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
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February 25, 2025People with disabilities have seen two major policy wins in the Americas this fall, one in Mexico City and the other in Costa Rica. Both victories help guarantee equal legal recognition for all people.
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January 21, 2025
US Health Agency Calls for Intersex Informed Consent
The United States Health and Human Services Department (HHS) published a landmark report on intersex health equity last week, calling for an end to medically unnecessary non-consensual surgeries on children born with intersex variations.
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January 16, 2025
US Commits to Protecting Education during Conflict
Today the United States endorsed the Safe Schools Declaration, a political commitment to protect education during war. By signing, the US joins 120 countries working together to protect students, teachers, and schools from violent attacks.
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January 8, 2025
Jimmy Carter’s Post-Presidential Human Rights Legacy
The late US President Jimmy Carter’s human rights legacy includes his role long after leaving office in 1981. His partnership with Human Rights Watch and many other nongovernmental organizations helped achieve important advances in international law, including treaties to hold war criminals to account, to prohibit landmines and cluster munitions, and to ban the use of children as soldiers.
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December 9, 2024
“I Kept Saying, ‘I Don't Want To.’"
People creating adult content in Colombian webcam studios are subject to a wide range of labor rights abuses and sexual exploitation. Researcher Erin Kilbride speaks about the surprising findings in the new report.
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December 5, 2024
Tanzania’s President Takes on Forced Evictions of Maasai Community
On December 1, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan announced the establishment of two committees to address land disputes in the country’s northern Ngorongoro district, renowned for its wildlife.
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December 2, 2024
Volkswagen’s China Joint Venture to Exit Xinjiang
Volkswagen should take further steps to insulate itself from state-imposed forced labor by ensuring its Chinese joint ventures and suppliers adopt and enforce the same human rights and environmental standards as the company’s German operations.
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November 28, 2024
State of Mexico Congress Votes to Decriminalize Abortion
The vote by the Congress of the State of Mexico on November 25, 2024, to decriminalize abortion in all cases during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy is a significant step forward for reproductive rights in the country’s most populous state.
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November 6, 2024
Mozambique: Post-Election Internet Restrictions Hinder Rights
The Mozambican authorities should immediately end internet restrictions imposed since October 25, 2024, and restore full access to social media platforms. -
October 10, 2024
UN Experts Spotlight Devastating Police Brutality in Brazil
A new report by a group of UN experts shows the dramatic impact of systemic racism in law enforcement in Brazil and lays out recommendations for public security policies that abide by the law, uphold rights, and protect all.