We maintain neutrality in armed conflict, do not endorse political parties or candidates, and focus on promoting and advancing human rights rather than pursuing partisan agendas. We do not accept government funds, directly or indirectly, or support from any private funder that could compromise our objectivity, independence, or reputation.

We maintain high standards in our research, communications, and advocacy to ensure that HRW investigates, assesses, and presents information that is accurate and impartial. We uphold high standards of ethics when engaging with victims, witnesses, partners, and others; responsibly collect data; and strive for transparency regarding our methodology, structure, and funding.

In pursuing our work, we focus on impact, whether immediate or in the long term. Incremental progress can sometimes involve curtailing or preventing worsening rights situations. We succeed when we contribute to positive and sustainable changes to laws and policies and their implementation, as well as concrete improvements in people’s lives, through our direct work and in consultation and collaboration with others.

Through mutual respect and reciprocity whenever possible, we seek active and sustained partnerships with a diverse range of activists and movements, especially those most affected by abuses and groups working alongside them. We work to defend civil society from attack, magnify the work of partners, and help secure the space that they require to operate.