United Nations
Human Rights Watch leverages our research on countries and issues addressed at the United Nations to inform UN officials and member states of key findings, influence policy on a wide range of discussions and push for urgent action on human rights crises. Consistent with the Human Rights up Front framework initiated by the UN Secretary-General, our mission is to ensure human rights considerations are at the heart of various debates, branches and mechanisms of the United Nations. We engage members of the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Human Rights Council, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and other key departments of the UN Secretariat, present information from independent investigations, and advocate for protection of civilians, accountability for past abuses, and preventive measures against future violations.
UN Should Protect its Long Underfunded Human Rights PillarNovember 26, 2025
Dispatches
United Nations Director
Seventy-Nine Years Without a Woman Leader at the UNNovember 24, 2025
Dispatches
Associate Director, Women's Rights Division- Africa
Videos
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Reports
More reports- July 14, 2022 Report
Russia: Forcible Disappearances of Ukrainian Civilians
Detainees Unlawfully Transferred to Russia, Possibly Held as Hostages
- May 31, 2022 Report
Libya: Russia’s Wagner Group Set Landmines Near Tripoli
ICC Prosecutor Should Investigate Use of Unlawful Mines, Booby Traps
- April 18, 2022 Report
Yemen: Latest Round of Saudi-UAE-Led Attacks Targets Civilians
Killings Apparently Unlawful, Any Future Peace Talks Should Prioritize Justice
- November 11, 2021 Report
Afghanistan Facing Famine
UN, World Bank, US Should Adjust Sanctions, Economic Policies
News
- November 24, 2025 Statement
Submission on North Korea’s Implementation of Recommendations from the Third and Fourth Cycles of the Universal Periodic Review for the Special Rapporteur’s Report
61st Session of the Human Rights Council
- November 14, 2025 Statement
Addendum to CEDAW General Recommendation No.30 on the Women Peace and Security Agenda
Human Rights Watch Submission
- November 14, 2025 Statement
Sudan: Accountability Crucial to Stop Atrocities in El Fasher and Prevent Further Escalation
HRW Oral Statement - UN Human Rights Council 38th Special Session - The Human Rights Situation in and around El Fasher, in the Context of the Ongoing Conflict in the Sudan
- November 7, 2025 Dispatches
US Skips UN Periodic Rights Review
Civil Society Groups Flag Backsliding on Rights
- November 3, 2025 Letter
Sudan: Joint Appeal for a UN HRC special session on the situation in and around El Fasher, North Darfur
The Human Rights Council should convene a special session on Sudan to address the situation in and around El Fasher, North Darfur, and ensure urgent investigations
- October 27, 2025 News Release
UN: Momentum Builds for Crimes Against Humanity Treaty
Would Strengthen Efforts to Prosecute World’s Worst Atrocities
- October 24, 2025 Commentary
UN Treaty Signing Highlights Vietnam’s Curb on Online Dissent
The Cybercrime Convention will further entrench control and surveillance over peaceful expression of dissent online beyond the borders of repressive states.
- October 24, 2025 News Release
World Court: Israel Needs to Allow UN Aid into Gaza
Critical for Governments to Publicly Support, Fund UNRWA
- October 14, 2025 Dispatches
UN Meeting Seeks to Embed Human Rights in New Economic Indicators
Highlights Transformative Potential of Moving Beyond GDP
- October 14, 2025 Dispatches
UN Rights Council Strengthens Crucial Protections
States, Civil Society Groups Demonstrate Power to Make a Difference
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