• Human Rights Watch Australia (HRWA) defends the rights of people worldwide. HRWA is an independent organization that works as part of a vibrant movement to uphold human dignity and advance the cause of human rights for all. HRWA promotes the adoption of international law including conventions, treaties and other instruments and measures to guarantee human rights. • We do so by researching human rights violations wherever they occur and publicizing those facts in order to prevent further abuses and protect victims. We conduct and commission accurate and first-hand research documenting patterns of abuse and we publish this information in reports, letters and other advocacy materials. • HRWA shares this information with international and local organizations, government officials, the media and the Australian public. For instance, we honour human rights activists and defenders, we give lectures at universities, we talk with the media and hold briefings for interested officials, and we collaborate with local civil society organizations. • Raising awareness about human rights abuse is a crucial step towards improving the behaviour of the perpetrators. Our public and private briefings are well attended, and our issues are well-covered in the press. We remind governments, armed groups, and international organizations of their obligations under international law in order to promote better enforcement of human rights law. This is what leads to lasting change to protect victims of human rights abuse and prevent further violations.