Campaigning for Justice, Stanford Studies in Human Rights

A study of strategies implemented in local, regional, and international human rights campaigns elucidating how advocates were able to achieve their goals.

Advocates within the human rights movement have had remarkable success establishing new international laws, securing concrete changes in human rights policies and practices, and transforming the terms of public debate. Yet too often, the strategies these advocates have employed are not broadly shared or known. Campaigning for Justice addresses this gap to explain the “how” of the human rights movement.

Written from a practitioner’s perspective, this book explores the strategies behind some of the most innovative human rights campaigns of recent years. Drawing on interviews with dozens of experienced human rights advocates, the book delves into local, regional, and international efforts to discover how advocates were able to address seemingly intractable abuses and secure concrete advances in human rights. These accounts provide a window into the way that human rights advocates conduct their work, their real-life struggles and challenges, the rich diversity of tools and strategies they employ, and ultimately, their courage and persistence in advancing human rights.

Praise for Campaigning for Justice

“This book is a gold mine. A terrific resource not only for those just entering human rights work, but also for those with years of experience.” —Jody Williams, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Co-founder, International Campaign to Ban Landmines

“A singular contribution that will be indispensable for those interested in advocacy and human rights.” —Elazar Barkan, Director, Institute for the Study of Human Rights, Columbia University

“Addressing the critical question of how human rights organizations actually do their work, this book has a currency that is needed right now.” —Barbara Frey, Director, Human Rights Program, University of Minnesota

“A vivid testament to the lives of human rights activists, including Becker’s own, as advocates and courageous fighters for the rights of others.” —Radhika Coomaraswamy, Former Special representative to the Secretary General for Children and Armed Conflict, United Nations