Impact
By investigating and exposing human rights abuses, we work to create a world where everyone is treated fairly and equitably, no matter their race, religion, or beliefs. We call for action so that people who disagree with their government can speak their opinions freely, so that children are protected, and refugees cared for. All of us, regardless of who we are, who we love, or the color of our skin, should be able to enjoy fully our human rights.
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Change is sometimes immediate, sometimes incremental. We work on issues for years and know from experience how to transform deep-rooted problems. Here are examples of some of the recent impact we have made, together with our partners, in advancing human rights around the world.
How do we bring about change?
Investigate
Our researchers investigate human rights abuses, first by speaking with victims or witnesses. We corroborate their stories using a variety of sources, including government records, weapons’ fragments, satellite imagery, and the statements of accused perpetrators – be they members of governments, armed groups, or companies. We often do this work together with partner activists.
Expose
We share this information widely, in multiple languages, to help shape public debate. Our reports, videos, and social media posts show up hundreds of times daily in news media around the world, bringing both global and local attention to our rigorously fact-checked findings.
Change
Often in coalition with local groups, we bring our findings to officials who have the power to change things. For every issue we work on, we make specific, concrete policy recommendations that will bring people justice, prevent future abuses, and protect human rights.
Our work has been instrumental in some foundational victories for human rights, including our work on banning landmines worldwide, for which we and our partners received the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize. Below are some examples of our historic impact.
All impact
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June 2, 2016The United States should make its suspension of cluster munition transfers to Saudi Arabia permanent and extend it to all other countries, Human Rights Watch said today.
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May 30, 2016
Chad’s Ex-Dictator Convicted of Atrocities
Habré was convicted of torture, war crimes and crimes against humanity, including having raped a woman himself, by the Extraordinary African Chambers in the Senegalese court system and sentenced to life in prison on May 30, 2016.
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May 30, 2016
Dispatches: Hissène Habré Sentenced to Life for Atrocities
Today will be carved into history as the day that a band of unrelenting survivors brought their despot to justice.
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May 27, 2016
Dispatches: A Gift From Japan to Its Children
The groundbreaking amendment to the Child Welfare Act that the Japanese Diet passed today opens up the possibility of a future in which all children in Japan can live with families.
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May 27, 2016
Revised Child Welfare Act: the principle of family-based care now guaranteed by the law
The groundbreaking draft amendment of the Child Welfare Act was passed by the Japanese Diet on May 27, 2016, under the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare, Yasuhisa Shiozaki’s leadership – opening up a possibility for a future where all children can live with families.
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May 25, 2016
Dispatches: Leading Azerbaijani Journalist Freed From Prison
In fantastic news from Azerbaijan today, the Supreme Court ordered the release of award-winning investigative journalist Khadija Ismayilova from prison.
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April 28, 2016
Colombia: Constitutional Court Upholds Same-Sex Marriage
The Colombian Constitutional Court ended years of uncertainty for same-sex couples and bolstered the rights of LGBT people when it upheld the validity of same-sex marriage on April 28, 2016.
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