Watchlist

History and Governance

Watchlist was formed in 2001 by a group of leading human rights and humanitarian organizations in response to the need for improved monitoring and reporting on violations against children. Watchlist is known for its work on children and human rights, boasting – through its members – both a solid expertise on child protection and a wealth of information and experiences coming directly from the ground.

Watchlist is governed by a Steering Committee composed of seven international NGOs:

• Care International
• Human Rights Watch
• Norwegian Refugee Council
• Save the Children International
• The International Rescue Committee
• Women’s Refugee Commission
• World Vision International

Watchlist is a program of the Women’s Refugee Commission.  The Women’s Refugee Commission is affiliated with and is legally part of the International Rescue Committee, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Neither the Women’s Refugee Commission nor the Watchlist receive direct financial support from the IRC.

Programs

Watchlist’s work follows three main program areas:

1) Monitoring and reporting – We monitor and report on violations in specific countries.

2) Strengthening local capacity – We strengthen the capacity of local organizations to advocate on behalf of children within their own communities.

3) Advancing the children and armed conflict agenda – We provide policy advice at the highest level to advance the protection of children within the UN’s Children and Armed Conflict framework.