MAHR uses traditional human rights monitoring methods to document human rights abuses, but has made a practice of adapting this methodology to address emerging human rights issues.  The approach has been used to document violations of women's human rights such as domestic violence, rape, employment discrimination, sexual harassment in the workplace and trafficking in women and girls for commercial sexual exploitation.  The findings on violence against women in 22 countries have been published in reports that include an analysis of each country's legislation related to women's rights and of the local law enforcement system, as well as recommendations on bringing laws and practice into conformity with international human rights obligations.

For a detailed exploration of this tactic, please click on the following link to consult our tactical notebook, <b><a href="http://www.newtactics.org/en/FamiliarToolsEmergingIssues">Familiar Tools, Emerging Issues</a></b> by Jennifer Prestholdt.

BAOBAB for Women’s Human Rights organizes mock tribunals that result in public policy recommendations for advancing the rights of women. Witnesses give testimony about their experiences surrounding a particular issue. A panel of judges, including Supreme Court judges and heads of NGOs, convene to hear the testimony and then make a proclamation concerning public policy. The tribunals not only raise awareness of issues, they have also led to legislative changes.

For a detailed exploration of this tactic, please click on the following link to consult our tactical notebook, <b><a href="http://www.newtactics.org/en/AMockTribunaltoAdvanceChange">A Mock Tribunal to Advance Change</a></b> by Mufuliat Fijabi.

The Center for Justice and Accountability (CJA) helps victims of torture by using United States Federal Laws to bring civil charges against their torturers, regardless of country in which the torture took place. In the summer of 2002, a Florida jury awarded $54.6 million to three Salvadoran survivors who were tortured by Salvadoran security forces between 1979 and 1983.  These three individuals sued the generals who commanded the soldiers that tortured them, applying the doctrine of Command Responsibility, where a foreign commander is held liable for the actions of his troops.

For a detailed exploration of this tactic, please click on the following link to consult our tactical notebook, <b><a href="http://www.newtactics.org/en/Reparations">Reparations</a></b> by Sandra Coliver and Moira Feeney.

The Korean Women Workers’ Association United (KWWAU) organized a highly successful campaign gaining public and government awareness and support for increasing the minimum wage, improving government policies for sub-contracted women workers and prosecuting businesses that violate the minimum wage system. In 2000-1, a survey conducted by KWWAU documented that 23% of the sub-contracted workers surveyed received significantly less than the minimum wage. It was discovered that the minimum wage system did not protect workers employed in small and medium sized businesses.  The campaign effectively utilized media—using cartoons, images and other innovative tactics— in 9 different cities in the summer of 2001 which resulted in more than 15,000 people signing KWWAU’s petition. As a result of public outrage, rather than the usual 4% increase, the government wage committee raised the minium wage by 12%. The KWWAU was the first to focus on increasing the minimum wage.  In 2002, many unions and civil organizations established the "Minimum Wage Network" to improve wages and the minimum wage system.  Subsequent efforts have resulted in a yearly minimum wage increase of more than 10%.

For a detailed exploration of this tactic, please click on the following link to consult our tactical notebook, <b><a href="http://www.newtactics.org/en/EngagingtheMedia">Engaging the Media: Building support for minimum wage reform</a></b> by Jee Hyeon Kim.

The Action Theatre works to turn local street theatre into a medium for instigating discussion, debate, and actions on critical human rights issues in their community.  This is accomplished through a theatre team comprised of Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) staff members and local community members who dramatize social problems plaguing the community, and engage the community in identifying and carrying out solutions.  The group has successfully formed Action Theatres in twelve areas across Bangladesh, and has become a mobilizing force in its communities, providing structural support for villagers who engage in issues, and working alongside the community to take action towards addressing the dramatized social issues. The group’s goal is to foster the capacities of the youth and activists at a grassroots level to bring about social change.

For a detailed exploration of this tactic, please click on the following link to consult our tactical notebook, <b><a href="http://www.newtactics.org/en/ActionTheatre">Action Theatre: Initiating Changes</a></b> by Motahar Akand.