Brad Adams is the founder and executive director of Climate Rights International, an organization dedicated to advancing the intersection of environmental protection and human rights. With a robust background in human rights advocacy, Adams previously served as the executive director of the Asia Division of Human Rights Watch from 2002 to 2022. In this role, he oversaw critical investigations and advocacy efforts across twenty countries, including China, India, and Afghanistan, focusing on the protection of civil society and environmental activists.
Throughout his career, Adams has championed a wide range of human rights issues, including freedom of expression, women’s rights, and labor rights. His extensive experience has made him a leading voice in the fight for international justice, particularly in contexts of armed conflict and political repression. He has contributed articles to prestigious publications such as The Washington Post and The New York Times, and has been featured as a commentator on major news networks like BBC and CNN.
Before joining Human Rights Watch, Adams worked for five years in Cambodia as a senior lawyer for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, where he conducted human rights investigations and supported judicial reform. He also founded the Berkeley Community Law Center, providing legal aid focused on housing and public benefits.
Adams holds an M.Sc. in European Studies from the London School of Economics and a J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, where he also teaches International Human Rights Law. A former All-CIF athlete, he played baseball and basketball at a competitive level, reflecting a commitment to excellence both on and off the field.