James F. Hoge Jr. (In Memoriam 1935-2023)

Human Rights Watch mourns the passing of its former board chair, James Hoge, on September 19 at the age of 87. The former publisher of two tabloid newspapers – The Chicago-Sun-Times, and The New York Daily News – before taking the helm of the decidedly more staid Foreign Affairs, a journal of the Council on Foreign Relations in 1992. 

Hoge became chairman of Human Rights Watch’s board in 2010, following his tenure at Foreign Affairs, and recruited top talent to the board. He served until 2013, overseeing a period of tremendous growth as HRW opened offices around the world. As a respected journalist with a deep understanding of foreign affairs, Hoge was a trusted advisor to both the board and staff, helping Human Rights Watch amplify the impact of its research. 

“Jim was devoted to Human Rights Watch and proud of our impact. He was a key ally in Human Rights Watch’s transformation into a global human rights organization. We are extremely grateful for the mark he left here and send our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones,” said Tirana Hassan, executive director of Human Rights Watch.