Changes

These committees monitored human rights compliance of government and groups inside these continents. In the 1980s the organization heavily scrutinized the [[Region Doctrine]], they also denounced the [[United States]] aiding of anti-[[communist]] fighters in [[Latin America]].  

These committees monitored human rights compliance of government and groups inside these continents. In the 1980s the organization heavily scrutinized the [[Region Doctrine]], they also denounced the [[United States]] aiding of anti-[[communist]] fighters in [[Latin America]].  

Jeri Laber, one of the founders of HRW, stated, "Americas Watch reports … were eagerly read in the United States by people who deplored the Reagan policies." <ref>Discover the Networks, http://www.discoverthenetworks.org/groupProfile.asp?grpid=6258</ref>  

Jeri Laber, one of the founders of HRW, stated, "Americas Watch reports … were eagerly read in the United States by people who deplored the Reagan policies." <ref>Discover the Networks, http://www.discoverthenetworks.org/groupProfile.asp?grpid=6258</ref>  

Critics claimed that Human Rights Watch painted a bad picture of the freedom fighters in Latin America, while glossing over the abuses of their communist governments.  In 1980, [[Turkey]] began a major [[military]] campaign against a [[Kurdish]] terrorist group, the [[PKK]]. HRW documented the violations caused by the Turkish forces in their efforts, highlighting the abuses in the justice system, and use of [[torture]] by the government. In 1994 HRW’s “African Watch” covered the [[genocide]] in [[Rwanda]].,<ref>Human Rights Watch, “Rawanda”,1994, http://www.hrw.org/reports/1995/WR95/AFRICA-08.htm#P397_139563</ref>  Their work documenting the atrocities in the region later won them praise from Karel Kovanda, the [[Czech Republic]]'s ambassador to the [[United Nations]], who stated in 2004, “I already knew the track record of Human Rights Watch in its work in my own country. I had every reason to believe that the organization was equally meticulous and well-informed on Rwanda.”<ref>Karel Kovanda, Czech ambassador to the [[United Nations]], 2004,http://hrw.org/about/what_they_say.html</ref>

Critics claimed that Human Rights Watch painted a bad picture of the freedom fighters in Latin America, while glossing over the abuses of their communist governments.  In 1980, [[Turkey]] began a major [[military]] campaign against a [[Kurdish]] terrorist group, the [[PKK]]. HRW documented the violations caused by the Turkish forces in their efforts, highlighting the abuses in the justice system, and use of [[torture]] by the government. In 1994 HRW’s “African Watch” covered the [[genocide]] in [[Rwanda]].,<ref>Human Rights Watch, “Rawanda”,1994, https://www.hrw.org/reports/1995/WR95/AFRICA-08.htm#P397_139563</ref>  Their work documenting the atrocities in the region later won them praise from Karel Kovanda, the [[Czech Republic]]'s ambassador to the [[United Nations]], who stated in 2004, “I already knew the track record of Human Rights Watch in its work in my own country. I had every reason to believe that the organization was equally meticulous and well-informed on Rwanda.”<ref>Karel Kovanda, Czech ambassador to the [[United Nations]], 2004,http://hrw.org/about/what_they_say.html</ref>

===1998-2006===

===1998-2006===

In 1998, Human Rights Watch united all of its “Watch” groups under the United States-based HRW in 1988.  They led the effort of non-governmental organizations in pressuring the United States to enter [[Kosovo]] to stop the 'genocide'. When [[NATO]] and the United States began their operation, HRW was one of the most critical organizations of its handling. They frequently wrote articles on the abuses carried out by the United States in their use of [[Cluster Bombs]].<ref>HRW, “NATO's Use of Cluster Munitions in Yugoslavia”, 1999, http://www.hrw.org/campaigns/kosovo98/cluster.shtml</ref>

In 1998, Human Rights Watch united all of its “Watch” groups under the United States-based HRW in 1988.  They led the effort of non-governmental organizations in pressuring the United States to enter [[Kosovo]] to stop the 'genocide'. When [[NATO]] and the United States began their operation, HRW was one of the most critical organizations of its handling. They frequently wrote articles on the abuses carried out by the United States in their use of [[Cluster Bombs]].<ref>HRW, “NATO's Use of Cluster Munitions in Yugoslavia”, 1999, https://www.hrw.org/campaigns/kosovo98/cluster.shtml</ref>

After [[9-11|September 11, 2001]] terrorist attacks on the United States, HRW called for the United States to settle the terrorist attacks as a legal matter, rather than using military force to wipe out the [[Taliban]].<ref>Discover the Networks, http://www.discoverthenetworks.org/groupProfile.asp?grpid=6258</ref> HRW endorsed the [[Civil Liberties Restoration Act of 2004]],<ref>Summary: Civil Liberties Restoration Act of 2004by The Rights Working Group, http://www.bordc.org/threats/legislation/clrasummary.php</ref> a bill that would take away vital tools that the United States enacted after the September 11th attacks.  HRW has been critical of both of the United States recent operations in [[Iraq]] and [[Afghanistan]]. A HRW report alleged that there was, “excessive use of force by U.S. troops.” They state that they were, "deeply concerned about the consistent reports we are getting about women, children and unarmed civilians being killed." Even though they admitted that they did not have complete reports from the ground in Iraq.<ref>Discover the Networks, http://www.discoverthenetworks.org/groupProfile.asp?grpid=6258</ref>   

After [[9-11|September 11, 2001]] terrorist attacks on the United States, HRW called for the United States to settle the terrorist attacks as a legal matter, rather than using military force to wipe out the [[Taliban]].<ref>Discover the Networks, http://www.discoverthenetworks.org/groupProfile.asp?grpid=6258</ref> HRW endorsed the [[Civil Liberties Restoration Act of 2004]],<ref>Summary: Civil Liberties Restoration Act of 2004by The Rights Working Group, http://www.bordc.org/threats/legislation/clrasummary.php</ref> a bill that would take away vital tools that the United States enacted after the September 11th attacks.  HRW has been critical of both of the United States recent operations in [[Iraq]] and [[Afghanistan]]. A HRW report alleged that there was, “excessive use of force by U.S. troops.” They state that they were, "deeply concerned about the consistent reports we are getting about women, children and unarmed civilians being killed." Even though they admitted that they did not have complete reports from the ground in Iraq.<ref>Discover the Networks, http://www.discoverthenetworks.org/groupProfile.asp?grpid=6258</ref>   

===Method===

===Method===

Human Rights Watch states that the organization, “tries to strike a balance in its work between countries with the worst human rights problems and countries where there is a moment of special opportunity for us to propel change.” <ref>Human Rights Watch, “Frequently Asked Questions”  

Human Rights Watch states that the organization, “tries to strike a balance in its work between countries with the worst human rights problems and countries where there is a moment of special opportunity for us to propel change.” <ref>Human Rights Watch, “Frequently Asked Questions”  

http://www.hrw.org/about/faq/</ref>  

https://www.hrw.org/about/faq/</ref>  

When the location for work is agreed upon, the organization sends out a “fact find group” which is sent from their headquarters. These groups use the method of interviewing victims and witnesses in the crisis zone.  These finding are published into dozens of books and reports posted on the organizations website. In intense times of crisis, the organization covers the “up-to-the-minute information.”In some situations the organization uses the help of organizations, such as [[United Nations]], the [[European Union]], international financial institutions, and the [[United States Government]]. In particularly egregious abuses, “Human Rights Watch may press for the withdrawal of military and certain economic support.” <ref>Human Rights Watch, “Frequently Asked Questions”  

When the location for work is agreed upon, the organization sends out a “fact find group” which is sent from their headquarters. These groups use the method of interviewing victims and witnesses in the crisis zone.  These finding are published into dozens of books and reports posted on the organizations website. In intense times of crisis, the organization covers the “up-to-the-minute information.”In some situations the organization uses the help of organizations, such as [[United Nations]], the [[European Union]], international financial institutions, and the [[United States Government]]. In particularly egregious abuses, “Human Rights Watch may press for the withdrawal of military and certain economic support.” <ref>Human Rights Watch, “Frequently Asked Questions”  

http://www.hrw.org/about/faq/</ref>  

https://www.hrw.org/about/faq/</ref>  

===Location===

===Location===

In 1998, Human Rights Watch united the international organization in United States. They based their main organization headquarters on 350 Fifth Avenue St, New York. HRW has anchored offices in major United States cities, including, [[Chicago]], [[New York]], [[Washington D.C.]], [[Los Angeles]], and [[San Francisco]].<ref>Locations of Human Rights Watch, http://www.hrw.org/contact.html</ref>  

In 1998, Human Rights Watch united the international organization in United States. They based their main organization headquarters on 350 Fifth Avenue St, New York. HRW has anchored offices in major United States cities, including, [[Chicago]], [[New York]], [[Washington D.C.]], [[Los Angeles]], and [[San Francisco]].<ref>Locations of Human Rights Watch, https://www.hrw.org/contact.html</ref>  

They also created offices internationally in [[Brussels]], [[Geneva]], [[Berlin]], [[Toronto]], and [[London]].  The organization has been criticized for having a lack of [[diversity]] in headquarter locations.<ref>“Who’s Behind Human Rights Watch,”(2004), http://web.inter.nl.net/users/Paul.Treanor/HRW.html</ref> When on an assignment the "fact finding group" will, in some cases, make temporary headquarters in the conflict zone.  

They also created offices internationally in [[Brussels]], [[Geneva]], [[Berlin]], [[Toronto]], and [[London]].  The organization has been criticized for having a lack of [[diversity]] in headquarter locations.<ref>“Who’s Behind Human Rights Watch,”(2004), http://web.inter.nl.net/users/Paul.Treanor/HRW.html</ref> When on an assignment the "fact finding group" will, in some cases, make temporary headquarters in the conflict zone.  

===Leadership===

===Leadership===

Human Rights Watch consists of a Board of Directors and chairmen from five continents, along with three other boards which cover specific issues.<ref>Human Rights Watch Board and Committee’s, http://www.hrw.org/about/info/board.html</ref> Each board consists of chairmen and co-chairmen, with exception of the board on “Terrorism and Counterterrorism.” The smallest board, “Terrorism and Counterterrorism,” consist of eight members, while the largest board consists of over forty members. Although the organization composed of 190 full-time employees’, they also hire part-time employee’s, bringing the number to 255 working employee's working  for the organization

Human Rights Watch consists of a Board of Directors and chairmen from five continents, along with three other boards which cover specific issues.<ref>Human Rights Watch Board and Committee’s, https://www.hrw.org/about/info/board.html</ref> Each board consists of chairmen and co-chairmen, with exception of the board on “Terrorism and Counterterrorism.” The smallest board, “Terrorism and Counterterrorism,” consist of eight members, while the largest board consists of over forty members. Although the organization composed of 190 full-time employees’, they also hire part-time employee’s, bringing the number to 255 working employee's working  for the organization

.<ref>Human Rights Watch, “Frequently Asked Questions”  

.<ref>Human Rights Watch, “Frequently Asked Questions”  

http://www.hrw.org/about/faq/</ref> HRW also has a ‘Counsel’, which can be joined by giving donations to the organization (usually $5,000), the counsel remains primarily symbolic. While this list of counsel members used to be confidential; it is now since open to the public.<ref>“Who’s Behind Human Rights Watch,”(2004), http://web.inter.nl.net/users/Paul.Treanor/HRW.html</ref> The organizations main leadership role is held by the executive director. This position has been held, since 1993, by Kenneth Roth, a graduate of [[Yale Law School]], [[Brown University]], and former prosecutor.<ref>HRW website, Kenneth Roth, http://www.hrw.org/about/bios/kroth.htm</ref>[[Bill O'Reilly]] called Roth, the “stand up man” for the organization, his job includes talking to the media and overseeing the organizations operations.<ref>O’Reilly Factor, 2004,  http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,138990,00.html</ref>  

https://www.hrw.org/about/faq/</ref> HRW also has a ‘Counsel’, which can be joined by giving donations to the organization (usually $5,000), the counsel remains primarily symbolic. While this list of counsel members used to be confidential; it is now since open to the public.<ref>“Who’s Behind Human Rights Watch,”(2004), http://web.inter.nl.net/users/Paul.Treanor/HRW.html</ref> The organizations main leadership role is held by the executive director. This position has been held, since 1993, by Kenneth Roth, a graduate of [[Yale Law School]], [[Brown University]], and former prosecutor.<ref>HRW website, Kenneth Roth, https://www.hrw.org/about/bios/kroth.htm</ref>[[Bill O'Reilly]] called Roth, the “stand up man” for the organization, his job includes talking to the media and overseeing the organizations operations.<ref>O’Reilly Factor, 2004,  https://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,138990,00.html</ref>  

===Funding===

===Funding===

The organization total operating cost for Human Rights Watch annual in 2006 was $30,185,486.  

The organization total operating cost for Human Rights Watch annual in 2006 was $30,185,486.  

<ref>Human Rights Watch, “Frequently Asked Questions”  

<ref>Human Rights Watch, “Frequently Asked Questions”  

http://www.hrw.org/about/faq/</ref>  

https://www.hrw.org/about/faq/</ref>  

HRW is a non-governmentally organization ([[NGO]]), which receives its funding from private donors and foundations. The organization claims that they do not accept money from government institutions. Its annual budget is 22 million, ten million behind [[Amnesty International]], another human rights monitoring group.  In January 2005, the Oakland-based Golden West Financial Corporation gave a grant of 15 million dollars over a five years period to the organization.,<ref>Foundation Center, 2005, http://foundationcenter.org/sanfrancisco/gitn/sf_gitn_010105.html</ref> this was the largest contribution to the organization in its twenty-seven year history. Other contributors to the organization include; Ahmanson Foundation, Carnegie Corporation of New York, Ford Foundation, Columbia Foundation, William and Floea Hewlett Foundation, John D. & Catherin T. MacArthur Foundation, Nathan Cummings foundation, Joyce Foundation, JEHT Foundation, J.M. Kaplan Fund, the Open Society Institute, the Davie and Lucile Packard Foundation, Righteous Persons Foundation, Rockefeller Brothers Fud, Scherman Foundation, and the Rockefellers Foundation.<ref>Discover the Networks, http://www.discoverthenetworks.org/groupProfile.asp?grpid=6258</ref> HRW financial statements are made public on the organizations website.<ref>Financial Statements for Human Rights Watch,  2004- http://www.hrw.org/annual-report/finStmt2004.pdf, 2005- http://www.hrw.org/annual-report/finStmt2005.pdf, 2006- http://www.hrw.org/annual-report/finStmt2006.pdf</ref>  

HRW is a non-governmentally organization ([[NGO]]), which receives its funding from private donors and foundations. The organization claims that they do not accept money from government institutions. Its annual budget is 22 million, ten million behind [[Amnesty International]], another human rights monitoring group.  In January 2005, the Oakland-based Golden West Financial Corporation gave a grant of 15 million dollars over a five years period to the organization.,<ref>Foundation Center, 2005, http://foundationcenter.org/sanfrancisco/gitn/sf_gitn_010105.html</ref> this was the largest contribution to the organization in its twenty-seven year history. Other contributors to the organization include; Ahmanson Foundation, Carnegie Corporation of New York, Ford Foundation, Columbia Foundation, William and Floea Hewlett Foundation, John D. & Catherin T. MacArthur Foundation, Nathan Cummings foundation, Joyce Foundation, JEHT Foundation, J.M. Kaplan Fund, the Open Society Institute, the Davie and Lucile Packard Foundation, Righteous Persons Foundation, Rockefeller Brothers Fud, Scherman Foundation, and the Rockefellers Foundation.<ref>Discover the Networks, http://www.discoverthenetworks.org/groupProfile.asp?grpid=6258</ref> HRW financial statements are made public on the organizations website.<ref>Financial Statements for Human Rights Watch,  2004- https://www.hrw.org/annual-report/finStmt2004.pdf, 2005- https://www.hrw.org/annual-report/finStmt2005.pdf, 2006- https://www.hrw.org/annual-report/finStmt2006.pdf</ref>  

===Website===

===Website===

The main tool used by the human rights organization is their website (hrw.org). The website receives an estimated average of 48 thousand visitors a day in 2006, which led to an average 118,642 daily page views<ref>Human Rights Watch, “Frequently Asked Questions”  

The main tool used by the human rights organization is their website (hrw.org). The website receives an estimated average of 48 thousand visitors a day in 2006, which led to an average 118,642 daily page views<ref>Human Rights Watch, “Frequently Asked Questions”  

http://www.hrw.org/about/faq/</ref>  

https://www.hrw.org/about/faq/</ref>  

. The site also gives HRW the ability to report up to the minute happenings when the situation calls for it. HRW has been criticized for having most of its reports and website in English only.<ref>“Who’s Behind Human Rights Watch,”(2004), http://web.inter.nl.net/users/Paul.Treanor/HRW.html</ref>

. The site also gives HRW the ability to report up to the minute happenings when the situation calls for it. HRW has been criticized for having most of its reports and website in English only.<ref>“Who’s Behind Human Rights Watch,”(2004), http://web.inter.nl.net/users/Paul.Treanor/HRW.html</ref>

===Same-sex advocates===

===Same-sex advocates===

In a 2006, HRW fights for Congress to enact reforms to U.S. immigration law to guarantee respect for the human rights and labor rights of non-citizens. These reforms should include measures that end discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and HIV-positive individuals.<ref>[http://www.hrw.org/english/docs/2006/05/02/usdom13290.htm U.S. Immigration Law Inhumane to Same-Sex Couples] HRW, MAY 2, 2006</ref>

In a 2006, HRW fights for Congress to enact reforms to U.S. immigration law to guarantee respect for the human rights and labor rights of non-citizens. These reforms should include measures that end discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and HIV-positive individuals.<ref>[https://www.hrw.org/english/docs/2006/05/02/usdom13290.htm U.S. Immigration Law Inhumane to Same-Sex Couples] HRW, MAY 2, 2006</ref>

In conjunction with the UN Human Rights Committee, HRW applauded the Colombia’s Constitutional Court's decision "to extend pension benefits to same-sex partners sets an example for other countries in achieving equality for all." <ref>[http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/country,,HRW,,COL,,480db5ae2,0.html Colombia: Court Extends Benefits to Same-Sex Couples] UN Refugee Agency, April 18, 2008</ref>

In conjunction with the UN Human Rights Committee, HRW applauded the Colombia’s Constitutional Court's decision "to extend pension benefits to same-sex partners sets an example for other countries in achieving equality for all." <ref>[http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/country,,HRW,,COL,,480db5ae2,0.html Colombia: Court Extends Benefits to Same-Sex Couples] UN Refugee Agency, April 18, 2008</ref>

===Gitmo Detainees===

===Gitmo Detainees===

HRC complains that terrorists need the rights of the federal court process because the U.S. military tribunals are unfair. Jennifer Daskal of Human Rights Watch wants the focus to be on terrorists 'alleged' crimes.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,463405,00.html Sept. 11 Defendants Want to Plead Guilty] Fox News, December 8, 2008</ref> A belief that terrorists who are caught on a battlefield have U.S. citizen rights, truly a liberal belief. Also, they advocate closing down Guantanamo detention facilities and the transfer of prisoners to the U.S. mainland.

HRC complains that terrorists need the rights of the federal court process because the U.S. military tribunals are unfair. Jennifer Daskal of Human Rights Watch wants the focus to be on terrorists 'alleged' crimes.<ref>[https://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,463405,00.html Sept. 11 Defendants Want to Plead Guilty] Fox News, December 8, 2008</ref> A belief that terrorists who are caught on a battlefield have U.S. citizen rights, truly a liberal belief. Also, they advocate closing down Guantanamo detention facilities and the transfer of prisoners to the U.S. mainland.

==See also==

==See also==