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

  • March 31, 2022

    Nicaragua: UN Creates Rights Monitor

    The United Nations Human Rights Council took a critical step on March 31, 2022 to promote justice for human rights violations in Nicaragua.
    Delegates sit at the opening of the 41th session of the Human Rights Council, at the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, June 24, 2019.
  • March 29, 2022

    Sudan: ICC Holds First Darfur Trial

    The International Criminal Court’s trial of Ali Kosheib, or Kushayb, will open on April 5, 2022 and offers a first opportunity to see a leader face prosecution for massive crimes committed in Darfur nearly 20 years ago.
    Ali Mohammed Ali, known as Ali Kosheib or Kushayb, in The Hague, Netherlands. during the opening of his confirmation hearing on charges for crimes in Darfur, Sudan.
  • March 22, 2022

    Tanzania: Expedite Protections for Girls’ Education

    (Nairobi, March 23, 2022) – Tanzania’s pledge to adopt guidelines to ensure that schools ensure adolescent mothers can return to schools by June 2022 is an important turning point for girls’ education, Human Rights Watch and Accountability Counsel said today.
    The flag of the United Republic of Tanzania.
  • December 8, 2021

    Lebanon: Release Detained Journalist

    Lebanon’s General Security should immediately release Nada Al Homsi. a journalist from the US, who was arrested on November 16, 2021, and whose detention is now arbitrary.
    Nada Homsi
  • November 16, 2021

    New Olympic Framework Backs Inclusion

    A new framework published by the International Olympic Committee promotes inclusion in sport, Human Rights Watch said today. The new policy contrasts with the “sex testing” policies imposed on some athletes in international track and field competitions.
    Person holding image of athletes in a race.
  • November 3, 2021

    Venezuela: ICC Investigation Opens

    The decision of the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor to open an investigation in Venezuela offers a pathway to justice for victims of atrocities by Nicolás Maduro’s government.
    ICC permanent premises