From: "Rich Gauszka" 


"George Sherwood"  wrote in message
news:445cca6e$1{at}w3.nls.net...
> On Sat, 06 May 2006 11:06:15 -0400, Rich Gauszka wrote:
>>>
>>> If that were the case I would expect far larger numbers.
>>>
>>> Bob Lewis
>>>
>>>
>> It appears it's a bit more than just filing a complaint according to
>> their FAQ. One might be able to argue ( or not ) with their invesigate
>> methods but they appear to apply their standards to any country
>>
>> http://www.humanrightswatch.org/about/faq/
>
> Human Rights Watch researchers conduct fact-finding investigations into
> human rights abuses by governments and non-state actors in all regions of
> the world. We visit the site of abuses to interview victims, witnesses and
> others. We publish our findings in dozens of books and reports every year,
> generating extensive coverage in local and international media. In moments
> of crisis, we seek to report up-to-the-minute information so as to
> maximize the impact of our work. By exposing human rights violations, this
> publicity shames abusers and helps to put pressure on them to reform their
> conduct. Human Rights Watch seeks dialog with offending governments to
> encourage them to change abusive laws and policies. We also enlist the
> support of other influential actors such as the United Nations, the
> European Union, international financial institutions, the U.S. government,
> and others. In the case of particularly egregious abuses, Human Rights
> Watch may press for the withdrawal of military and certain economic
> support.
>
> ---------------------------
>
> So in other words, they send an investigator who talk to the alleged
> victim and make a judgment call. Not much more then I said.
>
> George

It did say ' interview victims, witnesses and  others.'.  I'm sure that
investigative methods have to vary depending on how repressive a government
is but I've seen no great expose' of HRW methods. They do seek to embarrass
by coverage in local media so it would be rather inane to greatly alter any
events. I don't agree with everything that they say constitutes a violation
but I do think that there is a great need for organizations such as HRW.

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