Human Rights Watch

Human Rights Watch defends the rights of people worldwide. We scrupulously investigate abuses, expose the facts widely, and pressure those with power to respect rights and secure justice. Human Rights Watch is an independent, international organization that works as part of a vibrant movement to uphold human dignity and advance the cause of human rights for all.

Human Rights Watch has conducted numerous fact-finding investigations documenting how women and girls are often targeted in wartime for violence, especially sexual violence. They are also often excluded from conflict prevention and resolution efforts. Human Rights Watch advocates with governments, donors, regional bodies, and the United Nations for effective measures to protect women and girls from violence, increase access to services, and ensure accountability of perpetrators. We also monitor and support the rights of organizations and individual human rights defenders working on women's rights in their respective countries.