Children's Rights

Millions of children have no access to education, work long hours under hazardous conditions and are forced to serve as soldiers in armed conflict. They suffer targeted attacks on their schools and teachers or languish in institutions or detention centers, where they endure inhumane conditions and assaults on their dignity. Young and immature, they are often easily exploited. In many cases, they are abused by the very individuals responsible for their care. We are working to help protect children around the world, so they can grow into adults.

@2010 David Høgsholt/Reportage by Getty Images for Human Rights Watch

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The Distant Barking of Dogs

Ten-year-old Oleg lives in the eastern part of Ukraine — a conflict zone that often echoes with anti-aircraft fire and missile strikes. By sticking close to Oleg, The Distant Barking of Dogs shows the effect of conflict on children.
 

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  • Trapped

    Trapped

    Lesbos, a postcard-perfect vacation island in the northern Aegean Sea, is a haven for people fleeing war in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan. It symbolizes the hope that somewhere in Europe there is refuge. It is also a graveyard for the countless corpses that have washed ashore on its beautiful coastline. And it’s hell for the thousands who are trapped there, victims of the European Union’s determination to stem the tide of asylum seekers and other migrants by sending a message that they are unwelcome. For all of its natural beauty, there is much fear on Lesbos. Fear caused by the traumas of war, violence and displacement and of harsh camp conditions, insecurity and uncertain futures. Fear of rejection, detention, and deportation. Fear of going to the toilet in the dark at night, or not eating after two hours in a food line. Fear of lice and scabies. Fear of winter, cold and damp.

  • The War for Girls' Education

    The War for Girls' Education

    The war for girls' education in Afghanistan - 16 years after the US & allies toppled the Taliban and promised to get Afghan girls back into school, why are more than half of them still out of school?

  • Exodus: Asylum Seekers Flee Into Europe

    Exodus: Asylum Seekers Flee Into Europe

    “What will happen to us?” “Will they fingerprint us?” was the constant refrain as we watched a human wave of asylum seekers and migrants from Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan crossing the Serbia-Hungary border.

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Jewelers Should Come Clean

Jewelers Should Come Clean

People spend billions on jewelry every year. But most jewelry brands can’t guarantee their products aren’t tainted by human rights abuses.

Gold and diamonds are often mined under brutal, abusive conditions. Children are injured or even killed working in hazardous mines. Whole communities face ill-health when mines pollute waterways with toxic chemicals. In war, civilians have suffered enormously as abusive armed groups have enriched themselves by exploiting gold and diamonds.

You should know where your jewelry comes from. Tell 13 global jewelry brands to ensure their jewelry is responsibly sourced and to address human rights abuses in their supply chains.

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