Independent watchdogs are organizations or individuals that monitor and evaluate the actions of governments, corporations, or other institutions. Their primary goal is to ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness in various sectors, including politics, finance, and human rights. By providing unbiased assessments, they help protect the public interest and promote ethical behavior. These watchdogs often conduct investigations, publish reports, and advocate for policy changes. They can be non-profit organizations, government agencies, or even citizen groups. Examples of independent watchdogs include Transparency International, which focuses on corruption, and Human Rights Watch, which monitors human rights abuses worldwide.