Middle East Watch

Middle East Watch was a human rights organization that operated from 1989 to 1995, focusing on human rights abuses in the Middle East. The organization was founded by Human Rights Watch and was led by Kenneth Roth, who later became the executive director of Human Rights Watch. Middle East Watch worked closely with other human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and the International Commission of Jurists. The organization's work was influenced by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Geneva Conventions.

● Introduction

Middle East Watch was established in response to the growing concern about human rights abuses in the Middle East, particularly in countries such as Iraq, Iran, and Syria. The organization's mission was to investigate and expose human rights violations, and to advocate for the protection of human rights in the region. Middle East Watch worked with other organizations, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the European Union, to promote human rights and to hold governments accountable for their actions. The organization's work was also influenced by the Arab-Israeli conflict and the Gulf War.

● History

Middle East Watch was founded in 1989 by Human Rights Watch, which was established by Robert L. Bernstein and Aryeh Neier. The organization's early work focused on human rights abuses in Iraq, particularly during the Iran-Iraq War. Middle East Watch also worked on issues related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including the First Intifada and the Oslo Accords. The organization's research and advocacy efforts were influenced by the work of Amnesty International and the International Committee of the Red Cross. Middle East Watch also collaborated with other organizations, including the Ford Foundation and the MacArthur Foundation.

● Activities

Middle East Watch conducted extensive research and investigations into human rights abuses in the Middle East. The organization's researchers and advocates worked with local human rights groups, such as the Egyptian Organization for Human Rights and the Palestinian Human Rights Monitoring Group. Middle East Watch also worked with international organizations, including the United Nations Development Programme and the World Bank. The organization's activities included documenting human rights violations, advocating for the release of political prisoners, and promoting human rights education. Middle East Watch also worked with journalists and media organizations, including The New York Times and Al Jazeera, to raise awareness about human rights issues in the region.

● Notable Reports

Middle East Watch published several notable reports during its operation, including a report on human rights abuses in Iraq during the Gulf War. The organization also published reports on the treatment of Palestinians in the Occupied Territories and on the human rights situation in Syria. Middle East Watch's reports were widely cited by human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and the International Commission of Jurists. The organization's research and advocacy efforts were also influenced by the work of academic institutions, including Harvard University and the University of California, Berkeley. Middle East Watch's reports were also referenced by government agencies, including the United States Department of State and the European Union.

● Criticisms and Controversies

Middle East Watch faced criticism and controversy during its operation, particularly from governments in the Middle East that were accused of human rights abuses. The organization was also criticized by some human rights groups for its perceived bias towards certain countries or issues. Middle East Watch responded to these criticisms by emphasizing its commitment to objectivity and impartiality in its research and advocacy efforts. The organization also worked to build partnerships with local human rights groups and to promote human rights education in the region. Middle East Watch's work was also influenced by the Cold War and the Arab-Israeli conflict.

● Impact and Legacy

Middle East Watch's work had a significant impact on the human rights situation in the Middle East. The organization's research and advocacy efforts helped to raise awareness about human rights abuses in the region and to promote human rights protection. Middle East Watch's work also influenced the development of human rights law and policy in the region, including the Arab Charter on Human Rights. The organization's legacy continues to be felt today, with many human rights organizations and advocates building on its work to promote human rights and to hold governments accountable for their actions. Middle East Watch's work was also recognized by awards and honors, including the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award and the Prince Claus Award. Category:Human rights organizations