Human Rights Watch is one of the world’s leading independent organisations dedicated to protecting the human rights of people around the world. In September 2010, Human Rights Watch opened its Netherlands office in Amsterdam in order to support the work of Human Rights Watch worldwide, as well as to intensify its advocacy and media outreach on key global human rights issues.

The Netherlands office organizes several larger public and smaller private events throughout the year. Additionally, Human Rights Watch works closely with Dutch policy makers, members of parliament and decision-makers in other sectors as part of the organisation’s advocacy work. If you are interested in learning more about our local activities, please contact the Dutch office through email: netherlands@hrw.org.

Human Rights Watch is supported by the Netherlands Committee, founded in 2009. This committee is a group of 26 ambassadors that support the organization in The Netherlands. The committee members advance the efforts of Human Rights Watch by organising conferences, briefings and others events, engaging in targeted advocacy initiatives, and assisting in important development and outreach programs.

The Run for Human Rights Watch Foundation was founded in 2010 by a group of enthusiastic young professionals. With a group of 40 runners they raise money for Human Rights Watch. At the same time they draw attention and create awareness in the field of human rights violations. They do this by organizing various events such as lectures, parties, a benefit dinner, a benefit auction, and a sporting event. In return for all donations they run the New York Marathon in November.

More information on Run for Human Rights Watch can be found here.