The media holds great power. It is an omnipresent force in people's lives all over the world each day, from entertaining the masses to influencing major, life-changing decisions. WITNESS, a nonprofit organization, is known globally for its use of film and videos to champion human rights causes and call for those in authority to effect change.

WITNESS was co-founded by three human rights advocates in 1992: musician Peter Gabriel, Human Rights First and the Human Rights Foundation of sports brand Reebok. The organization began with an incident of police brutality towards Rodney King, Jr., captured on video camera by an onlooker. WITNESS has since channeled the effectiveness of the medium to record and make known to the public the various situations and events regarding human rights violations that take place throughout different countries. This approach has been termed “video advocacy,” and has found a wide support base from people everywhere echoing the same goals of the organization.

With over 300 partners in more than 80 countries, WITNESS' campaigns touch on issues regarding gender-based violence, armed conflict, child prostitution and trafficking, child soldiers, gender discrimination and country-specific movements to help these citizens fight back against injustice. WITNESS constantly holds workshops, forums and seminars to train those wishing to join their cause, as well as develops training tools and materials to further reach out to the public and earn support towards positive world reforms. People from all walks of life, from ordinary citizens to famous media personalities, continue to contribute to the organization's battle cry and anyone with the passion for video advocacy or has a story to tell is encouraged to join them.

WITNESS is currently headed by Executive Director Yvette Alberdingk Thijm and a Board of Directors. The organization has garnered multiple awards for its work as a body in humanitarian efforts, socially-responsible media and leadership.