
Economic Justice and Rights
The Economic Justice and Rights Division works to build just economies based on respect for human rights. We investigate how the global economic system both drives inequality that undermines human rights and enables private actors to harm communities, workers, and the environment. Our work is driven by rigorous, thorough, and objective investigations. The Poverty and Inequality program exposes policies and practices that concentrate wealth in private hands at the expense of public well-being, challenging corruption, deregulation, privatization, and the dismantling and underfunding of tax-funded systems of social protection. Our Corporate Accountability program works to ensure that products and services are free from abuse or exploitation by holding businesses accountable for the human rights impacts of their operations, investments, and supply chains. Our work illuminates opaque and diffuse global supply chains and investment flows that obscure involvement in human rights abuses—from forced labor to environmental destruction—and advocates for stronger regulation of industries at home and abroad.
Videos
Videos-
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April 10, 2025
New Data Exposes Global Healthcare Funding Inequalities
World Health Day a Clarion Call to Improve Public Health Funding
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May 14, 2025
Saudi Arabia: Migrant Workers Electrocuted, Decapitated, and Falling to Death at Workplaces
Prevent, Investigate Deaths; Compensate Families; Mandate Life Insurance
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May 13, 2025
Maldives: Communities Lack Equitable Access to Water
Engage Island Residents Most Affected by Climate Crisis
News
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August 11, 2025
Human Rights Watch Submission to the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Review of Colombia
78th Session - August 2025
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August 5, 2025
Human Rights Watch Letter to New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development
Re: Proposed New Rule Regarding Independent Contractors
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July 9, 2025
Revised UK Social Security Bill Still Harms Rights
Support Cut in Half for Many with Disabilities and Health Conditions
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July 1, 2025
US: Budget Would Benefit Wealthiest at Expense of Rights
Slashing Social Programs to Help Pay for Regressive Tax Cuts Would Harm Millions
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July 1, 2025
EU Council Turning Supply Chain Law into Window Dressing
Parliament Should Prevent Gutting Corporate Accountability Directive
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June 27, 2025
Delivering Public Service Demands Global Tax and Economic Reform
Conference Links UN Financing for Development with Progressive Taxation, UN Treaty
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June 26, 2025
UN Financing Development Meeting Should Advance Tax Justice
International Tax Reform, Treaty Can Help Fulfill Human Rights
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June 21, 2025
UK Social Security Plans Will Harm People With Disabilities
Proposed Benefit Cuts Will Worsen Poverty and Undermine Rights