Kenneth Roth, "Righting Wrongs: Three Decades on the Front Lines Battling Abusive Governments" (Knopf, 2025)
Feb 15, 2025
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Kenneth Roth, former Executive Director of Human Rights Watch, shares his transformative journey in human rights advocacy over three decades. He delves into the evolution of Human Rights Watch, revealing its tactics against oppressive regimes like Syria and China. Roth discusses innovative strategies, such as evidence-based approaches in conflict zones, along with the importance of global solidarity and technological advancements in activism. He also provides practical advice for future human rights advocates navigating perilous environments.
Kenneth Roth highlights the evolution of Human Rights Watch into a powerful organization by strategically expanding its research and advocacy efforts.
The podcast emphasizes the significance of evidence-based advocacy in pressuring governments and effectively combating human rights abuses globally.
Roth encourages new human rights advocates to engage proactively in their careers, underscoring the importance of building connections and skills.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Human Rights Watch
Human Rights Watch has transitioned from a small organization to a global leader in human rights advocacy over the past three decades. Initially a modest entity, it has grown into a respected institution with an annual budget reaching $100 million and employing hundreds of staff worldwide. This growth has been attributed to strategic expansions that included research teams based in multiple countries and the establishment of advocacy offices in key global capitals. The evolution also reflects a shift in how human rights organizations engage with governments, enabling them to exert influence based on the quality of their investigations and recommendations.
Challenges in Global Human Rights Advocacy
The complexities of defending human rights today are illustrated by the need for continuous pressure on governments due to their tendencies to violate human rights. The discussion addresses the strategic shift required in approaching various global situations, as seen with the ongoing crisis in Syria. Focused tactics are necessary to exert pressure on influential leaders like Putin, particularly in the absence of support from the U.S. government. Key personalities in politics have shown responsiveness to pressure, highlighting the importance of utilizing intelligence and relationships to foster change.
The Role of Research and Facts in Human Rights Work
The strategy of naming and shaming governments through factual reporting is emphasized as a vital tool in human rights work. Contrasting this with popular mobilization, the approach prioritizes evidence-based advocacy that pressures policymakers to take action. The speaker stresses that understanding realistic policy options is crucial in crafting effective recommendations for governments. This method has proven to yield substantial long-term impacts on international dialogues regarding human rights.
Opportunism in Human Rights Campaigning
The notion of opportunism in human rights advocacy suggests evaluating situations that have the potential for political traction while maintaining a commitment to significant human rights issues. The strategic focus is on leveraging opportunities for intervention, especially in areas like Yemen and Saudi Arabia, where slight shifts in international attention can lead to tangible changes. It is crucial to adapt strategies based on evolving political landscapes while holding steadfast to core human rights principles. This pragmatic approach allows organizations to wield influence effectively in complex global contexts.
The Future of Human Rights Advocacy
Despite challenges in current political climates, the resilience of the human rights movement is underscored, with encouragement for new advocates to engage in meaningful work. There is strong support for individuals interested in human rights careers to gain valuable experience and develop skills through practical avenues such as volunteering and internships. The advice given highlights the importance of building connections and seizing opportunities, even in difficult circumstances. The ongoing need for skilled advocates ensures the continuation of dialogues surrounding human rights, fostering optimism for future developments in the field.
For three decades, Kenneth Roth led Human Rights Watch, transforming it from a small advocacy group into one of the most influential human rights organizations in the world. In Righting Wrongs: Three Decades on the Front Lines Battling Abusive Governments(Knopf, 2025), he offers a gripping inside account of the relentless fight against some of the world’s most abusive governments—from war crimes in Syria and Russia’s authoritarianism to China’s crackdown on dissent and the global erosion of democratic norms.
Part memoir, part strategic guide, and part call to action, Righting Wrongs reveals the behind-the-scenes battles to hold governments accountable, the difficult choices human rights activists must make, and the lessons learned from engaging with autocrats, diplomats, and international institutions. With keen insight, Roth shows how pressure and advocacy can curb abuses and spark change—even against the most powerful forces.
A must-read for anyone passionate about justice, democracy, and global affairs, Righting Wrongs is both an inspiring chronicle of courage and a crucial roadmap for the challenges ahead.