International Justice

Human Rights Watch considers international justice—accountability through fair trials for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity—to be an essential element of building respect for human rights. The International Justice Program champions meaningful justice for victims and survivors of serious international crimes and due process for the accused. We look to the International Criminal Court, other international tribunals, and national courts, whether in the countries where crimes have been committed or through the principle of universal jurisdiction to carry out fair and impartial trials. We advocate for effective justice mechanisms and advance innovative and practical pathways to overcome roadblocks to justice, working to build the political momentum and state cooperation to support accountability in the long term.