If you witness or experience a war crime and want to report it without endangering yourself or others, you can contact the following organizations that focus on addressing war crimes, human rights violations, and international law:
1. International Criminal Court (ICC)
- Contact: The ICC is the main judicial body for prosecuting war crimes.
- Website: www.icc-cpi.int
- Email: info@icc-cpi.int
While the ICC typically does not handle direct reports from individuals, it provides a way to file complaints and send information about war crimes.
2. Human Rights Watch
- Contact: A non-governmental organization (NGO) that monitors and reports on human rights violations.
- Website: www.hrw.org
- Email: hrwpress@hrw.org (for press inquiries)
- Phone (US): +1-212-290-4700 (New York office)
Human Rights Watch provides tools for reporting violations and contacting them confidentially.
3. Amnesty International
- Contact: Another leading human rights organization with a focus on investigating abuses such as war crimes.
- Website: www.amnesty.org
- Email: contactus@amnesty.org
- Phone (UK): +44-20-7413-5500 (London office)
Amnesty International advocates for the prosecution of war criminals and supports victims.
4. United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect
- Contact: The UN provides a platform for reporting international crimes.
- Website: www.un.org/en/genocideprevention
- Email: unact@un.org
The UN helps coordinate responses to human rights violations and war crimes, often working with other global agencies.
5. International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
- Contact: The ICRC works to protect and assist victims of armed conflict.
- Website: www.icrc.org
- Phone (HQ, Geneva): +41 22 730 4111
The ICRC is neutral and can provide guidance on safely reporting violations of the laws of war.
6. National and Local Authorities
- If you are in a region where there is a government or law enforcement presence, you may contact local law enforcement agencies or national authorities to report the crime. However, exercise caution to avoid retaliation or further harm.
If you are uncertain about the safest way to report a war crime in your specific location, contacting one of the international organizations mentioned above would be an important first step to seek advice and assistance. Many of these organizations allow for anonymous reporting and provide ways to communicate safely.
Always ensure your personal safety and the safety of others when reporting such serious matters.
Here are additional contacts and organizations that you can reach out to if you witness or experience a war crime, in addition to those previously mentioned:
7. The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH)
- Contact: A global human rights organization that advocates for the protection of civilians in conflict and the prosecution of war crimes.
- Website: www.fidh.org
- Email: fidh@fidh.org
- Phone (Paris, France): +33 1 43 55 25 18
8. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
- Contact: The UN OHCHR works to promote and protect human rights globally, including those related to war crimes.
- Website: www.ohchr.org
- Email: ohchr@un.org
- Phone (Geneva, Switzerland): +41 22 917 9000
9. European Court of Human Rights (ECHR)
- Contact: The ECHR addresses human rights violations within Council of Europe member states.
- Website: www.echr.coe.int
- Email: echr.registry@echr.coe.int
- Phone (Strasbourg, France): +33 3 88 41 20 18
10. The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ)
- Contact: A global organization that works to protect human rights through legal mechanisms and judicial processes.
- Website: www.icj.org
- Email: icj@icj.org
- Phone (Geneva, Switzerland): +41 22 979 38 00
11. The Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect
- Contact: This organization works on the prevention of mass atrocities, including war crimes, and advocates for international action to protect civilians.
- Website: www.responsibilitytoprotect.org
- Email: info@responsibilitytoprotect.org
- Phone (New York, USA): +1 212 697 1793
12. The International Justice Mission (IJM)
- Contact: A global NGO that works to combat human trafficking, slavery, and other crimes, including war crimes, with a focus on bringing criminals to justice.
- Website: www.ijm.org
- Email: info@ijm.org
- Phone (USA): +1-800-423-5473
13. War Crimes Watch
- Contact: An organization that tracks and documents war crimes and human rights abuses.
- Website: www.warcrimeswatch.com
- Email: info@warcrimeswatch.com
14. Reporters Without Borders (RSF)
- Contact: RSF is an NGO that defends press freedom and provides assistance to journalists reporting on war crimes and violations.
- Website: www.rsf.org
- Email: rsf@rsf.org
- Phone (Paris, France): +33 1 44 83 84 84
15. The United Nations Security Council
- Contact: The UN Security Council is responsible for addressing issues of international peace and security, including conflicts and war crimes.
- Website: www.un.org/securitycouncil
- Email: sc-info@un.org
16. National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs)
- Many countries have national human rights bodies that monitor and report human rights violations, including war crimes. You can find the NHRI in your country by visiting the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI).
- Website: www.ganhri.org
17. Civilian Protection Groups and NGOs
- Various smaller NGOs work specifically on civilian protection and documenting war crimes:
- Front Line Defenders: www.frontlinedefenders.org
- Peace Brigades International: www.peacebrigades.org
They often provide safe avenues to report incidents involving civilian protection.
Local Authorities (Country-Specific)
- If you are in a conflict zone or a country with established legal processes, local authorities or ministries of justice can be contacted for reporting war crimes:
- Ministry of Justice
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- National Police or Military Police (if safe to contact)
It’s critical to ensure that reporting does not put you, others, or military personnel in danger. Many of these organizations have confidential and secure methods for you to report incidents of war crimes.
Here are additional organizations and contacts for reporting war crimes or human rights violations:
18. The Coalition for the International Criminal Court (CICC)
- Contact: A global network advocating for the strengthening of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and supporting its work in prosecuting war crimes.
- Website: www.coalitionfortheicc.org
- Email: info@coalitionfortheicc.org
- Phone (New York, USA): +1-212-807-1822
19. The International Network for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ESCR-Net)
- Contact: An organization that promotes human rights worldwide and works to hold governments and corporations accountable for violations, including war crimes.
- Website: www.escr-net.org
- Email: escr@escr-net.org
- Phone (New York, USA): +1-212-643-8330
20. The Centre for Civil and Political Rights (CCPR Centre)
- Contact: Focuses on the protection and promotion of civil and political rights and can guide the reporting of war crimes.
- Website: www.ccprcentre.org
- Email: ccpr@ccprcentre.org
- Phone (Geneva, Switzerland): +41 22 809 49 10
21. The International Peace Bureau (IPB)
- Contact: Works for the abolition of war and the creation of a just peace. They promote the legal prosecution of war crimes and advocate for global peace.
- Website: www.ipb.org
- Email: info@ipb.org
- Phone (Berlin, Germany): +49 30 6980 1793
22. The Global Justice Center (GJC)
- Contact: A legal organization that focuses on advancing human rights and international justice, particularly the prosecution of gender-based war crimes.
- Website: www.globaljusticecenter.net
- Email: info@globaljusticecenter.net
- Phone (New York, USA): +1-212-725-6530
23. The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)
- Contact: The UNHRC deals with human rights violations worldwide, including war crimes.
- Website: www.ohchr.org/en/hr-bodies/hrc
- Email: hrc@ohchr.org
- Phone (Geneva, Switzerland): +41 22 917 9000
24. The International Human Rights Law Group
- Contact: Works globally to support the enforcement of international human rights and the protection of civilians in war zones.
- Website: www.hrlawgroup.org
- Email: hrlawgroup@hrlawgroup.org
25. The International Criminal Defence Attorneys Association (ICDAA)
- Contact: Though focused on the defense side, the ICDAA provides a global network of experts in war crime cases and can offer legal advice for victims and witnesses.
- Website: www.icdaa.org
- Email: icdaa@icdaa.org
26. The Humanitarian Law Centre
- Contact: Focuses on monitoring violations of international humanitarian law, including war crimes, especially in conflict zones.
- Website: www.hlc-rdc.org
- Email: hlc@hlc-rdc.org
27. Refugees International
- Contact: This organization advocates for displaced people, often victims of war crimes, and can provide assistance in reporting such crimes.
- Website: www.refugeesinternational.org
- Email: info@refugeesinternational.org
- Phone (Washington, D.C., USA): +1-202-828-0110
28. The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS)
- Contact: While focused on maritime law, ITLOS also engages with international laws related to crimes at sea, including the prosecution of war crimes that happen on or near international waters.
- Website: www.itlos.org
- Email: itlos@itlos.org
- Phone (Hamburg, Germany): +49-40-35606-0
29. The International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS)
- Contact: A global academic association dedicated to the study and prevention of genocide and war crimes.
- Website: www.genocidescholars.org
- Email: genocidescholars@gmail.com
30. UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund)
- Contact: While focused on children, UNICEF also works to protect vulnerable individuals during war and conflict, especially addressing violations against children during armed conflict, including war crimes.
- Website: www.unicef.org
- Email: field@unicef.org
- Phone (New York, USA): +1-212-686-5522
31. The International Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR)
- Contact: A tribunal that focuses on prosecuting crimes committed during the Rwandan genocide, but also serves as a reference for future war crime prosecution efforts.
- Website: www.unictr.org
- Email: unictr@un.org
Additional Measures
In conflict zones, reporting a war crime can be dangerous. Secure communication methods and anonymity are key to protecting your identity. Many organizations provide:
- Encrypted communication tools (e.g., Signal, PGP for email encryption).
- Anonymous reporting platforms, such as Whistleblower platforms or human rights advocacy apps.
- Documenting crimes through images and videos, ensuring they are securely stored and not uploaded publicly until safety is confirmed.
If you are uncertain of the most secure way to report war crimes in your specific region, contact one of these organizations for guidance. Many of them will assist you in maintaining anonymity and protecting your identity.
Here are even more contacts and organizations that you can reach out to if you witness or experience a war crime, particularly if you want to report them confidentially or ensure the protection of victims:
32. The Global Centre for Responsibility to Protect (GCR2P)
- Contact: This center advocates for the prevention of mass atrocities, including war crimes, and helps report such violations.
- Website: www.globalr2p.org
- Email: info@globalr2p.org
- Phone (New York, USA): +1-212-697-1793
33. The International Coalition Against Enforced Disappearances (ICAED)
- Contact: This organization works to prevent forced disappearances, which are often associated with war crimes.
- Website: www.icaed.org
- Email: icaed@icaed.org
34. The International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ)
- Contact: ICTJ focuses on promoting accountability for atrocities and war crimes through legal frameworks and supports the victims of such crimes.
- Website: www.ictj.org
- Email: ictj@ictj.org
- Phone (New York, USA): +1-212-820-1999
35. Human Rights First
- Contact: An NGO that works globally to ensure accountability for human rights violations, including war crimes, and supports justice for victims.
- Website: www.humanrightsfirst.org
- Email: info@humanrightsfirst.org
- Phone (USA): +1-202-547-5692
36. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
- Contact: OCHA coordinates the UN’s humanitarian response to crises, including war crimes and violations of international humanitarian law.
- Website: www.unocha.org
- Email: ocha@un.org
- Phone (Geneva, Switzerland): +41 22 917 1234
37. The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)
- Contact: OSCE works to prevent conflict, monitor violations, and protect human rights during conflict, including war crimes.
- Website: www.osce.org
- Email: osce@osce.org
- Phone (Vienna, Austria): +43-1-514 36 0
38. The European Union (EU) External Action – Human Rights & Humanitarian Affairs
- Contact: The EU works to hold perpetrators of war crimes accountable and supports international justice mechanisms.
- Website: www.eeas.europa.eu
- Email: delegation@eeas.europa.eu
- Phone (Brussels, Belgium): +32 2 299 11 11
39. The International Labour Organization (ILO)
- Contact: While ILO focuses on labor rights, it also addresses war crimes related to forced labor and other abuses during conflicts.
- Website: www.ilo.org
- Email: ilohq@ilo.org
- Phone (Geneva, Switzerland): +41 22 799 6111
40. The World Health Organization (WHO)
- Contact: WHO deals with the health impacts of war, including violations of international health and humanitarian law in armed conflict.
- Website: www.who.int
- Email: whocenter@who.int
- Phone (Geneva, Switzerland): +41 22 791 2111
41. The International Association of Refugee Law Judges (IARLJ)
- Contact: This association focuses on the protection of refugees and asylum seekers, many of whom are victims of war crimes.
- Website: www.iarlj.org
- Email: info@iarlj.org
42. The International League for Human Rights (ILHR)
- Contact: A global human rights organization working to protect victims of violence, war crimes, and oppression.
- Website: www.ilhr.org
- Email: info@ilhr.org
43. Witness (Human Rights Video Advocacy)
- Contact: Witness works to protect human rights through video documentation, which is key in documenting war crimes and other violations.
- Website: www.witness.org
- Email: info@witness.org
- Phone (New York, USA): +1-212-945-3100
44. The Global Network for the Right to Peace (GNRT)
- Contact: This network promotes peace and justice, providing advocacy for victims of war crimes and conflicts.
- Website: www.peacerights.org
- Email: gnrt@gnrt.org
45. The Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF)
- Contact: WILPF advocates for women’s rights, peace, and justice, focusing on gender-based war crimes and violations.
- Website: www.wilpf.org
- Email: wilpf@wilpf.org
- Phone (Geneva, Switzerland): +41 22 919 70 10
46. The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR)
- Contact: UNHCR works to protect refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced persons, often those affected by war crimes.
- Website: www.unhcr.org
- Email: hq@unhcr.org
- Phone (Geneva, Switzerland): +41 22 739 8111
47. The International Institute for Justice and Peace (IIJP)
- Contact: IIJP focuses on advancing justice and peace, providing support for war crimes prosecutions and human rights protection.
- Website: www.iijp.org
- Email: info@iijp.org
- Phone (Geneva, Switzerland): +41 22 733 6982
48. The International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL)
- Contact: ICBL works on issues of war crimes related to landmines and explosive remnants of war.
- Website: www.icbl.org
- Email: icbl@icbl.org
- Phone (Geneva, Switzerland): +41 22 920 03 68
49. The International Commission for the Protection of Human Rights (ICPHR)
- Contact: ICPHR focuses on providing legal assistance and protection to victims of war crimes and mass atrocities.
- Website: www.icphr.org
- Email: info@icphr.org
Further Protection Options
- Secure Communication Platforms:
- Signal: End-to-end encrypted messaging app for anonymous reporting.
- ProtonMail: Encrypted email service for private communication.
- Tor Browser: A browser for anonymous web browsing, useful for securely accessing reporting sites.
- Whistleblower Hotlines: Some organizations provide dedicated, encrypted whistleblower platforms where you can submit information anonymously.
Key Considerations
- Digital Footprint: Avoid leaving digital traces that could compromise your identity, such as metadata in images and videos.
- VPN: Use a VPN service to hide your location and identity when communicating online.
- Security Measures: Contact organizations that offer secure communication channels and encrypted reporting options.
These organizations and platforms provide a range of options for those wanting to report war crimes or human rights violations. Many are well-equipped to handle sensitive information and provide confidential support.
Here are additional contacts and resources for reporting war crimes or human rights violations:
50. International Criminal Court (ICC)
- Contact: The ICC is the primary international body for prosecuting individuals for war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity.
- Website: www.icc-cpi.int
- Email: otp.informationdesk@icc-cpi.int
- Phone (The Hague, Netherlands): +31 70 515 8515
51. The United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission
- Contact: This mission monitors human rights violations, including war crimes, and assists with investigative reporting.
- Website: www.ohchr.org
- Email: ohchr@un.org
- Phone (Geneva, Switzerland): +41 22 917 9000
52. The Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights
- Contact: Focuses on education and advocacy for international humanitarian law, including war crime reporting.
- Website: www.geneva-academy.ch
- Email: contact@geneva-academy.ch
- Phone (Geneva, Switzerland): +41 22 908 40 70
53. The United Nations Peacekeeping Force
- Contact: UN Peacekeeping missions often engage in monitoring and protecting civilians from war crimes during active conflicts.
- Website: www.un.org/en/peacekeeping
- Email: peacekeeping@un.org
- Phone (New York, USA): +1-212-963-1234
54. The United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
- Contact: The UNSC can take action against perpetrators of war crimes and intervene in cases of international conflict.
- Website: www.un.org/securitycouncil
- Email: sc-info@un.org
- Phone (New York, USA): +1-212-963-1234
55. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
- Contact: UNHCR works to protect the rights of refugees, many of whom are victims of war crimes.
- Website: www.unhcr.org
- Email: hq@unhcr.org
- Phone (Geneva, Switzerland): +41 22 739 8111
56. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
- Contact: Provides humanitarian aid and helps document violations of international humanitarian law, including war crimes.
- Website: www.ifrc.org
- Email: secretariat@ifrc.org
- Phone (Geneva, Switzerland): +41 22 730 42 22
57. The International Association of Lawyers Against Nuclear Arms (IALANA)
- Contact: This organization focuses on advocating against nuclear arms and their use in conflict, often tied to the commission of war crimes.
- Website: www.ialana.de
- Email: ialana@ialana.de
- Phone (Berlin, Germany): +49-30-202 8910
58. The International Crisis Group (ICG)
- Contact: ICG provides information and analysis on conflicts and war crimes, and works on conflict resolution.
- Website: www.crisisgroup.org
- Email: info@crisisgroup.org
- Phone (Brussels, Belgium): +32-2-536-00-28
59. The International Peace and Security Institute (IPSI)
- Contact: Focuses on international peacekeeping and security, offering support for those affected by war crimes.
- Website: www.ipsinstitute.org
- Email: ipsi@ipsinstitute.org
60. The Global Legal Action Network (GLAN)
- Contact: A network that facilitates legal action in cases of international human rights violations, including war crimes.
- Website: www.glanlaw.org
- Email: info@glanlaw.org
61. The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ)
- Contact: The ICJ works to ensure the legal accountability of states and other actors for war crimes and violations of international law.
- Website: www.icj.org
- Email: icj@icj.org
- Phone (Geneva, Switzerland): +41 22 979 38 00
62. The Redress Trust
- Contact: An organization that focuses on assisting victims of torture, including victims of war crimes.
- Website: www.redress.org
- Email: redress@redress.org
- Phone (London, UK): +44-20-7793-1777
63. Human Rights Watch (HRW) – Conflict & War Crimes
- Contact: HRW works globally to document and report human rights abuses, including war crimes.
- Website: www.hrw.org
- Email: hrw@hrw.org
- Phone (New York, USA): +1-212-290-4700
64. The International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP)
- Contact: Provides legal assistance to refugees, including those displaced due to war crimes.
- Website: www.refugeerights.org
- Email: info@refugeerights.org
- Phone (New York, USA): +1-212-313-0444
65. Freedom House
- Contact: A global organization that focuses on promoting political freedom and human rights, including reporting violations during conflict.
- Website: www.freedomhouse.org
- Email: freedomhouse@freedomhouse.org
- Phone (Washington, D.C., USA): +1-202-296-5101
66. The International Human Rights Clinic at Harvard Law School
- Contact: A legal clinic that provides support for human rights investigations and war crimes prosecution.
- Website: www.law.harvard.edu
- Email: hrc@law.harvard.edu
- Phone (Cambridge, USA): +1-617-495-3120
67. The International Court of Justice (ICJ)
- Contact: The ICJ settles disputes between states and gives advisory opinions on legal questions, including issues related to war crimes.
- Website: www.icj-cij.org
- Email: information@icj-cij.org
- Phone (The Hague, Netherlands): +31-70-302-23-23
Additional Reporting Tips:
- Documenting War Crimes Securely: Ensure that photos, videos, and audio files are securely stored and time-stamped. Avoid sharing sensitive content publicly until you’ve ensured your safety.
- Confidential Reporting: Many organizations have confidential hotlines, encrypted communication tools, or ways to report anonymously to ensure your protection.
These organizations and platforms offer various forms of support, including documentation, advocacy, legal assistance, and secure reporting channels. Each organization has its focus area but can be invaluable in bringing perpetrators of war crimes to justice and supporting victims.