader Dean Skelos to schedule a vote on the Farmworkers Fair Labor Practices Act, and further urges the New York State Legislature to pass this important bill.

Jun 17, 2013
US/North Carolina: Codify Compliance With Prison Rape Elimination Act

Human Rights Watch wrote to urge the North Carolina Senate to pass House Bill 585, which would bring all correctional and juvenile facilities in the state into compliance with the federal Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA).

Jun 7, 2013
Joint letter to Chuck Hagel on the force-feeding of hunger-striking prisoners at Guantánamo Bay

We write to request that you intervene to end the force-feeding of competent hunger-striking prisoners in Guantánamo Bay, which constitutes cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment.

May 13, 2013
Joint letter to President Obama on SSCI Study of CIA Interrogation and Detention Program

In order to ensure the Executive Branch response is as objective and comprehensive as possible, we strongly urge you to designate a senior White House official to coordinate a single Executive Branch response, incorporating the views of all the relevant agencies.

May 6, 2013
New York Bail Reform: Letter to Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman About His Proposals

May 3, 2013
Re: Letter of Support from Human Rights Watch for Bill: AB 336 (Condoms as Evidence in Prostitution)

Apr 22, 2013
US/California: Improve Proportionality in Drug Sentencing

Human Rights Watch wrote to the California Senate Public Safety Committee in support of SB 649, which would grant prosecutors the discretion to charge individuals arrested for simple possession of illicit drugs with a misdemeanor rather than a felony, as well as give judges the ability to reduce a felony simple possession charge to a misdemeanor at the time of conviction.

Apr 11, 2013