About the California Committee North

The Human Rights Watch California Committee North, formed in 2001, is part of a network of committees composed of opinion leaders from a variety of backgrounds in North America and Europe. The committees constitute an informed and engaged constituency that is essential for the defense of human rights. They seek to increase awareness of local and global human rights issues and enlist the public and governments to support basic rights for all. Committee members meet regularly to learn about human rights crises and policies and support Human Rights Watch through outreach, advocacy, and fundraising initiatives.

Membership in the Human Rights Watch California Committee North provides an inside perspective on one of the most exciting and effective international organizations. The Committee is composed of opinion leaders from a variety of backgrounds. It was launched out of the belief that an informed and engaged constituency is essential for the defense of fundamental freedoms.

California Committee North members have access to regular briefings by Human Rights Watch investigators, senior government officials, and informed observers. These sessions provide a unique and sophisticated perspective on breaking news and today’s most serious global problems. sanfrancisco Committee members strengthen Human Rights Watch and its global defense of essential liberties by contributing financially to its work, attracting potential supporters, and promoting the organization’s message and concerns.
 

The Bay Area is also home to the Bay Area Network - a volunteer group of emerging professionals and students dedicated to supporting the work of Human Rights Watch. Their purpose is to engage people interested in human rights and social justice issues and to educate and motivate others to awareness and action. Their activities includes hosting a variety of speaker events with human rights researchers and others working in the forefront of the field, roundtable discussion sessions, film screenings, outreach to youth and educators, and a range of advocacy and research activities.

The committee is chaired by Orville Schell, author, journalist, and dean of the School of Journalism at the University of California at Berkeley and Darian W. Swig, advocate for international human rights, humanitarian issues, and strategic philanthropy.

California Committee North Events

The Committee hosts two major events each year – the Annual Voices for Justice Dinner and the Human Rights Watch International Film Festival. The Committee also supports various other Human Rights Watch activities and initiatives throughout the year. More...

Contact the California Committee North