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We found 567 results for "Egypt"

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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Blog

Crimean Human Rights Lawyers Appeal for Solidarity in Wake of Attacks

November 22, 2022

By Brian Dooley  KYIV: The Crimean Solidarity movement was set up by lawyers, journalists, and relatives of those arrested following the Russian invasion of Crimea…

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Blog

Barriers and Backlog

October 3, 2022

Asylum Office Delays Continue to Cause Harm By Cora Wright, Legal Fellow, Refugee Protection & Refugee Representation  Nony (a pseudonym) has been waiting for an…

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Topics

MIDDLE EAST

September 19, 2022

The U.S. Government’s Middle East Policies Should Prioritize Human Rights For decades the United States has backed Middle Eastern dictatorships in the name of “stability.”…

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Topics

EGYPT

September 19, 2022

The U.S. government should support human rights and democracy in Egypt. The overthrow of President Mubarak in 2011 offered the U.S. government a chance to…

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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

“Prison Atlas” details Egyptian Cases, Prisoners, and Judges

July 3, 2022

No one really knows how many political prisoners there are in Egypt. In a January 2019 interview Egypt’s President Sisi told CBS’ 60 Minutes that…

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Press

MARCH 16, 2022 Human Rights First Commends DOJ Action on Transnational Repression

March 16, 2022

WASHINGTON D.C. – Human Rights First lauds today’s action by the Department of Justice (DOJ), which charged five defendants with various crimes involving harassing and spying…

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The Roger N. Baldwin Medal of Liberty Award

March 15, 2022

The Roger N. Baldwin Medal of Liberty Award was established in 1989 and named in honor of the principal founder of the American Civil Liberties…

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Blog

State Department’s Second Chance To Get HRD Guidelines Right

January 13, 2022

By Brian Dooley Ten years ago, I testified in the US Congress for Human Rights First on why the US government should issue guidelines to…

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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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Blog

Biden Administration Faces Imminent Decision on Egyptian Military Aid as 12 Await Execution

August 10, 2021

Twelve men on death row in Egypt are awaiting imminent execution for their alleged part in the 2013 Cairo sit-in protests. The 12 were sentenced…

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Blog

Blinken’s Decision Imminent on Funding an Egyptian Government that Enables Terrorism

August 2, 2021

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Press

Human Rights First Report Finds ISIS Recruitment Happening in Egyptian Prisons

July 15, 2021

WASHINGTON – Human Rights First today released a report documenting ongoing recruitment by ISIS in Egypt’s prison system; one of the report’s key recommendations is…

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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 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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Letter

Time for Biden to Call for Prisoner Releases in Bahrain as Medical Neglect Continues

June 3, 2021

Abduljalil Al Singace is one of the Bahraini activists tortured in 2011 and given a life sentence in prison for his peaceful dissent against the…

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Blog

Cairo Family Targeted as US Embassy Tweets Support for Egypt’s Security Forces

April 28, 2021

When Hoda Ahmed heard her son Abdelrahman Elshwekh had been severely tortured in Egypt’s Minya prison she went on social media and asked for help.…

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Blog

Biden Faces Golden Opportunity To Send Signal to Cairo on Human Rights

April 23, 2021

By Brian Dooley It’s good to see the White House voicing support for human rights defenders in Egypt, and good to see that Secretary of…

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Blog

Reimagining Protection for Human Rights Defenders

March 23, 2021

As human rights defenders go, so goes the world. They’re the leading agents of progress; their own freedom predicts a wider freedom. This fact isn’t…

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Letter

For the Biden Administration, 10 Lessons from 10 Years of U.S. Mideast Policy

January 12, 2021

The Arab Spring uprisings began ten years ago, taking the U.S. government and most of the rest of the world by surprise. The Obama administration’s…

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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

Egypt’s Targeting Of Human Rights Defenders Is No Way to Fight Terrorism

August 26, 2020

WASHINGTON — Sentencing human rights defenders (HRDs) to long terms in prison is no way to confront terrorism, Human Rights First said today in response…

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Press

Journalist, Human Rights First Award Winner Arrested Near Cairo

June 24, 2020

WASHINGTON — Human Rights First is alarmed at reports that journalist Nora Younis was arrested at her office in Maadi earlier today. She was recognized…

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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 Right First’s Brian Dooley to Advise UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders

May 12, 2020

WASHINGTON – Human Rights First is proud to announce that Brian Dooley, who works for the organization as a senior advisor on human rights movements…

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Blog

Egypt Activist Mozn Awaits April 22 Court Verdicts

April 15, 2020

Prominent human rights activist Mozn Hassan, founder of the Egyptian NGO Nazra For Feminist Studies, is expecting court verdicts on April 22 on appeals against the…

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Blog

Four Reasons Middle East Governments Should Release Prisoners

March 28, 2020

The clamor to release elderly, sick, and political prisoners is growing. Dozens of NGOs and civil society organizations have urged the immediate release of prisoners because of the COVID-19…

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Letter

Members of Congress Should Question Egyptian Ambassador About Rights Activist

February 10, 2020

Members of Congress Should Question Egyptian Ambassador About Rights Activist Brian Dooley Senior Advisor Another prominent human rights defender has been seized, detained and tortured…

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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

Fears for Abducted Egyptian Human Rights Defender

October 13, 2019

According to local sources, men in civilian clothes abducted Egyptian Human Rights Defender Esraa Abdel Fattah from her car in Cairo on the night of…

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Press

Designating Muslim Brotherhood a Foreign Terrorist Organization Would be Counterproductive for United States

April 30, 2019

Washington, D.C.—In response to reports that the Trump Administration could imminently designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization, Human Rights First’s Brian Dooley…

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Blog

Response to Egypt’s Referendum on Constitutional Changes

April 19, 2019

By Brian Dooley This weekend, Egyptians will vote on a controversial referendum to amend the country’s constitution to prolong President Abdel Al Fattah Sisi’s tenure in office.…

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Press

Administration Urged to Demand Human Rights Improvements During Sisi Visit

April 5, 2019

Washington, D.C.—Ahead of next week’s White House visit by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Human Rights First today called on the Trump Administration to raise…

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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

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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Blog

How ISIS Recruits in Egyptian Prisons

February 26, 2019

The 18-year-old Egyptian was arrested for excessive partying, imprisoned, and tortured. Guards suspended him from the ceiling, flogged, and electrocuted him. Shortly after, a recently…

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Press

New Report Documents ISIS Recruitment in Egypt’s Prison System

February 25, 2019

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today released a new report documenting ISIS recruitment in Egypt’s prison system. Like a Fire in a Forest: ISIS Recruitment in Egypt’s Prisons is based…

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Report

Like a Fire in a Forest: ISIS Recruitment in Egypt’s Prisons

February 25, 2019

Speaking in Cairo on January 10, 2019, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo praised Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi for “his vigorous efforts to combat…

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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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Blog

Trump’s Extreme Hypocrisy: Venezuela & Egypt

February 7, 2019

Earlier this week, the U.S. Embassy in Cairo decided to weigh in on the crisis in Venezuela, tweeting that the Maduro government is “destroying” the country…

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Blog

The End the Shutdown and Secure the Border Act Would Ban Asylum for Central American Children

January 23, 2019

By Kennji Kizuka The Trump-McConnell bill—the “End the Shutdown and Secure the Border Act”—is nothing more than a hateful anti-immigration wish list, designed to hold the…

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Press

Pompeo’s “New Beginning” a Return to Unconditional Support for Repression

January 10, 2019

Washington, D.C.—In response to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s speech from American University in Cairo this morning, Brian Dooley, senior advisor at Human Rights First,…

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Press

Human Rights First Welcomes Acquittals in Egypt Foreign Funding Case

December 20, 2018

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today welcomed the acquittal of dozens of NGO workers in Egypt who were convicted in 2013. Human Rights First has advocated…

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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

Hungarian Human Rights Defender to Receive 2018 William D. Zabel Human Rights Award

October 1, 2018

New York City – Human Rights First announced today that it will honor Márta Pardavi, co-chair of the Hungarian Helsinki Committee, with its 2018 William…

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Press

New Report Details Deteriorating Human Rights Conditions in Egypt

September 20, 2018

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First and the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS) today released a new report detailing the severe crackdown on peaceful dissent and nongovernmental organizations…

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Report

Aiding Repression in Egypt: Why the United States Needs to Keep Human Rights Conditions on Military Aid

September 20, 2018

This report is offered jointly by Human Rights First and the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies. Civil society leaders in Egypt are urging the…

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Press

State Dept. Releases More Military Aid to Egypt Despite Rights Abuses

September 7, 2018

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today expressed alarm over press reports that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will release an additional $195 million in military aid to Egypt despite no…

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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

State Department Reportedly Lifting Holds on Military Aid to Egypt

July 25, 2018

Washington, D.C.—In response to reports that the State Department will lift its hold on $195 million in military aid to Egypt despite the country’s abysmal…

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Blog

New Book Details Activist Responses to Modern Authoritarianism in Hungary and Beyond

April 18, 2018

Colombian human rights NGO Dejusticia released a superb book this week, presenting ideas for how activists can respond to the rise of authoritarian regimes. Rising to the…

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Blog

Yom HaShoah—”To Truly Honor the Past we Must Understand the Present and Preserve the Future”

April 12, 2018

On March 23, 2018—one week before Passover and three weeks before Yom HaShoah—Mireille Knoll, an 85-year-old French Holocaust survivor, was brutally stabbed to death and…

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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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Blog

Trump Administration’s Abdication of Leadership Facilitates a Shameful Farce of an Election in Egypt

March 23, 2018

The negative global impact of the Trump Administration’s disturbing affinity with authoritarianism can be seen in the lack of integrity and fairness in the forthcoming presidential…

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Press

Ahead of Egypt Trip, Pence Urged to Press on Terrorism, Persecution of Christians and LGBT Community

January 18, 2018

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First calls on Vice President Mike Pence to urge Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to adopt effective, comprehensive strategies to combat the threat of terrorism, to end discriminatory…

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Fact Sheet

LGBT Community Under Attack in Egypt

November 17, 2017

LGBT Community Under Attack in Egypt Since the beginning of September 2017, Egyptian authorities under President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s rule have arrested dozens of lesbian,…

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Press

Tillerson Urged to Condemn Persecution of LGBT Community in Egypt

November 6, 2017

Washington, D.C.—In response to the ongoing crackdown against the Egyptian LGBT community, Human Rights First recently called on Secretary Tillerson to condemn unequivocally the rampant…

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Press

Tillerson Urged to Condemn Proposed Egyptian Law Criminalizing Homosexuality

October 26, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today condemned proposed Egyptian legislation that would criminalize same-sex relations and public support of LGBT people. The bill, introduced yesterday, would…

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Press

Mohamed Zaree Selected as the 2017 Laureate Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders

October 10, 2017

Geneva—The Martin Ennals Jury today announced that it has selected Mohamed Zaree of the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS) in Egypt to receive…

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Blog

Egyptian Government Doubles Down on Threats to Silence Peaceful Dissent

October 5, 2017

Despite widespread criticism of its crackdown on nonviolent government critics, including human rights organizations, the Egyptian government is on the verge of passing a new…

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Report

Report: How to Protect Civil Society and Promote Stability in Egypt

September 28, 2017

Citing a steadily worsening human rights situation, activists and foreign diplomats in Cairo urge the U.S. government to withhold military aid from the Egyptian government.…

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Press

Protector of Vulnerable Migrants and Refugees to Receive 2017 Human Rights First Award

September 25, 2017

New York City – Human Rights First announced today it will honor Friar Tomás Gonzáles, founder of La 72, with its 2017 Human Rights First Award. Friar Tomás…

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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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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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Press

U.S. Reportedly Withholding Aid to Egypt over Human Rights Abuses

August 22, 2017

New York City—Human Rights First today welcomed news, originally reported by Reuters, that the United States will deny Egypt $95.7 million of foreign assistance in response to Egypt’s failure to…

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Blog

The Trump Administration Praises Anti-Democratic Rulers, Again

August 7, 2017

In a recent telephone call with Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez, Vice President Pence said: “The United States stands with the Venezuelan people, and we…

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Blog

Left Behind: Refugee Ban Abandons Vulnerable Orphans

August 2, 2017

By Andrea Gillespie If the Lost Boys of Sudan were seeking safety in the United States today, they would be out of luck. In 1999,…

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Press

New Report Calls on U.S. to Suspend Military Aid to Egypt over Abuses

August 2, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today released a new report detailing the severe crackdown on peaceful dissent and nongovernmental organizations in Egypt under the Sisi government. In the report the…

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Blog

Adam Babiker: Veteran +

July 4, 2017

Veterans served to not only protect their country’s borders, but also to protect the values that their country embodies. Service is not limited by color,…

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VFAI Leader Spotlights

Leader Spotlight: Matt Lester

June 13, 2017

Veterans for American Ideals is recognizing veteran leaders who are continuing their service by building unity and standing up for American values. Through a series…

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Blog

Trump Should Use His Special Relationship with Sisi to Push for Essential Policy Change

June 2, 2017

President Trump and President Sisi of Egypt like to exchange compliments and to make grand statements about their resolute stance against terrorism. Speaking after the horrific attack on Christians traveling…

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Blog

Three Fallacies in Trump’s Riyadh Speech

May 24, 2017

President Trump’s speech at the Arab Islamic American Summit in Riyadh on May 21 was rich in generalities and open to broad interpretation. For example, the president promised…

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Press

Haley Urged to Seek a Comprehensive Solution to Syrian Refugee Crisis During Upcoming Trip to Jordan and Turkey

May 19, 2017

New York City—As U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley prepares to travel to Jordan and Turkey, Human Rights First today called on Ambassador Haley to prioritize not only U.S. humanitarian…

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Blog

Trump’s Vainglorious and Counterproductive Summit in Saudi Arabia

May 19, 2017

Donald Trump’s first foreign trip as President of the United States will not take him to the capital cities of Mexico or Canada, the two…

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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

Duterte White House Invitation is a Failure of U.S. Leadership on Human Rights

May 1, 2017

New York City–Human Rights First today condemned President Trump’s invitation to the White House of Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte. Since taking office less than a year ago,…

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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

Three Nominees Announced for 2017 Martin Ennals Award

April 26, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First, along with other members of the Martin Ennals Award jury, today announced Karla Avelar, Mohamed Zaree, and the group FreeThe5KH as…

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Blog

Coptic Church Bombings Show Sisi Isn’t Doing a “Fantastic Job”

April 13, 2017

The suicide bombings of Palm Sunday services in two Coptic churches in Egypt, which killed at least 45 people and wounded scores more, are another…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: April 10, 2017

April 10, 2017

By Mary Elizabeth Margolis Top Items United States Responds with Force to Crisis in Syria Following U.S. missile strikes against a Syrian airfield on Thursday evening,…

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Blog

Trump’s Failure to Raise Human Rights with Sisi Harms U.S. Interests

April 4, 2017

As expected, President Trump offered no public criticism of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s human rights record during their meeting at the White House today. White House…

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Press

Sisi’s Egypt is a Poor Partner for the United States in the Fight Against Terrorism

March 31, 2017

Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi will visit President Trump at the White House next week. The visit comes at a time when governments around the…

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Press

Trump’s Failure to Raise Human Rights Concerns Publicly with Egyptian President Will Undermine U.S. Interests

March 31, 2017

New York City—Following statements made today that President Trump will not publicly raise human rights concerns with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi during their meeting…

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Blog

The Trump Administration Should Forge a New Relationship with Egypt, One Based on Both Security and Human Rights

March 14, 2017

The Trump Administration is ramping up its efforts to strengthen security cooperation with Egypt. This is probably the right thing to do, provided it’s coupled…

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Blog

Six Questions for State’s First Press Briefing Under Tillerson

March 7, 2017

Today the U.S. State Department promises to hold its first daily press briefing under the Trump administration. Roughly thirty working days into the tenure of…

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Blog

Middle East Activist Experts Offer Advice on Fighting Trump Policies

February 17, 2017

This blog is cross posted with The Huffington Post Yesterday’s attack by President Trump on the “dishonest media” who he says are “out of control” was just the…

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Blog

President Trump’s Telling Silences

February 17, 2017

In these first few weeks of the Trump Administration, the president’s often-harmful words have rightfully gotten a lot of attention. But his silences are no…

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Blog

Proposed Designation of the Muslim Brotherhood as a Terrorist Organization Will Fuel Fear and Division and Harm the Fight Against Terrorism

February 9, 2017

This is crossposted from The Huffington Post. The Trump White House is reportedly considering designating the Muslim Brotherhood a foreign terrorist organization, or “FTO.”  The factual argument…

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Blog

Eight Ways Trump’s Executive Order on Immigration Makes Us Less Safe

February 2, 2017

This blog is cross posted from The Huffington Post In issuing his executive order immediately banning refugees and hundreds of thousands of Muslim travelers from the United…

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Blog

The Syria “Safe Zones” Mystery

February 2, 2017

By Neil Hicks This article is a cross-post from The Huffington Post. In his telephone discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Arabian King…

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Blog

Islam is Peace: Let’s Remember George W. Bush’s Words After 9/11

February 2, 2017

In the first week of its new administration, the Trump White House signed an executive order barring Syrian refugees indefinitely, slashing refugee resettlement, and effectively targeting immigrants…

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Blog

Tillerson and a Values-based U.S. Foreign Policy

January 13, 2017

Senate confirmation hearings are poor vehicles for finding out the actual views of nominees. Would-be cabinet secretaries know that it’s wise to say as little…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: January 9, 2017

January 9, 2017

By Mary Elizabeth Margolis Top Items Confirmation Hearings Confirmation hearings will begin in the Senate this week for several nominees for key cabinet positions in…

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Press

Cairo Cathedral Bombing Indicates Worsening Climate for Egypt’s Christian Minority

December 12, 2016

Cairo – Human Rights First condemns the brutal terrorist attack on Christian worshipers in a chapel adjacent to Cairo’s main Coptic Christian cathedral. The organization expresses…

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Blog

Disregarding Universal Values in Middle East Policy Will Bring More Instability

November 18, 2016

Early indications suggest that the incoming Trump Administration will shape U.S. policy in the Middle East around closer cooperation with regional authoritarian regimes. This would…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: October 17, 2016

October 17, 2016

Top Items Guantanamo Human Rights First today praised the repatriation of Guantanamo detainee Mohamedou Slahi to Mauritania, and encourages the Obama Administration to keep up…

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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…

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Press

Iraqi Couple Saving Yazidi Girls from ISIS to Receive Human Rights First Award

October 7, 2016

New York City – Human Rights First will honor Iraqi human rights activists Khaleel Aldakhi and Ameena Saeed Hasan with its 2016 Human Rights First Award. The…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: September 26, 2016

September 26, 2016

Top Items Global Refugee Crisis On Wednesday, the Senate Judiciary Immigration and National Interest Subcommittee will hold a hearing to examine the administration’s FY2017 refugee…

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Blog

State Department Should Speak out for Aya Hijazi, U.S. Human Rights Defender in Egypt Prison

September 14, 2016

This is a cross-post from the Huffington Post: Remember the Eldarats, the U.S. citizens tortured and jailed in the United Arab Emirates for nearly two years while…

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Blog

Weak Human Rights Promotion Contributes to Policy Failures in the Middle East

August 31, 2016

Normally when a senior U.S. official visits a country where serious violations of human rights are taking place, that official can be expected to raise…

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Blog

Still Fighting for the Truth About Argentina’s Disappeared

August 29, 2016

By Brian Dooley This blog is cross-posted from the Huffington Post. In June 1993 I attended the U.N. World Conference on Human Rights in Vienna, the…

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Blog

High Price for Exposing Disappearances in Egypt

August 23, 2016

By Brian Dooley This blog is cross-posted on The Huffington Post. Next Tuesday, August 30, marks the International Day of the Disappeared, a day dedicated to reminding us of…

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Blog

The Syrian Refugee Crisis: A Greenhouse for Human Trafficking

August 16, 2016

By Rachel Buchan Around the world today, an estimated twenty-one million people have fallen prey to the criminal enterprise of human trafficking. Though victim demographics…

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Press

Human Rights First Awards Medal of Liberty to Congolese Activist Janvier Murairi Bakihanaye

August 10, 2016

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First announced today that it will award the 2016 Roger N. Baldwin Medal of Liberty to anti-slavery activist Janvier Murairi Bakihanaye…

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Blog

U.S. Policy in the Middle East Should Fulfill the Promise of Years of Hopeful Rhetoric

August 1, 2016

As the Obama Administration nears the end of its term, it’s time to assess its impact on human rights in a region that has long…

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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…

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Blog

Libyan Gitmo Detainee Gets PRB Review as List Shrinks

July 14, 2016

By Amy Morello This morning the Guantanamo Periodic Review Board (PRB) convened to discuss the case of Isma’il Ali Faraj al-Bakush, a 48-year-old Libyan national…

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Press

During Meetings this Week Obama Administration Should Press Saudi Deputy Crown Prince on Human Rights

June 13, 2016

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today called on President Obama, Secretary of State John Kerry, and Secretary of Defense Ash Carter to press Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: June 13, 2016

June 13, 2016

Top News Ukraine Pride After the deadliest mass shooting attack in U.S. history targeted LGBT men and women at Orlando’s Pulse nightclub, claiming 50 lives and…

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Blog

Weak Stance on Human Rights in the Middle East Threatens to Tarnish President Obama’s Legacy

June 8, 2016

This blog is cross posted from The Huffington Post: The Obama Administration’s passive response to the mounting human rights crisis and growing instability in Egypt is…

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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…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: May 31, 2016

May 31, 2016

Top Items Guantanamo Yesterday at the U.S. detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, proceedings began in a pre-trial hearing for accused 9/11 terrorist Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and…

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Press

Defense Authorization Provisions Undermine U.S. Leadership on Human Rights

May 20, 2016

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today urged members of the Senate to reject provisions in the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would undermine the…

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Blog

Trial Continues for Disappeared Academic Naser Bin Ghaith

May 20, 2016

By Leah Schulz On Monday, May 23 the trial for UAE academic and human rights defender, Nasser Bin Ghaith, resumes. His defense will have the…

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Will New Anti-Corruption Efforts Strengthen the Fight Against Violent Extremism?

May 13, 2016

This blog is cross posted from The Huffington Post: Secretary of State John Kerry and dozens of heads of state attended yesterday’s London Anti-Corruption Summit, which…

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Press

China Seeks to Chill Foreign Funding of NGOs

April 28, 2016

Washington, D.C.—Continuing a troubling global trend of authoritarian crackdowns on civil society and foreign-based nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), Chinese President Xi Jinping has led an effort…

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Egypt Human Rights Defender Ahmad Abdallah Accused of Belonging to Terrorist Group

April 27, 2016

This blog is cross-posted from the Huffington Post: Ahmad Abdallah, a prominent human rights defender arrested in Egypt, is being accused by the government of a…

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US Ally UAE Attacks Leading Academic Naser Bin Ghaith

April 26, 2016

This blog is cross posted from The Huffington Post: It’s emerged that leading human rights defender Naser Bin Ghaith, who was disappeared into the United Arab…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: April 25, 2016

April 25, 2016

TOP NEWS Obama in Germany President Obama is in Berlin meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, British Prime Minister David Cameron, French President Francois Hollande…

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Washington Week on Human Rights: April 11, 2016

April 11, 2016

Top News Bahrain Ahead of President Obama’s upcoming participation in the Gulf Cooperation Council summit scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia later this month, Secretary of State John Kerry travelled to Bahrain last…

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Six Things John Kerry Should Do in Bahrain

April 5, 2016

This blog is cross-posted from the Huffington Post: This week secretary of State John Kerry visits one of Washington’s repressive Gulf allies, Bahrain, three weeks before…

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Blog

Senator Graham’s Recipe for Failure in Egypt

April 5, 2016

This blog is cross-posted from the Huffington Post: “If Egypt fails, every problem in the Mideast becomes a hundred times worse,” observed Senator Lindsay Graham while…

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Egypt’s Moves to Destroy its Human Rights Movement Threaten U.S. National Interests

March 23, 2016

This blog is cross-posted from the Huffington Post: This article could not be published in Egypt. At least that’s my understanding of the gag order a judge, Hesham…

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Designating the Muslim Brotherhood as a Terrorist Organization Risks Fueling More Terrorism

March 17, 2016

The effort to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization, currently being pursued in the House of Representatives through a bill that passed through…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: March 14, 2016

March 14, 2016

Top News Targeted Killing Last week, the Obama Administration announced that it will publish civilian and combatant casualty assessments for lethal counterterrorism strikes outside areas of…

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Blasphemy Laws Fuel the Ideology of Violent Extremism

March 11, 2016

This blog is cross-posted from the Huffington Post: As the United States expands its efforts to counter the threat presented by violent extremism, it continues to emphasize…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: March 7, 2016

March 7, 2016

Top News Baby Barristers Last week, The Washington Post  reported that Judge John H. Weil, a senior-immigration judge responsible for training other judges, claimed in a deposition…

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Blog

LGBT People are Egypt’s Scapegoats

March 3, 2016

Egypt does not explicitly criminalize same-sex activity, but that hasn’t stopped the country’s morality police from arresting, nor the Egyptian courts from convicting, men they…

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Blog

Waffling on Egypt, Secretary Kerry Notes Deterioration in Human Rights

February 29, 2016

Secretary of State John Kerry changed his tune a bit last week, in yet another example of the Obama Administration’s damaging mixed messages on the…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: February 22, 2016

February 22, 2016

Top News Guantanamo Tomorrow is the statutory deadline for the Obama Administration to give Congress its plan for closing the U.S. detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The…

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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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Blog

Kerry’s Parallel Universe

February 11, 2016

This blog is cross posted from The Huffington Post. Secretary of State John Kerry has an unfortunate affliction. He appears incapable of making public comments about…

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Blog

How the United States Undermines its Ability to Promote Human Rights in Egypt

February 11, 2016

This blog is cross posted from The Huffington Post. Under Secretary of State Sarah Sewall deserves praise for her speech in Cairo on February 10, where she simply…

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Timeline

Egypt 2009-2015

February 10, 2016

2009 June 4: President Obama in Cairo: “But I do have an unyielding belief that all people yearn for certain things: … they are human…

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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

Human Rights First Calls for Nominations for 27th Annual Roger N. Baldwin Medal of Liberty Award

January 27, 2016

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today announced that nominations are now open for the 2016 Roger N. Baldwin Medal of Liberty Award.  The 2016…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: January 25, 2016

January 26, 2016

Top News Egypt Today on the fifth anniversary of the mass Tahrir Square protests calling for democratic reform in Egypt, Human Rights First released a new blueprint…

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Press

Five Years After Tahrir Square, Blueprint Outlines Recommendations to Support Stability in Egypt

January 25, 2016

Washington, D.C. – On the fifth anniversary of the mass Tahrir Square protests calling for democratic reform in Egypt, Human Rights First today released a…

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Blueprint

How to Navigate Egypt’s Enduring Human Rights Crisis

January 25, 2016

On the fifth anniversary of the mass Tahrir Square protests that ousted former President Mubarak, Egyptians are suffering severe repression and political instability. As this…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: January 19, 2016

January 21, 2016

Top News Global Refugee Crisis Tomorrow the Senate will take up the American SAFE Act, legislation that would effectively halt the resettlement of vulnerable refugees…

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Event

How to Navigate Egypt’s Enduring Human Rights Crisis: Blueprint for U.S. Government Policy

January 20, 2016

Date: January 27, 2016 – 8:00pm to 9:30pm DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27th, 2016 On the fifth anniversary of the…

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Blog

Five Years On, Egypt’s Uprising Flagged at Tahrir

January 20, 2016

By Brian Dooley This blog is cross posted from The Huffington Post: Clinging listlessly to the top of the pole in the middle of Tahrir Square the…

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Fact Sheet

Global Respect Act

December 17, 2015

Supporters: Human Rights Campaign, the Council for Global Equality, Human Rights First, PFLAG National, and American Jewish World Service  There is an alarming trend of…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: December 14, 2015

December 15, 2015

Top News Extremism in France During yesterday’s second round of French regional elections, voters rejected candidates from the far-right political party the National Front. The development…

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Blog

Some Justice for Egypt’s Bathhouse Case Victims

December 7, 2015

Nearly a year ago, Egyptian police arrested 26 men in a traditional hammam bathhouse under charges of “debauchery.” The mass arrest stemmed from collusion between…

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Blog

Problematic Partners in the Fight against Violent Extremism

December 1, 2015

To curb the threat of terrorism, the Obama Administration launched an aggressive series of “countering violent extremism” (CVE) conferences and conversations this year. At each…

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Blog

The Battle of Ideas: Authoritarianism vs Democracy

November 23, 2015

Authoritarian governments are waging an ideological war, and proponents of democratic ideals are on the defense. Russia actively exports its methodology: spread false news, restrict…

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Blog

U.S. Approach in Bahrain at Odds with Remarks at Manama Dialogue

November 3, 2015

Advancing freedom of expression in the Middle East is an important part of U.S. security strategy in the region. At least that’s what Deputy Secretary…

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Blog

U.S. Government Should Address Human Rights Concerns at Manama Dialogue

October 23, 2015

Bahrain will host the Manama Dialogue, a high-profile security conference, from October 30 to November 1. A senior delegation of U.S. officials from Congress, the…

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Blueprint

The Role of Human Rights in Countering Violent Extremism

September 25, 2015

A COMPILATION OF BLUEPRINTS FOR U.S. GOVERNMENT POLICY Introduction On the sidelines of the annual United Nations General Assembly meeting, the United States is sponsoring…

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Press

Three Young Activists Working to Combat Antisemitism in Europe to Receive 2015 Human Rights First Award

September 24, 2015

New York City – Human Rights First will honor European human rights activists Jane Braden-Golay, Siavosh Derakhti, and Niddal El-Jabri with its 2015 Human Rights First Award. The…

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Blog

Bahrain’s Proposed Blasphemy Law: Another Tool to Silence Regime’s Critics

September 16, 2015

Bahrain is considering a new blasphemy law, which will likely be used to harass and silence the regime’s critics. Cleric Sheikh Maytham Al Salman, head…

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Letter

Letter to President Obama in Preparation for King Salman Visit

September 2, 2015

September 2, 2015 The Honorable Barack Obama The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20500 Dear President Obama: I write to urge that…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: August 31, 2015

August 31, 2015

Top News Saudi Arabia This Friday King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia will make his first visit to the White House since…

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Blog

Kerry Ducks the Issue of Human Rights in Egypt Strategic Dialogue

August 6, 2015

This blog is cross posted from The Huffington Post: Looking back on the exchanges that took place around the U.S.-Egypt Strategic Dialogue on August 2,…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: August 3, 2015

August 3, 2015

Top News EGYPT Over the weekend the United States resumed formal security talks with Egypt, as part of the U.S.–Egypt Strategic Dialogue. The bilateral relationship…

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Blog

Ahead of Strategic Dialogue, Egyptian Authorities Take Further Steps to Restrict Independent Human Rights Organizations

July 31, 2015

This blog is cross posted from The Huffington Post: On the eve of the U.S.-Egypt Strategic Dialogue, scheduled to take place in Cairo on August 2,…

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Blog

In Cairo, Kerry Should Reinforce Obama’s Remarks in Kenya

July 30, 2015

By Brian Dooley This blog is cross posted from The Huffington Post: President Obama hit many right notes during his trip to Kenya last week – he…

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Press

Human Rights First Praises Senators’ Letter Calling for Human Rights to be a Central Part of the U.S – Egypt Strategic Dialogue

July 29, 2015

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today applauds a prominent bipartisan group of U.S. Senators for pressing Secretary of State John Kerry to promote political reform, human rights,…

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Blog

Egypt’s Anti-Terror Bill

July 9, 2015

By Anita Dhanvanthari In the coming days, Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi will likely approve a draft anti-terror bill already approved by Egypt’s cabinet and…

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Press

National Military Strategy Should Include Greater Protection for Human Rights

July 1, 2015

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First said that the 2015 National Military Strategy, released today, should place a greater emphasis on ensuring that U.S. partners in counterterrorism…

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Blog

Terrorist Violence in Egypt Underlines the Need for the U.S. Government to Press the Egyptian Government to Respect Human Rights

June 30, 2015

Egypt’s Prosecutor General Hesham Barakat was assassinated on Monday, marking a serious escalation in the increasingly violent struggle against the government of President Abdel Fattah…

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Blog

Pride and Prejudice: A year in Review

June 29, 2015

In the effort to advance the human rights of LGBT people, there have been important victories over the last year. But there have also been tragic…

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Press

U.S. Government Should Promote Global Counterterrorism Strategy Rooted in Human Rights

June 26, 2015

New York City—Today, in response to terrorist attacks in Kuwait and Tunisia, Human Rights First urged the U.S. government to redouble its efforts to combat…

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Press

State Department Country Reports Highlight Need for U.S. Leadership on Human Rights

June 25, 2015

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today welcomed the release of the State Department’s 2015 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, noting that the widespread…

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Blog

Crackdown on Egyptian Civil Society Continues

June 19, 2015

By Olivia Huzenis The government crackdown on civil society in Egypt is intensifying. On June 9, Egyptian government investigators visited the Cairo Institute for Human…

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Issue Brief

Egypt: Renewed Crackdown on Independent Groups Government Investigating Human Rights Workers

June 18, 2015

(London, June 15, 2015) — Egyptian authorities are increasing their pressure on independent organizations in Egypt that receive foreign funding or have criticized government policies,…

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Blog

A Bad Year for Yara Sallam in Egypt’s Republic of Fear

June 17, 2015

This blog has been cross posted from The Huffington Post: Sunday June 21 will mark one year since Egyptian human rights defender Yara Sallam and 22…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: June 15, 2015

June 16, 2015

Top News Torture This week, the Senate is expected to continue consideration of the FY2016 National Defense Authorization Act that includes a bipartisan amendment introduced by Senators John…

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Press

Conviction of Bahraini Opposition Leader is a Major Setback to Reform

June 16, 2015

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First said today’s conviction of the leader of Bahrain’s main peaceful opposition group Al Wefaq, Sheikh Ali Salman, on political charges seriously damages any hope for a political…

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Press

President Obama Urged to Raise Human Rights Concerns During Meetings with Gulf Leaders

May 12, 2015

Washington, D.C. -Human Rights First today urged President Obama to make clear to the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states that progress on human…

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Fact Sheet

How to Build a More Sustainable and Mutually Beneficial Relationship with Saudi Arabia

May 10, 2015

“Too often, we have failed to enforce international norms when it’s inconvenient to do so. And we have not confronted forcefully enough the intolerance, sectarianism,…

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Blog

At Camp David, GCC States Set to Ignore President Obama’s Concerns on Internal Challenges

May 8, 2015

This blog is cross posted from The Huffington Post: The challenge that President Obama will face in having “difficult conversations” about internal governance questions with leaders…

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U.S. Should Listen to Angelina Jolie and Resettle More Syrian Refugees

April 29, 2015

By Eleanor Acer Following the deaths of hundreds of refugees and migrants in the Mediterranean Sea this month, UNHCR Special Envoy Angelina Jolie Pitt called…

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Blog

CIA Director Brennan Misses Opportunity to Publicly Raise Human Rights Concerns in Cairo

April 21, 2015

Since lifting the hold on military assistance to Egypt at the end of last month, high level contacts between the United States and the government…

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Blog

Egypt Banning LGBT Foreigners?

April 20, 2015

Last week an Egyptian court issued a decision that escalates government-sanctioned homophobia and may set a disturbing precedent. The court upheld a ban against a…

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Fact Sheet

Greece’s Prosecution of Golden Dawn

April 17, 2015

Origins of Golden Dawn Golden Dawn exploded on the Greek political scene in 2012, amid the worst economic crisis in post-war history, stunning pollsters, politicians…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: April 13, 2015

April 13, 2015

Top News Equality in Jamaica During his trip to Jamaica last week, President Obama voiced support for the island’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT)…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: April 6, 2015

April 6, 2015

Top News President Obama to Jamaica On Thursday, President Obama will travel to Jamaica en route to participate in the Summit of the Americas in Panama.…

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Press

Obama’s Lift of Hold on Military Equipment to Egypt Sends a Confusing Message on Human Rights

March 31, 2015

New York City – Following news reports that President Obama has lifted the hold on release of military aid to Egypt, Human Rights First urged…

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Press

United States Pledges Increased Aid for Syrian Refugees, Additional Steps Needed

March 31, 2015

New York City – Human Rights First welcomed the Obama Administration’s pledge of an additional $507 million in humanitarian assistance for Syrians, made at an…

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Press

As Syrian Conflict Enters Fifth Year, United States Should Increase Protection and Aid for Refugees

March 13, 2015

New York City – As this week marks the fourth anniversary of the conflict in Syria, Human Rights First urged the Obama Administration to champion…

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Fact Sheet

How to Build a More Sustainable and Mutually Beneficial Relationship with Saudi Arabia

March 10, 2015

“Too often, we have failed to enforce international norms when it’s inconvenient to do so. And we have not confronted forcefully enough the intolerance, sectarianism,…

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Press

United States Should Overhaul Relationship With Saudi Arabia to Support Human Rights

March 10, 2015

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today urged the Obama Administration to press the Saudi government to ease its crackdown on civil society, speak out…

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Blog

Egypt’s LGBT Crackdown Continues

March 6, 2015

Last week police arrested seven “transsexuals,” as termed in official statements, at a nightclub in a popular tourist area of central Cairo. The arrestees will…

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Blog

Egypt’s LGBT Crackdown Continues

March 6, 2015

Last week police arrested seven “transsexuals,” as termed in official statements, at a nightclub in a popular tourist area of central Cairo. The arrestees will be charged under…

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Press

President Obama Makes Case for Putting Human Rights at the Heart of Countering Extremism

February 19, 2015

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First welcomed President Obama’s speech today at the White House Summit to Counter Violent Extremism (CVE), in which he affirmed that the fight against violent extremism requires…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: February 17, 2015

February 18, 2015

Top News White House Summit on Countering Violent Extremism… Read More

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Press

President Obama Urged to Prioritize Human Rights at White House Summit on Countering Violent Extremism

February 13, 2015

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First and the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies today urged President Obama to make clear at the White House’s upcoming…

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Transcript

Elisa Massimino Keynote Address on the Case for American Leadership on Human Rights

February 10, 2015

Elisa Massimino Keynote Address American Bar Association Mid-Year Meeting Center for Human Rights Annual Luncheon Houston, Texas February 9, 2015. Thank you so much for…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: February 9, 2015

February 9, 2015

Top News GUANTANAMO This week, the House and Senate Armed Services Committees will both take up the issue of closing the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay…

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Press

Administration Should Prioritize National Security Strategy Policies that Respect Human Rights

February 6, 2015

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today said that the 2015 U.S. National Security Strategy rightly reinforces the United States’ commitment to policies that promote the protection of…

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Blog

Carter Can Take Gitmo Closure across the Finish Line

February 4, 2015

This is a cross-post from the Huffington Post President Obama’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, Ashton Carter, can expect tough questions at his Wednesday confirmation hearing–on…

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Blog

Refugees in Egypt Urgently Need Protection

January 29, 2015

By Eleanor Acer Two weeks ago I visited Egypt to speak to some of the many refugees who have sought shelter there from violence and persecution.…

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Press

President Obama Should Urge Saudi King to Chart New Course

January 26, 2015

New York City – As President Obama prepares to visit Saudi Arabia following the death of King Abdullah and the installment of King Salman, who ascended…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: January 20, 2015

January 20, 2015

Top News STATE OF THE UNION Tonight at 9 p.m., President Obama will deliver his State of the Union address. He is expected to detail his…

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Blog

Informer Journalists, Police Brutality, and Alleged Debauchery: Egypt’s Bathhouse Case

January 13, 2015

In countries with anti-LGBT regimes, the media can often add fuel to the homophobic fire of public sentiment. This dynamic was readily apparent in Egypt’s…

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Blog

New Year, New Congress: What to Watch on Middle East Policy

January 13, 2015

By Brian Dooley As Congress enters its 114th session, human rights must take the spotlight. Below are five foreign policy priorities that we at Human…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: January 12, 2015

January 13, 2015

Top News Guantanamo News reports note that next week the Obama Administration plans to transfer five Yemeni detainees from the U.S. detention facility at Guantanamo Bay,…

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Press

Questions, Human Rights Concerns Remain After Egyptian Court Acquits 26 Men in Bathhouse Case

January 12, 2015

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today applauded the news that an Egyptian court acquitted the 26 men who had been on trial for debauchery after…

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Blog

Rebuilding the U.S.-Egypt Bilateral Relationship

January 12, 2015

This blog is cross-posted from The Huffington Post: There is one thing I agree with in Steven A. Cook’s recent advice piece on How to Get Egypt’s…

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Blog

It’s Time for International Pressure on Egypt’s LGBT Rights Abuses

January 6, 2015

Egypt is in the midst of a broad human rights and civil society crackdown: jailing journalists and activists, raiding and harassing NGOs, using violence against…

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Press

Human Rights First Urges Dismissal of Case Against 23 Egyptian Prisoners

December 22, 2014

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today urged the U.S. Government  to press Egypt to dismiss the case against 23 prisoners arrested in June 2014 for allegedly…

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Blog

New Data Documents Rampant Sexual Harassment in Egypt’s Public Space

December 19, 2014

By Carolyn Greco Ninety-five percent of women surveyed have been subjected to sexual harassment in Cairo, according to a new study released by HarassMap, a project that…

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Blog

Egypt’s Entry Visa Canard

December 16, 2014

This is cross posted from The Huffington Post: The Egyptian government has put out mixed explanations as to why it denied entry to prominent scholar and analyst Michele…

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Blog

Five Useful Things America’s New Ambassador to Egypt Can Do

December 15, 2014

This is a cross post from The Huffington Post:  New U.S. Ambassador to Egypt Stephen Beecroft is expected to arrive in Cairo in the coming weeks…

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Blog

U.S. Pledges to Resettle More Syrian Refugees, But Doesn’t Say How Many

December 15, 2014

Last week the United States pledged to lead in resettling Syrian refugees, with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees and Migration Anne Richard describing how…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: December 15, 2014

December 15, 2014

Top News CIA TORTURE REPORT Last week, the Senate intelligence committee released the executive summary executive summary of its landmark report on the CIA’s post-9/11 detention and interrogation…

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Press

Renewed Waiver Weakens Human Rights Conditions Attached to Egypt Foreign Aid Bill

December 15, 2014

New York City – Human Rights First today said that the national security waiver attached to  Egyptian aid provisions for FY 2015 in the new omnibus spending…

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Press

New Blueprint Outlines How the U.S. Government Should Use its Influence to Promote Human Rights in Egypt

December 10, 2014

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today issued a new blueprint titled, “How to Prevent Egypt Slipping into a Deepening Crisis,” detailing how the U.S. government…

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Press

New Blueprint Outlines How the U.S. Government Should Use its Influence to Promote Human Rights in Egypt

December 10, 2014

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today issued a new blueprint titled, “How to Prevent Egypt Slipping into a Deepening Crisis,” detailing how the U.S. government…

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Blueprint

How to Prevent Egypt Slipping into a Deepening Crisis

December 10, 2014

The United States government is confronted with a series of decisions about how to respond to a deepening political, economic, and human rights crisis in…

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Press

National Security, Trafficking, Equality Among Topics at 3rd Annual Human Rights Summit

December 9, 2014

Washington, DC – Today and tomorrow, Human Rights First convenes its third annual Human Rights Summit, bringing together human rights defenders, U.S. policymakers, military leaders, and…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: December 1, 2014

December 3, 2014

Top News ISIS Overnight, the United States and members of its coalition to defeat ISIS led an air assault that included as many as 30 airstrikes…

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Press

Impunity for Human Rights Abusers in Egypt Continues as Charges Against Mubarak are Dropped

November 29, 2014

Washington, D.C. – Following today’s Egyptian Court decision to drop murder charges against former President Hosni Mubarak for his role in the deaths of hundreds of…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: November 10, 2014

November 12, 2014

Top News TORTURE This week, the United States will appear before the United Nations Committee Against Torture in Geneva to describe its efforts to fulfill America’s…

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Blog

Eight Men Sentenced to Prison in Egypt on “Debauchery”’ Conviction

November 7, 2014

An Egyptian court sentenced eight men to three years imprisonment for attending a gay wedding ceremony on the Nile. The event came to light when…

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Letter

Joint Letter to President Obama on Egypt’s Crackdown on Civil Society

November 6, 2014

November 5, 2014 President Obama The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20500 Dear President Obama: We write today to urge more robust…

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Press

President Obama Urged to Take Action to Protect Egyptian Civil Society

November 6, 2014

New York City  – Human Rights First today urged President Obama to follow through on pledges to support a robust civil society in Egypt and…

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Blog

Twitter Not Safe for Saudi LGBT Citizens

November 5, 2014

By Anthony Hawkins Twitter usage is booming in Saudi Arabia. And despite the monarchy’s crackdown on the right to privacy and free expression on the…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: October 27, 2014

October 27, 2014

Top News TORTURE Twelve Nobel Peace Prize laureates are calling on President Obama to release the Senate intelligence committee’s long-anticipated CIA torture report and make “full disclosure to…

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Press

Egyptian Court Sentences 23 Activists to Prison for Protesting

October 26, 2014

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First expressed concern over today’s sentencing of 23 Egyptian activists for violating restrictive anti-protest laws. The activists, including prominent human rights…

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Blog

Don’t Blame New Freedoms for Violent Religious Extremism

October 23, 2014

This is a cross post from The Huffington Post Dictatorships do a great deal more to create and maintain violent religious extremism than liberalization has done…

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Press

Ryan Boyette, Film 12 Years a Slave to Receive Awards during Human Rights First Dinner Tonight

October 22, 2014

New York City – Tonight at Human Rights First’s annual awards dinner at Chelsea Piers in New York City, human rights advocate Ryan Boyette will receive…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: October 20, 2014

October 20, 2014

Top News TORTURE Over the weekend, The New York Times’ Charlie Savage reported that State Department attorneys are urging the president to “officially abandon” the George W.…

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Blog

Egyptian Lawyers Under Threat

October 16, 2014

By Carolyn Greco Twenty four defendants charged with violating Egypt’s controversial protest law may hear a verdict on October 26, according to a ruling today…

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Press

Human Rights First Awards Prestigious Medal of Liberty to Egyptian Activist Kholoud Saber Barakat

October 15, 2014

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First announced today that it will award the 2014 Roger N. Baldwin Medal of Liberty to Egyptian women’s rights activist Kholoud Saber Barakat. …

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: October 14, 2014

October 14, 2014

Top News KERRY TO CAIRO Secretary of State John Kerry is in Cairo today to participate in an international conference of 50 nations pledging $5…

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Press

Secretary Kerry Should Raise Human Rights Concerns During Visit to Cairo

October 10, 2014

Washington, D.C.  – Human Rights First today urged Secretary of State John Kerry to publicly raise concern over the Egyptian government’s ongoing human rights abuses during…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: September 29, 2014

September 29, 2014

Top News ISIS This week, the United States will continue its work to expand the coalition of nations joining in the effort to defeat the Islamic…

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Blog

President’s Strategy for Confronting Violent Extremism Is Unconvincing

September 25, 2014

This blog is cross posted from The Huffington Post: President Obama’s remarks to the United Nations General Assembly singled out “the cancer of violent extremism” in…

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Letter

Letter to President Obama from The Working Group on Egypt

September 24, 2014

Dear Mr. President: We are dismayed that during your brief stay in New York for the United Nations General Assembly you will include Egyptian President…

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Press

Human Rights First’s Tad Stahnke Testifies on Religious Freedom and National Security

September 18, 2014

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First’s Tad Stahnke will testify before Congress today and detail recommendations for the U.S. government to advance U.S. policy on international…

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Testimony

Testimony of Tad Stahnke on Meeting Current International Religious Freedom and National Security Challenges

September 18, 2014

Testimony of Tad Stahnke before the house committee on oversight and government reform subcommittee on national security: “Meeting Current International Religious Freedom and National Security…

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Press

Ryan Boyette to Receive Human Rights First Award

September 17, 2014

New York City – Human Rights First will honor Ryan Boyette, a human rights advocate based in Sudan, with its 2014 Human Rights First Award. Boyette will be…

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Press

Egyptian Human Rights Activists to Appear in Court Saturday

September 12, 2014

Washington, D.C.  – Human Rights First today said that the ongoing trial of 23 people who are being prosecuted for violating Egypt’s anti-protest law is evidence…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: September 8, 2014

September 8, 2014

Top News ISIS President Obama will deliver an address on Wednesday to detail the administration’s plan for responding to the violence committed by the Islamic State…

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Blog

Remembering Egyptian Human Rights Lawyer Ahmed Seif el-Islam

August 29, 2014

By Faria Rehman This week, the world lost one of the most influential pioneers of the Egyptian uprising of the 1980’s, human rights lawyer Ahmed…

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Press

Human Rights First Remembers Egyptian Human Rights Lawyer, Ahmed Seif el-Islam

August 27, 2014

New York City – Following the death of prominent Egyptian human rights lawyer Ahmed Seif el-Islam, Human Rights First’s Neil Hicks issued the following statement: “We are…

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Blog

Washington’s Wishful Thinking Policy on Egypt

August 21, 2014

Wishful thinking does not make for sound public policy. But the U.S. government so desperately wants to believe that new Egyptian President Sisi is on…

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Blog

Tear Gas: Illegal in Warfare, Legal in Ferguson

August 20, 2014

International law bans the use of tear gas in warfare, but it’s legal as a form of crowd control. Oppressive regimes use it to quell…

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Blog

The Exceptional Egyptian Human Rights Defender Yara Sallam

August 14, 2014

This is cross posted from The Huffington Post: Human rights defenders aren’t always easy company. It’s their job to be stubborn and sure of themselves, so…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: August 11, 2014

August 11, 2014

Top News Antisemitism in Europe European nations continue to struggle with the rise of antisemitic violence. In recent months, businesses and places of worship have been…

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Blog

The Beleaguered Tunisian Model

August 6, 2014

This is a cross post from The Huffington Post: If the United States really wants to see human rights and democracy take root and flourish in…

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Fact Sheet

FAQ: The Senate Report on CIA Torture

August 5, 2014

What is the report? The report was compiled by the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI), the Senate committee charged with conducting oversight of the…

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Press

Growing Restrictions on Egyptian Civil Society as Parliamentary Elections Loom Closer

July 30, 2014

By Jannat Majeed As the first parliamentary elections since Egyptian President Sisi was elected loom closer, the Egyptian government has put various restrictions on civil…

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Press

Human Rights First Urges the Obama Administration to Make International Religious Freedom a Policy Priority

July 30, 2014

Washington, D.C. –  Human Rights First today said that following the nomination of Rabbi David Saperstein for Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom, the Obama…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: July 21, 2014

July 21, 2014

Top News CHILDREN AT THE BORDER On Friday, President Obama will meet with the presidents of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras to discuss the surge…

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Blog

An Alarming Lack of Trust in Egypt

July 17, 2014

By Eric Eikenberry The polls are in (the most recent Pew Research Center poll, that is), and at 85% disapproval, Egyptians have a less favorable…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: July 14, 2014

July 14, 2014

Top News CHILDREN AT THE BORDER Just days after President Obama released the details of his $3.7 billion proposed supplemental funding request to address the…

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Testimony

Testimony of Elisa Massimino on “Human Rights Vetting: Nigeria and Beyond” Congressional Hearing

July 10, 2014

Testimony of Elisa Massimino for the hearing on “Human Rights Vetting: Nigeria and Beyond” before the the United States House of Representatives Subcommittee on Africa,…

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Blog

Egypt’s Incarceration Crisis

July 10, 2014

By Eric Eikenberry Acknowledging the damage that the sentencing of three Al Jazeera journalists has done to his regime’s already tarnished reputation, President Abdel Fattah…

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Blog

Washington’s Bahrain Problem Gets Worse

July 10, 2014

By Brian Dooley This week the Bahrain ruling family has revealed itself as an increasingly embarrassing, erratic ally for the United States. Monday’s decision to…

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Press

Dangerous Egyptian Law Would Limit Independent Civil Society

June 26, 2014

Washington, D.C.  – Human Rights First today expressed concern over reports that the Egyptian government is preparing to adopt a new, repressive law governing the functioning…

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Blog

Kerry’s Remarks in Cairo Further Downgrade Human Rights in U.S. Foreign Policy

June 24, 2014

On Sunday, Secretary of State John Kerry spoke in Cairo following his meetings with Egyptian Foreign Minister, Sameh Shoukry and Egyptian President, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: June 23, 2014

June 23, 2014

Top News CRISIS IN IRAQ Secretary of State… Read More

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Blog

Freedom of Expression Under Attack In Egypt

June 11, 2014

By Eric Eikenberry Bassem Youssef’s decision to end “El Bernameg”—his weekly satirical take on Egyptian politics and society widely watched in the Arab world—reflects the murky understanding…

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Press

Bilateral Relationship with New Egyptian Government Should Prioritize Human Rights

June 10, 2014

New York City  – Human Rights First today urged the U.S. government to link its support of the Egyptian government to progress on the protection of…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: June 9, 2014

June 9, 2014

Top News CHIDREN AT THE BORDER Over the… Read More

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Press

White House Statement Undermines U.S. Credibility in Egypt

June 4, 2014

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today described the White House’s response to the Egyptian presidential elections as misleading and damaging to U.S. credibility in the…

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Press

Senate Confirms Keith Harper as New U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Human Rights Council

June 3, 2014

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today welcomes the Senate’s confirmation of Keith Harper as U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Human Rights Council. The Senate’s vote…

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Press

Egyptian Election Demonstrates Need for Change in U.S. Policy

June 3, 2014

Washington, DC – Today, Human Rights First’s Neil Hicks and other members of the Working Group on Egypt urged President Obama to overhaul U.S. policy toward…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: June 2, 2014

June 2, 2014

Top News OBAMA TRAVELS TO EUROPE President Obama,… Read More

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: May 27, 2014

May 27, 2014

Top News PRESIDENT OBAMA TALKS FOREIGN POLICY President Obama will discuss the administration’s foreign policy and national security priorities during his West Point commencement address on…

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Report

Compendium of Blasphemy Laws

May 20, 2014

Legislation that seeks to criminalize those who insult or defame religions, or commit blasphemy often leads to human rights abuses. These laws prohibit injuring religious…

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Press

Greek Court Allows Neo-Nazi Party to Run for European Parliament

May 12, 2014

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First expressed deep concern today about the upcoming elections in Greece, in which the  neo-Nazi Golden Dawn Party will be running…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: May 12, 2014

May 12, 2014

Top News #BRINGBACKOURGIRLS The search for more than 200 missing girls taken from their school on April 14 continues today as their captors, members of terrorist…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: May 5, 2014

May 5, 2014

International Human Rights, Inside the Beltway Top News UKRAINE During a hearing on Thursday, the House Foreign Affairs Committee will examine Russia’s role in the destabilization…

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Blog

The State of Press Freedom Worldwide

May 2, 2014

By Molly Hofsommer Saturday May 3rd marks World Press Freedom Day, which celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom and highlights the state of press…

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Press

Senator Leahy Blocks U.S. Aid to Egypt Out of Concern for Human Rights

May 1, 2014

Washington D.C. – Human Rights First applauds Senator Patrick J. Leahy (D-VT) for his leadership in placing a hold on the resumption of military assistance to…

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Press

Egyptian Foreign Minister’s Visit is an Opportunity to Send a Clear Message on Human Rights

April 28, 2014

Washington D.C.  – Human Rights First today urged the Obama Administration to promote human rights during meetings this week with Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy. Fahmy’s…

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Blog

Satirist Bassem Youssef pulled from air until after Egyptian Elections

April 25, 2014

By Molly Hofsommer Just this week, Dubai-based and Saudi-owned MBC Broadcasting group announced that it would suspend Bassem Youssef’s popular satirical news program until after…

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Press

United States to Resume Some Military Aid to Egypt

April 23, 2014

Washington, D.C.  – Human Rights First today expressed serious concern over reports that the Obama Administration will resume some military aid to Egypt, including the…

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Blog

10 Questions Reporters Should Ask about U.S. Drones in Yemen

April 21, 2014

Several news outlets are reporting “massive” and ongoing joint U.S./Yemeni lethal operations against suspected Al Qaeda militants in Yemen. CNN is reporting that at least 65 suspected al Qaeda…

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Press

U.S. Policy Toward Egypt Should Advance Human Rights

April 10, 2014

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today urged the United States to condition its approval and support for the government in Cairo on clear progress towards…

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Press

Egypt Convicts Four Men of Debauchery for “Homosexual Acts”

April 7, 2014

Washington, D.C.  – Human Rights First today expressed serious concern over news reports that three Egyptian men have been sentenced to eight years in prison…

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Blog

Farmer to Serve Prison Time for Naming Donkey after Minister of Defense

April 3, 2014

By Mai El-Sadany When 31-year-old farmer Omar Abdul Maged rode his donkey through Ashraf Village in Egypt’s Qena province, put a military style cap over…

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Blog

UN Human Rights Council Adopts New Human Rights Defenders Resolution

March 28, 2014

By Mai El-Sadany This week, the UN Human Rights Council adopted a vital resolution furthering the protection of human rights defenders globally. The resolution, which was pushed…

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Blog

Twitter and Human Rights: A Complicated Story

March 26, 2014

By Emily Price Twitter and other social media outlets are a blessing and a curse for human rights defenders. On one hand, they are great…

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Letter

Coalition Letter Urging the Senate to Vote on the Confirmation of Malinowski

March 26, 2014

Human Rights First along with a broad based group of human rights organizations today urged the Senate to immediately confirm Tomasz Malinowski as Assistant Secretary…

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Fact Sheet

Supporters of Declassifying the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Report on the CIA Detention and Interrogation Program

March 25, 2014

Affiliations are for identification purposes only. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA): “We’re not going to stop. I intend to move to have the findings, conclusions and the…

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Press

Egyptian Court Sentences 529 Protesters to Death

March 24, 2014

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today expressed deep concern over reports that hundreds of Egyptians have been sentenced to death for the killing of a…

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Blog

Washington Post Editorial Highlights Lack of Reform in Egypt

March 20, 2014

By Dawes Cooke Yesterday’s editorial by the Washington Post is a sobering counterpoint to Secretary of State John Kerry’s optimism about Egypt and its path toward democracy. Human Rights…

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Letter

Letter to Obama about Saudi Influence on Regional Human Rights Conditions

March 11, 2014

An open letter from Human Rights First President and CEO Elisa Massimino calling upon President Barack Obama to urge the government of Saudi Arabia to cooperate…

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Press

Obama’s Visit to Saudi Arabia is an Opportunity to Demonstrate Leadership on Human Rights

March 11, 2014

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today called upon President Barack Obama to urge the government of Saudi Arabia to cooperate with the United States in…

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Blog

Egypt Rights Groups Call on Fact-Finding Commission to Implement Recommendations

February 21, 2014

Three years after the fall of President Hosni Mubarak, Egypt remains in turmoil. Since the new government took power when the elected civilian government of…

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Blog

Supporting Repressive Governments Does Not Enhance Security

February 18, 2014

This is a cross post from the Huffington Post: After watching authoritarian regimes in the Arab region crumble over the last few years, often leaving terrible…

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Blog

Egypt’s Bassem Youssef Returns to Television

February 7, 2014

By Molly Hofsommer and Mai El-Sadany After a three-month absence, Egyptian satirist and columnist Bassem Youssef returned to the air today, charming his audience with…

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Blog

Egypt’s Stability Delusion

February 7, 2014

Egypt’s Prime Minister Hazem Beblawi traveled to Saudi Arabia this week and on Wednesday assured the defense minister, Crown Prince Salman bin Abdel-Aziz, that Egypt…

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Blog

American Recounts Arrest in Egypt

February 4, 2014

By Brian Dooley This is a cross-post from The Huffington Post. Jeremy Hodge, a 25-year old-American from Los Angeles was, until a few weeks ago, working as…

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Press

Administration Acts to Prevent Some Syrian and Other Refugees from Being Denied Protection in United States

February 3, 2014

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First welcomes today’s announcement that the United States will take important steps to address impediments facing refugees waiting to be…

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Press

President Obama Urged to Suspend Aid to Egypt Until Human Rights are Restored

February 2, 2014

Washington, D.C. – The Working Group on Egypt today sent a letter to President Barack Obama urging him to suspend aid to Egypt until it makes strides in its transition…

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Press

Report Recommends Overhaul of U.S. Strategy in Egypt

January 23, 2014

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today released a report that describes how the Egyptian government is increasingly targeting non-violent dissenters through widespread repression in Egypt, stifling basic freedoms…

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Report

Back to Square One: The U.S. Government and Political Change in Egypt

January 22, 2014

Human Rights First’s report describes how the Egyptian government is increasingly targeting non-violent dissenters through widespread repression in Egypt, stifling basic freedoms and exacerbating the…

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Report

Back to Square One: The U.S. Government and Political Change in Egypt

January 22, 2014

Human Rights First’s report describes how the Egyptian government is increasingly targeting non-violent dissenters through widespread repression in Egypt, stifling basic freedoms and exacerbating the…

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Press

Omnibus Bill Fails to Put Human Rights at Center of U.S. Policy

January 14, 2014

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today said the congressional omnibus budget compromise reached in Congress does little to advance a robust vision of American leadership…

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Opinion

Violence against Egypt’s Christians endangers US foreign policy, Egypt

January 9, 2014

By Tad Stanke, Human Rights First Since the removal of President Morsi from office in July, Egypt’s vulnerable Christian minority has been caught in the…

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Press

Expected Verdict in Trial of 13 Prominent Activists is an Escalation in the Repression of Government Critics in Egypt

January 2, 2014

New York City – Human Rights First today warned that the anticipated January 5 verdict in the long-postponed trial of 13 Egyptian activists accused of…

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Blueprint

How to Turn Around Egypt’s Disastrous Post-Mubarak Transition

December 3, 2013

Blueprint for U.S. Government Policy Human Rights First issued a new blueprint for U.S. government policy in Egypt detailing steps the United States should take…

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Report

Refuge at Risk: The Syria Crisis and U.S. Leadership

November 21, 2013

The Syrian conflict has provided the context for some of the world’s most extreme human rights abuses this year. The U.S. threat of force against…

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Blog

Kenyan Civil Society Under Threat

November 15, 2013

By Sarah Bessell Human Rights Defenders Program Kenya looks set to become the latest country to pass damaging foreign funding laws targeting civil society. This…

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Blog

Lessons of the Debate Over Ireland’s Blasphemy Law

November 14, 2013

Recently, Ireland’s Convention on the Constitution discussed removing the offense of blasphemy from Irish law. Currently, a person found guilty of publishing or uttering “blasphemous…

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Press