Human Rights Watch

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Msc 2008-Saturday, 14.00 - 16.00 Uhr-Moerk026 Roth

Nabeel Rajab and Abdulhadi Alkhawaja helping an old woman after police attacked a peaceful protest in August 2010

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Kenneth Roth (Human Rights Watch) (6806930135)

Human Rights Watch (HRW) is an international non-governmental organization that conducts research and advocacy on human rights. Founded in 1978 as Helsinki Watch, to monitor the former Soviet Union's compliance with the Helsinki Accords, HRW has grown to include committees covering various regions of the world. Today, the organization is known for its detailed research on human rights abuses in over 90 countries, its efforts to draw attention to violations, and its work to bring about change in policies and practices that infringe on human rights.

History

Human Rights Watch was initially created to oversee and report on compliance with the Helsinki Accords, a series of human rights provisions agreed upon by European countries, the United States, and Canada in 1975. The organization expanded its focus beyond the Soviet bloc countries, establishing additional watch committees for other regions of the world and eventually consolidating these committees into a single organization in the late 1980s. This expansion reflected a broader mission to uphold human rights globally, regardless of geopolitical boundaries.

Mission and Work

The mission of Human Rights Watch is to defend the rights of people worldwide. The organization shines a light on abuses by conducting in-depth research and generating detailed reports on human rights conditions in various countries. These reports often include eyewitness accounts, victim interviews, and analysis of policy or legal frameworks. HRW also engages in advocacy work, aiming to draw international attention to abuses, influence governments, and bring about legal and systemic changes to protect human rights.

Methodology

HRW's methodology involves rigorous research and evidence collection. Researchers conduct on-the-ground investigations, including interviews with victims, witnesses, government officials, and others involved in human rights issues. The organization places a high emphasis on verifying information and ensuring the credibility of its reports. This meticulous approach has established HRW as a reliable source of human rights information and analysis.

Impact

Human Rights Watch has played a significant role in bringing international attention to numerous human rights issues, including but not limited to, war crimes, genocide, torture, and gender discrimination. Its work has contributed to the development of international human rights laws and the establishment of mechanisms to hold violators accountable. HRW's advocacy has led to changes in government policies, the release of political prisoners, and improvements in the protection of human rights in various countries.

Criticism and Controversy

While HRW's work is widely respected, the organization has faced criticism and controversy. Some governments have accused it of bias, political agendas, or inaccuracies in its reporting. HRW maintains that its research is impartial and based on international human rights standards, and it has procedures in place to correct any errors in its reports.

Funding

Human Rights Watch is funded through contributions from private individuals and foundations worldwide. It asserts that accepting no government funds for its research ensures its independence and impartiality. The organization's funding model is designed to maintain its freedom to investigate and report without external influence.

See Also

• Amnesty International
• International Federation for Human Rights
• Freedom House