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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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,…
Press
Human Rights First Welcomes New U.S. Sanctions Targeting Human Rights Abuses and Corruption
December 14, 2022
Washington, D.C. – On Friday, the U.S. government enacted sanctions targeting 90 people and entities involved in human rights abuses and corruption across 17 countries.…
Letter
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
Letter
New Inquiry into Indonesian Activist’s 2004 Murder Offers Hope For Truth
September 22, 2022
Eighteen years after iconic human rights defender (HRD) Munir was assassinated while traveling from Jakarta to Amsterdam, we might finally be a step closer to…
Press
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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?…
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…
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.…
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…
Testimony
Ensuring Safety and Support for Human Rights Defenders of Asylum Seekers, Refugees, and Other Migrants Targeted by Illegal Pushback Policies, Extremist Attacks, and Harassment by Government Officials
June 27, 2022
Submission to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders…
Testimony
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
Blog
From Magnitsky to the Mothers of Mariupol
March 24, 2022
Congress Must Stand with Victims and Strengthen the Global Magnitsky Act By Mike Breen and Mike Abramowitz In recent weeks, the world has once again been confronted with…
Press
Atrocities in Ukraine Underscore Need To Reauthorize Strengthened Global Magnitsky Act
March 23, 2022
WASHINGTON D.C. – Human Rights First, Freedom House, and 56 other civil society groups issued a joint letter today calling on the U.S. Congress to…
Press
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Press
Human Rights First Disappointed with Egypt Aid Decision
September 24, 2021
WASHINGTON – Human Rights First today condemned the Biden administration’s decision not to permanently withhold any of the U.S. military financing to Egypt, which Congress…
Press
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Blog
Biden Administration Faces Imminent Decision on Egyptian Military Aid as 12 Await Execution
August 10, 2021
Twelve men on death row in Egypt are awaiting imminent execution for their alleged part in the 2013 Cairo sit-in protests. The 12 were sentenced…
Blog
Blinken’s Decision Imminent on Funding an Egyptian Government that Enables Terrorism
August 2, 2021
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Press
Human Rights First Welcomes U.S. Withdrawal of ICC Sanctions
April 2, 2021
WASHINGTON – Today, the Biden administration announced that it has revoked Executive Order 13928, under which the Trump administration in 2020 imposed targeted sanctions on…
Press
Human Rights First 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,…
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…
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…
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…
Press
POMED, Human Rights First, PEN America, Committee to Protect Journalists Respond to ODNI Report on the Murder of Jamal Khashoggi
February 26, 2021
WASHINGTON – The Project on Middle East Democracy, Human Rights First, PEN America, and the Committee to Protect Journalists issued the following joint statement in…
Press
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…
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…
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.…
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…
Press
Human Rights First Honors Hong Kong Human Rights Defender Albert Ho with Baldwin Medal of Liberty Award
December 3, 2020
Hong Kong lawyer and advocate has been a leading figure in the pro-democracy movement Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First announced today that it will award…
Press
Human Rights First Celebrates Human Rights Defenders, Pro Bono Lawyers Working for Refugees
October 19, 2020
NEW YORK – As threats to democracy and human rights remain on the rise and more people are displaced than at any time in history, Human Rights…
Press
Human Rights First to Present Saudi Organization ALQST with Prestigious William D. Zabel Human Rights Award
October 6, 2020
The annual award will honor ALQST for their work exposing human rights abuses by the Saudi regime NEW YORK — Human Rights First today announced that…
Press
Egypt’s Targeting Of Human Rights Defenders Is No Way to Fight Terrorism
August 26, 2020
WASHINGTON — Sentencing human rights defenders (HRDs) to long terms in prison is no way to confront terrorism, Human Rights First said today in response…
Press
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)…
Letter
Human Rights First Urges Canada, U.K., to Join Global Magnitsky Sanctions Against Chinese Officials Responsible for Violating the Rights of Uyghurs
August 18, 2020
August 18, 2020 Dear Minister Champagne, Secretary Mnuchin, Secretary Pompeo, and Foreign Secretary Raab, We, the 71 undersigned organizations dedicated to the promotion of…
Press
Human Rights First Welcomes 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…
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…
Press
Human Right First’s Brian Dooley to Advise UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders
May 12, 2020
WASHINGTON – Human Rights First is proud to announce that Brian Dooley, who works for the organization as a senior advisor on human rights movements…
Blog
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,…
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…
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”),…
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,…
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…
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…
Press
HRF CEO Michael Breen Statement on Human Rights Day
December 10, 2019
Washington, D.C. – Michael Breen, the president and CEO of Human Rights First made the following statement in recognition of Human Rights Day and the anniversary…
Press
Human Rights First Lauds Three Exceptional Women Nominated for the 2020 Martin Ennals Award
November 26, 2019
For Immediate Release: November 26, 2019 Contact: Chloé Bitton, Communications Manager, Martin Ennals Foundation [email protected] New York – Human Rights First welcomed the announcement today that three…
Press
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,…
Letter
Coalition Letter Opposing Nomination of Marshall Billingslea to Department of State’s Senior Human Rights Position
September 17, 2019
September 17, 2019 Dear Senators: We are a group of non-governmental organizations that advocate for human rights, civil rights, and government accountability. We are writing…
Press
UN Khashoggi Report a Call for Action
June 19, 2019
Washington, D.C.—In response to today’s release of findings from of an international investigation into the killing of Saudi dissident, American resident, and Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, Human…
Press
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…
Press
Human Rights, Media Freedom Groups Call on Congress for Justice for Khashoggi
March 14, 2019
Washington, D.C.—A group of 11 human rights organizations led by Human Rights First today called on the leaders of the House Foreign Affairs Committee to undertake additional action concerning the killing of Jamal Khashoggi, the Saudi…
Press
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…
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…
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…
Letter
Open Letter from Non-Governmental Organizations in Support of a Targeted, Global EU Human Rights Sanctions Regime
December 5, 2018
December 05, 2018 OPEN LETTER FROM NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS IN SUPPORT OF A TARGETED, GLOBAL EU HUMAN RIGHTS SANCTIONS REGIME Dear Ministers of Foreign Affairs,…
Letter
Coalition Letter on the Nomination of Marshall Billingslea
November 30, 2018
Dear Senators: We are a group of non-governmental organizations that advocate for human rights, civil rights, and government accountability. We are writing to share our…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
Press
U.S. Government Should Take Action on Jamal Khashoggi
October 9, 2018
New York City—In response to the disappearance and reported killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Human Rights First’s Senior Vice President for Policy Rob Berschinski…
Press
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…
Press
State Dept. Releases More Military Aid to Egypt Despite Rights Abuses
September 7, 2018
Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today expressed alarm over press reports that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will release an additional $195 million in military aid to Egypt despite no…
Press
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…
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…
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,…
Blog
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…
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,…
Press
Magnitsky Sanctions Hold Chechen Human Rights Abusers Accountable
December 20, 2017
Washington, D.C.—In response to the announcement that the United States has designated Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov and head of the Chechen Ministry of Internal Affairs…
Testimony
Testimony of Robert G. Berschinski: Examining the Anti-Corruption Provisions of the Global Magnitsky Act
December 13, 2017
Robert G. Berschinski Remarks as Prepared U.S. Helsinki Commission Briefing Examining the Anti-‐Corruption Provisions of the Global Magnitsky Act December 13, 2017 U.S. Helsinki Commission…
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…
Press
Mohamed Zaree Selected as the 2017 Laureate Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders
October 10, 2017
Geneva—The Martin Ennals Jury today announced that it has selected Mohamed Zaree of the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS) in Egypt to receive…
Blog
Egyptian Government Doubles Down on Threats to Silence Peaceful Dissent
October 5, 2017
Despite widespread criticism of its crackdown on nonviolent government critics, including human rights organizations, the Egyptian government is on the verge of passing a new…
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…
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.…
Blog
Egypt Targets Disappearance Activist Working on Regeni Case
September 20, 2017
By Brian Dooley Drawing attention to what the Egyptian authorities want to hide is a dangerous move. The government of President Abdel Fatah Al Sisi has…
Press
NGOs Identify Human Rights Abusers, Corrupt Actors for Sanctions Under U.S. Bill
September 13, 2017
Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today called on the Trump Administration to use the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act to levy targeted sanctions against individuals in 15 cases from…
Press
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: May 1, 2017
May 1, 2017
By Mary Elizabeth Margolis Top Items Sebastian Gorka Ousted from White House New reports indicate that Sebastian Gorka is likely to be removed from his current position…
Press
Three Nominees Announced for 2017 Martin Ennals Award
April 26, 2017
Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First, along with other members of the Martin Ennals Award jury, today announced Karla Avelar, Mohamed Zaree, and the group FreeThe5KH as…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Blog
On Maidan Anniversary, United States Must Offer Clarity
February 23, 2017
Co-authored by Alexandra Funk This blog is cross posted with The Huffington Post This week marks the three-year anniversary of Ukraine’s Maidan revolution, which erupted beginning February 19,…
Blog
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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’…
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…
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).…
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…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: October 31, 2016
October 31, 2016
Top Items Immigration Detention Human Rights First and 229 partner organizations today called on Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Jeh Johnson to take immediate…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: October 31, 2016
October 31, 2016
Top Items Immigration Detention Human Rights First and 229 partner organizations today called on Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Jeh Johnson to take immediate steps…
Blog
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…
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…
Blog
Central Asia Follows Russia’s Lead, Undermining Human Rights at OSCE
October 5, 2016
(Photo courtesy of U.S. Mission to the OSCE) Last week the largest annual human rights conference in Europe brought together governments and human rights defenders…
Blog
State Department Should Speak out for Aya Hijazi, U.S. Human Rights Defender in Egypt Prison
September 14, 2016
This is a cross-post from the Huffington Post: Remember the Eldarats, the U.S. citizens tortured and jailed in the United Arab Emirates for nearly two years while…
Blog
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…
Blog
High Price for Exposing Disappearances in Egypt
August 23, 2016
By Brian Dooley This blog is cross-posted on The Huffington Post. Next Tuesday, August 30, marks the International Day of the Disappeared, a day dedicated to reminding us of…
Blog
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…
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…
Press
Human Rights First Demands Justice for Murder of Human Rights Lawyer in Kenya
July 1, 2016
Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today expressed its alarm over reports that human rights lawyer and International Justice Mission employee Willie Kimani was murdered…
Blog
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…
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…
Press
During Meetings this Week Obama Administration Should Press Saudi Deputy Crown Prince on Human Rights
June 13, 2016
Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today called on President Obama, Secretary of State John Kerry, and Secretary of Defense Ash Carter to press Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin…
Blog
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…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: June 13, 2016
June 13, 2016
Top News Ukraine Pride After the deadliest mass shooting attack in U.S. history targeted LGBT men and women at Orlando’s Pulse nightclub, claiming 50 lives and…
Blog
State Department Counterterrorism Priorities for Bahrain Miss the Mark
June 3, 2016
Sometimes what isn’t said speaks louder than what is, and that’s certainly true of the State Department’s 2015 Country Reports on Terrorism released this week. The section…
Blog
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…
Blog
Saudi Arabia’s Record of Torturing Those Who Dare to Critique It
May 24, 2016
The U.N. committee charged with overseeing the implementation of the Convention Against Torture has released its report on Saudi Arabia. Unsurprisingly, it is “extremely concerned” by reports…
Blog
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: April 11, 2016
April 11, 2016
Top News Bahrain Ahead of President Obama’s upcoming participation in the Gulf Cooperation Council summit scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia later this month, Secretary of State John Kerry travelled to Bahrain last…
Blog
Six Things John Kerry Should Do in Bahrain
April 5, 2016
This blog is cross-posted from the Huffington Post: This week secretary of State John Kerry visits one of Washington’s repressive Gulf allies, Bahrain, three weeks before…
Blog
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: March 7, 2016
March 7, 2016
Top News Baby Barristers Last week, The Washington Post reported that Judge John H. Weil, a senior-immigration judge responsible for training other judges, claimed in a deposition…
Blog
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Blog
Kerry’s Parallel Universe
February 11, 2016
This blog is cross posted from The Huffington Post. Secretary of State John Kerry has an unfortunate affliction. He appears incapable of making public comments about…
Blog
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…
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…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: January 25, 2016
January 26, 2016
Top News Egypt Today on the fifth anniversary of the mass Tahrir Square protests calling for democratic reform in Egypt, Human Rights First released a new blueprint…
Press
Five Years After Tahrir Square, Blueprint Outlines Recommendations to Support Stability in Egypt
January 25, 2016
Washington, D.C. – On the fifth anniversary of the mass Tahrir Square protests calling for democratic reform in Egypt, Human Rights First today released a…
Blueprint
How to Navigate Egypt’s Enduring Human Rights Crisis
January 25, 2016
On the fifth anniversary of the mass Tahrir Square protests that ousted former President Mubarak, Egyptians are suffering severe repression and political instability. As this…
Blog
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…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: January 19, 2016
January 21, 2016
Top News Global Refugee Crisis Tomorrow the Senate will take up the American SAFE Act, legislation that would effectively halt the resettlement of vulnerable refugees…
Event
How to Navigate Egypt’s Enduring Human Rights Crisis: Blueprint for U.S. Government Policy
January 20, 2016
Date: January 27, 2016 – 8:00pm to 9:30pm DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27th, 2016 On the fifth anniversary of the…
Blog
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…
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…
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…
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…
Fact Sheet
Recommendations to the U.S. Government on Bahrain
November 23, 2015
Anniversary of the 2011 Report of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry On the fourth anniversary of the 2011 report by the Bahrain Independent Commission…
Blog
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Blog
Bahrain’s Proposed Blasphemy Law: Another Tool to Silence Regime’s Critics
September 16, 2015
Bahrain is considering a new blasphemy law, which will likely be used to harass and silence the regime’s critics. Cleric Sheikh Maytham Al Salman, head…
Letter
Letter to President Obama in Preparation for King Salman Visit
September 2, 2015
September 2, 2015 The Honorable Barack Obama The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20500 Dear President Obama: I write to urge that…
Press
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Blog
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…
Press
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:…
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…
Blog
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…
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…
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…
Blog
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…
Blog
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…
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…
Press
National Military Strategy Should Include Greater Protection for Human Rights
July 1, 2015
Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First said that the 2015 National Military Strategy, released today, should place a greater emphasis on ensuring that U.S. partners in counterterrorism…
Blog
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.…
Press
State Department Country Reports Highlight Need for U.S. Leadership on Human Rights
June 25, 2015
Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today welcomed the release of the State Department’s 2015 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, noting that the widespread…
Blog
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…
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…
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…
Blog
Crackdown on Egyptian Civil Society Continues
June 19, 2015
By Olivia Huzenis The government crackdown on civil society in Egypt is intensifying. On June 9, Egyptian government investigators visited the Cairo Institute for Human…
Blog
A Bad Year for Yara Sallam in Egypt’s Republic of Fear
June 17, 2015
This blog has been cross posted from The Huffington Post: Sunday June 21 will mark one year since Egyptian human rights defender Yara Sallam and 22…
Blog
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Blog
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
Blog
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,…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: April 6, 2015
April 6, 2015
Top News President Obama to Jamaica On Thursday, President Obama will travel to Jamaica en route to participate in the Summit of the Americas in Panama.…
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…
Fact Sheet
How to Build a More Sustainable and Mutually Beneficial Relationship with Saudi Arabia
March 10, 2015
“Too often, we have failed to enforce international norms when it’s inconvenient to do so. And we have not confronted forcefully enough the intolerance, sectarianism,…
Press
United States Should Overhaul Relationship With Saudi Arabia to Support Human Rights
March 10, 2015
Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today urged the Obama Administration to press the Saudi government to ease its crackdown on civil society, speak out…
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…
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…
Transcript
Elisa Massimino Keynote Address on the Case for American Leadership on Human Rights
February 10, 2015
Elisa Massimino Keynote Address American Bar Association Mid-Year Meeting Center for Human Rights Annual Luncheon Houston, Texas February 9, 2015. Thank you so much for…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: February 9, 2015
February 9, 2015
Top News GUANTANAMO This week, the House and Senate Armed Services Committees will both take up the issue of closing the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay…
Press
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…
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…
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…
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…
Blog
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…
Press
Questions, Human Rights Concerns Remain After Egyptian Court Acquits 26 Men in Bathhouse Case
January 12, 2015
Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today applauded the news that an Egyptian court acquitted the 26 men who had been on trial for debauchery after…
Blog
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…
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,…
Blog
It’s Time for International Pressure on Egypt’s LGBT Rights Abuses
January 6, 2015
Egypt is in the midst of a broad human rights and civil society crackdown: jailing journalists and activists, raiding and harassing NGOs, using violence against…
Press
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…
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…
Blog
Five Useful Things America’s New Ambassador to Egypt Can Do
December 15, 2014
This is a cross post from The Huffington Post: New U.S. Ambassador to Egypt Stephen Beecroft is expected to arrive in Cairo in the coming weeks…
Blueprint
How to Prevent Egypt Slipping into a Deepening Crisis
December 10, 2014
The United States government is confronted with a series of decisions about how to respond to a deepening political, economic, and human rights crisis in…
Press
National Security, Trafficking, Equality Among Topics at 3rd Annual Human Rights Summit
December 9, 2014
Washington, DC – Today and tomorrow, Human Rights First convenes its third annual Human Rights Summit, bringing together human rights defenders, U.S. policymakers, military leaders, and…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: December 1, 2014
December 3, 2014
Top News ISIS Overnight, the United States and members of its coalition to defeat ISIS led an air assault that included as many as 30 airstrikes…
Press
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…