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We found 1475 results for "Human Rights Defenders"

Blog

As Human Rights Researchers Denied Entry to Bahrain, U.S. Embassy Stays Silent

March 10, 2023

By Brian Dooley  It’s fair to say that Bahrain’s ruling family doesn’t do well with negative feedback. Its peaceful critics are in jail, framed for being…

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Report

Ten things the U.S. should do to help Ukraine’s civil society

February 16, 2023

Within hours of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, many local human rights defenders responded to the crisis, adjusting their work methods and…

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Blog

No Room For Silence in Hong Kong’s Mass Trial

February 6, 2023

By Brian Dooley Hundreds of people queued up this morning for 39 public seats available at the opening day of Hong Kong’s mass trial of…

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Blog

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

January 24, 2023

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

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Blog

Ukrainian Activists Urge Reform on Prisoner Swaps and Military Ombudsman

January 12, 2023

By Brian Dooley No one knows exactly how many Ukrainian civilians are detained by Russian forces, either in occupied zones in Ukraine or in Russia…

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Press

Human Rights First Lauds Bill to Modernize American Refugee Protection Systems

December 22, 2022

WASHINGTON D.C. – Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) introduced the Refugee Protection Act of 2022, which would modernize and strengthen U.S.…

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Topics

HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS

December 20, 2022

The U.S. government should support those fighting for freedom, not their oppressors. As defenders fight for their rights in the face of often brutal persecution,…

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Press

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

December 14, 2022

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

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Letter

Joint Letter to Biden administration to End Title 42

November 22, 2022

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

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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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Letter

NDAA should address extremism and antisemitism

November 21, 2022

Dear Majority Leader Schumer, Minority Leader McConnell, Speaker Pelosi, Minority Leader McCarthy, Chairman Reed, Ranking Member Inhofe, Chairman Smith, Ranking Member Rogers: We at Human…

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Letter

FY 2023 National Defense Authorization Act should include resources and policies to address extremism and antisemitism

November 21, 2022

Dear Majority Leader Schumer, Minority Leader McConnell, Speaker Pelosi, Minority Leader McCarthy, Chairman Reed, Ranking Member Inhofe, Chairman Smith, Ranking Member Rogers: We at Human…

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Press

Shora Speaks at DHS Conference on Extremist Violence

November 4, 2022

WASHINGTON – Human Rights First’s Executive Vice President for Programs and Policy Kareem Shora spoke today at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Center…

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Blog

Calls for Solidarity as Attacks on Colin Harvey Intensify

November 4, 2022

By Brian Dooley I warned back in January that social media attacks against prominent Northern Ireland human rights academic Professor Colin Harvey could escalate, and…

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Statement

“Say Their Names”

November 1, 2022

On November 1, 2022, Human Rights First Senior Advisor Brian Dooley addressed the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission on the issue of Bahrain's 2022 elections.…

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Blog

From Magnitsky to the Mothers of Mariupol

October 12, 2022

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

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Blog

November Offers Ideal Time for Bahrain to Release Jailed Activists

October 6, 2022

By Brian Dooley Big month ahead for Bahrain: November will see elections, scrutiny of the country’s human rights record under the United Nations Universal Periodic…

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Letter

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

September 22, 2022

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

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Press

Human Rights First Honors World Refugee Day

September 19, 2022

WASHINGTON - On World Refugee Day, Human Rights First recognizes both the enormous hardships that displaced people around the world continue to face and their…

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Press

Human Rights First to present Poland’s Grupa Granica with 2022 William D. Zabel Human Rights Award

September 19, 2022

NEW YORK — Human Rights First today announced that it will present Grupa Granica with the William D. Zabel Human Rights Award in recognition of…

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Fact Sheet

Commission on Unalienable Rights: Resources

September 19, 2022

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

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Blog

A Taste of Normal Life in a Ukrainian City at War

August 11, 2022

KHARKIV — Finding a slice of normalcy during war is a strong instinct for many people. Activists all over the world stress the importance of clinging…

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Press

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

August 8, 2022

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

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Blog

Taking on Policies that Harm Human Rights Defenders at the Border

August 2, 2022

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

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Blog

Leading Rights Activist Joins Ukraine’s Army and is Taken Prisoner

July 25, 2022

By Brian Dooley It’s an agonizing decision for human rights defenders: is there a point where they switch from peaceful resistance to take up arms?…

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Blog

Ten Years But Still Counting – UAE Fails To Release Jailed Activist Al-Roken

July 22, 2022

You’d think if you got a ten-year jail sentence you’d be released after ten years. Not in the bizarro world of the repressive United Arab…

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Story

Refugee Voices – Patti From Honduras

July 19, 2022

Protecting the persecuted is a core American ideal. At Human Rights First, we help asylum seekers who fled persecution and violence navigate the complex U.S.…

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Letter

Letter on Amendments that Would Codify Title 42

July 15, 2022

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

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Testimony

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

June 27, 2022

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

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Testimony

Meeting International Obligations to Welcome and Protect Refugees

June 24, 2022

Testimony of Kennji Kizuka Associate Director of Research and Analysis for Refugee Protection, Human Rights First Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, U.S. Congress “South Korea’s…

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Press

Deadly Racist Extremism is Fostered Online, Buffalo Shooting Makes Clear

May 15, 2022

WASHINGTON D.C. -- Another act of domestic terrorism was perpetrated yesterday at a Buffalo market by a mass shooter who had been radicalized into racism…

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Blog

Air Raid App Offers Reassurance in Ukraine

May 11, 2022

By Brian Dooley Using new technology to defend human rights is all the rage. The leading international human rights organizations are dedicating significant resources to…

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Report

Extending Title 42 Would Escalate Dangers, Exacerbate Disorder, and Magnify Discrimination

April 27, 2022

In April 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) determined that as of May 23, 2022, it would terminate the Title 42 order,…

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Blog

The Polish Catholic Group Taking Risks to Help Refugees

April 15, 2022

By Brian Dooley Tucked away on the edge of a forest on the Polish side of the Poland-Belarus border is a cottage with a green…

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Press

Human Rights First Welcomes Steps to Protect Ukrainians and Urges the Biden Administration to Honor its Promise to At-Risk Afghans

April 12, 2022

WASHINGTON, D.C. – While Human Rights First welcomes reports of the establishment of a special parole program for Ukrainians fleeing Russian aggression, the organization calls on the Biden…

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Letter

Joint NGO Letter to Formula 1

March 26, 2022

24 March 2021 Dear Stefano Domenicali, We, the undersigned organisations, are writing to you in your capacity as the new CEO of Formula 1 to…

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Blog

From Magnitsky to the Mothers of Mariupol

March 24, 2022

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

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Press

Atrocities in Ukraine Underscore Need To Reauthorize Strengthened Global Magnitsky Act

March 23, 2022

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

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Press

In Poland, Biden Must Meet NGOs and Refugees

March 23, 2022

WASHINGTON D.C.  – President Biden, scheduled to hold talks Friday with Polish government representatives in Warsaw, should meet with refugees and leaders of non-governmental organizations working…

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Blog

Mila Yankina’s Medical Work in the Violence of Kyiv

March 23, 2022

The day after the Russian invasion of Ukraine I spoke to my friend Mila Yankina in Kyiv. She’s a human rights defender at the organization ZMINA and…

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Blog

Driven by Humanity: One Polish Volunteer’s Efforts in Ukraine

March 22, 2022

When Russian troops invaded Ukraine, 38-year old Marek had just passed his driving test. He is from eastern Poland, and wanted to help with the…

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Blog

Ukraine Medics Face Rocket Attacks with Defiance

March 20, 2022

Ksenja is a 24 year-old pediatric doctor in Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv. She told Human Rights First that after a brief respite in the west of…

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Fact Sheet

Q & A on Sanctions and the Russian Invasion of Ukraine

March 1, 2022

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

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Letter

Joint NGO Letter re: Further Delay in Rescinding Public Health Asylum Ban Rule

February 28, 2022

RE: Security Bars and Processing, DHS Docket No. USCIS 2020-0013 The 135 undersigned faith-based groups, national and local legal services providers, medical and public health…

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Blog

U.S. Should Spell Out How It Will Help Activists Needing to Flee Ukraine

February 27, 2022

By Brian Dooley The U.S. State Department assures us that “The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to putting human rights and democratic principles at the center…

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Blog

Human Rights Activists in Ukraine Call for Swift Response

February 25, 2022

By Brian Dooley Human rights activists in Ukraine are telling Human Rights First about the immediate impact on them of the Russian invasion, and what…

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Press

Human Rights First Calls for Immediate Release of Philippines Activist Maria Castro

February 24, 2022

WASHINGTON D.C. – Human Rights First, today condemned this week’s arrest of human rights defender Natividad Maria Castro in the Philippines and called on the…

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Press

Human Rights First Condemns Renewed Russian Invasion of Ukraine, Calls for Targeted Sanctions on Corrupt and Abusive Officials

February 22, 2022

WASHINGTON D.C. – In response to the Russian government’s decision to recognize two regions of Ukraine as independent states, Human Rights First condemned Russia’s dangerous…

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Press

Massimino Statement Following Secretary Clinton’s Speech on U.S.-China Relations

January 14, 2022

Washington, DC – Following today’s inaugural Richard C. Holbrooke Annual Lecture delivered by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on the future of U.S.-China relations, Human Rights…

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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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Blog

Supporting Afghans even as they fade from the news

January 3, 2022

By Sophie Salmore Out of a combined 14,000-plus minutes of the national evening news broadcast on CBS, ABC, and NBC in 2020, just five minutes…

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Press

To Counter Domestic Extremism, Human Rights First Launches Pyrra

December 7, 2021

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Blog

Biden Administration Should Move to End a Decade of Pain in Bahrain

November 22, 2021

Exactly ten years ago today I was sitting in a Bahraini royal palace witnessing an extraordinary event. An international lawyer, who had been appointed by…

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Fact Sheet

Belarus-Poland Border: U.S. Should Stand for Human Rights and Human Lives

November 10, 2021

Over the last week, human rights challenges at the Belarus-Poland border have escalated, as Belarus pushes migrants and refugees toward the border and Poland sends…

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Letter

What’s Happening Behind the UAE’s PR Mask

October 29, 2021

For many years, the United Arab Emirates has been one of Washington’s most repressive military allies. Its brutal targeting of human rights defenders, its leadership…

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Press

Next Steps After Evacuation of 70,000 Afghans Must Include Access to Counsel, Pathway to Legal Permanent Residency

October 22, 2021

WASHINGTON — Since the fall of Kabul in mid-August, more than 70,000 Afghans have been evacuated to the United States, with thousands more expected to arrive…

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Press

Human Rights First Disappointed with Egypt Aid Decision

September 24, 2021

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

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Press

Human Rights First on the Murder of Americans and Afghans at Kabul Airport

August 26, 2021

WASHINGTON — With at least 12 Americans and many more innocent Afghans killed today in two suicide bombings outside the main entrance to Kabul’s international airport, Michael…

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Press

Human Rights First Calls For Full Evacuation of All Afghan Allies, Green Card Holders, & Americans Before the US Ends Mission

August 24, 2021

The President’s arbitrary timetable harms allies, veterans, and human rights WASHINGTON — In response to President Biden’s announcement today that the United States will withdraw…

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Fact Sheet

Resources on the Afghan Evacuation

August 20, 2021

Resources for Afghans Human Rights First’s Project: Afghan Legal Assistance (PALA) is halting requests for legal assistance until we catch up on the more than…

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Press

Human Rights First Urges U.S. Government to Prioritize Safety at and In Transit to Kabul Airport

August 19, 2021

WASHINGTON — Today, Human Rights First urged the Biden administration to take urgent action to protect allies, human rights defenders, women, and other at-risk evacuees…

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Press

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

August 16, 2021

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

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Press

As Taliban Takes Control of All of Afghanistan Thousands of U.S. Allies, Remain to Be Evacuated

August 15, 2021

WASHINGTON – As the Taliban seizes control of the Afghan capital of Kabul, it is clear that immediate action is needed to evacuate Afghan allies…

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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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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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Press

Human Rights First Decries Jail Sentence for Baldwin Winner Albert Ho

May 28, 2021

NEW YORK — In Hong Kong today, human rights lawyer Albert Ho, recipient of Human Rights First’s 2020 Roger Baldwin Medal of Liberty, received two concurrent jail…

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Blog

Lessons for the Next US Ambassador to Bahrain

May 7, 2021

By Brian Dooley It looks like Steven Bondy is to be the next U.S. Ambassador to Bahrain. President Joe Biden has nominated him for the…

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Press

Human Rights First to Present Philippines Organization Karapatan with William D. Zabel Human Rights Award

May 5, 2021

NEW YORK — Human Rights First today announced that it will present Karapatan Alliance for the Advancement of People’s Rights with its annual William D. Zabel…

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Press

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

April 30, 2021

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

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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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Press

Human Rights First Condemns Sentencing of Albert Ho, Hong Kong Human Rights Defender

April 16, 2021

NEW YORK — Today, recipient of Human Rights First’s 2020 Roger Baldwin Medal of Liberty and Hong Kong pro-democracy advocate Albert Ho was given a suspended sentence…

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Blog

Do Not Split: An Illuminating Look at Hong Kong’s Pro-Democracy Uprising

April 14, 2021

When asked to describe the Hong Kong protests, I always mention the tear gas, which, along with thousands of other people, I had the misfortune…

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Blog

COVID Outbreak in Prison Sparks New Protests in Bahrain

April 6, 2021

After years of relative quiet, something new is stirring in Bahrain. The kingdom’s security forces seem unsure how to react. Conditions in the country’s main…

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Press

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

April 2, 2021

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

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Press

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

March 24, 2021

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

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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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Testimony

Defend Human Rights and Defenders

March 9, 2021

Asylum Case Analyzer Working with the Lambda School, Human Rights First is building a data science tool that will assist our refugee representation team by…

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Testimony

Human Rights Defenders’ Technology Needs

March 8, 2021

Are you a human rights defender with a problem that might demand a high-technology solution? Send us a note and let’s start a discussion about…

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Press

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

February 26, 2021

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

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Blog

Celebrating 2021 Martin Ennals Award Winner Yu Wensheng

February 11, 2021

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Press

Martin Ennals Award Finalists 2021 Shine a Light on Abuses in Authoritarian States

January 18, 2021

GENEVA – Human Rights First and the other members of the jury for the 2021 Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders today announced the nomination of three…

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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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Blog

A College Student’s Guide to Giving Season

December 18, 2020

By Mary Gasparian, Intern As the new year approaches, it is the perfect time to show gratitude and support meaningful causes, both local and global.…

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Press

Humanitarian Disgrace: Human Rights First Blasts Ongoing Human Rights Abuses in U.S. Policies Targeting Asylum Seekers

December 16, 2020

WASHINGTON – In a new report, Human Rights First details the disgraceful abuse of the human rights of refugees at the U.S. southern border. The Trump…

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Blog

Hong Kong Human Rights Icon Albert Ho Battles On

December 15, 2020

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Blog

How AI Could Help the Fight for Accountability and Justice

December 11, 2020

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Press

Human Rights 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

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

October 19, 2020

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

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Press

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

October 6, 2020

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

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Press

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

Human Rights First Calls For Protection Of Dr. Denis Mukwege

August 18, 2020

WASHINGTON – Threats and intimidation aimed at prominent human rights defender and Nobel laureate Dr. Denis Mukwege in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)…

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Letter

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

August 18, 2020

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

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Press

Human Rights First Welcomes Release of Nabeel Rajab From Prison

June 9, 2020

WASHINGTON – Today’s release from prison of Bahrain human rights defender Nabeel Rajab is a major, welcome move by the government there. “This is a…

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Press

Human Rights Groups Urge Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Protect Human Rights During Pandemic

June 8, 2020

WASHINGTON –  In the wake of many government leaders around the world using the coronavirus pandemic as a pretext to enact emergency laws and policies aimed…

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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

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

April 21, 2020

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

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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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Letter

Asylum Seekers in Remain in Mexico / “Migrant Protection Protocols” Policy

March 6, 2020

Dear Acting Secretary Wolf: Our 153 legal representation, refugee assistance, faith-based, human rights, and community groups write to urge your agency to end the “Migrant Protection Protocols” (“MPP”),…

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Press

Ninth Circuit Court Issues Ruling Against “Remain in Mexico” Policy; Recorded Abuses of Asylum-Seekers in Mexico Top 1,000 Cases

February 28, 2020

A year after “remain in Mexico” policy began, HRF finds more than 1,000 reports of kidnappings, assaults and rape of asylum-seekers Washington, D.C. – Today,…

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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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Blog

France Votes Yet Again to Extend the State of Emergency

December 16, 2019

By Erika Asgeirsson France voted for the fifth time to extend the state of emergency in place since just after the November 2015 Paris attacks. The measure, passed in…

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Press

HRF CEO Michael Breen Statement on Human Rights Day

December 10, 2019

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

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Press

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

November 26, 2019

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

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Press

Human Rights First Statement on New Trial Against Arizona Human Rights Defender

November 15, 2019

WASHINGTON – The continuing prosecution of Scott Warren in Arizona in a new trial is a classic case of judicial harassment against a human rights defender,…

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Letter

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

September 17, 2019

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

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Press

UN Khashoggi Report a Call for Action

June 19, 2019

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

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Press

Hung Jury in Trial of Human Rights Defender Scott Warren

June 11, 2019

New York City—In in response to the hung jury in the case of human rights defender Scott Warren in Arizona, Human Rights First’s Senior Advisor…

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Press

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

March 14, 2019

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

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Press

Abdul Aziz Muhamat Selected as 2019 Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders Laureate

February 13, 2019

Geneva—The Martin Ennals Award Jury today gave its 2019 Award for Human Rights Defenders to Abdul Aziz Muhamat, the Sudanese refugee advocate being held in detention on Manus…

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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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Press

Human Rights First Marks Human Rights Day, 70th Anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights

December 10, 2018

Washington, D.C.—Today, as the world recognizes Human Rights Day and marks the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Human Rights First…

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Letter

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

December 5, 2018

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

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Letter

Coalition Letter on the Nomination of Marshall Billingslea

November 30, 2018

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

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Blog

Bahrain Stages Fake Elections For Poodle Parliament

November 23, 2018

By Brian Dooley We know from Roman historian Suetonius that Julius Caesar’s reforms included a political system where half the magistrates were popularly elected and half…

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Letter

Bahrain Stages Fake Elections For Poodle Parliament

November 23, 2018

We know from Roman historian Suetonius that Julius Caesar’s reforms included a political system where half the magistrates were popularly elected and half were appointed.…

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Press

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

November 5, 2018

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

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Press

Three Nominees Announced for 2019 Martin Ennals Award

October 24, 2018

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First, along with other members of the Martin Ennals Award jury, today announced Eren Kskin, Marino Cordoba Berrio, and Abdul Aziz Muhamat…

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Press

U.S. Government Should Take Action on Jamal Khashoggi

October 9, 2018

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

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Press

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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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

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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Press

New Report Documents Mental, Physical, Legal Impact of Increased Detention in Texas

June 14, 2018

Houston, Texas—As the Trump Administration ramps up detention of refugees and migrants as part of its zero-tolerance policy, Human Rights First today released a new report analyzing…

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Report

Hungary’s False Sense of Security

June 9, 2018

Introduction Leaders of Hungarian civil society are appealing to the U.S. government to counter Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s accelerated assault on peaceful dissent, anti-corruption activism,…

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Anti-Orban Protestors Rally in Budapest

May 9, 2018

Thousands of protestors gathered outside parliament buildings in Budapest, Hungary yesterday to denounce the government of Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Orban won a third-term last…

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Report

Punishing Refugees and Migrants: The Trump Administration’s Misuse of Criminal Prosecutions

January 18, 2018

As the world continues to face the largest displacement crisis since World War II, President Trump’s first year in office has been marked by xenophobic,…

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Magnitsky Sanctions Hold Chechen Human Rights Abusers Accountable

December 20, 2017

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

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Testimony

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

December 13, 2017

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

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Issue Brief

Preventing Security Measures from Eclipsing Human Rights

December 6, 2017

Human Rights Are the Core of the Answer rather than an Obstacle to Addressing Terrorism Adopted by the participants of the OSCE Parallel Civil Society…

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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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Blog

France Should Not Turn Emergency Measures into Ordinary Law

September 29, 2017

By Erika Asgeirsson This week, the French National Assembly debated a controversial anti-terror bill that would enshrine into ordinary law several restrictions on civil liberties that were originally introduced…

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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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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

New Report Reveals Escalating Assault on Activists, NGOs in Poland

August 3, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today released a new report documenting the Polish government’s escalating assault on NGOs, activists, and civil society as part of its highly concerning backsliding on democratic values. “Poland’s New…

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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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Press

Issue Brief Documents Hungary’s Actions to Stifle Civil Society, Deepen Russian Ties

July 13, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today released a new issue brief documenting the Hungarian government’s ongoing actions to stifle civil society and deepen ties to Russia. “How the…

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Press

State Department Should Call for Release of Bahraini Human Rights Defender Rajab

July 7, 2017

Washington, D.C.—In advance of July 10th’s expected verdict against leading Bahraini human rights defender Nabeel Rajab, Human Rights First today called on the U.S. Department of…

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Press

Hungarian NGO Law Cracks Down on Civil Society and Inches Closer to Authoritarianism

June 13, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today condemned the Hungarian parliament’s passage of a law that will stigmatize and severely restrict the ability of nongovernmental organizations to operate. Passed under the pretense of…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: June 5, 2017

June 5, 2017

By Mary Elizabeth Margolis Top Items Trump Administration Asks the Supreme Court to Reinstate Refugee Ban On Thursday the Department of Justice asked the Supreme Court…

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Press

Administration Urged to Condemn Attacks on Protesters in Bahrain

May 23, 2017

Washington, D.C. — Human Rights First today called on the Trump Administration to condemn the actions of Bahraini security forces who reportedly attacked peaceful protesters…

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Press

Administration Urged to Condemn Attacks on Protesters in Bahrain

May 23, 2017

Washington, D.C. — Human Rights First today called on the Trump Administration to condemn the actions of Bahraini security forces who reportedly attacked peaceful protesters in…

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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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Press

Erdogan Visit Continues Disturbing Trend of Engaging with Authoritarians

May 15, 2017

New York City-–Human Rights First today urged President Trump to raise Turkey’s abysmal human rights record and erosion of democratic institutions when he meets with Turkish…

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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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Press

Congress Urged to Check Administration’s Actions, Block Sale of F-16s to Bahrain

March 30, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today condemned the Trump Administration’s decision to move forward with the sale of 19 F-16 fighter jets to Bahrain, despite the…

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Press

New Report Examines Crackdown on Hungarian NGOs, Ties to Russia

March 30, 2017

Washington, D.C.— Human Rights First today released a new report analyzing Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orban’s close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin and his…

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Issue Brief

No Society Without Civil Society: Orban, Putin, and Why the United States Should Resist Hungary’s Attack on NGOs

March 30, 2017

  In 2014 Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orban famously declared that liberal democratic states— including his fellow European Union and NATO members—constituted an historical anachronism,…

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Blog

President Trump’s Claim that His Ban Will Keep America Safe from Terrorism is False

March 17, 2017

This blog is cross posted from The Huffington Post President Trump used a rally for his supporters in Nashville, Tennessee on March 15 to rail…

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Blog

Hungarian Government Targets Dissent as NGO Endures Repeated Audits

March 15, 2017

By Brian Dooley This is a cross-post from The Huffington Post. Being audited is never fun, but when it’s part of a government witch-hunt against…

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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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Press

Secretary Tillerson Fails to Launch Annual Human Rights Report

March 3, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today expressed concern over reports that no senior State Department official, including Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, will participate in a…

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Blog

Trump Prepares Dangerous Sale of F-16s to Bahrain

February 24, 2017

By Brian Dooley This is cross-posted from The Huffington Post. News that the White House will approve the sale of military jets to Bahrain without any human…

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Letter

Trump Prepares Dangerous Sale of F-16s to Bahrain

February 24, 2017

News that the White House will approve the sale of military jets to Bahrain without any human rights restrictions is as depressing as it is…

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Blog

On Maidan Anniversary, United States Must Offer Clarity

February 23, 2017

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

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Blog

Fears for Sudan Human Rights Defender Mudawi

February 17, 2017

Dr Mudawi Ibrahim is one of the best known human rights defenders in the world, recognized for his long career in defending rights in Sudan…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: February 13, 2017

February 13, 2017

By Mary Elizabeth Margolis Top Items Ruling Upholds Stay on Muslim Ban On Thursday the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a ruling that upheld the…

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Blog

Under Trump’s “Extreme Vetting,” Should Dictators Vet the Refugees they Create?

February 10, 2017

This blog is cross posted with The Huffington Post Sorry Omran Daqneesh, that photo of you bloodied in the back of an ambulance was unfortunate, but reliable…

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Video

Voices for Equality: Ayaz Shalal, Iraq

February 9, 2017

Each month, we highlight the crucial contributions of human rights defenders to the global human rights movement by profiling an activist working on behalf of…

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Press

Congress Should Support Legislation to Maintain Sanctions against Russia

February 8, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today urged members of Congress to support legislation that would make it more difficult for President Trump to unilaterally lift certain Ukraine-related sanctions on Russia.…

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Press

Trump Urged to Maintain Sanctions Against Russia

January 27, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today urged the Trump Administration to maintain stringent sanctions against the Russian Federation until it has fully complied with the requirements…

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Issue Brief

Bias-Motivated Violence Against LGBT People in El Salvador

January 18, 2017

In May 2016 a trans woman in Colón, El Salvador was beaten and strangled to death. Unknown assailants skinned her face and threw her body in…

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Blog

France Votes Yet Again to Extend the State of Emergency

December 16, 2016

France voted for the fifth time to extend the state of emergency in place since just after the November 2015 Paris attacks. The measure, passed in the National Assembly…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: November 14, 2016

November 14, 2016

Top Items 2016 Election This year’s divisive campaign season was filled with troubling rhetoric and policy proposals that are out of step with the United States’…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: November 7, 2016

November 7, 2016

Top Items Election Day Tomorrow, Tuesday, November 8 is election day! In coming weeks, Human Rights First will offer analysis and recommendations for how the next…

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Press

United Nations Urged to Uphold Position on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

November 7, 2016

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today urged the United Nations to uphold the mandate of the newly created position of Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI).…

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Blog

Voices for Equality: Ambassador Susan Rice

November 1, 2016

By Shawn Gaylord Last week Human Rights First, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, and American University hosted Ambassador Susan Rice, President Obama’s National Security…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: October 31, 2016

October 31, 2016

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

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: October 31, 2016

October 31, 2016

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

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Blog

October 31 to Test Bahrain’s Reforms

October 24, 2016

This blog is cross posted from The Huffington Post: Monday October 31 will be a vital test for Bahrain. Two scheduled court verdicts will give a…

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Press

Ilham Tohti Selected as the 2016 Laureate Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders

October 11, 2016

Geneva –– The Martin Ennals Jury today announced the selection of Ilham Tohti of China for the 2016 Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders. The award…

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Blog

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

October 5, 2016

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

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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

Bahrain’s Truth Will Out

August 26, 2016

By Brian Dooley This blog is a cross post from the Huffington Post. Here we go again—there’s a U.N. Human Rights Council meeting in Geneva in…

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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

Bahrain Targets Clerics in New Wave of Attacks

August 12, 2016

This is a cross-post from The Huffington Post. Bahrain’s Sunni-led government continues to attack the country’s leading Shia clerics. In a new development yesterday, Sheikh Maytham Al Salman…

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Blog

Four Things President Obama Should Do Immediately About Bahrain

July 11, 2016

By Brian Dooley This blog is cross-posted from Huffington Post. Six weeks ago the Bahrain launched a new, surprising, wave of repression, and the kingdom’s…

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Press

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

July 1, 2016

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

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Blog

Bahrain Should Release Dissidents Jailed for Free Expression Immediately

June 30, 2016

By Leah Schulz Last week the State Department released its long overdue assessment of Bahrain’s implementation of the recommendations laid out in the 2011 Bahrain Independent Commission…

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Blog

U.S. Government Should Respond Strongly, Immediately to Al Wefaq Suspension

June 15, 2016

Bahrain’s government suspended the main opposition group, Al Wefaq, on Tuesday. Its headquarters are shuttered, its assets are frozen, all activities are halted, and its website is…

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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

Time for Washington to Act as U.S. Ally Bahrain Targets Human Rights Defenders

June 13, 2016

This blog is cross posted from The Huffington Post: Over the last few days the Bahraini government eliminated any remaining doubt about the direction it is…

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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

State Department Counterterrorism Priorities for Bahrain Miss the Mark

June 3, 2016

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

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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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Blog

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

May 24, 2016

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

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Blog

Consolidating U.S. Advances on Human Rights

May 23, 2016

Amid all the sobering news making headlines, it’s important to recognize that the U.S. government has been taking steps to consolidate advances made on human…

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Blog

Bahrain’s False Claims On BICI

May 10, 2016

By Brian Dooley This blog is cross-posted from The Huffington Post: Even by Bahrain’s ruling family’s standards, yesterday’s event was bizarre—a ceremony to somehow mark the full…

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Press

Bahraini Government Falsely Claims Full Implementation of Human Rights Reforms

May 9, 2016

Washington, D.C.—In response to reports that the Bahraini government publicly announced that is has fully implemented the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) recommendations, Human…

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Press

Three Nominees Announced for 2016 Martin Ennals Award

April 27, 2016

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First, along with other members of the Martin Ennals Award jury, today announced Ilham Totti, Razan Zaitouneh, and the group Zone 9 Bloggers as the three…

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Blog

The Right to Run

April 20, 2016

Last week one of Human Rights First’s senior researchers was in Turkey, meeting with human rights defenders in Gaziantep, near the Syria border. Again and…

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Blog

U.S. Allies’ Behavior Undermines the Goals of GCC Summit

April 20, 2016

By Leah Schulz Today President Obama arrives in Riyadh where he will meet with King Salman before participating in a summit with leaders of the Gulf…

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Blog

5 Things Obama Should do in Saudi Arabia

April 18, 2016

This blog is cross posted from The Huffington Post: President Obama arrives in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday this week and attends a summit of Gulf Co-operation…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: April 18, 2016

April 18, 2016

TOP NEWS Obama in Saudi Arabia This week President Obama travels to Saudi Arabia to meet with leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), including…

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Press

Nine Guantanamo Detainees Transferred to Saudi Arabia

April 16, 2016

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today praised the transfer of 9 Guantanamo Bay detainees to Saudi Arabia, but notes that the pace of the transfers must increase…

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Fact Sheet

Human Rights Defenders and Political Prisoners in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain

April 14, 2016

Saudi Arabia Waleed Abu al-Khair: Imprisoned in Saudi Arabia on Politicized Charges Waleed Abu al-Khair is a Saudi attorney and human rights defender and the…

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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…

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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…

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Blog

Calvin Klein Just Ran Afoul of the Russian Government

April 5, 2016

One thousand kilometers north of Moscow, the anti-LGBT propaganda law strikes again. Investigators in Arkhangelsk, Russia are inquiring into a complaint by local residents that Calvin Klein violated…

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Blog

Voices for Equality: Kyrgyzstan

March 31, 2016

By Shawn M. Gaylord For three years the world has watched as Russia’s infamous law banning propaganda of “nontraditional” relations among minors has drastically impacted the country’s LGBT…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: March 28, 2016

March 28, 2016

Top News Global Refugee Crisis In a move that would severely hinder the ability of the United States to provide protection for those fleeing violence in…

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Press

Human Rights First Welcomes U.S. Support for Human Rights Defenders Resolution

March 25, 2016

Washington, D.C.—Today Human Rights First welcomed the support of the U.S. government for a resolution adopted by the U.N. Human Rights Council on the protection…

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Blog

Russia’s Bad Example

March 21, 2016

This month Russia’s legislative body, the Duma, introduced a draft law that would further strangle the work of Russian NGOs. The Duma wants to broaden the…

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Blog

Bahrain’s Window Dressing Reforms Can’t Hide Botch Job

March 14, 2016

By Brian Dooley This blog is cross-posted from the Huffington Post: Geneva: I learned the hard way about painting ceilings. If you don’t do the hard prep…

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Press

Obama Administration Should Intensify Efforts to Support Human Rights Defenders

March 8, 2016

Washington, D.C. – To mark the seventeenth anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on human rights defenders and the third anniversary of the U.S. guidelines on support for human…

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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

UN Expert Calls for Strengthening Good Practices in Protecting Human Rights Defenders

March 4, 2016

On Thursday, U.N. Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders, Michel Forst, presented a new report to the Human Rights Council on good practices in…

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Topics

HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS

March 3, 2016

The U.S. government should support those fighting for freedom, not their oppressors. As defenders fight for their rights in the face of often brutal persecution,…

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Fact Sheet

Resources for Human Rights Defenders

March 2, 2016

Human Rights First maintains a list of resources for human rights defenders who are facing security threats because of their work. This compilation includes information…

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Blog

U.N. Special Rapporteur Says Hungary Has “Weakened” Democracy

February 23, 2016

By Timothy Meyers U.N. Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders, Michel Forst, issued a damning assessment of  Hungary’s treatment of human rights…

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Press

Five Years After Failed Uprisings for Democratic Reform, New Blueprint Recommends United States Change Course in Bahrain

February 11, 2016

Washington, D.C. – To mark the fifth anniversary of the brutal government crackdown on mass protests calling for democratic reform in Bahrain on February 14, Human Rights…

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Blueprint

How to Reverse Five Years of Failure on Bahrain

February 11, 2016

On the fifth anniversary of the mass protests in Bahrain that threatened to bring down the country’s autocratic regime, Bahrainis continue to suffer severe repression…

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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

Kuwait Cybercrime Law Curbs Freedom of Expression

February 3, 2016

By Leah Schulz Kuwait’s Cybercrime Law No. 63, approved by its National Assembly in June, imposes severe restrictions on freedom of speech that deteriorate an…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: February 1, 2016

February 3, 2016

Top News Global Refugee Crisis Congress will address the ongoing global refugee crisis during a series of hearings this week. On Wednesday, the House Homeland Security…

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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

Bahrain’s Fake Human Rights Conference Another PR Disaster

January 22, 2016

By Brian Dooley This blog is cross posted from The Huffington Post: The Bahrain government is hosting a human rights conference tomorrow. Yes, really. It’s a bit like…

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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

FDR’s “Four Freedoms” 75 Years Ago and Today

January 6, 2016

On January 6, 1941, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt gave his now-famous speech on four freedoms essential to democracy and human rights: Freedom of speech Freedom…

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Blog

Bahrain’s Culture of Impunity

December 21, 2015

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

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Press

Bahrain Urged to Dismiss Case Against Human Rights Defender Mohammed Al-Maskati

December 21, 2015

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today urged Bahraini authorities to immediately dismiss the politically-motivated case against prominent human rights defender Mohammed Al-Maskati. A Bahraini court…

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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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Fact Sheet

Recommendations to the U.S. Government on Bahrain

November 23, 2015

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

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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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Press

Bahrain Should Dismiss Cases Against Human Rights Defender Zainab Al Khawaja

October 20, 2015

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today urged the Bahraini authorities to immediately dismiss the outstanding cases against prominent human rights defender Zainab Al Khawaja. A…

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Blog

Reprisals Against Children of Human Rights Defenders in UAE

October 9, 2015

On October 8, the U.N. Committee on the Rights of the Child released a report expressing “concern” about the United Arab Emirates’ treatment of human…

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Blog

U.S. Quiet on Saudi Arabia’s Deplorable Use of Death Penalty

October 8, 2015

Last week President Obama denounced ISIL in his remarks to the U.N. General Assembly for “behead[ing] captives,” calling its conduct “an assault on all humanity.” Meanwhile, the…

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Press

Ahmed Mansoor Selected as the 2015 Laureate Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders

October 6, 2015

Geneva – The Martin Ennals Jury today announced the selection of Ahmed Mansoor of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the 2015 Martin Ennals Award for…

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Blog

LGBT Voices for Equality: El Salvador

September 30, 2015

By Shawn M. Gaylord   In Her Words “I came to the United States in 2013 through the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights to denounce…

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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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President Obama Pressed to Raise Human Rights Concerns During Saudi King’s Visit

September 2, 2015

Washington, DC – As President Obama prepares to host King Salman of Saudi Arabia this Friday, Human Rights First is calling on the president to raise…

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Blog

Your Votes Can Help Human Rights First Get to SXSW 2016

August 11, 2015

By Mary Elizabeth Margolis Public voting has begun for sessions and panels to be included in the 2016 SXSW (South by Southwest) Interactive Festival agenda.…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: August 10, 2015

August 10, 2015

Top News IMMIGRATION DETENTION The U.S. government issued a response Friday to the federal court ruling that orders an end to the Obama Administration’s policy…

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Press

Senate Bill Would Ban Arms Sales to Bahrain Based on Human Rights Conditions

August 7, 2015

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today welcomes the bipartisan introduction of legislation to impose a ban on the sale of arms to Bahrain. The…

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Blog

China’s Attacks on Lawyers and Civil Society

July 29, 2015

By Anita Dhanvanthari This Friday the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will select the host city for the XXIV Olympic Winter Games in 2022. The remaining contestants are…

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Press

Violence Against Police Officers Signals Rising Instability in Bahrain

July 28, 2015

Washington D.C. – Human Rights first today expressed alarm over reports that two policemen have been killed and others wounded in Bahrain, noting that the…

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Washington Week on Human Rights: July 27, 2015

July 27, 2015

Top News KENYA During his weekend visit to Kenya, President Obama urged government officials to enhance national security by ending government corruption, engaging civil society, and enhancing human…

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President Obama Emphasizes Role of Kenyan Civil Society in Countering Violent Extremism

July 26, 2015

Washington, D.C. – Following President Obama’s meetings today with civil society leaders during his trip to Kenya, Human Rights First’s Brian Dooley issued the following statement:…

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Press

President Obama Raises Human Rights Concerns In Kenya

July 25, 2015

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today welcomed public comments made by President Obama that support the protection of civil society, human rights, and equality in…

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During Trip, Obama Should Raise Case of Kenyan Detained at Guantanamo

July 23, 2015

By Brian Dooley This blog is cross-posted from the Huffington Post: President Obama has a long list of security-related issues to raise with the Kenyan government during…

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Press

Kenya Blueprint Recommends President, U.S. Government Act to Promote Human Rights

July 21, 2015

Washington, D.C. – In advance of President Obama’s trip to Kenya this week, Human Rights First today released a new blueprint outlining steps the Obama Administration…

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Press

Bahrain State Media Reports Nabeel Rajab to be Released from Prison

July 13, 2015

Washington, D.C. – Following news reports on Bahrain state media that prominent human rights defender Nabeel Rajab will be released from prison “on health grounds,” Human…

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European Parliament Calls for Nabeel Rajab’s Release

July 9, 2015

By Anita Dhanvanthari Today, the European Parliament (EP) passed an urgent resolution calling for the release of imprisoned human rights defenders in Bahrain. One such…

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Elisa Massimino: McCain-Feinstein Amendment Demonstrates Bipartisan Consensus against Torture

July 9, 2015

Elisa Massimino, in an article for Roll Call, writes that the Senate’s passage of the McCain-Feinstein amendment with a landslide bipartisan 78-21 vote is more than a…

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Report

The World as it Should Be

July 9, 2015

Advancing the Human Rights of LGBT People in Jamaica Executive Summary Human Rights First traveled to Jamaica in March 2015 and interviewed members of the…

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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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Voices for Equality: Simone Hill

June 30, 2015

In Their Own Words:  “We are human beings. We are all just like you…walking the streets and other things. We come in all shapes and forms.…

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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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Washington Week on Human Rights: June 22, 2015

June 23, 2015

Top News Combatting Violent Extremism This week, from June 24-28, Kenya will host a regional conference on countering violent extremism. The gathering will bring together more…

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Press

U.S. Delegation Urged to Raise Human Rights Concerns at Kenya Conference on Countering Violent Extremism

June 23, 2015

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today urged the U.S. delegation to this week’s conference on Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) in Kenya to make human…

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Letter

Letter on Kenya CVE Summit

June 23, 2015

June 23, 2015 The Honorable Sarah Sewall Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights United States Department of State 2201 C…

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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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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

Fighting Bahrain’s Sectarian Threat

June 3, 2015

This blog is cross posted from The Huffington Post: Rocked by last week’s bombings of Shia mosques in Saudi Arabia which killed dozens of people, Bahrain’s…

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Blog

Secrets, Politics and Torture: Frontline’s Look into CIA Interrogation

May 20, 2015

Last night, Frontline aired the documentary “Secrets, Politics and Torture,” which takes a chilling look at the creation and implementation of the CIA’s torture program. The documentary…

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Press

Human Rights First Celebrates International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia

May 17, 2015

Washington, D.C.  – To mark International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO), Human Rights First today celebrates the work of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) activists…

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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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Press

Blueprint Outlines Recommendations to Support Civil Society in the United Arab Emirates

May 12, 2015

Washington, D.C. – In advance of President Obama’s meetings this week with leaders from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, Human Rights First today said that…

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Washington Week on Human Rights: May 11, 2015

May 11, 2015

Top News Gulf Leaders to the U.S. Gulf state leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Oman will meet…

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Blueprint

How to Counter Terrorism by Supporting Civil Society in the United Arab Emirates

May 11, 2015

INTRODUCTION President Obama recently made a series of commendable declarations supporting civil society and affirming its importance to securing stability and fighting extremism. At the…

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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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Event

The Tough Conversation

May 5, 2015

Date: May 12, 2015 – 2:00pm President Obama has promised to have a tough conversation with the GCC leaders meeting  at the White House and Camp…

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Press

Three Human Rights Defenders Selected as Final Nominees for the 2015 Martin Ennals Award

April 22, 2015

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First along with the other members of the Martin Ennals Award jury today announced Robert Sann Aung, Asmaou Diallo, and…

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Washington Week on Human Rights: April 20, 2015

April 20, 2015

Top News Refugee Protection On Tuesday at 10:05 a.m., Secretary of State John Kerry will deliver remarks during the 45th Annual Conference on the Americas,…

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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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Blog

Bahrain’s Prisons At Their Breaking Point

March 20, 2015

By Brian Dooley This blog is cross posted from The Huffington Post: Something’s wrong at Bahrain’s main jail, Jaw Prison. It’s hard to get full…

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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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Press

Bahraini Human Rights Defender Nabeel Rajab Faces New Threat of Arrest

February 26, 2015

Washington, D.C. – Following reports that leading Bahraini human rights defender Nabeel Rajab has been summoned to report to a police station today, Human Rights First urged the…

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Blog

Bahrain: Anything But an Island of Stability

February 18, 2015

Last week Rob Sobhani, CEO of Caspian Group Holdings, called Bahrain an “island of stability” in the Washington Times. “Chaos has not affected the Kingdom of…

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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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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

Human Rights First Welcomes State Department Announcement of Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBT People

February 5, 2015

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today welcomed the announcement that Secretary of State John Kerry will appoint a special envoy in the State Department focused…

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Blog

Voices for Equality: Syinat Sultanalieva

January 26, 2015

By Shawn M. Gaylord Today, we are pleased to launch a new monthly feature titled “Voices for Equality.” Each month, we will highlight the crucial contributions…

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Press

United States Needs Direct Response to New Wave of Repression in Bahrain

January 18, 2015

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today urged the United States to publicly state how it plans to respond to the ongoing crackdown on peaceful dissent in Bahrain, its military ally…

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Blog

Crushing Activists With Harsh Punishments in Saudi Arabia

January 15, 2015

By Carolyn Greco Earlier this week, a Saudi judge increased the sentence of prominent human rights lawyer Waleed Abu Al-Khair. Abu Al-Khair was initially sentenced…

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Brian Dooley on HuffPost Live

January 14, 2015

Human Rights First’s Brian Dooley appeared on HuffPost Live to discuss the political situation in Bahrain. As he wrote in a recent blog post, Bahrain’s foreign minister marched…

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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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Hussain Jawad Case Presents Bahrain with Key Test on Speech

January 12, 2015

By Brian Dooley This blog is cross-posted from The Huffington Post: Yesterday, Bahrain’s foreign minister took part in a Paris rally in protest of the recent killings…

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Blog

Anti-LGBT Laws Have Consequences: Gambia

January 8, 2015

Last fall Gambia passed a repressive law targeting the LGBT community, making acts of “aggravated homosexuality” punishable by life imprisonment. Three men were arrested in December,…

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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

U.S. Should Call for Dismissal of Case Against Bahrain Human Rights Defender Mohammed Al Maskati

December 21, 2014

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today called on the U.S. government to urge Bahraini authorities to drop the case against prominent human rights defender Mohammed al Maskati. Al Maskati is expecting…

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Blog

Seven Helpful Things the New Ambassador To Bahrain Can Do

December 16, 2014

This is cross posted from The Huffington Post: Washington’s new Ambassador to Bahrain, Bill Roebuck, is set to take up his post in the coming…

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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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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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Press

Additional Prison Sentences Handed Down to Bahraini Human Rights Defender Zainab Al Khawaja

December 9, 2014

Washington, D.C. – In response to today’s news that Bahraini human rights activist Zainab Al Khawaja has been sentenced to 16 months in prison in…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: December 8, 2014

December 8, 2014

Top News CIA Torture Report This week, the Senate intelligence committee is expected to release key sections of its report documenting the CIA’s post-9/11 torture…

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Blog

Bahrain Jails Al Khawaja Sisters: What’s Next for Civil Society?

December 8, 2014

Last week, sisters Maryam and Zainab Al Khawaja were issued prison sentences in separate hearings in Bahraini courts. The judgments against these leading human rights…

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Press

Bahraini Activist Zainab Al Khawaja Sentenced to Three Years in Jail

December 4, 2014

Washington, D.C.  – Human Rights First is calling today’s sentencing of Zainab Al Khawaja further evidence of Bahrain’s retreat from human rights. Al Khawaja, who gave…

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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

Obama Administration Should Raise Human Rights Concerns at Manama Dialogue

December 2, 2014

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today urged the U.S. delegation to the Manama Dialogue to publicly raise concern over heightened sectarianism and ongoing human rights abuses in…

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Press

Bahraini Human Rights Activist Maryam Al Khawaja Sentenced in Absentia to One Year in Prison

December 1, 2014

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First said that today’s Bahraini court sentencing of prominent human rights defender Maryam Al Khawaja is a powerful warning to those who…

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Press

Bahrain Needs Inclusive Government to Fight Sectarianism

November 21, 2014

Washington, D.C. – On the eve of parliamentary elections in Bahrain, Human Rights First highlighted the kingdom’s need for real democratic reforms that support an inclusive government. Saturday’s parliamentary…

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Blog

Criminalization of Dissent in the Gulf

November 20, 2014

By Carolyn Greco Last week in Washington DC, Human Rights First hosted six leading NGOs to discuss the increased criminalization of peaceful dissent in the…

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Press

Botswana Court Ruling Respects the Human Rights of the LGBT Community

November 14, 2014

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First said the today’s Botswana court decision to allow the registration of a lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights organization…

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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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Press

Obama Administration Opens the Door for Human Rights Questions During China Trip

November 12, 2014

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First applauds the Obama Administration for insisting on conducting a joint press conference with Chinese President Xi Jinping that included…

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Press

Human Rights First Welcomes Latvian Foreign Minister’s Support for LGBT Equality

November 7, 2014

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today applauds Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkēvičs for standing with the nation’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community and…

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