Permissions

Permissions: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Thank you for your interest in Human Rights Watch.

This Permissions FAQ sets forth frequently asked questions and answers regarding the use of reports, news releases, photographs, videos, films, artwork, sound recordings, text and/or other materials of Human Rights Watch ("HRW Materials").

I don't have a permissions request- who else can I contact?

For Press or Media requests
For information on Jobs and Internships
For general inquiries

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How can I use HRW Materials in my publications or other works?

HRW publications are covered by the Creative Commons License allowing for limited use of HRW publications provided the work is properly credited to HRW, it is for non-commercial use and it is not used for derivative works. You do not need to request permission from HRW before using or sharing one of HRW's publications. Before copying or downloading any HRW publications, please carefully review our Creative Commons License by visiting this link. By downloading and sharing HRW publications, you agree to adhere to the terms presented in the Creative Commons License.

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May I use the Human Rights Watch logo or trademarks on my own published materials or on my website?

No. Our Creative Commons license is a copyright license only. It allows for limited electronic reproduction of our documents, which may contain our logo and/or trademarks. The Creative Commons license does not allow you to copy our other intellectual property, such as our logo or trademarks, from our documents or website for your own use.

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Does the Creative Commons license apply to Human Rights Watch documents materials that do not appear on the Human Rights Watch website?

No. The Creative Commons license applies only to the reports and documents which appear on the HRW.org website.

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I am a teacher or college/university professor and I want to include HRW Materials in my course packet-do I need a license agreement?

No. HRW does not require any formal agreement for the use of HRW Materials in course packets and other course-specific materials. You are free to use the HRW Materials in your course materials for teaching purposes, provided that you include an appropriate citation to Human Rights Watch.

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I am a permissions officer at a college or university, and I am required to receive written consent for all reprinted materials. How can I obtain your written consent?

We no longer require written consent to use or share HRW materials. Please refer to our Creative Commons License and please read the license carefully. When you use HRW materials, you agree to abide by the terms of this license.

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How should I cite HRW Materials?

You must provide the author, title of the work, copyright notice and date. Excluding commentaries, the author may be cited as "Human Rights Watch."

Example:

Human Rights Watch. The Rest of Their Lives: Life Without Parole for Child Offenders in the United States. © 2005 by Human Rights Watch.

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I want to provide a link to a HRW webpage on my own Internet site-do I need a license agreement?

No. You are free to link to any HRW webpage, unless otherwise indicated on that page.

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I want to reproduce an HRW report in its entirety on my Internet site. Is this allowed?

All HRW reports are covered by this Creative Commons License which allows for limited electronic reproduction of our documents. Please carefully review our license before reproducing any HRW materials. By reprinting HRW materials, you agree to abide by the terms of our Creative Commons License.

Please note that HRW does not always own the copyright for certain materials - including some photographs, sound recordings or audiovisual works - included within HRW Materials. In such cases, HRW cannot grant reproduction permission through the Creative Commons License.

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I want to excerpt or reproduce HRW-related material that originally appeared in another publication (e.g., a newspaper or magazine). Can HRW give me permission?

No. Normally, HRW does not own the copyright in such materials, and therefore cannot grant permission for the reproduction of such materials. You must obtain permission from the owner of the copyright in such materials, which often (but not always) will be the publication in which the materials originally appeared. Note that many of our "Commentary" pages fall into this category.

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How do I submit a request to use a photograph, map or other image contained in any HRW Materials (including on the HRW website)?

Our graphics are protected by the same copyright as our reports. HRW materials may be reproduced according to the terms of our Creative Commons License. Please review this license carefully before reproducing any HRW materials. By reproducing HRW materials, you agree to abide by the terms of this Creative Commons License. Please visit our media portal for more information.

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How long is the Creative Commons License agreement valid?

The Creative Commons License referred to here is perpetual for the duration of the applicable copyright of the work.

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I am a librarian and/or electronic archivist. May I include HRW reports in a database or collection and/or "capture" specific reports as they are released to keep my database current?

Yes. All HRW materials are covered by the Creative Commons License which allows for limited electronic reproduction of our documents. By downloading and sharing HRW publications, you agree to adhere to the terms presented in the Creative Commons License.

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Can I send you my own company's licensing agreement for you to sign?

HRW no longer requires the use of signed licensing agreements for the electronic reproduction of HRW materials. HRW materials are covered by the Creative Commons License which allows for limited electronic reproduction of our documents. By downloading and sharing HRW publications, you agree to adhere to the terms presented in the Creative Commons License.

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Are there any fees involved in licensing HRW Materials?

No. Licenses granted by HRW for use of HRW Materials are free of charge.

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I need some information for my homework/ thesis / dissertation- can you help?

Please note that due to a lack of resources and a high volume of requests, we are unable to provide research and academic assistance. We are also unable to arrange interviews, answer questionnaires or specific questions, or arrange visits to our offices. However, all of our reports and publications are available on our website which is searchable.

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