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

  • July 7, 2022

    EU Parliament Adopts Landmark Regulation of Internet Platforms

    The European Parliament has adopted the Digital Services Act (DSA), landmark regulation that sets rules for internet platforms across the European Union. The DSA is a promising step forward in respecting rights online, introducing important measures to increase transparency by requiring platforms to explain to users how they moderate content, how automated tools are used, and how many content moderators they use for each official EU language.
    The European Union logo is seen on a portable mobile device
  • July 6, 2022

    Victory for Asylum Seekers in US Supreme Court

    The United States Supreme Court ruled on June 30 that President Joe Biden can end the Migrant Protection Protocols, known as the “Remain in Mexico” program. While this constitutes an important victory for the right to seek asylum in the US, most asylum seekers at the US-Mexico border are still being expelled under a broad, spurious public health policy called Title 42, without their claims for protection being considered.
    A protest against the "Remain in Mexico" policy in front of the US Supreme Court
  • June 30, 2022

    Some Important Reforms at the US Border

    In recent years, outrageous United States immigration policies, including separating children from parents at the US-Mexico border, have dominated headlines. But amid these rampant abuses, there have been some steps towards reform, thanks in part to campaigning by human rights and humanitarian groups.
    A man stands with his hands on the back of a van marked "Border Patrol"
  • June 27, 2022

    Polish Court Rules Pushback of Asylum Seekers Unlawful

    Although a violation of international law, Polish border guards almost daily summarily push back asylum seekers attempting to cross the Polish-Belarus border. However, a Warsaw court has renewed hope that this practice might end by ruling a November expulsion order to be unlawful.
    Two women and a child huddle in sleeping bags on the forest floor after crossing the Polish-Belarusian border near Michalowo on October 6, 2021.
  • May 24, 2022

    Twitter Moves to Protect Prisoner of War Identities in Ukraine

    Twitter recently announced a slew of new policy directives aimed at better moderating information around the war in Ukraine. Among these was the announcement in April that it would begin removing tweets from government and state-affiliated media accounts that depict prisoners of war (POW) in conflicts, which is contrary to the Geneva Conventions that set out the laws of war.
    Two women from Kharkiv, Ukraine, watch news on a mobile phone, just after having crossed the border into Moldova, on March 10, 2022.
  • May 23, 2022

    US House of Representatives Again Passes Marijuana Reform Bill

    The US House of Representatives narrowly approved a far-reaching reform bill that would end marijuana prohibition by removing marijuana from the federal list of controlled substances. The bill would expunge the record of those convicted of certain marijuana-related offenses, and reduce sentences for others. Through a tax on sales, it would also fund services in communities most impacted by prohibition and provide support for a more diverse and inclusive market.
    Supporters hold flags near the Capitol in Washington, DC, during a rally in favor of marijuana legalization on April 24, 2017.
  • April 1, 2022

    Tanzania Allows Teenage Mothers to Be Back in School

    Thousands of girls who are adolescent mothers in Tanzania now have the option to study in public secondary schools, thanks to the government reversing its position and allowing adolescent mothers to return to their studies.