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…
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…
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…
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 —…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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)…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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),…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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),…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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),…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
Press
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…
Blog
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…
Blog
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…
Press
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),…
Blog
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…
Blog
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…
Press
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…
Blog
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…
Blog
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…
Blog
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…
Blog
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…
Blog
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…
Blog
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…
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…
Blog
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…
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…
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…
Blog
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…
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…
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…
Blog
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…
Blog
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…
Press
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…
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…
Press
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…
Blog
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…
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…
Blog
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…
Blog
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,…
Blog
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…
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…
Blog
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…
Blog
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…
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…
Blog
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…
Blog
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…
Blog
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…
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…
Blog
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…
Blog
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…
Blog
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)…
Blog
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…
Blog
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…
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…
Blog
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…
Blog
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…
Blog
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…
Blog
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…
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…
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…
Blog
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…
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…
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…
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…
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),…
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…
Blog
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…
Blog
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…
Blog
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…
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…
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…
Blog
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…
Blog
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…
Blog
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…
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…
Blog
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,…
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.…
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…
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),…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Blog
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.…