Annie Kelly: Investigative Journalist and Presenter Leading the Charge on Human Rights
Annie Kelly is a prominent British journalist and editor known for her unwavering dedication to human rights issues and global affairs. She is currently serving as the presenter of Today in Focus, a flagship daily podcast by The Guardian, where she brings insightful discussions on pressing global matters, with a special focus on human rights abuses around the world. Kelly’s long career has spanned investigative reporting, documentary production, and leadership in various human rights initiatives, all of which have earned her accolades in journalism and made significant contributions to social change.
Annie Kelly Early Career and Transition into Investigative Journalism
Annie Kelly’s journey into the world of journalism began with an education in English and History at Leeds University, where she earned a BA (Hons). Her professional career took off at Cambridge Café Radio, where she worked as a trainee news reporter in 1998. Over time, she moved on to Revolution Magazine and later Haymarket Publications, where she honed her reporting skills and gained experience in writing news and features.
However, it was her tenure as a foreign correspondent at The Guardian and The Observer that truly defined her career. During her time as a freelance reporter, Kelly was based in Latin America, covering critical human rights stories. Her reports on former child soldiers in Liberia, corrective rape in South Africa, and food shortages in Ethiopia brought international attention to some of the world’s most underreported issues. Her passion for highlighting the suffering of vulnerable communities would become the foundation of her illustrious career.
Annie Kelly Editor of The Guardian’s Rights and Freedom Project
In 2021, Annie Kelly was appointed editor of The Guardian’s Rights and Freedom project. This initiative aims to amplify underreported human rights stories and give voice to local journalists from across the world. Annie Kelly’s work here was instrumental in driving impactful investigations into modern slavery, human trafficking, and the abuse of migrant workers. By partnering with local journalists, she empowered communities to tell their stories and brought international attention to pressing issues affecting vulnerable populations.
One of the notable achievements during her time as editor was the Rights and Freedom series’ reporting on modern slavery in global supply chains, particularly in industries like agriculture and construction. The investigations, which included uncovering the exploitation of workers in the Qatar World Cup construction sites and in Thailand’s shrimp industry, led to concrete changes in both policy and corporate practices. Annie Kelly’s editorial leadership played a key role in ensuring that these stories received the attention they deserved, ultimately driving systemic change in global food sourcing and labour rights.
Leading Investigations on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking
Annie Kelly’s most influential work has been her long-term investigative reporting on human trafficking and modern slavery. For over a decade, she led investigations that uncovered horrific stories of exploitation across the globe. Her series on human trafficking, which included exposing the trafficking of domestic workers and the corruption in global labour recruitment, was groundbreaking in its impact. These investigations won multiple human rights and journalism awards, cementing Kelly’s position as one of the leading voices in global human rights reporting.
Furthermore, Annie Kelly’s special reporting on gender-based violence faced by women workers in global supply chains brought attention to a critical issue that had largely been ignored. By highlighting the intersection of labour exploitation and gender-based violence, Kelly not only informed the public but also pushed for greater legal protections for women workers worldwide.
Documentary Work: ‘The Trap’ and Other Projects
In addition to her work as a journalist and editor, Kelly has also made significant contributions to documentary filmmaking. She co-directed The Trap, a powerful documentary that exposed the links between sex trafficking and the criminal justice system in the United States. The documentary, which has garnered over 11 million views on The Guardian’s YouTube channel, continues to be a critical resource for those seeking to understand the complexities of human trafficking in the context of law enforcement.
Her role in The Trap exemplifies her commitment to shedding light on human rights abuses through visual storytelling. The documentary has had a lasting impact on public discourse around sex trafficking, furthering the conversation on the need for systemic reform in the criminal justice system.
The Guardian’s Today in Focus Podcast
As of 2025, Annie Kelly took on a new role as the journalist and presenter for The Guardian’s Today in Focus podcast. This flagship daily podcast covers a wide range of issues, but Kelly’s expertise in human rights has shaped the podcast’s focus on global affairs, social justice, and human rights violations. Through her detailed reporting and engaging interviews, Kelly has helped listeners better understand the complex social issues shaping our world today.
Her role in Today in Focus highlights her ability to adapt to evolving media landscapes, using the podcast platform to reach new audiences while continuing to champion human rights issues. The podcast, under her leadership, provides a platform for in-depth discussions on topics like labour exploitation, migration, gender inequality, and more, thus expanding the reach of the human rights conversation.
Freelance Reporting and Consultancy
Before her work at The Guardian, Kelly was a freelance correspondent reporting from across the globe. Her investigative pieces for The Guardian and Observer brought much-needed attention to stories such as the plight of child trafficking victims in Uganda, corrective rape survivors in South Africa, and HIV/AIDS community responses in Zambia and Uganda. These reports were instrumental in raising awareness of issues that were often overlooked by mainstream media.
In addition to her journalistic work, Kelly has provided consultancy and editorial services for various NGOs, UN agencies, and marketing agencies. This has allowed her to use her expertise not just in reporting but also in shaping effective advocacy campaigns that resonate globally.
Conclusion
Annie Kelly’s career is a testament to the power of journalism in creating meaningful social change. Through her work as a journalist, editor, presenter, and documentary filmmaker, she has not only raised awareness of critical human rights issues but also pushed for lasting reforms. From her investigative reporting on human trafficking to her leadership in The Guardian’s Rights and Freedom project, Kelly has left an indelible mark on the field of human rights journalism. Her continued work on Today in Focus further solidifies her position as a leader in global human rights reporting, ensuring that the voices of the oppressed are heard and their stories are told.
