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…
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…
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…
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…
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.”…
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…
Press
U.S. Must Push for End to Torture in Egyptian Prisons
August 2, 2022
WASHINGTON, DC — Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri was reportedly killed yesterday in a U.S. drone strike almost 21 years after the 9/11 attacks. Zawahiri is believed…
Blog
“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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Blog
Blinken’s Decision Imminent on Funding an Egyptian Government that Enables Terrorism
August 2, 2021
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…
Testimony
Creating Time Bombs: How Abuse in Egypt’s Prison System Fuels ISIS Recruitment
July 15, 2021
Early hopes that the Biden administration would break from a decades-long U.S. practice of enabling Egyptian dictatorships are fading, with potentially catastrophic consequences for human…
Press
Human Rights First 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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
Press
Human Rights First Honors Hong Kong Human Rights Defender Albert Ho with Baldwin Medal of Liberty Award
December 3, 2020
Hong Kong lawyer and advocate has been a leading figure in the pro-democracy movement Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First announced today that it will award…
Press
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…
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…
Press
Human Rights First Calls for Nominations for 29th Annual Roger N. Baldwin Medal of Liberty Award
May 18, 2020
WASHINGTON – Human Rights First today announced that nominations are now open for the 2020 Roger N. Baldwin Medal of Liberty Award. Nominations for the…
Press
Human 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…
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…
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…
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…
Letter
New Report Details Abuse and Radicalization of Children in Egyptian Jails
February 3, 2020
New Report Details Abuse and Radicalization of Children in Egyptian Jails Brian Dooley Senior Advisor A shocking new report on the radicalization of child…
Press
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…
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…
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.…
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…
Blog
Five Oversight Questions for Secretary Pompeo
March 27, 2019
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will testify twice today in the House of Representatives to justify President Trump’s fiscal year 2020 budget plan and answer…
Blog
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
Press
Human Rights First Celebrates Awarding of Nobel Peace Prize to Dr. Denis Mukwege and Nadia Murad
October 5, 2018
New York City – Human Rights First hailed today’s announcement by the Norwegian Nobel Committee that it had awarded the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize to…
Press
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…
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…
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…
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…
Press
Human Rights First Meets with State and Treasury Departments on Human Rights and Corruption Sanctions
August 1, 2018
Washington, D.C.—Today, Human Rights First and ten other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) met with representatives from the Departments of State and Treasury to discuss sanctions recommendations…
Press
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Blog
Human Rights in Egypt: One Prisoner’s Release is Not Enough
May 2, 2017
During his recent visit to Egypt, Pope Francis met with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and pointedly reminded him: “History does not forgive those who preach justice, but…
Press
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,…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: May 1, 2017
May 1, 2017
By Mary Elizabeth Margolis Top Items Sebastian Gorka Ousted from White House New reports indicate that Sebastian Gorka is likely to be removed from his current position…
Press
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: October 11, 2016
October 11, 2016
Top Items United Nations Last week the U.N. Security Council voted to elect former prime minister of Portugal António Guterres as the next Secretary-General of the United…
Press
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Blog
Human Rights Not a “Tertiary” Interest in U.S. Middle East Policy
July 26, 2016
This blog is cross posted from the Huffington Post. Steven Simon and Jonathan Stevenson’s op-ed in The New York Times, “Why the U.S. Military Can’t…
Blog
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…
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…
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…
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…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: June 6, 2016
June 6, 2016
Top Items Human Trafficking This week Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the United States. In advance of the visit, Human Rights First is urging the State Department to press…
Blog
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…
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…
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…
Blog
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…
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…
Blog
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…
Blog
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…
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…
Blog
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…
Blog
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…
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…
Blog
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…
Blog
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…
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…
Blog
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: February 8, 2016
February 8, 2016
Top News President Obama’s Budget Tomorrow President Obama will release his final budget request, which is expected to contain increased funding to address immigration court case backlogs. Human…
Press
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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,…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
Blog
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…
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…
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…
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…
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)…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: February 17, 2015
February 18, 2015
Top News White House Summit on Countering Violent Extremism… Read More
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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. …
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: June 23, 2014
June 23, 2014
Top News CRISIS IN IRAQ Secretary of State… Read More
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…
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…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: June 9, 2014
June 9, 2014
Top News CHIDREN AT THE BORDER Over the… Read More
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…
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…
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…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: June 2, 2014
June 2, 2014
Top News OBAMA TRAVELS TO EUROPE President Obama,… Read More
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Press