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We found 1568 results for "Accountability"

Blog

Almost There: When Will the Biden Administration Support the ICC in Ukraine?

March 7, 2023

This article was first published on Just Security on March 4, 2023 By Adam Keith Over the last year, the people of Ukraine have endured Russian war crimes on…

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Press

Inaugural Joe Brand Human Rights Fellow Selected

March 7, 2023

Human Rights First and Squire Patton Boggs Foundation initiate fellowship with GW Law School WASHINGTON, D.C. – Human Rights First and the Squire Patton Boggs…

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Testimony

“Comprehensive review of the provisions and operation of the Sergei Magnitsky Law and the Special Economic Measures Act”

March 6, 2023

 Senate of Canada Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade Hearing On “Comprehensive review of the provisions and operation of the Sergei Magnitsky Law…

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Press

Human Rights First Denounces Extremism in Congressional Hearings

February 16, 2023

WASHINGTON, DC – After three Congressional hearings in three weeks where Members of Congress deliberately spread anti-immigrant and antisemitic sentiment, disinformation, and conspiracy theories —…

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Statement

Statement for the Record of Human Rights First On House Committee on Oversight and Accountability “On The Front Lines of the Border Crisis: A Hearing with Chief Patrol Agents”

February 7, 2023

Human Rights First is alarmed at the scale and dangers presented by orchestrated rhetoric that paints migrants and people seeking asylum at the U.S. border…

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Press

Deadline Passes for Biden to Address Sanctions for Kara-Murza’s Russian Persecutors

January 25, 2023

WASHINGTON, DC – The Biden administration has failed to provide a substantive response to the senators who set a January 20 deadline for a decision…

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Blog

Calling for Justice in the Murder of Human Rights Lawyer Thulani Maseko

January 24, 2023

What we long feared for human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko has happened. On Saturday night, he was murdered — shot dead in front of his…

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Press

Biden Must Sanction Russians Involved in Kara-Murza’s Detention

January 10, 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ahead of a January 20 deadline to respond to a letter from U.S. senators that calls for the Biden administration to consider…

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Press

On Anniversary of January 6, Antidemocratic Extremism is Mainstream

January 6, 2023

WASHINGTON –  On the second anniversary of the insurrection at the United States Capitol, Human Rights First reprised its call to bring those responsible for…

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Press

January 6th Committee Report Renews Call for Criminal Accountability

December 22, 2022

WASHINGTON –  With today’s publication of the final report of the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol…

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Blog

Special Envoy Kennedy Faces Crucial Year in Northern Ireland

December 21, 2022

By Brian Dooley Appointing former Congressman Joe Kennedy III as the new United States Special Envoy to Northern Ireland is a serious move by the Biden…

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Blog

Recording of Human Rights First on the Ground

December 20, 2022

Updates on our Refugee Advocacy & Protection Efforts The first two years of the Trump Administration have seen an onslaught of attacks against asylum seekers.…

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Blog

Undoing Some Damage, U.S. Commits to More Support for ICC

December 16, 2022

By Adam Keith In the fog on the outskirts of The Hague, governments and civil society representatives came together last week for the annual meeting…

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Press

Human Rights First Welcomes New U.S. Sanctions Targeting Human Rights Abuses and Corruption

December 14, 2022

Washington, D.C. – On Friday, the U.S. government enacted sanctions targeting 90 people and entities involved in human rights abuses and corruption across 17 countries.…

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Letter

Human rights groups urge the U.S. government to sanction for human trafficking abuses

December 8, 2022

  The Honorable Janet L. Yellen Secretary of the Treasury U.S. Department of the Treasury 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20220   The Honorable…

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Blog

To Combat Human Trafficking, Use Magnitsky Sanctions

December 5, 2022

By Gita Howard Human trafficking is a worldwide epidemic that implicates the U.S. and other jurisdictions on several levels. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has…

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Report

Friends Like These: U.S. Security Partners and Selectivity in the Global Magnitsky Sanctions Program

November 30, 2022

U.S. Security Partners and Selectivity in the Global Magnitsky Sanctions Program To live up to its commitments to protect human rights, Human Rights First urges…

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Press

U.S. Should Use Magnitsky Sanctions against Abusive Security Partners

November 30, 2022

WASHINGTON, D.C. – With the United States government doing too little to address serious human rights abuses and corruption by its security partners, Human Rights…

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Letter

Joint Letter to Biden administration to End Title 42

November 22, 2022

November 22, 2022   Hon. Joseph R. Biden, Jr. President of the United States   Dear President Biden: With a federal court striking down the…

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Report

Multilateral Magnitsky Sanctions at Five Years

November 15, 2022

A report on the use of global targeted human rights and corruption sanctions programs in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European…

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Press

New Report Details Gaps in Multilateral Use of Magnitsky Sanctions

November 15, 2022

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Facing significant gaps in the use of Magnitsky sanctions by the U.S., Canada, UK, and EU, leading human rights organizations today issued…

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Blog

Criticizing the Kremlin

October 18, 2022

Human Rights Sanctions Coming in the Case of Vladimir Kara-Murza By Ashley Collins Yesterday, the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs announced that Canada would soon…

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Press

Human Rights First Recommends Sanctions For Vladimir Kara-Murza’s Detention and Poisoning

October 14, 2022

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First yesterday filed a formal recommendation to the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of the Treasury recommending Magnitsky…

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Blog

From Magnitsky to the Mothers of Mariupol

October 12, 2022

Congress Must Stand with Victims and Strengthen the Global Magnitsky Act By Mike Abramowitz In recent weeks, the world has once again been confronted with the…

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Letter

To President Biden on Iran: Fulfill Your Promise to Confront Authoritarianism

October 7, 2022

Joseph R. Biden, President of the United States White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20500 Cc: Antony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State Jake…

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Blog

In ICC Investigation of 2008 Russia-Georgia War Crimes: Don’t Let Justice Delayed Become Justice Denied

October 6, 2022

This article was first published on Just Security on September 23rd, 2022 By Adam Keith and Nika Jeiranashvili On June 30, the International Criminal Court (ICC)…

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Press

New Board Members Bring Key Expertise

October 4, 2022

NEW YORK — Today, Human Rights First announced the addition of three new members to its board of directors: Catherine Amirfar, Gil H. Ha and…

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Press

Jamie Schafer Honored with Global Accountability Award

October 3, 2022

NEW YORK — Human Rights First is pleased to announce today that Jamie Schafer will be honored with the 2022 Global Accountability Guardian Award at…

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Letter

New Inquiry into Indonesian Activist’s 2004 Murder Offers Hope For Truth

September 22, 2022

Eighteen years after iconic human rights defender (HRD) Munir was assassinated while traveling from Jakarta to Amsterdam, we might finally be a step closer to…

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Press

On World Refugee Day, Evacuate Our Allies Calls on Congress, Biden Administration to Protect Afghan Refugees

September 19, 2022

WASHINGTON – To commemorate World Refugee Day, the Evacuate Our Allies coalition (EOA) calls on Congress and the Biden administration to protect Afghan refugees by passing an…

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Press

Administration Safeguards Afghans from Returning to Danger

September 19, 2022

WASHINGTON D.C. – Human Rights First welcomes the announcement by the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State to assure that Afghan nationals who worked with the…

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Press

Biden Order on Policing a First Step Toward Justice

September 19, 2022

WASHINGTON — On Wednesday, President Biden signed an executive order on police accountability and the transfer of military equipment yesterday which includes policy changes for…

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Fact Sheet

Commission on Unalienable Rights: Resources

September 19, 2022

The following is a list of formal, written submissions received by the U.S. State Department’s Commission on Unalienable Rights from civil society organizations, human rights…

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Topics

TARGETED HUMAN RIGHTS AND ANTI-CORRUPTION SANCTIONS (GLOBAL MAGNITSKY)

September 19, 2022

Targeted sanctions like those authorized under the Global Magnitsky Act and similar programs can hold accountable the world’s worst human rights abusers and corrupt actors.…

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Press

IFA’s Amy Spitalnick to Advise Human Rights First on Extremism

September 7, 2022

Spitalnick and IFA Spearheaded Lawsuit Against Charlottesville White Supremacists NEW YORK — Human Rights First is pleased to announce that Amy Spitalnick is joining the organization…

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Press

Human Rights First Welcomes Introduction of Afghan Adjustment Act

August 9, 2022

WASHINGTON – Today’s bipartisan introduction of the Afghan Adjustment Act in the House of Representatives by Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Peter Meijer (R-MI), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY),…

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Press

IFA’s Amy Spitalnick to Advise Human Rights First on Extremism

August 9, 2022

Spitalnick and IFA Spearheaded Lawsuit Against Charlottesville White Supremacists NEW YORK — Human Rights First is pleased to announce that Amy Spitalnick is joining the…

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Press

Filipino Human Rights Lawyer Angelo Guillen Honored with Baldwin Medal of Liberty

August 8, 2022

Baldwin Award Given to International Human Rights Defender in 2022 NEW YORK – Human Rights First announced today that Angelo Karlo Guillen, a human rights lawyer…

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Press

U.S. Must Push for End to Torture in Egyptian Prisons

August 2, 2022

WASHINGTON, DC — Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri was reportedly killed yesterday in a U.S. drone strike almost 21 years after the 9/11 attacks.  Zawahiri is believed…

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Blog

Taking on Policies that Harm Human Rights Defenders at the Border

August 2, 2022

By Cora Wright, Legal Fellow, Refugee Protection and Refugee Representation A few weeks ago, a Mexican cartel in Nuevo Laredo kidnapped Baptist Pastor Lorenzo Ortiz,…

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Letter

Letter on Amendments that Would Codify Title 42

July 15, 2022

Dear Speaker Pelosi, Minority Leader McCarthy, Chairwoman DeLauro, and Ranking Member Granger, The undersigned civil society organizations write to express our grave concern regarding the…

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Press

New Bill Would Prevent Sanctions Against Institutions Promoting Accountability

July 14, 2022

WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Joaquin Castro and Rep. James McGovern introduced the Multilateral Leadership Act to ensure that targeted U.S. sanctions are not misused against institutions that help…

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Blog

Responsibly Researching War Crimes in Ukraine

July 12, 2022

By Brian Dooley War crimes in Ukraine are now so horribly common that one of the local groups tracking them documents incidents virtually every day.…

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Press

Human Rights First Condemns Governor Abbott’s Dangerous & Illegal Ploy to “Return” Asylum Seekers and Other Migrants to Ports of Entry

July 7, 2022

Calls on U.S. Departments of Homeland Security and Justice to take action to protect our immigration system. WASHINGTON, DC — Human Rights First expresses its outrage…

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Blog

International Expert Panel: State Impunity and the Northern Ireland conflict

June 30, 2022

Brian Dooley & Aoife Duffy Since the 1998 Good Friday/Belfast Agreement which ended the 30-year conflict in Northern Ireland, the region has largely enjoyed progress…

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Testimony

Ensuring Safety and Support for Human Rights Defenders of Asylum Seekers, Refugees, and Other Migrants Targeted by Illegal Pushback Policies, Extremist Attacks, and Harassment by Government Officials

June 27, 2022

Submission to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders…

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Testimony

Domestic Extremism in America: Examining White Supremacist Violence in the Wake of Recent Attacks

June 9, 2022

Elizabeth Yates, Ph.D. Senior Researcher, Antisemitism Human Rights First Before the United States Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs June 9, 2022 Chairman…

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Press

Biden Order on Policing a First Step Toward Justice

May 26, 2022

WASHINGTON -- On Wednesday, President Biden signed an executive order on police accountability and the transfer of military equipment yesterday which includes policy changes for…

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Press

Secret Sanctions Relief for Allegedly Corrupt Billionaire Demands Scrutiny

April 19, 2022

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Three anti-corruption organizations urged the internal watchdogs for the U.S. Treasury and State Departments to investigate the U.S. government’s inappropriate decision just before…

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Press

Permanent Global Magnitsky Act Will Ensure Perpetrators Face Consequences

April 12, 2022

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following a yearlong advocacy campaign by Human Rights First and Freedom House, the organizations welcomed the permanent reauthorization of the Global Magnitsky…

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Press

Human Rights First Welcomes Decision to End Title 42 Policy, Calls for Halt to Expulsions to Danger

April 1, 2022

WASHINGTON D.C. – After two years of steadfast advocacy, Human Rights First welcomes today’s decision by the Biden administration and the Centers for Disease Control…

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Blog

From Magnitsky to the Mothers of Mariupol

March 24, 2022

Congress Must Stand with Victims and Strengthen the Global Magnitsky Act By Mike Breen and Mike Abramowitz In recent weeks, the world has once again been confronted with…

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Press

Atrocities in Ukraine Underscore Need To Reauthorize Strengthened Global Magnitsky Act

March 23, 2022

WASHINGTON D.C. – Human Rights First, Freedom House, and 56 other civil society groups issued a joint letter today calling on the U.S. Congress to…

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Press

Human Rights First Calls for Nominations for 2022 Roger N. Baldwin Medal of Liberty Award

March 10, 2022

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Human Rights First announced a call for nominations for the 2022 Roger N. Baldwin Medal of Liberty Award. Nominations are due…

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Justice for Ukraine and the U.S. Government’s Anomalous Int’l Criminal Court Policy

March 9, 2022

The International Criminal Court's investigation of Russian war crimes in Ukraine should prompt the United States to set aside its idiosyncratic view about the court's…

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Press

Human Rights First Announces Addition of Inaugural Chief Legal Officer

March 8, 2022

WASHINGTON D.C. Human Rights First is pleased to announce that Licha M. Nyiendo today joins the organization as its inaugural Chief Legal Officer. Her hiring is…

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Press

Conviction for January 6 Insurrection Helps Protect Our Democracy

March 8, 2022

WASHINGTON D.C. –  In the first criminal trial of insurrectionists who stormed the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021, a jury today convicted a Texas…

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Press

Human Rights First Urges Enhanced Civil Rights Oversight of DHS

March 4, 2022

WASHINGTON D.C. – Human Rights First today urges the House to pass House Resolution (H.R.) 4349, which will amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002…

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Press

Human Rights First Calls on Russian Authorities to Stop Muzzling Civil Society

March 2, 2022

WASHINGTON D.C. – Human Rights First expressed its grave concern about the March 1 decision by Russian authorities to take the independent radio station “Echo…

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Fact Sheet

Q & A on Sanctions and the Russian Invasion of Ukraine

March 1, 2022

What are sanctions, and why are they being used or proposed in this crisis? The word “sanctions” broadly describes a range of coercive measures usually…

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Blog

Targeted Sanctions on Corrupt and Abusive Russian Officials: What Civil Society is Calling For

February 25, 2022

By Gita Howard, Adam Keith Human Rights First has called for the United States and other governments to immediately impose targeted Global Magnitsky sanctions on…

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Fact Sheet

Restarting Orderly Process Critical to Managing Arrival of Asylum Seekers at Arizona Border

February 8, 2022

U.S. ports of entry have remained closed to requests for asylum throughout the pandemic, forcing some families and adults to cross the border between ports…

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Blog

On Bloody Sunday’s 50th Anniversary: Frustration at New British Proposal to Hide the Truth

January 27, 2022

This Sunday, at 4pm Irish time, people all over the world will put lighted candles in their windows to mark the anniversary of the Bloody…

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Fact Sheet

Recommendations to End Separation of Asylum-Seeking and Migrant Families

January 21, 2022

President Biden’s February 2, 2021 Executive Order 14011 (“Establishment of Interagency Task Force on the Reunification of Families”) created an Interagency Task Force on the…

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Press

United States Announces Targeted Sanctions; Human Rights First Calls on Other Nations to Act

December 13, 2021

Human Rights First’s coalition drove almost half of Global Magnitsky designations on corruption and human rights abuses WASHINGTON – In connection with its Summit for…

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Press

Human Rights First Welcomes Australia’s Adoption of Magnitsky-Style Sanctions

December 2, 2021

WASHINGTON – Following years of advocacy by civil society, the Australian parliament on Wednesday unanimously voted to create a legal framework for a Magnitsky-style targeted sanctions program. Human…

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Letter

Human Rights First’s Magnitsky Recommendations to the Australian Parliament

December 2, 2021

  Dear Members of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade: On behalf of Human Rights First, it is a privilege to…

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Letter

Joint NGO Letter on U.S. Compliance with Convention Against Torture Obligations

December 1, 2021

Dear Secretary Blinken, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield, Chargé d’Affaires Moeling, and Ambassador Rice: We write to express deep concerns about reports that the Biden administration has submitted…

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Press

U.S. Lifting Burundi Sanctions; Rights Groups Call for Accountability

November 24, 2021

WASHINGTON D.C. — Human Rights First and Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights expressed concern regarding the Biden Administration’s November 18 decision to terminate the targeted…

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Press

Human Rights First Disappointed with Egypt Aid Decision

September 24, 2021

WASHINGTON – Human Rights First today condemned the Biden administration’s decision not to permanently withhold any of the U.S. military financing to Egypt, which Congress…

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Press

Randy Bregman to be Awarded First Global Accountability Guardian Award

September 20, 2021

WASHINGTON – Today, Randy Bregman was announced as the first recipient of Human Rights First’s new Global Accountability Guardian award. The organization honors Bregman’s career-long…

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Letter

British Government Proposes Amnesty for Killings That’s Worse Than Pinochet’s

September 10, 2021

In a startling move, in July 2021, the British government announced a proposal to end all Troubles-era prosecutions, granting amnesty to its soldiers for any…

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Press

Twenty years after 9/11, Human Rights First Urges Policies Reflecting a New Era

September 10, 2021

WASHINGTON – Today, ahead of the 20th anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 2001, Human Rights First issued 20 Years After 9/11: Rights-Based Policies…

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Testimony

20 Years After 9/11: Rights-Based Policies for a New Era

September 9, 2021

  On September 11th, 2001, nineteen members of Al Qaeda used hijacked airplanes to murder almost three thousand people. Twenty years later, we are still living in the post-9/11 world. Shortly after the attacks, the…

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Letter

Opportunities and Challenges in the Spread of Targeted “Magnitsky” Sanctions Programs

September 1, 2021

By Adam Keith & Keian Razipour Over the past year, the number of governments able to use targeted sanctions programs to help hold human rights…

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Press

In Biden’s Speech, Human Rights First Looks for a Real Plan, Accountability

August 16, 2021

Washington – As Afghans, U.S. military veterans, immigrant advocates and human rights defenders continue to wait for leadership from the White House, the United States…

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Testimony

Creating Time Bombs: How Abuse in Egypt’s Prison System Fuels ISIS Recruitment

July 15, 2021

Early hopes that the Biden administration would break from a decades-long U.S. practice of enabling Egyptian dictatorships are fading, with potentially catastrophic consequences for human…

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Press

Human Rights First Mourns the Passing of Human Rights Defender Alaa al-Siddiq

June 28, 2021

WASHINGTON – Emirati human rights defender Alaa al-Siddiq was killed in a car crash in England on June 19.  Human Rights First issued this statement…

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Press

Human Rights First Commends Speaker’s Plans to Create a Committee Examining the Insurrection, Calls for a Broad Investigation

June 25, 2021

WASHINGTON — Yesterday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced her intention to create a House select committee to probe the January 6th assault on the U.S.…

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Press

Human Rights First Condemns U.S., Egyptian Ties to Khashoggi’s Murderers

June 23, 2021

WASHINGTON – After recent reports that the Egyptian government was complicit in the October 2018 murder of Saudi Arabian journalist and American permanent resident Jamal Khashoggi, and that…

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Press

United States: Congress Should Reauthorize Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act

June 22, 2021

Without renewal, the powerful sanctions mechanism will expire in 2022.   WASHINGTON — In anticipation of an upcoming vote in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on…

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Press

Human Rights First Welcomes Launch of Congressional Counter-Kleptocracy Caucus

June 10, 2021

WASHINGTON – Human Rights First welcomes today’s launch of the Congressional Caucus against Foreign Corruption and Kleptocracy, a bipartisan effort to curb global corruption that undermines democracy, the…

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Press

Human Rights First on Jan. 6 commission vote

May 28, 2021

WASHINGTON — Chris Purdy, Project Manager of the Veterans for American Ideals program at Human Rights First gave the following statement in reaction to the U.S.…

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Press

A Year After George Floyd’s Murder, Human Rights First Continues Work to Demilitarize Law Enforcement

May 25, 2021

NEW YORK – The murder of George Floyd a year ago was not a unique event, but it was a catalyst for some qualified progress…

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Press

Human Rights First Decries Lack of Accountability in Bill for Capitol Insurrection Commission

May 19, 2021

WASHINGTON — Today, the House of Representatives passed legislation to create a bipartisan, independent, 9/11-style commission to examine the events surrounding the Capitol insurrection on January…

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Letter

Global Magnitsky: Using Sanctions in Cooperation with National Authorities

May 12, 2021

The U.S. government uses its Global Magnitsky targeted sanctions program in a primarily confrontational manner, i.e., to condemn and check abuses in countries where national…

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Press

Human Rights First Calls on Biden Administration to Center Justice and Accountability in Next 100 Days

April 30, 2021

NEW YORK — Today marks one hundred days of President Biden’s administration. While the Biden presidency has brought some needed progress, the administration has considerable…

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Press

Human Rights First Responds to Guilty Verdict in Chauvin Case

April 20, 2021

NEW YORK – Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of all charges for murdering George Floyd. Human Rights First welcomed the verdict…

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Press

Human Rights First Welcomes U.S. Withdrawal of ICC Sanctions

April 2, 2021

WASHINGTON – Today, the Biden administration announced that it has revoked Executive Order 13928, under which the Trump administration in 2020 imposed targeted sanctions on…

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Press

Human Rights First Welcomes State Dept. Country Reports on Human Rights Practices

March 31, 2021

WASHINGTON – Each year, the U.S. Department of State releases reports on the state of human rights in nations around the world, highlighting pressing concerns…

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Letter

The F1 Grand Prix: A Chance to Spotlight Bahrain’s Abysmal Record on Rights

March 26, 2021

The tiny island kingdom of Bahrain will make global headlines this weekend as it hosts the prestigious Formula 1 Grand Prix auto race. Access to…

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Press

Human Rights First Welcomes Reintroduction of Dignity for Detained Immigrants Ac

March 26, 2021

NEW YORK -- Human Rights First welcomed today’s reintroduction of the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act by Representatives Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) and Adam Smith (D-WA),…

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Press

Human Rights First CEO Argues for More Effective Use of Global Magnitsky Sanctions for Human Rights Accountability

March 24, 2021

Mike Breen testified before the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission on the effectiveness of sanctions on curbing global human rights abuse WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today,…

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Press

Human Rights First welcomes international cooperation to sanction Chinese officials responsible for abuse of Uyghurs

March 22, 2021

WASHINGTON – Scott Johnston, associate attorney for human rights accountability at Human Rights First responded to news that the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the…

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Fact Sheets, Letter, Press

Human Rights First Accountability Activist Arrested in Moscow

March 13, 2021

Vladimir Kara-Murza arrested Saturday during independent political forum WASHINGTON – Human Rights First’s President and CEO Michael Breen released this statement after today’s arrest in…

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Press

Human Rights First Welcomes Revocation of License to Sanctioned Businessman Dan Gertler

March 9, 2021

WASHINGTON – Human Rights First welcomes the decision by the U.S. Treasury and State Departments to revoke the sanctions license that was issued to Dan Gertler in…

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Press

Human Rights First Welcomes Multilateral Sanctions Against Russian Officials Involved in Abuses Against Alexei Navalny

March 2, 2021

WASHINGTON – Human Rights First welcomes announcements today from both the European Union and the United States government of sanctions against multiple Russian government officials and entities involved in…

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Press

POMED, Human Rights First, PEN America, Committee to Protect Journalists Respond to ODNI Report on the Murder of Jamal Khashoggi

February 26, 2021

WASHINGTON – The Project on Middle East Democracy, Human Rights First, PEN America, and the Committee to Protect Journalists issued the following joint statement in…

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Press

Human Rights First Calls on Financial Institutions to Maintain Block on Dan Gertler’s Assets and Transactions, Pending Global Magnitsky Sanctions License Review

February 18, 2021

WASHINGTON –Today Human Rights First joined Congolese and international human rights and anti-corruption organizations in an open letter urging U.S. financial institutions to continue implementing…

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Letter

NGO Letter Urging DHS to Reject Use of Expedited Removal

February 16, 2021

Dear Secretary Mayorkas, Our undersigned faith-based, immigration, civil rights, and human rights organizations urge the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to reject the use of…

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Press

Human Rights First Calls for Senate to Hold Trump Accountable

February 9, 2021

WASHINGTON – As the Senate begins its trial of former President Trump for instigating the January 6 attack on democracy at the Capitol, it is…

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Press

Human Rights First Welcomes Introduction of the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Reauthorization Act

February 3, 2021

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First welcomes introduction in the U.S. Senate of S. 93, the ‘‘Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Reauthorization Act,” which would…

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Press

Human Rights First Condemns Navalny Sentencing

February 2, 2021

Human Rights First’s Senior Advisor for Human Rights Accountability Vladimir Kara-Murza released the following statement in response to the Russian government’s sentencing of anti-corruption campaigner and opposition…

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Press

Congress Must Hold Members Accountable for Instigating the Attack on Our Election and Capitol

January 31, 2021

WASHINGTON – As Congress moves to impeach President Trump, it must also look at the actions of its own members who violated their oaths of…

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Press

Berschinski Testifies Before European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights

January 27, 2021

Washington, D.C.—Today, in a hearing before the European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights, Human Rights First Senior Vice President for Policy Rob Berschinski outlined recommendations…

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Press

Human Rights First Demands Justice For The Assault On the Capitol

January 8, 2021

Washington – Human Rights First today urges immediate action to bring those responsible for the assault on our nation’s Capitol to justice. “In a country…

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Blog

How AI Could Help the Fight for Accountability and Justice

December 11, 2020

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Press

Human Rights Advocates Welcome Provisions in Defense Bill

December 11, 2020

WASHINGTON – Human Rights First applauds the passage of several important provisions related to human rights in the final FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA),…

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Press

Human Rights First Welcomes EU’s Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, Urges Meaningful Implementation

December 7, 2020

NEW YORK—Human Rights First today applauded the European Union’s launch of a global, targeted sanctions regime able to hold individuals and entities accountable for serious human rights violations while…

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Press

Human Rights First Honors Hong Kong Human Rights Defender Albert Ho with Baldwin Medal of Liberty Award

December 3, 2020

Hong Kong lawyer and advocate has been a leading figure in the pro-democracy movement Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First announced today that it will award…

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Press

Calling on Congress to Reform the “1033” Program in the Final NDAA

November 24, 2020

With the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) now in conference committee, Congress should ensure that the final bill includes critically important…

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Press

Human Rights First Celebrates Human Rights Defenders, Pro Bono Lawyers Working for Refugees

October 19, 2020

NEW YORK – As threats to democracy and human rights remain on the rise and more people are displaced than at any time in history, Human Rights…

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Press

Human Rights First to Present Saudi Organization ALQST with Prestigious William D. Zabel Human Rights Award

October 6, 2020

The annual award will honor ALQST for their work exposing human rights abuses by the Saudi regime NEW YORK — Human Rights First today announced that…

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Press

Statement on the Second Anniversary of the Murder of Jamal Khashoggi

October 1, 2020

NEW YORK — In observance of the second anniversary of the murder of Jamal Khashoggi by the government of Saudi Arabia, Human Rights First’s Senior…

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Press

Human Rights First Condemns Sanctions Against International Criminal Court Officials, Their Families

September 2, 2020

WASHINGTON – Today, through Executive Order 13928, the Trump administration initiated sanctions against two officials of the International Criminal Court, imposing visa blocks and asset…

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Letter

Human Rights First Urges Canada, U.K., to Join Global Magnitsky Sanctions Against Chinese Officials Responsible for Violating the Rights of Uyghurs

August 18, 2020

  August 18, 2020 Dear Minister Champagne, Secretary Mnuchin, Secretary Pompeo, and Foreign Secretary Raab, We, the 71 undersigned organizations dedicated to the promotion of…

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Press

Human Rights First Welcomes Vladimir Kara-Murza as Senior Advisor for Human Rights Accountability

August 3, 2020

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today welcomed Vladimir Kara-Murza, a preeminent Russian human rights activist and former political leader, as its senior advisor for human rights…

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Press

Human Rights First Welcomes Sanctions on Chinese Officials Responsible for Ethnic Cleansing of Uyghurs and Other Minority Groups in China

July 9, 2020

WASHINGTON — Human Rights First today welcomed announcements by the U.S. government that it had implemented targeted sanctions against four Chinese government officials and one…

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Press

Human Rights First Applauds UK’s Introduction of New Regime, Sanctions Designations

July 6, 2020

WASHINGTON – Human Rights First today congratulated the UK government for joining the growing community of states using targeted sanctions to deny perpetrators of significant human…

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Press

Human Rights First Criticizes Trump Administration Executive Order On the ICC

June 11, 2020

WASHINGTON – Human Rights First’s Rob Berschinski today issued the following statement in response to the release of an Executive Order entitled “Blocking Property of Certain…

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Press

Human Rights First Calls for Nominations for 29th Annual Roger N. Baldwin Medal of Liberty Award

May 18, 2020

WASHINGTON – Human Rights First today announced that nominations are now open for the 2020 Roger N. Baldwin Medal of Liberty Award. Nominations for the…

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Press

Human Rights First Responds to COVID19’s Impacts by Joining #GivingTuesdayNow

April 30, 2020

Washington, D.C. – While the world’s focus is on COVID19, those affected by the disease, and the economic impacts of the pandemic, the issues that Human…

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Blog

UN Makes Public Independent Experts’ Fears Over Attacks on Hong Kong Medics

April 21, 2020

In a document just made public, senior independent experts from the United Nations wrote to the Chinese authorities in mid-February outlining their fears about “the harassment, intimidation,…

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Fact Sheet

Public Health Experts, Medical Doctors, Prison Experts, and Former ICE Officials Urge Releases from Immigration Detention Facilities to Control the Spread of COVID-19

April 17, 2020

Leading public health experts, medical doctors, prison experts, and former government officials agree that urgent action is needed to avoid an unmitigated public health disaster…

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Press

Before State of the Union Address, Human Rights First Calls for Respect for Rule of Law

February 4, 2020

Human rights advocates present evidence of erosion of respect for human rights laws and protections for refugees and asylum-seekers Washington, D.C. – In anticipation of…

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Letter

New Report Details Abuse and Radicalization of Children in Egyptian Jails

February 3, 2020

New Report Details Abuse and Radicalization of Children in Egyptian Jails Brian Dooley Senior Advisor   A shocking new report on the radicalization of child…

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Press

Human Rights First Calls for Accountability for Governments Which Encourage Hate

January 29, 2020

As House Examines Rise of Anti-Semitism in Europe, Human Rights First Calls for Practical Policy Solutions to Create Accountability for Governments Which Encourage Hate WASHINGTON…

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Press

Marking One Year of the Horrific “Remain in Mexico” Policy – Over 800 Violent Attacks on Asylum-Seekers

January 22, 2020

WASHINGTON – Next week marks one year since the Trump administration began forcibly returning asylum-seekers to wait for their court dates in Mexico, where they…

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Press

HRF CEO Michael Breen Statement on Human Rights Day

December 10, 2019

Washington, D.C. – Michael Breen, the president and CEO of Human Rights First made the following statement in recognition of Human Rights Day and the anniversary…

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Press

Human Rights First Lauds Three Exceptional Women Nominated for the 2020 Martin Ennals Award

November 26, 2019

For Immediate Release: November 26, 2019 Contact: Chloé Bitton, Communications Manager, Martin Ennals Foundation [email protected] New York –  Human Rights First welcomed the announcement today that three…

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Press

One Year After Khashoggi’s Murder, Trump Administration Continues to Cover for Saudi Leaders

September 30, 2019

New York City— One year ago Wednesday, Saudi Arabian officials lured Saudi dissident, Virginia resident, and Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi out of the United States, murdered him…

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Letter

Coalition Letter Opposing Nomination of Marshall Billingslea to Department of State’s Senior Human Rights Position

September 17, 2019

September 17, 2019 Dear Senators: We are a group of non-governmental organizations that advocate for human rights, civil rights, and government accountability. We are writing…

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Press

House Defense Bill Would Improve National Security through Human Rights

July 12, 2019

New York City—In response to the House of Representatives passing the defense bill (National Defense Authorization Act for the 2020 Fiscal Year, or “NDAA”), Human…

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Fact Sheet

How Congress Can Find Justice for Jamal Khashoggi and Protect Others Like Him

July 10, 2019

ACCOUNTABILITY FOR KHASHOGGI’S MURDER IS A MUST On October 2, 2018, a team of Saudi government agents murdered Washington Post columnist and Virginia resident Jamal…

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Letter

Coalition Letter in Support of Saudi Arabia Human Rights and Accountability Act of 2019

July 2, 2019

Dear Chairman McGovern and Ranking Member Cole, We, the undersigned organizations dedicated to the promotion and protection of universal human rights, write to voice our…

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Press

UN Khashoggi Report a Call for Action

June 19, 2019

Washington, D.C.—In response to today’s release of findings from of an international investigation into the killing of Saudi dissident, American resident, and Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, Human…

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Press

DOD Releases Annual Civilian Casualties Report

May 2, 2019

Washington, D.C.—In response to yesterday’s submission by the Department of Defense of its annual report on civilian casualties, Human Rights First’s Rita Siemion released the following…

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Letter

Letter to Congress on Strengthening Civilian Casualty Reporting

May 2, 2019

Dear Messrs. Chairmen and Ranking Members: We, the undersigned human rights, civil liberties, transparency, and faith-based organizations, write to urge you to strengthen oversight, transparency,…

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Press

Human Rights, Democracy, and Anti-Corruption Groups Call on Congress to Support Global Magnitsky

March 29, 2019

Washington, D.C.—On March 28, a group of 40 human rights, democracy, and anti-corruption organizations and experts led by Human Rights First and Freedom House called on congressional leaders to appropriate dedicated funding to support robust enforcement…

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Blog

Five Oversight Questions for Secretary Pompeo

March 27, 2019

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will testify twice today in the House of Representatives to justify President Trump’s fiscal year 2020 budget plan and answer…

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Blog

Recording of Human Rights First on the Ground: Updates on our Refugee Advocacy & Protection Efforts

March 19, 2019

The first two years of the Trump Administration have seen an onslaught of attacks against asylum seekers. In response, Human Rights First’s Senior Director of…

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Press

Human Rights, Media Freedom Groups Call on Congress for Justice for Khashoggi

March 14, 2019

Washington, D.C.—A group of 11 human rights organizations led by Human Rights First today called on the leaders of the House Foreign Affairs Committee to undertake additional action concerning the killing of Jamal Khashoggi, the Saudi…

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Press

State Department Human Rights Reports Showcase Selectivity of Administration on Abuses

March 13, 2019

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First welcomed release of the State Department’s 2018 Human Rights Reports today, while noting that the internationally recognized rights monitored within the…

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Press

President Trump Revokes Reporting Requirement on Lethal Strikes

March 6, 2019

Washington, D.C.—In response to President Trump’s revocation of an important reporting requirement on lethal strikes today, Human Right First’s Rita Siemion issued the following statement: The…

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Testimony

Toward the Adoption of an EU-wide Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime

March 6, 2019

Transparency International EU Frozen – How can the EU Fight Global Corruption Panel: Toward the Adoption of an EU-wide Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime March…

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VFAI Leader Spotlights

Leader Spotlight: Teresa Kennedy

February 28, 2019

Our Leader Spotlights offer a glimpse into our diverse leadership: veterans who are continuing to serve their country and community in creative ways. Today, we…

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Blog

A Few Questions for Madeleine Albright at HFAC

February 27, 2019

Today, former secretary of state Madeleine Albright appeared before the House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC) at its hearing on “The Trump Administration’s Foreign Policy: A…

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Press

New Legislation a Demand for Transparency in Death of Khashoggi

February 26, 2019

New York City—In response to the introduction of legislation requiring the director of national intelligence to submit an unclassified report to Congress on the murder of Jamal…

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Fact Sheet

No Justice for Jamal: Trump Administration Covers for Saudi Crown Prince, Ignores U.S. Intelligence, and Refuses Bipartisan Congressional Demand for Facts in Jamal Khashoggi’s Murder

February 15, 2019

On October 2, 2018, a team of Saudi Arabian hit men are alleged to have murdered Washington Post columnist and Virginia resident Jamal Khashoggi after…

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Blog

Jamal Khashoggi and the Global Magnitsky Act: A Powerful Tool for Accountability

February 11, 2019

Friday marked the deadline for President Trump to report to leaders of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee who the U.S. government believes is responsible for…

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Press

Human Rights, Media Freedom Groups Demand Justice for Khashoggi

February 7, 2019

Washington, D.C.—A group of six U.S. human rights and media freedom organizations today called on members of Congress and the Trump Administration to take immediate concrete steps…

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Blog

Invest in Human Rights

December 31, 2018

We’re deeply grateful for your support in our mission to foster American leadership on human rights. This mission is grounded in the simple fact that…

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Press

Statement on Death of Seven-Year-Old Girl in CBP Custody

December 14, 2018

New York City – Human Rights First today mourns the death of Jakelin Amei Rosmery Caal Maquin, a seven-year-old Guatemalan girl who died after being detained…

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Press

EU Urged to Support a Targeted, Global Human Rights Sanctions Program

December 5, 2018

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First, in partnership with 89 human rights and anti-corruption organizations from around the world, today called on the European Union (EU) to establish…

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Letter

Open Letter from Non-Governmental Organizations in Support of a Targeted, Global EU Human Rights Sanctions Regime

December 5, 2018

December 05, 2018   OPEN LETTER FROM NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS IN SUPPORT OF A TARGETED, GLOBAL EU HUMAN RIGHTS SANCTIONS REGIME Dear Ministers of Foreign Affairs,…

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Letter

Coalition Letter on the Nomination of Marshall Billingslea

November 30, 2018

Dear Senators: We are a group of non-governmental organizations that advocate for human rights, civil rights, and government accountability. We are writing to share our…

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Press

Sanctions on 17 Saudi Officials First Step Toward Accountability in Khashoggi Murder

November 15, 2018

Washington, D.C.—In response to the Trump Administration sanctioning 17 individuals for their involvement in the killing of Saudi dissident Jamal Khashoggi, Human Rights First’s Senior…

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Blueprint

How the United States Should Address Refugee Protection at its Border

November 9, 2018

As men, women and children flee violence in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, the Trump Administration has launched a barrage of punitive and threatening actions aimed at…

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Press

Human Rights First Applauds Creation of Fact Finding Mission into Abuses of LGBTQ Persons, Human Rights Workers in Chechnya

November 5, 2018

Human Rights First welcomes the actions of 16 countries, including the United States, to implement the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s (OSCE) so-called “Moscow Mechanism” to investigate human rights…

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Human Rights First Applauds Senate Action on Jamal Khashoggi, Global Magnitsky

October 11, 2018

New York City—In response to a letter signed by a bipartisan group of 22 senators—including the chairperson and ranking members of the Senate Foreign Relations…

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Press

U.S. Government Should Take Action on Jamal Khashoggi

October 9, 2018

New York City—In response to the disappearance and reported killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Human Rights First’s Senior Vice President for Policy Rob Berschinski…

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Press

Human Rights First Celebrates Awarding of Nobel Peace Prize to Dr. Denis Mukwege and Nadia Murad

October 5, 2018

New York City – Human Rights First hailed today’s announcement by the Norwegian Nobel Committee that it had awarded the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize to…

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Press

Former Top U.S. Antisemitism Official Joins Human Rights First as Senior Advisor for Combating Antisemitism

September 26, 2018

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today announced that Ira Forman, former U.S. special envoy to monitor and combat anti-semitism, has joined Human Rights First as senior…

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Press

Michael Breen Named President and CEO of Human Rights First

September 6, 2018

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today announced that its board of directors has chosen Michael Breen as the organization’s next president and chief executive officer. Breen, who currently…

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Press

Human Rights First Awards Prestigious Baldwin Medal of Liberty to Yemen’s Mwatana Organization for Human Rights

August 2, 2018

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First announced today that it will award the 2018 Roger N. Baldwin Medal of Liberty to Yemeni human rights group Mwatana Organization for…

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Press

Human Rights First Meets with State and Treasury Departments on Human Rights and Corruption Sanctions

August 1, 2018

Washington, D.C.—Today, Human Rights First and ten other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) met with representatives from the Departments of State and Treasury to discuss sanctions recommendations…

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Press

DHS Secretary Nielsen Meets with Immigration and Human Rights Groups for First Time, Reiterates Trump Administration’s Misinformation and Sidesteps Family Immigration Crisis

July 9, 2018

Washington D.C.—Today, leaders of several immigrant and human rights organizations were invited for the first time under the Trump administration to meet with Secretary of…

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Press

Human Rights First Calls for Nominations for 29th Annual Roger N. Baldwin Medal of Liberty Award

April 4, 2018

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today announced that nominations are now open for the 2018 Roger N. Baldwin Medal of Liberty Award.  The 2018 award will go to…

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Letter

Coalition Letter on Gina Haspel Nomination

March 16, 2018

Dear Senator, We write to express our grave concerns regarding the nomination of Gina Haspel for Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and to…

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Letter

NGO Statement on Reported Changes to U.S. Policy on Use of Armed Drones and Other Lethal Force

March 8, 2018

We, the undersigned non-governmental organizations, are deeply concerned about the reported changes to the United States’ policy on the use of lethal force overseas, including…

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Press

Tillerson, Mnuchin Urged to Use Sanctions Under Global Magnitsky Act

March 5, 2018

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today called on Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin to robustly implement sanctions…

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Press

New Report Documents Physical, Mental Health Care Deficiencies in New Jersey Detention Facilities

February 27, 2018

New York City—Human Rights First today released a new report on immigration detention in New Jersey that analyzes the mental, physical, and legal impacts of detention on…

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Press

Siemion to Testify Before Congress on War Authorization

February 27, 2018

Washington, D.C.—In testimony today before the Congressional Progressive Caucus Peace and Security Task Force and House Liberty Caucus, Human Rights First’s Rita Siemion will urge…

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Blog

The Anti-Trafficking Trade Act Helps the U.S. to Fight Trafficking

January 17, 2018

Yesterday, Senators Menendez (D-NJ) and Portman (R- OH) introduced the Anti-Trafficking Trade Act, a bill to prevent countries failing to meet the minimum standards for…

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Press

Human Rights First Welcomes Initial Global Magnitsky Sanctions Designations and Calls for Additional Accountability

December 22, 2017

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First applauds the Trump Administration’s decision to designate 15 foreign individuals and 37 entities under the 2016 Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability…

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Press

Magnitsky Sanctions Hold Chechen Human Rights Abusers Accountable

December 20, 2017

Washington, D.C.—In response to the announcement that the United States has designated Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov and head of the Chechen Ministry of Internal Affairs…

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Testimony

Testimony of Robert G. Berschinski: Examining the Anti-Corruption Provisions of the Global Magnitsky Act

December 13, 2017

Robert G. Berschinski Remarks as Prepared U.S. Helsinki Commission Briefing Examining the Anti-­‐Corruption Provisions of the Global Magnitsky Act December 13, 2017 U.S. Helsinki Commission…

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Blog

President Trump Signs NDAA with Important Accountability Provisions

December 12, 2017

Today, President Trump signed into law two important new provisions that will strengthen congressional oversight, transparency, and accountability for the “War on Terror.” The provisions,…

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Blog

Human Rights First Commemorates Human Rights Day with Advocates & Allies of the Year Awards

December 10, 2017

By Shawn M. Gaylord Today, Human Rights First commemorates Human Rights Day marking the date in 1948 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of…

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Press

Sessions Outlines Measures that Threaten Fairness in Immigration Court

December 7, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today said that Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ announcement on the immigration court system threaten due process and fairness in the asylum system. “The…

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Blocking the Property of Persons Involved in Serious Human Rights Abuse or Corruption

December 1, 2017

  By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the International Emergency…

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Press

Senators Urge Trump Administration to Investigate Reported Persecution of Azerbaijan’s LGBT Community

November 8, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First applauds today’s bipartisan Senate effort to urge the Trump Administration to investigate the the alleged detention of dozens of LGBT people in Azerbaijan and, to condemn any credible…

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Press

58 Human Rights Groups Call on Tillerson, Mnuchin to Impose Burma Sanctions

November 3, 2017

Washington, D.C.—In response to the ongoing human rights and humanitarian crisis in Burma, Human Rights First, in coalition with 58 human rights, labor rights, and…

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Letter

Global Magnitsky Human Rights and Accountability Act Submission Form

November 1, 2017

Given that use of Global Magnitsky Act (GMA) sanctions authority is elective, the U.S. government must be convinced that it is in the U.S. national…

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Blog

Reauthorizing Critical Anti-Trafficking Legislation

October 5, 2017

Last week, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee passed the Trafficking Victims Protection (TVPA) Reauthorization Act of 2017 (S.1862), aimed at strengthening U.S. global leadership in…

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Blog

Egypt Targets Disappearance Activist Working on Regeni Case

September 20, 2017

By Brian Dooley Drawing attention to what the Egyptian authorities want to hide is a dangerous move. The government of President Abdel Fatah Al Sisi has…

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Blog

The Global Magnitsky Act Represents New Era of Smart Sanctions

September 20, 2017

By Michelle Smoler The Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act is picking up steam. The law authorizes the administration to sanction foreign individuals for human…

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Blog

In Greece, the Golden Dawn Trial Resumes as Charlottesville Reverberates

September 15, 2017

By Teresa Eder Four years ago, the murder of Greek rapper Pavlos Fyssas prompted the government to prosecute the neo-Nazi party Golden Dawn. The trial…

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Press

NGOs Identify Human Rights Abusers, Corrupt Actors for Sanctions Under U.S. Bill

September 13, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today called on the Trump Administration to use the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act to levy targeted sanctions against individuals in 15 cases from…

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Blog

Iraq Finally Holds ISIS Responsible for Crimes Against Humanity

September 1, 2017

ISIS gained control of Mosul and other parts of western Iraq in 2014, bringing terror, war, and genocide. Many Yazidis in Iraq, after surviving the…

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Blog

Aligning American Foreign Policy to Protect Religious Freedom

August 21, 2017

On Tuesday Secretary of State Rex Tillerson delivered a speech to mark the release of the State Department’s annual International Religious Freedom Report. Human Rights First’s Rob Berschinski spoke…

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Press

UN Security Council Should Hold ISIS Accountable for its Crimes in Iraq

August 18, 2017

New York City—Human Rights First today called on the United Nations Security Council to approve a resolution that would aid the Iraqi government in gathering…

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Press

Cardin, McCain Call on Administration to Review 20 Individuals for Sanctions Under Global Magnitsky Act

August 11, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today applauded a bipartisan congressional request for review of sanctions designations against 20 individuals responsible for human rights abuses and high-level corruption under the 2016 Global Magnitsky Human Rights…

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Blog

The German Neo-Nazi Case Concludes: Four Years Later and Still No Justice for Victims

August 8, 2017

By Chelsea Wilson Miller After more than four years, the case against the Nationalist Socialist Underground—a German neo-Nazi group—will finally come to an end this year. Closing arguments began…

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Fact Sheet

Human Trafficking Accountability Act

July 24, 2017

S. 1236: A BILL TO DESIGNATE HUMAN TRAFFICKING COORDINATORS IN U.S. ATTORNEY OFFICES PURPOSE To increase justice for victims and expand accountability for perpetrators of…

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Press

Human Rights First Welcome Introduction of Human Trafficking Accountability Act

July 20, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today welcomed the introduction of the Human Trafficking Accountability Act, introduced by Representatives Joyce Beatty (D-OH) and Ann Wagner (R-MO), that would…

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Blog

Questions Surround Trump Administration’s Syria Policy

July 12, 2017

Six years into the Syrian conflict, more than five million Syrians are refugees. More than six million people are displaced within Syria, and over thirteen…

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Blog

Sessions Visits Gitmo, but NGOs are Excluded

July 7, 2017

Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Friday visited the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Meanwhile, non-governmental organization (NGO) observers were excluded from a hearing in the…

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Press

TIP Report Underscores Need for Global Accountability to Combat Human Trafficking

June 27, 2017

Washington, D.C. — Human Rights First today welcomed the release of the State Department’s 2017 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, and called on the U.S. government…

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Letter

Letter to Chairmen and Ranking Members on Inclusion of Department of Defense Proposal to Alter Freedom of Information Act in FY 2018’s National Defense Authorization Act

June 26, 2017

Dear Chairmen and Ranking Members: On behalf of the undersigned groups, we urge you to oppose the inclusion of the Department of Defense’s (DoD) proposal…

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Blog

The Senate’s Long Overdue AUMF Hearing

June 23, 2017

This week the Senate Foreign Relations Committee held its first hearing in over two years on authorizations for the use of military force, or AUMFs. And it’s about…

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Letter

Coalition Letter on the AUMF

June 19, 2017

June 19, 2017 Senator Bob Corker United States Senate 425 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510   Senator Ben Cardin United States Senate 509…

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Fact Sheet

The Problems with the AUMF and How to Fix Them

June 19, 2017

Introduction Within days of the 9/11 attacks, Congress passed an authorization for use of military force (AUMF) against those who “planned, authorized, committed, or aided…

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Press

Bipartisan Bill Would Strengthen U.S. Efforts to Combat Human Trafficking

June 7, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First welcomes today’s introduction of The Abolish Human Trafficking Act of 2017 in the Senate. The bipartisan bill, introduced by Senators Cornyn (R-TX), Grassley…

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Blog

Bringing Human Traffickers to Justice

June 6, 2017

The past few years have seen several improvements in prosecution and awareness of human trafficking crimes in the United States. After the Trafficking Victims Protection…

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Press

McMaster Urged to Strengthen, Not Weaken, Use of Force Standards

June 1, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today called on General H.R. McMaster, national security advisor to President Donald Trump, to strengthen, not weaken, existing standards for the…

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Letter

Letter to National Security Advisor McMaster on Possible Changes on the Use of Force in Counterterrorism Operations

June 1, 2017

June 1, 2017   Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, Jr., USA Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW…

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Press

Human Rights First to Partner with Hunger Relief Program to Aid Refugee Families

May 16, 2017

New York City—Human Rights First today announced a new partnership with Family-to-Family, a national hunger and poverty relief charity, to launch a hunger relief program…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: May 15, 2017

May 15, 2017

By Mary Elizabeth Margolis Top Items Turkish President to Visit the White House President Trump is scheduled to welcome Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the White House…

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Press

Following Dubious Results in Chechnya, Russian Government Urged to Undertake Legitimate Investigation

May 12, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today condemned the Russian government’s claim that it has concluded its investigation of human rights abuses in Chechnya and found no evidence of mass detention and torture of gay…

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Press

Renewed Call for Action to Protect Gay Men Following Announcement of Russian Investigation in Chechnya

May 5, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Following reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to speak to law enforcement officials about the continued abuse and detention of over one hundred gay…

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Press

Secretary Kelly Wrongly Implies Majority of Asylum Seekers Present False Claims

May 4, 2017

New York City—Human Rights First today expressed alarm over statements made this morning by Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly in which he implied that the vast…

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Blog

Human Rights in Egypt: One Prisoner’s Release is Not Enough

May 2, 2017

During his recent visit to Egypt, Pope Francis met with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and pointedly reminded him: “History does not forgive those who preach justice, but…

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Press

Funding Bill Maintains U.S. Support for Refugees, Wartime Allies

May 1, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today said that the compromise fiscal year 2017 funding bill put forth by Congress yesterday contains several provisions that would maintain American support for refugees. The…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: May 1, 2017

May 1, 2017

By Mary Elizabeth Margolis Top Items Sebastian Gorka Ousted from White House New reports indicate that Sebastian Gorka is likely to be removed from his current position…

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Press

TVPRA Would Strengthen U.S. Efforts to Combat Human Trafficking

April 27, 2017

Washington, D.C.–Human Rights First today welcomed the introduction of The Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA) today in the House. This bipartisan bill introduced…

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Blog

TVPRA: Continuing the Fight against Modern Slavery

April 27, 2017

The Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) is a landmark human trafficking law, first passed in 2000, that outlines the U.S. government’s policy on human trafficking.…

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Letter

A Letter from the President to Certain Congressional Committee Chair

April 20, 2017

Dear Mr. Chairman: In accordance with section 1264 of the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act (Subtitle F, Public Law 114-328)(the “Act”) I have enclosed…

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Fact Sheets, Video

Crackdown on Gay Men in Chechnya

April 20, 2017

GET THE FACTS: CRACKDOWN ON GAY AND BISEXUAL MEN IN CHECHNYA Gay and Bisexual Men in Chechnya Under Attack On April 1, 2017, independent Russian…

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Press

Haley Applauded for Pressing for Accountability in Chechnya

April 18, 2017

New York City—Human Rights First today praised to U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley for pressing for accountability over the ongoing persecution of…

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GET THE FACTS: CRACKDOWN ON GAY AND BISEXUAL MEN IN CHECHNYA

April 18, 2017

SHARE ON FACEBOOK TAKE ACTION DONATE Gay and Bisexual Men in Chechnya Under Attack On April 1, 2017, independent Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta reported that…

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Letter

Letter: To Ambassador Haley on Crackdown in Chechnya

April 18, 2017

Dear Ambassador Haley: I am writing to express alarm over the ongoing persecution of gay men in Chechnya, Russia, and to call for U.S. leadership…

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Report

Report to Congress Pursuant to the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act

April 18, 2017

The Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act (PL 114-328, Subtitle F) (the “Act”), enacted on December 23, 2016, authorizes the President to impose financial sanctions…

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Blog

Time Runs Out: Minor Charges Dropped in 9/11 Case

April 12, 2017

By Camille Marrero The clock is ticking. Although the memory of the 9/11 attacks remains vivid in the minds of many Americans, it has already…

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Blog

How the French are Tackling Modern Slavery

March 24, 2017

By Cassidy Slater In February, the French Parliament adopted a new law establishing a duty of vigilance for businesses, requiring them to monitor their company…

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Blog

On Maidan Anniversary, United States Must Offer Clarity

February 23, 2017

Co-authored by Alexandra Funk This blog is cross posted with The Huffington Post This week marks the three-year anniversary of Ukraine’s Maidan revolution, which erupted beginning February 19,…

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Blog

Protests over Police Violence Spread to Paris

February 16, 2017

By Erika Asgeirsson Protests have spread from the suburbs into the city of Paris over the alleged police rape of a young black man. Théo, 22-years-old, says he was…

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Press

Trafficking in Persons Report Integrity Act Would Strengthen International Efforts in the Fight Against Modern Day Slavery

February 16, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First welcomed yesterday’s re-introduction of the Trafficking in Persons Report Integrity Act, which would strengthen the State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons…

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Human Rights First Releases New Report on Rise of Extremism, Far-Right in Germany

February 7, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today released a new report examining antisemitism, xenophobia, and extremism in Germany. The report, “Germany Conflicted: The Struggle Between Xenophobia and…

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Modern Slavery Statistics: What We Know and What We Don’t

January 12, 2017

Last year the Washington Post Fact Checker series investigated several widely used statistics that anti-trafficking advocates often cite, including UNICEF’s estimated numbers of child soldiers. It found that…

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Hate Speech Online: 2016 in Review

December 24, 2016

By Susan Corke, Erika Asgeirsson, and Dora Illei Twitter trolls and hateful anonymous comments online are not a new phenomenon, but the 2016 presidential election…

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Congress Urged to Support Trafficking in Persons Report Integrity Act

December 12, 2016

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today welcomed the introduction of the Trafficking in Persons Report Integrity Act (S.3520). Introduced by Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL),…

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The NSU Trial: The Golden Dawn and Beyond (Part 4)

December 6, 2016

By Dora Illei and Zahava Moerdler In this four-part blog series, Human Rights First is examining the crimes and trial of the National Socialist Underground…

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Truckers Joining the Fight against Modern Slavery

December 1, 2016

One challenge to dismantling trafficking networks is that most people don’t recognize a trafficking victim when they see one. That’s why law makers, advocates, and…

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Gov. Cuomo Announces Fund for Immigrant Representation

November 22, 2016

New York City—Human Rights First today applauds New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s announcement that New York will establish the nation’s first emergency public/private legal defense…

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The NSU Trial: Responding to Institutional Racism in Law Enforcement (Part 3)

November 17, 2016

By Erika Asgeirsson and Zahava Moerdler In this four-part blog series, Human Rights First is examining the crimes and trial of the National Socialist Underground…

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The NSU Trial: A Case Study in Structural Racism in Germany (Part 1)

November 1, 2016

By Dora Illei and Zahava Moerdler In this four-part blog series, Human Rights First will examine the crimes and trial of the National Socialist Underground…

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Ending “Business as Usual” with Rosobronexport

November 1, 2016

By Laure Bokobza In June 2013 Human Rights First issued a blueprint calling on the United States to stop doing business with Russian state-owned arms dealer Rosoboronexport…

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Washington Week on Human Rights: October 31, 2016

October 31, 2016

Top Items Immigration Detention Human Rights First and 229 partner organizations today called on Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Jeh Johnson to take immediate…

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Washington Week on Human Rights: October 31, 2016

October 31, 2016

Top Items Immigration Detention Human Rights First and 229 partner organizations today called on Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Jeh Johnson to take immediate steps…

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Immigration Detention Reaches Historic Highs as Asylum Seekers Sit in Prolonged Detention

October 28, 2016

By Olga Byrne Last week, the Wall Street Journal reported that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials expect the number of people in immigration detention…

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Press

Monday Verdicts to Test Bahrain’s Claims of Reform

October 28, 2016

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today said that the outcome of two major court verdicts scheduled for Monday in Bahrain will be a vital test…

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Immigration Detention Reaches Historic Highs as Asylum Seekers Sit in Prolonged Detention

October 28, 2016

By Olga Byrne Last week, the Wall Street Journal reported that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials expect the number of people in immigration detention to reach…

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VFAI Leader Spotlights

Leader Spotlight: Jess Bell

October 22, 2016

As part of United Religions Initiative North America’s #TangibleHope campaign, Veterans for American Ideals is recognizing veteran leaders who are continuing their service by building…

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Press

Iraqi Activists, Film Eye in the Sky to Receive Awards During Human Rights First Dinner Tonight

October 19, 2016

New York City – Tonight at the 2016 Human Rights First Award Dinner at Chelsea Piers in New York City, the organization will honor Iraqi human rights activists Khaleel…

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Washington Week on Human Rights: October 11, 2016

October 11, 2016

Top Items United Nations Last week the U.N. Security Council voted to elect former prime minister of Portugal António Guterres as the next Secretary-General of the United…

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Press

U.N. Security Council Elects Former High Commissioner on Refugees as Secretary-General

October 6, 2016

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today welcomed the U.N. Security Council vote to elect former prime minister of Portugal António Guterres as the next Secretary-General of…

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Press

Administration Urged to Implement Executive Order to Increase Transparency of Drone Strikes

October 6, 2016

Washington, D.C.—In a letter sent today Human Rights First, along with 11 human rights, civil liberties, and faith organizations, urged President Obama to take steps to implement…

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Central Asia Follows Russia’s Lead, Undermining Human Rights at OSCE

October 5, 2016

(Photo courtesy of U.S. Mission to the OSCE) Last week the largest annual human rights conference in Europe brought together governments and human rights defenders…

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Turkmenistan Disappearances: No News is Very Bad News

September 15, 2016

Since Turkmenistan gained independence in 1991, all forms of dissent have completely been repressed. Throughout the 2000s, Turkmenistan’s first president, dictator Saparmurat Niyazov (also known…

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Human Rights First Urges U.S. Action on Bahrain Following Nabeel Rajab Case Developments

September 6, 2016

Washington, D.C.—Following this weekend’s adjournment in the ongoing case against prominent human rights defender Nabeel Rajab, Human Rights First urged the Bahraini regime to drop…

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Fact Sheet

Ten Steps the Administration Can Take to Improve Transparency and Accountability for Drone Strikes and Targeted Killing

September 1, 2016

THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION has repeatedly committed to increased transparency and accountability, including with respect to national security, counterterrorism, and military operations. The administration has recently taken important…

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Comprehensive Plan Details How U.S. Should Lead on Global Refugee Crisis

August 31, 2016

Washington, D.C. — Human Rights First today released “Respecting Rights and Securing Solutions,” a comprehensive plan for how the United States should address the global refugee…

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Cambodian Labor Trafficking Victims Sue U.S.-Based Seafood Suppliers

August 18, 2016

By Lewis Golove Survivors of human trafficking in the multi-billion dollar seafood industry filed suit this summer in federal court against California-based seafood importers that supply large…

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Press

Obama Administration Discloses Previously Classified Procedures for Authorizing Force Outside “Areas of Active Hostilities”

August 7, 2016

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First is calling yesterday’s release of the Obama Administration’s official policy document governing approval procedures for counterterrorism strikes – including by…

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Human Rights Not a “Tertiary” Interest in U.S. Middle East Policy

July 26, 2016

This blog is cross posted from the Huffington Post. Steven Simon and Jonathan Stevenson’s op-ed in The New York Times, “Why the U.S. Military Can’t…

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Labor Trafficking and Sex Trafficking: Equally Critical, Unequally Prioritized

July 18, 2016

By Rachel Buchan On July 12, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) and the House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC) Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights,…

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Washington Week on Human Rights: July 11, 2016

July 11, 2016

TOP ITEMS Global Refugee Crisis This week, the House Committee on Appropriations will markup the Fiscal Year 2017 State and Foreign Operations Bill. In its…

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Press

Bahraini Officials Urged to Drop Charges Against Nabeel Rajab

July 11, 2016

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today urged the government of Bahrain to drop all charges against and immediately release prominent human rights defender Nabeel Rajab. The…

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U.S. Needs Designated Labor Trafficking Prosecutors across the Country

July 8, 2016

The 2016 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, released June 30 by the State Department, ranks countries from Tier 1 to Tier 3 based on their…

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Washington Week on Human Rights: July 5, 2016

July 5, 2016

TOP ITEMS Bahrain This week President Obama travels to Poland, where he and other world leaders will attend the July 8-9 NATO summit. Human Rights…

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Press

Human Rights First Demands Justice for Murder of Human Rights Lawyer in Kenya

July 1, 2016

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today expressed its alarm over reports that human rights lawyer and International Justice Mission employee Willie Kimani was murdered…

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Washington Week on Human Rights: June 27, 2016

June 27, 2016

TOP ITEMS Bahrain Wednesday, June 29 marks the one-year anniversary of the State Department’s decision to resume security assistance to Bahrain and remove some holds on arms sales originally imposed following Bahrain’s 2011 crackdown on peaceful protestors calling for reform. The anniversary…

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Abdulhadi Al Khawaja Sentenced Five Years Ago Today

June 22, 2016

By Leah Schulz In Bahrain the past month has been marred with travel bans, attacks on opposition figures, arrests, and exiles. As the country returns…

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New CIA Torture Documents Show Need for Transparency and Accountability

June 22, 2016

Last week, in response to an ACLU lawsuit, the CIA released a batch of documents “Related to the Former Detention and Interrogation Program,” including the infamous torture…

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Press

State Department Urged to Submit Overdue Report on Bahrain’s Progress Toward Reform to Congress

June 7, 2016

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today urged the State Department to submit its congressionally-mandated report assessing the extent to which the Bahraini government has implemented…

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Washington Week on Human Rights: June 6, 2016

June 6, 2016

Top Items Human Trafficking This week Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the United States. In advance of the visit, Human Rights First is urging the State Department to press…

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State Department Counterterrorism Priorities for Bahrain Miss the Mark

June 3, 2016

Sometimes what isn’t said speaks louder than what is, and that’s certainly true of the State Department’s 2015 Country Reports on Terrorism released this week. The section…

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Four Questions the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Should Ask About the State Department’s Trafficking in Persons Report

May 25, 2016

By Annick Febrey This is a cross post from The Huffington Post Today, in advance of this year’s release of the annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP)…

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Saudi Arabia’s Record of Torturing Those Who Dare to Critique It

May 24, 2016

The U.N. committee charged with overseeing the implementation of the Convention Against Torture has released its report on Saudi Arabia. Unsurprisingly, it is “extremely concerned” by reports…

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Washington Week on Human Rights: May 16, 2016

May 16, 2016

TOP NEWS Guantanamo This week as the military commission proceedings in the case against Abdul Hadi al Iraqi continue at the U.S. detention center at…

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Topics

Human Trafficking in the United States

May 1, 2016

Who are the victims? Where do they come from? Human trafficking affects every country in the world. Many are trafficked within their native country. Many…

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Little to Show at One-Year Anniversary of Greece’s Golden Dawn Trial

April 28, 2016

By Annie Glasser Last Wednesday marked one year since the start of the Golden Dawn trial in Greece. The trial, originally a remarkable effort to…

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CBP Enforces the Ban on Goods Produced with Forced Labor with Two Withhold Release Orders

April 21, 2016

By Meghan Hampsey The U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) recently issued two “withhold release” orders, blocking goods from entering the country under suspicion that…

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Action, Not Speeches, Needed to Formalize the Scope of War

April 12, 2016

Last Thursday President Obama spoke at the University of Chicago Law School about the Supreme Court and the challenges he is facing in the nomination process. Law…

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Washington Week on Human Rights: April 4, 2016

April 4, 2016

Top News Guantanamo Today two detainees from the U.S. detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, were transferred to Senegal. The transfers come as the Pentagon continues to advocate for the administration’s plan to close…

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Press

White House Urged to Increase Transparency of Targeted Killing Program

March 16, 2016

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today urged President Obama to take steps to increase the transparency of the targeted killing program. The call came in a letter from…

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Letter

Letter to President Obama on Targeted Killing Transparency

March 16, 2016

Dear President Obama: Since your first days in office, you have emphasized the importance of transparency to a strong democracy and accountable government. Over the…

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Secretary Kerry Should Support Accountability for Violations by Saudi Forces in Yemen

March 8, 2016

U.S. support for Saudi Arabia’s war in Yemen has been well-documented. As the conflict rages on, the civilian death toll continues to rise, and effective…

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Press

IACHR Agrees to Hold Hearing on Central Americans Held in Detention

March 3, 2016

New York City—Human Rights First today praised the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) for its decision to hold a hearing to address the ongoing…

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Press

President Signs Bill to Close Loophole on Import of Goods Made with Forced Labor

February 24, 2016

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today applauded the president’s signing of the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act, which includes a provision to strengthen prohibitions…

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Blog

Egypt Orders Closure of Torture Rehabilitation Center

February 19, 2016

By Leah Schulz Egypt’s campaign against civil society intensified on Tuesday when the government ordered the closure of the El Nadeem Center for Rehabilitation of…

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Press

Senate Passes Trade Provision to Strengthen Prohibition of the Import of Goods Produced with Forced Labor

February 12, 2016

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today applauded the Senate’s passage of section 910 of the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 (H.R. 644),…

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Timeline

Bahrain 2010-2016

February 11, 2016

2010 December 3: Secretary Clinton after meeting with Bahrain Foreign Minister in Manama: “I am impressed by the commitment that the government has to the…

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Humanity United’s “Rethink Supply Chains” Challenge Could Help Eliminate Labor Trafficking

February 11, 2016

By Meghan Hampsey The ILO reports there are 14.2 million victims of labor trafficking worldwide. In an effort to address this crime, Humanity United is…

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The CIA Admitted Torture Didn’t Work—Over a Year Ago

February 11, 2016

Last week a Senate staffer discovered a document in which the CIA acknowledges that several key findings in the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence’s (SSCI) report…

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Washington Week on Human Rights: February 8, 2016

February 8, 2016

Top News President Obama’s Budget Tomorrow President Obama will release his final budget request, which is expected to contain increased funding to address immigration court case backlogs. Human…

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Press

IACHR Should Hold Hearing on Rights of Central Americans Held in Detention

January 21, 2016

New York City—Human Rights First called on the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) to hold a hearing to address the ongoing violations of the…

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Blog

Hope and Backlash on LGBT Human Rights in the Dominican Republic

January 20, 2016

A gay couple arrested arbitrarily by police, a transgender man unable to get a job because of transphobia, and thirty-three transgender women killed since 2006…

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Will Congress Take the Lead in the War Against ISIL?

January 19, 2016

By Rita Siemion In President Obama’s final State of the Union address he called out Congress for failing to authorize the war against Islamic State of Iraq and…

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How the Obama Administration Could Tackle Drivers of Violent Extremism in Africa

January 15, 2016

In the State of the Union address, President Obama scarcely mentioned Africa, apart from raising the concern that “instability” could create “safe havens for new…

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New Year’s Eve Assaults in Cologne Lead to Greater Far-Right Support, Fear of Refugees in Germany

January 14, 2016

By Timothy Meyers The deplorable treatment of numerous women on New Year’s Eve in the German city of Cologne, where the police failed to control…

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Blog

Bahrain’s Culture of Impunity

December 21, 2015

By Anita Dhanvanthari A now familiar story in Bahrain: another human rights defender is sentenced to jail on trumped up charges while known torturers and…

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Peel and Defeat: A Pulitzer Prize Winning Journalist Exposes Widespread Trafficking in Thai Shrimp Factories

December 17, 2015

“There is more oversight in seafood to protect dolphins than there is to protect humans.” -Martha Mendoza On a recent “Ask Me Anything” session on Reddit, the entertainment,…

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Report

Hope will Prevail: Advancing the Human Rights of LGBT People in the Dominican Republic

December 17, 2015

Executive Summary Human Rights First traveled to the Dominican Republic in June and August of 2015 and spoke to activists, Dominican officials, and the U.S.…

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Press

New Report Recommends U.S. Government Act to Address Violence and Discrimination Against the Dominican Republic’s LGBT Community

December 17, 2015

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today released a new report outlining the challenges to equality faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in the…

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Press

House Passes Trade Provision to Strengthen Prohibition of the Import of Goods Produced with Forced Labor

December 11, 2015

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today applauded the House of Representatives’ passage of section 910 of the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 (H.R. 644),…

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Report

Corporate Liability and Human Trafficking

December 9, 2015

In our world of increased globalization and worldwide movement of goods and capital, companies can face legal liability if they fail to guard against human…

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Press

New Report Details Corporate Liability Risks Regarding Labor Trafficking in Supply Chains

December 9, 2015

Washington, D.C. – As part of the 4th Annual Human Rights Summit, Human Rights First today issued a new report titled “Corporate Liability and Human Trafficking,” which…

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Nestle Acknowledges Slavery in its Supply Chain

November 30, 2015

Following a year-long investigation by Verité, a nonprofit organization that monitors and evaluates corporate compliance with human rights, Nestle disclosed last week that slavery and…

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Fact Sheet

Recommendations to the U.S. Government on Bahrain

November 23, 2015

Anniversary of the 2011 Report of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry On the fourth anniversary of the 2011 report by the Bahrain Independent Commission…

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Saudi Arabia Poised to Weaken U.N. Independent Experts’ Mandates

October 6, 2015

Saudi Arabia was recently appointed to chair a five-member panel within the U.N. Human Rights Council, making it a gatekeeper of U.N. human rights experts. The U.S.…