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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April 4, 2023This week, Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Keith Rowley reportedly made a commitment that scores of Trinidadians detained in unconscionable conditions in northeast Syria and Iraq have waited four years to hear: the Government will bring them home. The Prime Minister is making the right choice morally, legally, and strategically.
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April 3, 2023
Brazil: Online Learning Tools Harvest Children’s Data
Educational websites directed at Brazilian students, including two created by state education secretariats, conducted surveillance on children and harvested their personal data.
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April 1, 2023
Thailand: Don’t Return Chinese Asylum Seekers
The government of Thailand should ensure that 63 recently detained Christian Chinese asylum seekers are not returned to China, where they face persecution, torture, and other serious harm.
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February 28, 2023
Indian Government Moves to Remedy Its Violation of Children’s Privacy
This week, the Indian government announced a third-party security audit of Diksha, the educational app it owns and uses to provide online education to students in grades 1 to 12. The government also committed to better protect the data privacy of children and teachers using its app.
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February 14, 2023
Some Governments, Companies Take Steps to Protect Children
Senior Researcher and Advocate, Children's Rights Division
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January 18, 2023
Major Victory for Immigrant Workers in the US
In a major victory for workers, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced new guidance last week that allows migrant and immigrant workers who experience or witness workplace labor or civil rights violations to receive temporary protection against deportation and access to work authorization.
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December 13, 2022
Barbados High Court Decriminalizes Gay Sex
Senior Researcher, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Rights Program
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November 21, 2022
Landmark Global Declaration on Explosive Weapons
After three years of negotiations, 82 countries have adopted a political declaration that seeks to better protect civilians from the use of explosive weapons in populated areas. The international pledge is the first to formally address the long-standing practice of using aircraft bombs, artillery, rockets, and missiles in villages, towns, and cities.