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'''Human Rights Watch''' is a liberal human rights agency which was founded in 1978.  The non-governmental organization is known for its disproportionate amount of criticism of the [[United States]] and [[Israel]].<ref> “Human Rights Watch shows a disturbing disparity in its treatment of Israel and China.” Gerald M. Steinberg(head of the Program on Conflict Management at Bar Ilan University and is the editor of NGO Monitor.) May 2006 http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=YzdkNDA3NTY4ZmMwMzFmNWYwYTBkMWU4MzFiMTMxNGM </ref> Human Rights Watch is one of the largest human rights organizations in the world. It consists of 190 fulltime employees worldwide and a budget of approximately $22 million per year. <ref> Discover the Networks, http://www.discoverthenetworks.org/groupProfile.asp?grpid=6258</ref>  

'''Human Rights Watch''' is a [[liberal]] [[human rights]] agency which was founded in 1978.  The non-governmental organization is known for its disproportionate amount of criticism of the [[United States]] and [[Israel]].<ref> “Human Rights Watch shows a disturbing disparity in its treatment of Israel and China.” Gerald M. Steinberg(head of the Program on Conflict Management at Bar Ilan University and is the editor of NGO Monitor.) May 2006 http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=YzdkNDA3NTY4ZmMwMzFmNWYwYTBkMWU4MzFiMTMxNGM </ref> Human Rights Watch is one of the largest human rights organizations in the world. It consists of 190 fulltime employees worldwide and a budget of approximately $22 million per year. <ref> Discover the Networks, http://www.discoverthenetworks.org/groupProfile.asp?grpid=6258</ref>  

===1978-1998===

===1978-1998===

Human Rights Watch (HRW) was founded under the name, “Helsiki Watch.” Its original goal was monitor the Soviets adherence to human rights provisions in the [[Helsinki Accords]]. In 1980, the organization started to develop a number of “Watch” committees in [[America]], [[Asia]], and [[Africa]]. <ref> Discover the Networks, http://www.discoverthenetworks.org/groupProfile.asp?grpid=6258</ref>  

Human Rights Watch (HRW) was founded under the name, “Helsiki Watch.” Its original goal was monitor the [[Soviet]]'s adherence to human rights provisions in the [[Helsinki Accords]]. In 1980, the organization started to develop a number of “Watch” committees in [[America]], [[Asia]], and [[Africa]]. <ref> Discover the Networks, http://www.discoverthenetworks.org/groupProfile.asp?grpid=6258</ref>  

These committees monitored human rights compliance of government and groups inside these continents. In the 1980’s 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 1980’s 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 the 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]], he 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 the [[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]], he 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, HRW united all of its “Watch” groups under the United States based HRW in 1988.  HRW led the effort of non-governmental organizations in pressuring the United States to enter [[Kosovo]]. 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 military 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, http://www.hrw.org/campaigns/kosovo98/cluster.shtml </ref>

After September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the United States, HRW called for the United States to settle the terrorist attacks as a legal matter, rather then 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 [[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 then 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>   

===2006-2007===

===2006-2007===

In 2006, HRW greatly criticized Israel’s defense against the terrorist group [[Hezbollah]]. They created an article entitled, “Israel's Indiscriminate Attacks Against Civilians in Lebanon.” <ref> “Israel's Indiscriminate Attacks Against Civilians in Lebanon.” Human Rights Watch, August 2006, http://hrw.org/reports/2006/lebanon0806/lebanon0806web.pdf</ref>

In 2006, HRW greatly criticized [[Israel]]’s defense against the terrorist group [[Hezbollah]]. They created a report entitled, “Israel's Indiscriminate Attacks Against Civilians in Lebanon.” <ref> “Israel's Indiscriminate Attacks Against Civilians in Lebanon.” Human Rights Watch, August 2006, http://hrw.org/reports/2006/lebanon0806/lebanon0806web.pdf</ref>

Critics also stated that HRW also defended the terrorist organization. In a 2006 report they stated that there was no evidence of Hezbollah’s use of civilians as human shields, this was obviously not true. <ref>Alan Dershowitz,[ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/alan-dershowitz/the-human-rights-watch-_b_27701.html “The "Human Rights Watch" Watch, Installment 1”] </ref>

Critics also stated that HRW also defended the terrorist organization. In a 2006 report they stated that there was no evidence of Hezbollah’s use of civilians as human shields, this was obviously not true. <ref>Alan Dershowitz,[ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/alan-dershowitz/the-human-rights-watch-_b_27701.html “The "Human Rights Watch" Watch, Installment 1”] </ref>

HRW started a campaigning in Darfur, Sudan, to end the atrocities committed in the region. The organization is calling on the United States to intervene in the region. Over its years, HRW has been embraced by the left, well being deplored by conservatives and supporters of Israel. HRW wrote a president and asked him to release prisoners that he was holding in “secret prisons”, and called on him to stop the use of [[Guantanamo Bay]] as a U.S. prison for captured terrorist. The organization’s director, Kenneth Roth, claimed that the United States has lost its credibility on human rights.  "The trend is bleak, but not irreversible," <ref> Kenneth Roth, Washington Post, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/11/AR2007011101658.html</ref> Roth stated in a report in 2007. The organizations credibility has been brought into serious question.  [[Alan M. Dershowitz]], <ref>Alan Dershowitz bio, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/alan-dershowitz/#blogger_bio</ref>  

HRW started campaigning for the United States to intervene in Darfur, Sudan, to end the atrocities committed in the region. Over its years, HRW has been embraced by the left, well being deplored by conservatives and supporters of Israel. HRW wrote president, [[George  Bush]], and asked him to release prisoners that he was holding in “secret prisons”, they also called on him to stop the use of [[Guantanamo Bay]] as a U.S. [[prison]] for captured [[terrorist]]. The organization’s director, Kenneth Roth, claimed that the United States has lost its credibility on human rights.  "The trend is bleak, but not irreversible," <ref> Kenneth Roth, Washington Post, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/11/AR2007011101658.html</ref> Roth stated in a report in 2007. The organizations credibility has been brought into serious question.  [[Alan M. Dershowitz]], <ref>Alan Dershowitz bio, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/alan-dershowitz/#blogger_bio</ref>  

professor of law at Harvard Law School and one of the most distinguished defenders of individual rights, wrote regarding HRW,  

professor of law at Harvard Law School and one of the most distinguished defenders of individual rights, wrote regarding HRW,  

==Goals==  

==Goals==  

Human Rights Watch claims that its main goal is to use the media in preserving and prospering human rights.  They state that, “by exposing human rights violations, [the] publicity shames abusers and helps to put pressure on them to reform their conduct.”

Human Rights Watch claims that its main goal is to use the [[media]] in preserving and prospering [[human rights]].  They state that, “by exposing human rights violations, [the] publicity shames abusers and helps to put pressure on them to reform their conduct.”

The organizations official goals according to their website are:<ref> HRW goals - http://www.hrw.org/about/ </ref>

The organizations official goals according to their website are:<ref> HRW goals - http://www.hrw.org/about/ </ref>

|Aryeh Neier

|Aryeh Neier

|Founder

|Founder

|Neier worked 15 years at the liberal [[American Civil Liberties Union]] (ACLU). He currently serves as President of the Open Society Institute (OSI), a foundation funded by liberal [[George Soros]], who was also OSI’s founder. <ref> “Open Society Institute”, Discover the Networks, http://www.discoverthenetworks.org/funderprofile.asp?fndid=5181&category=79</ref>

|Neier worked 15 years at the liberal [[American Civil Liberties Union]] (ACLU). He currently serves as President of the [[Open Society Institute (OSI)]], a foundation funded by liberal [[George Soros]], who was also OSI’s founder. <ref> “Open Society Institute”, Discover the Networks, http://www.discoverthenetworks.org/funderprofile.asp?fndid=5181&category=79</ref>

The organization claims to be a nonpartisan, nonpolitical entity." Neier was co-founder of [[Students for a Democratic Society]] in 1959.  

The organization claims to be a [[nonpartisan]], nonpolitical entity." Neier was co-founder of [[Students for a Democratic Society]] in 1959.  

|-

|-

|-

|-

|Jeri Laber

|Jeri Laber

|Founder

|Founder

|Senior Advisor to Human Rights Watch, was formerly executive director of its Helsinki division. She is a prominent journalist and political activist.  

|Senior Adviser to Human Rights Watch, was formerly executive director of its [[Helsinki]] division. She is a prominent journalist and political activist.  

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|-

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|-

===Method===

===Method===

HRW 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>  

http://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 U.S. government. In cases of 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>  

http://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. ] They anchored offices in major United States cities, including, Chicago, New York, Washington D.C, Los Angeles, 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, http://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 headquarters. <ref> “Who’s Behind Human Rights Watch,”(2004), http://web.inter.nl.net/users/Paul.Treanor/HRW.html</ref> When on a 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 a 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, and three 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 consist of over forty members. Although the organization consists of 190 full time employees’, they also hire part time employee’s, bringing the number of to 255 working for the organization

Human Rights Watch consists of a Board of Directors and chairmen from five continents, and three 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 consist of over forty members. Although the organization consists of 190 full time employees’, they also hire part time employee’s, bringing the number of to 255 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>  

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 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. <ref>O’Reilly Factor, 2004,  http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,138990,00.html</ref>  

. HRW also has a ‘Counsel’, which can be joined by giving donations to the organization (usually $5,000), and 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 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. <ref>O’Reilly Factor, 2004,  http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,138990,00.html</ref>  

===Funding===

===Funding===