Human Rights Watch was founded in 1978 by Robert L. Bernstein, Aryeh Neier, and Jeri Laber under the name “Helsinki Watch.“ The organization was initially created to monitor the Soviet Union's compliance with the Helsinki Accords, which included provisions for human rights. As human rights issues gained prominence globally, the organization expanded its scope and adopted the name Human Rights Watch in 1988. Today, Human Rights Watch operates as an independent, non-profit organization and is governed by a board of directors, with Kenneth Roth serving as the Executive Director until 2022, when Tirana Hassan took over as acting Executive Director. Headquartered in New York City, with offices around the world, Human Rights Watch covers a wide range of human rights issues across the globe. The organization investigates and reports on human rights abuses, including political repression, torture, war crimes, discrimination, and violations of civil liberties. While not a traditional news outlet, Human Rights Watch produces in-depth reports, press releases, and multimedia content on current events and long-standing human rights concerns. Their work spans various countries and regions, focusing on areas where human rights are at risk or under threat. One interesting fact: A unique aspect of Human Rights Watch is its innovative use of technology in human rights investigations. The organization has pioneered the use of satellite imagery, data analysis, and open-source intelligence to document and verify human rights abuses in hard-to-access areas. This approach has allowed Human Rights Watch to provide evidence of violations in conflict zones and closed societies, significantly enhancing the impact and credibility of their reporting.