What we do
We Use Digital tools to monitor and reduce online conflicts
our Programs
Transitional Justice (TJ) Program
In societies emerging from periods of conflict or authoritarian rule, the wounds of the past often linger, casting a shadow over the prospects of peace, reconciliation, and sustainable development. At Basic Rights Watch (BRW), we recognize the critical importance of addressing historical injustices and fostering a culture of accountability and reconciliation. Our Transitional Justice (TJ) Program is dedicated to promoting healing, restoring trust, and building a foundation for a just and peaceful future.
our Approaches
A Victim and Perpetrator - Centered Approach
At Basic Rights Watch (BRW), we recognize that achieving justice in societies transitioning from conflict or repression is essential for sustainable peace and reconciliation. Transitional justice (TJ) refers to the set of mechanisms and processes aimed at addressing human rights abuses, fostering accountability, and promoting healing and reconciliation in societies grappling with a legacy of violence and injustice.
Our approach to transitional justice is grounded in the principles of victim-centeredness and perpetrator accountability. We believe that both victims and perpetrators of human rights violations deserve recognition, acknowledgment, and redress.
Victim-Centered Approach
Central to our approach is the recognition of victims’ rights to truth, justice, and reparations. We prioritize the needs and experiences of victims, ensuring that they are heard, validated, and supported throughout the transitional justice process.
Our efforts focus on providing victims with access to justice mechanisms, including truth commissions, reparations programs, and judicial proceedings, where they can seek accountability for the harm they have endured. We also work to address the broader social, economic, and psychological impact of human rights violations on victims and their communities, promoting their healing and empowerment.
Perpetrator Accountability‎
While our approach is victim-centered, we also emphasize the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. We advocate for fair and impartial trials for perpetrators of human rights abuses, ensuring that they are held responsible for their crimes and that justice is served. At the same time, we recognize the potential for perpetrators to be reintegrated into society through processes of acknowledgment, repentance, and reconciliation. Our approach seeks to balance accountability with opportunities for rehabilitation and social reintegration, contributing to the long-term stability and healing of societies emerging from conflict or repression.
Comprehensive Approach
Our work in transitional justice is comprehensive, encompassing a range of initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of conflict, promoting reconciliation, and building a culture of respect for human rights and the rule of law. We collaborate with national and international partners, including government institutions, civil society organizations, and grassroots movements, to develop and implement holistic transitional justice strategies tailored to the specific context and needs of each society.
At BRW, we are committed to advancing transitional justice as a critical component of peacebuilding and human rights protection. By adopting a victim and perpetrator-centered approach, we strive to contribute to the realization of justice, reconciliation, and lasting peace in societies transitioning from conflict or repression.
Get Involved
Join us in our commitment to advancing Transitional Justice and promoting a culture of peace, justice, and reconciliation. Whether you are a survivor seeking support, a professional looking to contribute your expertise, or an advocate passionate about human rights, there are many ways to get involved and make a difference.
Contact us today to learn more about our Transitional Justice Program and how you can be part of our efforts to build a brighter future for generations to come.
Contact UsPEACE Building
Peacebuilding is a holistic and collaborative approach to preventing, managing, and resolving conflicts, with the ultimate goal of creating sustainable peace and fostering reconciliation among individuals, communities, and nations. At Basic Rights Watch (BRW), we are dedicated to promoting peacebuilding initiatives that address the root causes of conflict, promote dialogue and understanding, and empower communities to build a future based on cooperation, tolerance, and respect for human rights.
We believe that sustainable peace is essential for the protection and promotion of human rights and dignity. With this in mind, we are dedicated to advancing peacebuilding initiatives that address the root causes of conflict, promote reconciliation, and foster social cohesion.
Our approach is rooted in the principles of dialogue, inclusion, and collaboration. We work closely with communities affected by conflict, as well as local and national stakeholders, to identify shared goals and develop context-specific strategies for peacebuilding. Our efforts focus on promoting reconciliation, addressing grievances, and building trust among diverse groups, laying the foundation for sustainable peace and development.
Digital Peacebuilding‎
One key aspect of our peacebuilding work is the Digital Peacebuilding. In today’s increasingly interconnected world, digital technologies play a significant role in shaping conflicts and peacebuilding efforts. Recognizing this, BRW is at the forefront of digital peacebuilding initiatives, leveraging technology and innovation to advance peace and social justice. Our digital peacebuilding approach harnesses the power of social media, data analytics, and online platforms to amplify voices for peace, counter hate speech and misinformation, and facilitate dialogue and reconciliation among divided communities.
Digital Peace Building for Sustainable Peace Program
In an increasingly interconnected world, digital technologies have become powerful tools for peace building and conflict resolution. Recognizing the transformative potential of digital innovation, our project integrates digital peace building strategies to complement traditional peacebuilding approaches. By harnessing the power of technology, we aim to enhance the effectiveness, inclusivity, and sustainability of our peace building efforts.
This program focuses on developing a digital dashboard, termed the “Digital Peace Dashboard,” (DPD) to map online conflicts. This platform will provide valuable insights into how digital conflict is unfolding in the digital space. By employing a color-coded system, the dashboard will offer comprehensive open-source information accessible to government authorities, civil society organizations (CSO), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and citizens alike. The DPD will harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI), data analytics and social media monitoring to provide actionable insights for conflict prevention, early warning and resolution. The project’s goal is to reduce online conflict and improve early warning in Nigeria by utilizing digital tools.
“Peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice, equality, and understanding among people.”
— Jane Goodall
“Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.”
— Albert Einstein
“Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal.”
— Martin Luther King Jr.
Get Involved
Join us in our mission to build bridges to lasting peace. Whether you are a peace activist, a community leader, or a concerned citizen, there are many ways to contribute to our peacebuilding initiatives and make a positive impact on the world:
- Volunteer your time and skills to support our peacebuilding programs and activities.
- Donate to fund our peacebuilding initiatives and help us reach more communities in need.
- Spread the word about the importance of peacebuilding and the role that each of us can play in creating a more peaceful and just world.
Together, we can build a future where peace, justice, and prosperity thrive for all.
Contact us today to learn more about our peacebuilding initiatives and how you can get involved.
Contact UsClimate Change ‎
At Basic Rights Watch (BRW), we recognize that climate change poses an existential threat to humanity and the planet. Addressing this global challenge requires urgent action and a comprehensive approach that integrates principles of justice, equity, and human rights.
Just Transition‎
A Just Transition refers to the shift to a low-carbon economy that is fair and inclusive, ensuring that no one is left behind in the transition to a sustainable future. BRW advocates for policies and practices that prioritize the needs and rights of workers, communities, and marginalized groups affected by the transition to renewable energy and sustainable development. We work to promote job creation, social protection, and economic empowerment in sectors impacted by climate change, fostering resilience and sustainability for all.
Business and Human Rights‎
The United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) provide a global standard for preventing and addressing the adverse impacts of business activities on human rights. The UNGPs emphasize the responsibility of governments to protect human rights, the duty of businesses to respect human rights, and the need for effective remedies for victims of corporate abuses. By integrating human rights considerations into business operations, companies can mitigate risks, build trust, and contribute to sustainable development.
Business activities have a significant impact on the environment and human rights, particularly in the context of climate change. BRW advocates for corporate accountability and responsibility, urging businesses to respect and protect human rights throughout their operations and supply chains. We engage with companies to promote sustainable business practices, including the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the protection of biodiversity, and the respect for the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities affected by extractive industries and deforestation.
Collaborative Partnerships‎
BRW collaborates with a diverse range of partners, including governments, businesses, civil society organizations, and grassroots movements, to advance climate justice and environmental sustainability. Together, we work to build coalitions, share knowledge and resources, and mobilize collective action to address the root causes of climate change and promote a just and sustainable future for all.
At BRW, we are committed to advancing environmental justice and human rights in the face of climate change. Through our advocacy, research, and capacity-building initiatives, we strive to promote a Just Transition to a low-carbon economy and hold businesses accountable for their environmental and social impacts. By working together with our partners and allies, we believe that we can create a more just and sustainable world for current and future generations.
Get Involved
Join us in our mission to combat climate change and create a more sustainable future for generations to come. Whether you are a concerned citizen, a community leader, or a policymaker, there are many ways to get involved:
Educate Yourself: Learn more about climate change and its impacts on the environment, economy, and society.
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint: Take action to reduce your carbon footprint by conserving energy, using public transportation, recycling, and supporting renewable energy sources.
Advocate for Change: Speak out for policies and initiatives that promote climate action, renewable energy, and environmental protection.
Support Our Work: Donate to support our climate change initiatives and help us make a difference in the fight against climate change.
Together, we can make a difference and build a more sustainable future for all.
Contact us today to learn more about our climate change initiatives and how you can get involved.
Contact Us“A Just Transition to a sustainable future is not only an environmental imperative but a moral obligation to ensure that no one is left behind in the transition to a low-carbon economy.”Â
— Mary Robinson
“Respecting human rights isn’t just a moral imperative; it’s also good business practice. By integrating human rights into their operations, businesses can mitigate risks, build trust, and contribute to sustainable development for all.”
— John Ruggie
“Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it is a human rights issue that requires urgent action to protect the rights and dignity of all people, particularly those most vulnerable to its impacts.”Â
— Ban Ki-moon
Gender, Women, Youth and Education
Gender equality, women’s empowerment, youth engagement, and education are fundamental pillars of sustainable development and social progress. At BRW, we are committed to promoting equality, empowering individuals, and ensuring access to quality education for all, regardless of gender, age, or background.
Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment
Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but also a prerequisite for achieving sustainable development. We work to empower women and girls by promoting equal opportunities, eliminating discrimination and violence, and ensuring their full and equal participation in all aspects of society. By investing in women’s education, health, and economic empowerment, we create opportunities for them to realize their full potential and contribute to positive change in their communities.
Gender, Women, Youth, and Education
Empowering Communities through SASA Whatsapp Chatbot
At Basic Rights Watch (BRW), we recognize the importance of addressing gender-based violence (GBV) and empowering marginalized groups, including women and youth, through education and support services. Our innovative approach to tackling GBV includes the development and implementation of the Sexual Assault Support Assistance (SASA) Whatsapp chatbot, aimed at providing accessible and confidential support to both survivors of sexual assault, witnesses and users.
SASA WhatsApp Chatbot
The SASA Whatsapp chatbot is a groundbreaking initiative that leverages technology to provide immediate support and assistance to survivors of sexual assault. Accessible 24/7. Our solution leverages Whatsapp because it is the largest Instant Messaging (IM) service in the World with 2 billion monthly active users; this is also the case in Nigeria, with 93 percent of internet users aged 16 to 64 years using the service (Statista report, 2020). In this way, we are leveraging WhatsApp’s reach, which will make it easy for people to connect with SASA. SASA will be easy to use and navigate, and all WhatsApp users will have access to this through a unique phone number(+234 1700 6730). The AI feature of WhatsApp Chatbot means that it will learn the most reported issues as time goes on and help the project team develop content to cater to this, thus making SASA more intelligent.
Furthermore, at the backend, our service will aggregate data based on usage, and this will be used to create an incidence map that visualizes the occurrences and helps stakeholders generate insights on the prevalence of SGBV in Nigeria. This solution is designed with the hypothesis that if we can through the Whatsapp Chatbot provide directories of responders for users to get assistance, we can help break the culture of silence and reduce occurrences of SGBV in the Nigerian society.
Finally, we expect that the solution breaks the culture of silence for SGBV survivors and all concerned individuals to report incidents, engage with resources and professionals, and contribute to the mitigation and reduction of SGBV. This initiative will therefore increase reporting on issues of SGBV among our beneficiaries and target audience. It would also generate data that can help law enforcement, policymakers, and CSOs gain deeper insight on issues of SGBV in Nigeria.
At BRW, we remain committed to empowering women and youth, promoting gender equality, and combating gender-based violence through innovative solutions such as the SASA Whatsapp chatbot. By leveraging technology and collaboration, we can create a safer, more supportive environment for survivors of sexual assault and work towards a future free from violence and discrimination.
“Gender equality is more than a goal in itself. It is a precondition for meeting the challenge of reducing poverty, promoting sustainable development, and building good governance.”
— Kofi Annan
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
— Nelson Mandela
“Youth are the leaders of tomorrow, but they also have the power to lead change today. Empowering young people is not just an investment in the future; it is an investment in creating a better world for all.”
— Malala Yousafzai
Get Involved
Join us in our efforts to empower gender, women, youth, and education. Whether you are a woman striving for equality, a young person eager to make a difference, or an advocate for education, there are many ways to get involved:
- Support Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment: Advocate for policies and initiatives that promote gender equality, support women's rights, and empower women and girls in your community.
- Empower Youth: Mentor young people, support youth-led initiatives, and create opportunities for youth participation and leadership development.
- Promote Education for All: Support initiatives that expand access to quality education, advocate for policies that prioritize education, and invest in programs that empower learners of all ages.
- Together, we can build a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous world for all.
Contact us today to learn more about our initiatives and how you can get involved in empowering gender, women, youth, and education.
Contact UsNEWS
This paper is a detailed report of the Reducing Online Conflict Community (ROCC) generative workshop in Abuja in February 2024, capturing the essential findings, themes, and recommendations discussed during the event. It provides an overview of challenges within Nigeria’s collaborative digital peacebuilding ecosystem, incorporating insights from practitioners actively addressing the Weaponization of Social Media in […]
Basic Rights Watch (BRW), a Nigeria-based non-governmental organization (NGO) with a mission is to leverage open data, disruptive ideas and digital technologies to enhance popular participation and political accountability has celebrated its five years of commitments to advocating for basic human rights in Nigeria and across Africa. In a Press Statement signed and issued over […]