Shia Rights Watch (SRW) is the world’s first independent organization dedicated to protecting the rights of Shia Muslims around the world. SRW is a non- governmental, not-for-profit research and advocacy organization headquartered in Washington D.C. SRW seeks to draw the international attention to countries in which Shia rights are being violated: the goal is to give a voice to the oppressed and hold oppressors accountable. S.R.W. achieves its objectives through strategic investigations and targeted advocacy in order to facilitate informed action.
Vision
Shia Rights Watch envisions a peaceful world for all regardless of religion, gender, race and origin. SRW believes that Shia Muslims should be recognized as a religious group by the countries in which they reside. Discrimination should not be allowed and be brought to light whenever and wherever it takes place. God has given us all the freedom of religion and the rights to live in peace.
Mission
Shia Rights Watch is dedicated to protecting the rights of Shia Muslims worldwide. SRW stands up for victims of prejudice, and supports activism in order to prevent discrimination, support political freedom, and help ensure people’ human rights and religious freedom. SRW enlists the local public and international communities to support the cause of human rights for all.
SRW achieves these ends by investigating violations against Shia communities in order to raise awareness and fight injustice. SRW promotes needed change through research and publications and submits reports and articles to governments and international organizations. Also, SRW continually monitors media outlets to ensure coverage of Shia rights violations.
The Purpose
Shia Muslims face constant oppression throughout the world solely due to their faith. In some parts of the world, Shia Muslims for centuries have been targeted for persecution, as evidenced by the well-documented extremism of the Wahhabi movement. SRW believes that Shia Muslims need a human rights organization that highlights the violations committed against them and gives voice to their call for help.
SRW’s Methodology
RW believes that information is the most valuable resource in the investigative process. From the organization’s inception, SRW has focused on gathering information through various media: interviewing witnesses, family members of victims and victims themselves; on-site collection of resources; analysing reports from various national and international organizations; meeting with non-governmental and religious organizations, leaders, and journalists; and creating information networks in a wide range of social sectors. Based on the information collected from the above sources, SRW is able to identify different types of human rights violations. These violations include but are not limited to:
