Human Rights Watch (HRW)

Human Rights Watch (HRW) is a New York-based international non-governmental organization that conducts research and advocacy on human rights. HRW investigates and reports on alleged human rights violations around the world, holding governments and other actors accountable to international human rights standards. HRW is newsworthy due to its recent reports on the Israel-Lebanon conflict and its annual World Report 2026. The organization has accused Israel of using white phosphorus in south Lebanon, potentially violating the laws of war, and of tactics leading to mass displacement of Lebanese civilians, which could constitute a war crime. Furthermore, HRW's annual report warns that the global human rights system is under threat due to pressure from major powers like the US, China, and Russia. HRW's work is currently relevant as it highlights alleged violations in ongoing conflicts and assesses the overall state of human rights globally.