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.
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AfghanistanOn June 7, at a public hearing, Representative Ilhan Omar asked Secretary of State Tony Blinken where the victims of alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity could go to seek justice if domestic prosecutors won’t pursue cases in court. Omar had noted the Biden administration’s opposition to the International Criminal Court (ICC)’s Afghanistan and Palestine investigations.
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Libya: Militia Terrorized Town, Leaving Mass Graves
Hundreds in Tarhouna Reported Missing From 2014 to 2020
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News
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A Day to Reflect on International Justice
Successes, Challenges in the Global Fight Against Impunity
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Joint Open Letter to the High Commissioner for Human Rights
Re: Support for the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission Call for a Fact-Finding Mission in Afghanistan
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UN Should Investigate Deadly Attacks on Afghan Civilians
Twenty Rights Groups Call for Justice and Accountability
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US: Bolster Justice for Grave Crimes Globally
Biden Should Support International Accountability Efforts, Confront Past Torture
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Liberia: Landmark Swiss Conviction for Wartime Atrocities
Switzerland and Liberia Should Build on Important Progress
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ICC: New Prosecutor Takes Up Mandate
Reinforce Office’s Independence; Meet Victims’ Hopes for Justice
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Mladić Verdict Highlights Limits of Justice in the Western Balkans
Leaders Show Little Commitment to Truth and Reconciliation
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ICC One Step Closer to Probe of Philippines Murderous 'War on Drugs'
UN Human Rights Council Should Launch Own Investigation
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