We found 522 results for "Human Trafficking"
Profile
ELAB profile interview: Noah Ponton
May 5, 2023
For our fourth ELAB member profile, Colombe Tricaud spoke with Noah Ponton, a member of the ELAB Advocacy committee. Noah’s dedication to human rights started…
Press
Human Rights First Condemns Administration Plan to Fast-Track Asylum Screenings
January 27, 2023
WASHINGTON DC – Human Rights First calls on the administration to abandon a plan once used by the Trump administration and focus instead on upholding…
Campaigns
CAMPAIGNS
December 15, 2022
ALL CURRENT CAMPAIGNS Close Guantanamo The continued detention of prisoners without charge at Guantanamo undermines our national security and is a recruiting bonanza for our…
Press
Human Rights First Welcomes New U.S. Sanctions Targeting Human Rights Abuses and Corruption
December 14, 2022
Washington, D.C. – On Friday, the U.S. government enacted sanctions targeting 90 people and entities involved in human rights abuses and corruption across 17 countries.…
Letter
Human rights groups urge the U.S. government to sanction for human trafficking abuses
December 8, 2022
The Honorable Janet L. Yellen Secretary of the Treasury U.S. Department of the Treasury 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20220 The Honorable…
Blog
To Combat Human Trafficking, Use Magnitsky Sanctions
December 5, 2022
By Gita Howard Human trafficking is a worldwide epidemic that implicates the U.S. and other jurisdictions on several levels. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has…
Letter
Joint Letter to Biden administration to End Title 42
November 22, 2022
November 22, 2022 Hon. Joseph R. Biden, Jr. President of the United States Dear President Biden: With a federal court striking down the…
Report
Multilateral Magnitsky Sanctions at Five Years
November 15, 2022
A report on the use of global targeted human rights and corruption sanctions programs in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European…
Press
New Report Details Gaps in Multilateral Use of Magnitsky Sanctions
November 15, 2022
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Facing significant gaps in the use of Magnitsky sanctions by the U.S., Canada, UK, and EU, leading human rights organizations today issued…
Letter
NGO Letter Responding to Expansion of Title 42 Expulsions for Venezuelans
October 14, 2022
Dear Secretary Mayorkas: We, the undersigned organizations committed to the rights of asylum seekers and refugees, write to express our deep disappointment and shock at…
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
LGBTQ Asylum Seekers Still Facing Grave Dangers Due to Title 42
August 12, 2022
By Teodoro Garcia, Intern, Refugee Protection This week, the Biden administration announced the end of “Remain in Mexico,” a policy that forced migrants and asylum…
Fact Sheet
CERD: US Discrimination Against Black Migrants, Refugees and Asylum Seekers at the Border and Beyond
August 8, 2022
US Discrimination Against Black Migrants, Refugees and Asylum Seekers at the Border and Beyond Since the CERD Committee last reviewed the US in 2014, the…
Blog
JVTA One Year After Enactment
July 2, 2022
By Rachel Buchan On June 28th the Senate judiciary committee convened a hearing to evaluate the Justice Department’s (DOJ) efficacy in implementing the Justice for Victims…
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…
Letter
Letter to President Biden and Vice President Harris on Two Years of Title 42
March 10, 2022
Dear President Biden and Vice President Harris: For nearly two years the U.S. government has ruthlessly blocked and expelled people seeking protection at the southern…
Press
Human Rights First Announces Addition of Inaugural Chief Legal Officer
March 8, 2022
WASHINGTON D.C. Human Rights First is pleased to announce that Licha M. Nyiendo today joins the organization as its inaugural Chief Legal Officer. Her hiring is…
Press
Court of Appeals blocks use of public health to expel families to danger
March 4, 2022
WASHINGTON D.C. -- In the wake of the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling in Hisha Huisha v. Mayorkas, Human Rights First calls on the…
Testimony
U.S. Asylum and Border Policies Resulting in Human Rights Violations
March 1, 2022
Human Rights First’s Submission for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants pursuant to…
Testimony
Examining the Court-Ordered Reimplementation of the Remain in Mexico Policy
March 1, 2022
March 2, 2022 Human Rights First thanks the House Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Border Security, Facilitation, and Operations for holding a hearing on…
Press
Human Rights First Calls on CDC to Rescind Title 42 Order After Easing COVID-19 Mask Mandates
February 25, 2022
WASHINGTON D.C. – With reports that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will soon ease its guidelines for COVID-19 mask mandates, Human Rights First reiterates its…
Press
Human Rights First Welcomes Opportunity for Supreme Court to Uphold the Biden Administration’s Authority to End Illegal “Remain in Mexico” Policy
February 18, 2022
WASHINGTON — Today, the Supreme Court granted the Biden administration’s request for expedited review of a lower court decision forcing it to reimplement the deadly Remain in Mexico policy…
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
Joint Letter to President Biden, Secretary Mayorkas & AG Garland on Title 42
September 17, 2021
Dear President Biden, Secretary Mayorkas, and Attorney General Garland: In the wake of multiple federal court decisions holding that your administration’s policies are likely unlawful,…
Fact Sheet
Any Version of “Remain in Mexico” Policy Would Be Unlawful, Inhumane, and Deadly
September 9, 2021
On August 24, 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court denied a request to stay a federal court ruling that orders the U.S government to re-implement the…
Press
Human Rights First Decries Supreme Court Decision on Cruel, Illegal “Remain in Mexico” Policy
August 25, 2021
WASHINGTON — Last night the Supreme Court denied the government’s request for an emergency stay in Biden v. Texas, failing to block the Texas district court injunction forcing the…
Blog
To Protect the Lives of LGBTQ Asylum Seekers, the Biden Administration Must Fully End Title 42
July 21, 2021
By Julia Neusner, Human Rights First Emem Maurus, Transgender Law Center The Biden administration continues to misuse the Trump administration’s Title 42 policy to…
Report
Update: Grave Dangers Continue for Asylum Seekers Blocked In, Expelled to Mexico by Biden Administration
June 22, 2021
The Biden administration continues to expel and turn away asylum seekers to life-threatening dangers in Mexico without access to U.S. asylum protections guaranteed by domestic…
Letter
“A life in safety would not mean anything if my children were not here with me”: Joys and Trauma Persist for Refugees Separated from Their Families
June 17, 2021
Each weekday Josefina* prepares breakfast for her son, helps him begin his school day of remote learning, and greets her babysitter before heading off for…
Letter
Global Magnitsky: Using Sanctions in Cooperation with National Authorities
May 12, 2021
The U.S. government uses its Global Magnitsky targeted sanctions program in a primarily confrontational manner, i.e., to condemn and check abuses in countries where national…
Press
New Report Finds Continued Use of Illegal Trump Border Policy Endangers Asylum Seekers
April 20, 2021
WASHINGTON — Asylum seekers continue to face grave danger at the southern border as the Biden administration extends the Trump administration’s misuse of Title 42 public…
Report
Failure to Protect: Biden Administration Continues Illegal Trump Policy to Block and Expel Asylum Seekers to Danger
April 20, 2021
For more than a year, the U.S. government has misused public health authority to expel and block families, adults, and children seeking refuge at the…
Letter
NGO Letter to Biden Administration on Recent Asylum Statements and Actions
March 30, 2021
Dear President Biden, The United States led efforts to draft the Refugee Convention in the wake of World War II and, in the Refugee Act…
Letter
NGO Letter to HHS and CDC on Orders Authorizing Border Expulsions
February 22, 2021
Dear Acting Secretary Cochran and Director Walensky: As organizations that represent and advocate for migrants, refugees, and immigrant children as well as organizations committed to…
Letter
NGO Letter to Biden Administration Welcoming Asylum Executive Order, Urging Swift Rescission of Harmful Policies
February 9, 2021
Dear President Biden: The executive orders your administration issued last week are welcome initial steps toward ending the illegal and inhumane asylum and border policies…
Press
NGO Letter to Biden Administration Urging End to Misuse of Title 42 Public Health Authority
February 2, 2021
Dear President Biden: We write to urge your administration to immediately end the misuse of Title 42 public health authority to illegally and inhumanely expel…
Report
Humanitarian Disgrace: U.S. Continues to Illegally Block, Expel Refugees to Danger
December 16, 2020
The Trump Administration continues to break U.S. laws and treaty obligations that protect refugees from persecution, returning to danger people seeking protection at the southern…
Story, Updates
Government Records Shed Light on Illegal Expulsions of Asylum Seekers and Children
October 30, 2020
Human Rights First has received previously undisclosed records that reveal how the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been carrying out illegal expulsions of asylum…
Press
Human Rights First Decries New Rules to Limit Asylum Eligibility
October 21, 2020
Rules would create sweeping new categorical bars to asylum and eliminate rules intended to ensure refugee families are not separated WASHINGTON — Human Rights First…
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…
Letter
Indefinite Suspension of Protections for Asylum Seekers and Unaccompanied Children Under May 19, 2020 Order by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
May 27, 2020
May 27, 2020 Dear Acting Secretary Wolf and Director Redfield: Our 262 legal, faith-based, humanitarian, human rights, and community organizations, many of which advocate on…
Letter
Public Health Measures to Safely Manage Asylum Seekers and Children at the Border
May 15, 2020
The United States has the ability to both safeguard public health in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis and safeguard the lives of families, adults,…
Fact Sheet
Public Health Measures to Safely Manage Asylum Seekers and Children at the Border
May 15, 2020
The United States has the ability to both safeguard public health in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis and safeguard the lives of families, adults,…
Report
Pandemic as Pretext: Trump Administration Exploits COVID-19, Expels Asylum Seekers and Children to Escalating Danger
May 13, 2020
The Trump Administration is exploiting the coronavirus crisis to pursue its long-held goal of preventing refugees from seeking and receiving humanitarian protection in the United…
Fact Sheet
Is Honduras Safe for Refugees and Asylum Seekers?
May 1, 2020
On May 1, 2020, the Trump administration published an agreement signed with Honduras in September 2019, that purports to allow the United States to transfer…
Press
Human Rights First Warns Against Implementation of Honduras Asylum Agreement During Pandemic
April 30, 2020
Washington, D.C. – Today, the Department of Homeland Security published the United States’ “asylum cooperative agreement,” agreement with Honduras – a move that may signal plans to move…
Letter
Comment on Interim Final Rule: Suspension of Introduction of Persons Into United States
April 23, 2020
April 23, 2020 On March 20, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued…
Press
Human Rights First Denounces CDC Directive to Continue Illegal Expulsion of Asylum-Seekers
April 20, 2020
Washington, D.C. – In response to the Trump administration’s announcement that it will extend its illegal practice of immediately expelling asylum seekers and unaccompanied children at the…
Letter
Illegal Expulsions by the Department of Homeland Security under the March 20, 2020 Order by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
April 16, 2020
April 16, 2020 Dear Acting Secretary Wolf and Director Redfield: Our 125 legal, faith-based, humanitarian, human rights and community organizations write to vehemently object to the…
Letter
COVID-19 and the Remain in Mexico / “Migrant Protection Protocols” Policy
April 14, 2020
April 14, 2020 Dear Acting Secretary Wolf, Acting Commissioner Morgan, Acting Director Albence and Director McHenry: In light of the unfolding COVID-19 pandemic, our 27 legal,…
Letter
Remain in Mexico / “Migrant Protection Protocols”
January 28, 2020
January 28, 2020 Dear Acting Secretary Wolf: One year ago, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) began implementing the policy it inexplicably labeled the “Migrant…
Press
Human Rights First Condemns Trump Administration Finalizing Plan to Send Asylum-Seekers to Honduras
January 10, 2020
WASHINGTON – The Trump Administration Thursday reported that it is finalizing a plan to send people seeking asylum in the United States to Honduras as part…
Press
Human Rights First Statement on New Trump Administration “Rule” to Send Asylum Seekers to Guatemala, Other Countries
November 18, 2019
WASHINGTON — Human Rights First (HRF) Refugee Protection Director Eleanor Acer released the following statement in response to the Trump administration’s new interim final rule aimed at sending refugees seeking asylum at…
Press
El Salvador Agreement a Fatal Deal for Asylum Seekers
September 20, 2019
New York City—In response to reports that the United States and El Salvador entering into a “safe third country” or similar “asylum cooperation” agreement in the…
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…
Fact Sheet
CAIR Coalition v. Trump: A Case Summary
August 28, 2019
The Trump administration has launched an unprecedented assault against asylum seekers. In its latest move, it issued a sweeping asylum ban, barring from asylum eligibility…
Blog
Sweeping Guatemala Agreement Illegal and Inhumane
August 1, 2019
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Acting Secretary Kevin McAleenan is in Guatemala this week to work out key terms that are pivotal to implementing the agreement the…
Press
Graham Secure and Protect Act Would Neither Provide Security nor Protect the Vulnerable
August 1, 2019
Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today condemned the Senate Judiciary Committee’s move to vote out of committee the Secure and Protect Act of 2019, a bill that seeks to codify…
Press
Guatemala Not Safe for Refugees
July 12, 2019
New York City—In response to reports that the United States and Guatemala may enter into a “safe third country” agreement in the coming days, a…
Fact Sheet
Is Guatemala Safe for Refugees and Asylum Seekers?
July 1, 2019
The Trump Administration is pursuing an agreement with Guatemala under which the United States would turn away asylum seekers from Honduras, El Salvador and other…
Press
Safe Third Country Agreement with Guatemala Would Endanger, not Protect Refugees
June 14, 2019
New York City—In response to reports that the Trump Administration is attempting to get the government of Guatemala to adopt a safe third country agreement…
Report
Barred at the Border: Wait “Lists” Leave Asylum Seekers in Peril at Texas Ports of Entry
April 22, 2019
While President Trump reportedly demanded that former Secretary of Homeland Security Kristjen Nielsen resign over her failure to block all asylum seekers from entering the country,…
Blog
Real Solutions to the Disorder at the Border
April 10, 2019
By Eleanor Acer Anti-refugee rhetoric and policies have characterized the Trump presidency. Now, as he transitions to campaign mode ahead of the 2020 election, he’s doubling-down.…
Fact Sheet
The Real Solution: Regional Response Rather than Border Closures, Mass Incarceration, and Refugee Returns
April 5, 2019
The Trump Administration has purposefully mismanaged the refugee and humanitarian challenges pushing people to flee political repression, human rights abuses, economic deprivation, and climate displacement…
Blueprint
The Real Solution: Regional Response Rather than Border Closures, Mass Incarceration, and Refugee Returns
April 5, 2019
The Trump Administration has purposefully mismanaged the refugee and humanitarian challenges pushing people to flee political repression, human rights abuses, economic deprivation, and climate displacement…
Press
Children Seeking Protection Illegally Returned to Mexico
February 14, 2019
New York City—Following reports that the first children have been returned to Mexico under the Trump Administration’s plan to illegally force asylum seekers to wait…
Blog
The End the Shutdown and Secure the Border Act Would Ban Asylum for Central American Children
January 23, 2019
By Kennji Kizuka The Trump-McConnell bill—the “End the Shutdown and Secure the Border Act”—is nothing more than a hateful anti-immigration wish list, designed to hold the…
Report
Refugee Blockade: The Trump Administration’s Obstruction of Asylum Claims at the Border
December 11, 2018
In the run-up to the mid-term elections, President Trump focused much of his rhetoric on “the caravan” of migrants heading north through Mexico. The caravan,…
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
FAQ: Why do Asylum Seekers Cross the U.S. Border Between Ports of Entry?
November 27, 2018
Why do those seeking asylum cross between entry points? Here’s a few common reasons: Mexican immigration officials block asylum seekers from approaching U.S. border posts. Even…
Fact Sheet
Why Do Some Asylum Seekers Cross the U.S. Southern Border Between Ports of Entry?
November 27, 2018
“Ports of entry” along the U.S. southern border are official crossing points where U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers regulate the flow of…
Press
Asylum Seekers File Challenge to Trump’s Asylum Ban
November 21, 2018
Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First and the National Immigrant Justice Center filed a challenge seeking permanent relief from the Trump Administration’s asylum ban issued earlier this month.…
Blog
Debunking President Trump’s Tweets on the Migrant Caravan
October 22, 2018
By Kennji Kizuka Myth: “People have to apply for asylum in Mexico first, and if they fail to do that, the U.S. will turn them…
Letter
Myth vs. Fact: Debunking Trump’s Tweets on the Migrant Caravan
October 22, 2018
Fact: United States law guarantees asylum seekers the right to request protection. Congress adopted the Refugee Act of 1980 to bring the United States into…
Press
Former Top U.S. Antisemitism Official Joins Human Rights First as Senior Advisor for Combating Antisemitism
September 26, 2018
Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today announced that Ira Forman, former U.S. special envoy to monitor and combat anti-semitism, has joined Human Rights First as senior…
Press
Trump Admin Renews “Safe Third Country” Talks with Mexico
July 10, 2018
New York City—In response to reports that the Trump Administration has renewed talks with the Mexican government that would require asylum seekers passing through Mexico…
Press
Administration Attempts to Undermine Asylum by Negotiating “Safe Third Country” Agreement with Mexico
May 17, 2018
Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today condemned the Trump Administration’s attempts to violate U.S. refugee protection commitments and law by pushing Mexican officials to agree to…
Press
DHS Statement on Refugee Caravan Threatens Punishment for Refugees for Seeking Asylum
April 23, 2018
New York City—Human Rights First today condemned the statement released by Secretary of Homeland Security Kirsten Nielsen on the Central American refugee caravan that made…
Press
New Virtual Reality Video Highlights Challenges Refugee Families Face at Southern Border
April 11, 2018
Crossing The Line: Untold Stories Of Refugees Stuck At The Border New York City—Human Rights First today released the second part of a two-part 360 degree…
Fact Sheet
Mexico: Still Not Safe for Refugees and Migrants
March 23, 2018
The Trump Administration seeks to prevent refugees who pass through Mexico from receiving asylum in the United States. In addition to pushing for legislative change…
Press
360 Videos Document Life for Asylum Seekers at U.S. Border
March 20, 2018
Washington, D.C.—As the Trump Administration ramps up its attacks on refugees and asylum seekers and threatens to designate Mexico as a “safe third country,” Human…
Blog
The Anti-Trafficking Trade Act Helps the U.S. to Fight Trafficking
January 17, 2018
Yesterday, Senators Menendez (D-NJ) and Portman (R- OH) introduced the Anti-Trafficking Trade Act, a bill to prevent countries failing to meet the minimum standards for…
Blog
What the U.S. Can do to Continue Fighting Human Trafficking in 2018
January 11, 2018
Although the United States abolished slavery with the ratification of the 13th Amendment over 150 years ago, there are still an estimated 24.9 million slaves living around…
Press
Alexi Ashe Meyers Joins Human Rights First Board of Directors
January 9, 2018
New York City–Human Rights First today announced that Alexi Ashe Meyers, former prosecutor and a lawyer with Sanctuary for Families, has joined its distinguished board of directors.…
Blog
Health Inspectors on the Front Lines in the Fight Against Human Trafficking
December 11, 2017
If you live in a city in the United States, you may have noticed an increase in the number of massage parlors in recent years.…
Blog
City of Houston Acts to Stop Goods Produced with Forced Labor
November 7, 2017
Earlier this month, Houston’s Mayor signed an executive order to implement a zero tolerance policy for human trafficking in city service contracts and purchasing. The order…
Blog
Next Steps After Regional Refugee Conference in Honduras
October 31, 2017
By Eleanor Acer On Thursday evening in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, I watched as a number of Central American states adopted a declaration agreeing to…
Blog
Trump’s DREAMer Negotiations Threaten Other Child Migrants
October 24, 2017
A little more than one month after President Trump’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, his administration issued a list…
Blog
The Socially Responsible Way to Eat Ice Cream
October 13, 2017
Whether enjoying a dripping cone in the sizzling days of summer or a scoop of vanilla on top of some pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving, ice…
Blog
Reauthorizing Critical Anti-Trafficking Legislation
October 5, 2017
Last week, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee passed the Trafficking Victims Protection (TVPA) Reauthorization Act of 2017 (S.1862), aimed at strengthening U.S. global leadership in…
Blog
Flipping the Risk-Reward Equation for those who Reap the Profits of Human Trafficking
September 26, 2017
Earlier this month, a lawsuit brought by the city of Los Angeles against a Motel 6 was settled when the popular motel chain paid $250,000 to the…
Testimony
Testimony of Annick Febrey: Multi-Sector Partnerships to Combat Human Trafficking
September 26, 2017
At Human Rights First, our mission is to foster American global leadership on human rights. We believe that standing up for human rights is not…
Blog
A Closer Look at the New Global Estimates on the Prevalence of Human Trafficking in 2017
September 20, 2017
Yesterday the International Labor Organization (ILO) and Walk Free Foundation released their newest report estimating the number of victims of modern slavery across the globe: 24.9 million victims worldwide. This…
Press
New Report Estimates Nearly 25 Million Victims of Trafficking Worldwide
September 19, 2017
Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First said that today’s release by the International Labor Organization (ILO) and Walk Free Foundation, in partnership with the International Organization for…
Press
Febrey to Testify on Multi-Sector Response to Human Trafficking
September 13, 2017
Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First’s Annick Febrey today will urge members of Congress to support efforts to end slave labor in the United States and abroad,…
Blog
Stephen Miller and Emma’s Torch
August 10, 2017
By Rosalind Faulkner Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, With conquering limbs astride from land to land; Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates…
Blog
The House of Representatives Should Defeat the Anti-Asylum Bill
August 4, 2017
By Olga Byrne Last week, the House Judiciary Committee marked up the Asylum Reform and Border Protection Act of 2017 (H.R. 391), a severely anti-asylum law that…
Blog
World Day Against Trafficking in Persons
August 3, 2017
By Rachel Risoleo On July 30, the United Nations recognized the fourth annual World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. Initially designated in 2013 by the United Nations…
Blog
Left Behind: Refugee Ban Abandons Vulnerable Orphans
August 2, 2017
By Andrea Gillespie If the Lost Boys of Sudan were seeking safety in the United States today, they would be out of luck. In 1999,…
Press
New Analysis Details Six-Month Impact of Trump Refugee Bans
July 27, 2017
Washington, D.C.—As the Trump Administration’s refugee ban executive order hits the six-month mark, Human Rights First today released a new analysis detailing the impacts of this policy…
Press
House Bill Would Return Persecuted Refugees to Danger
July 26, 2017
Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today urged members of the House Judiciary Committee to reject the Asylum Reform and Border Protection Act when it marks up…
Blog
Backpage.com: Classifieds Website or Human Trafficker?
July 26, 2017
By Rachel Risoleo A company that has long evaded legal accusations of facilitating sex trafficking might finally be held accountable for its role in the…
Blog
The Responsibility of Corporate Boards in Fighting Modern Slavery
July 25, 2017
By Rachel Risoleo In the fight against modern slavery, most people look to nonprofits and government agencies. But businesses and their boards of directors can be…
Fact Sheet
Human Trafficking Accountability Act
July 24, 2017
S. 1236: A BILL TO DESIGNATE HUMAN TRAFFICKING COORDINATORS IN U.S. ATTORNEY OFFICES PURPOSE To increase justice for victims and expand accountability for perpetrators of…
Press
Human Rights First Welcome Introduction of Human Trafficking Accountability Act
July 20, 2017
Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today welcomed the introduction of the Human Trafficking Accountability Act, introduced by Representatives Joyce Beatty (D-OH) and Ann Wagner (R-MO), that would…
Press
Administration to Release Regulations that May Force Immigrants to Stay in Mexico Pending Hearings
July 20, 2017
New York City—Human Rights First today said that any action taken by the Trump Administration to force asylum seekers to remain in Mexico while awaiting removal hearings…
Press
New Report Demonstrates that Mexico is not a Safe Third Country for Refugees
July 18, 2017
New York City—Human Rights First today released a new report assessing the dangers facing refugees in Mexico in the wake of proposals from the Trump Administration and…
Blog
The Tuna 2020 Traceability Declaration Furthers a Labor-Conscious Approach to the Fishing Industry
July 13, 2017
By Rachel Risoleo In 2014, The Guardian began investigating the clear link between illegal fishing and labor trafficking, notably within the Thai seafood industry. The same year, Thailand…
Blog
Juneteenth: A Day for Remembrance and Awareness
June 29, 2017
Every year on June 19—or Juneteenth, as it is often called—we commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. While the Emancipation Proclamation was…
Blog
The Latest TIP Report
June 28, 2017
On June 27, 2017, the State Department’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons released the 2017 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report. The annual…
Press
TIP Report Underscores Need for Global Accountability to Combat Human Trafficking
June 27, 2017
Washington, D.C. — Human Rights First today welcomed the release of the State Department’s 2017 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, and called on the U.S. government…
Press
Tillerson, Kelly Urged to Reaffirm U.S. Commitment to Refugees at Conference on Prosperity and Security in Central America
June 15, 2017
Washington, D.C.—As Secretaries of State Rex Tillerson and Homeland Security John Kelly meet today and tomorrow in Miami for the Conference on Prosperity and Security…
Blog
The Abolish Human Trafficking Act of 2017 Would Reenergize the Fight Against Modern Slavery
June 12, 2017
On Wednesday, Senators Cornyn (R-TX) and Klobuchar (D-MN), along with Senators Grassley (R-IA), Feinstein (D-CA), introduced the Abolish Human Trafficking Act of 2017. This bill updates…
Press
Bipartisan Bill Would Strengthen U.S. Efforts to Combat Human Trafficking
June 7, 2017
Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First welcomes today’s introduction of The Abolish Human Trafficking Act of 2017 in the Senate. The bipartisan bill, introduced by Senators Cornyn (R-TX), Grassley…
Blog
Bringing Human Traffickers to Justice
June 6, 2017
The past few years have seen several improvements in prosecution and awareness of human trafficking crimes in the United States. After the Trafficking Victims Protection…
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
Senators Brown, Casey Introduce Bill to Designate Human Trafficking Coordinators
May 25, 2017
Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today welcomed the introduction of a bill to require the Attorney General to designate Human Trafficking Coordinators for Federal judicial districts in the…
Blog
A Crackdown on Immigration Puts Trafficking Victims in More Danger
May 25, 2017
In February, President Trump signed the Enforcing Federal Law with Respect to Transnational Criminal Organizations and Prevent International Trafficking executive order. This order called on the executive…
Blog
No More Lolas
May 16, 2017
Lola was a slave in the United States for 35 years. Not in the 1860s—but one hundred years later. With no visa, no English language…
Blog
End Banking for Traffickers
May 10, 2017
On April 26, Senators Rubio and Warren introduced the End Banking for Human Traffickers Act of 2017 in the Senate. This bill would strengthen the role of the Department…
Blog
A Sign of Desperation: Syrian Refugees are Selling Their Organs
May 8, 2017
The BBC reports that organ trafficking is a flourishing business in Lebanon as desperate Syrian refugees sell parts of their bodies to try to survive. One Syrian…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: May 1, 2017
May 1, 2017
By Mary Elizabeth Margolis Top Items Sebastian Gorka Ousted from White House New reports indicate that Sebastian Gorka is likely to be removed from his current position…
Press
TVPRA Would Strengthen U.S. Efforts to Combat Human Trafficking
April 27, 2017
Washington, D.C.–Human Rights First today welcomed the introduction of The Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA) today in the House. This bipartisan bill introduced…
Blog
TVPRA: Continuing the Fight against Modern Slavery
April 27, 2017
The Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) is a landmark human trafficking law, first passed in 2000, that outlines the U.S. government’s policy on human trafficking.…
Blog
A Woman’s Death in Italy Spotlights Modern Slavery
April 26, 2017
Earlier this month the New York Times ran a story on Paola Clemente, a 49-year-old woman who died working in the grape fields of southern Italy. The…
Blog
Following the Money, Straight to Human Traffickers
April 3, 2017
The banking industry has started to crack down on traffickers who use their banks, credit cards, and financial institutions to house and transport their illicit…
Blog
How the French are Tackling Modern Slavery
March 24, 2017
By Cassidy Slater In February, the French Parliament adopted a new law establishing a duty of vigilance for businesses, requiring them to monitor their company…
Blog
The Beautiful Shores of Hawaii a Hub for Slavery?
March 20, 2017
Last October the AP’s investigation into Hawaii’s multi-million-dollar fishing industry brought light to possible forced labor offenses happening off the coast of the United States.…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: March 6, 2017
March 6, 2017
TOP ITEMS Revised Refugee Ban President Trump today signed a new executive order suspending the refugee resettlement program, and banning the issuance of new visas…
Blog
Slavery in the Palm Oil Industry
March 1, 2017
By Cassidy Slater Palm oil is found in approximately 50 percent of common grocery and household products. Since 1980, palm oil production has increased significantly…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: February 27, 2017
February 27, 2017
By Mary Elizabeth Margolis TOP ITEMS President Trump to Address Congress President Trump will give his first address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday.…
Blog
Using Diplomatic Relations with Cuba to Fight Human Trafficking
February 22, 2017
By Cassidy Slater On January 16, the State Department signed a law-enforcement agreement with Cuba outlining potential collaboration on several security and criminal issues, including human trafficking.…
Press
DHS Memorandum Would Undermine Access to Asylum, Impose Arbitrary Detention
February 17, 2017
New York City—Human Rights First expressed its opposition to proposals included in a draft Department of Homeland Security (DHS) memorandum outlining potential steps to implement…
Video
Elisa Massimino Testifying on Human Trafficking
February 17, 2017
Elisa Massimino, President and CEO of Human Rights First: Anyone who seeks to deprive traffickers of their ability to prey on vulnerable people cannot in…
Press
Trafficking in Persons Report Integrity Act Would Strengthen International Efforts in the Fight Against Modern Day Slavery
February 16, 2017
Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First welcomed yesterday’s re-introduction of the Trafficking in Persons Report Integrity Act, which would strengthen the State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons…
Press
In Testimony, Human Rights First Urges Congress to Protect Refugees from Becoming Trafficking Victims
February 15, 2017
Washington, D.C. – In testimony today before the Senate, Human Rights First’s President and CEO Elisa Massimino urged Congress to combat human trafficking by blocking any executive action…
Blueprint
How to Dismantle the Business of Human Trafficking: Blueprint for Congress
February 14, 2017
The United States abolished slavery with the ratification of the 13th Amendment more than 150 years ago, and slavery is illegal everywhere. However, the International Labor…
Testimony
Testimony of Elisa Massimino: Senate Foreign Relations Hearing on Ending Modern Slavery: Building on Success
February 14, 2017
TESTIMONY OF ELISA MASSIMINO PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER HUMAN RIGHTS FIRST Hearing on Ending Modern Slavery: Building on Success Before the Senate Foreign Relations…
Press
Secretary Kelly Urged to Uphold U.S. Obligations to Protect Refugees
February 7, 2017
New York City—Following testimony today by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary John Kelly before the House Homeland Security Committee, Human Rights First urged DHS to…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: February 6, 2017
February 6, 2017
By Mary Elizabeth Margolis TOP ITEMS Muslim Ban Temporarily Halted A decision Sunday by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit preserved a lower…
Blog
Human Trafficking Doesn’t Just Happen at the Super Bowl
February 3, 2017
Every year millions of Americans crowd around their TVs for the Super Bowl to cheer on their team, eat hot wings, drink beer, and enjoy…
Blog
How Migration and Conflict Create a Breeding Ground for Human Trafficking
January 23, 2017
Every day advocates across the globe face new obstacles in the fight against human trafficking. The ongoing refugee crisis, increased migration flows from Central and…
Blog
Creating a More Inclusive El Salvador
January 18, 2017
By Nicole Santamaria, Guest Author Nearly two years ago, I was forced to leave my beloved country of El Salvador. I worked for the Colectivo…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: January 17, 2017
January 17, 2017
By Mary Elizabeth Margolis TOP ITEMS Inauguration On Friday President-elect Donald Trump will officially take the oath of office to become the 45th president of…
Blog
Modern Slavery Statistics: What We Know and What We Don’t
January 12, 2017
Last year the Washington Post Fact Checker series investigated several widely used statistics that anti-trafficking advocates often cite, including UNICEF’s estimated numbers of child soldiers. It found that…
Blog
Thinking about Human Trafficking Awareness Day
January 11, 2017
On January 4, 2010 President Obama issued a proclamation naming January as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. This followed a 2007 Senate resolution naming January…
Press
House Should Reject Bills that Undermine U.S. Protection of Refugees
January 11, 2017
Washington, D.C.— Human Rights First today urged members of the House Judiciary Committee to reject the Asylum Reform and Border Protection Act (H.R. 391) introduced yesterday…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: January 9, 2017
January 9, 2017
By Mary Elizabeth Margolis Top Items Confirmation Hearings Confirmation hearings will begin in the Senate this week for several nominees for key cabinet positions in…
Fact Sheet
Human Trafficking by the Numbers
January 7, 2017
“It ought to concern every person, because it is a debasement of our common humanity. It ought to concern every community, because it tears at…
Press
Prime Minister Urged to Lift Closure Order Against Civil Society Group in Iraqi Kurdistan
January 6, 2017
New York City—Human Rights First today urged the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to lift the closure order issued against the civil society organization Yazda, in Dohuk.…
Blueprint
How to Dismantle the Business of Human Trafficking
December 16, 2016
The United States abolished slavery with the ratification of the 13th Amendment over 150 years ago. Yet according to the International Labor Organization, there are still…
Press
Human Rights First Hosts Annual Human Rights Summit
December 13, 2016
Washington, D.C.—Today Human Rights First will convene its annual Human Rights Summit: American ideals. Universal values., at the Newseum in Washington, D.C. The Summit, which comes as…
Press
Congress Urged to Support Trafficking in Persons Report Integrity Act
December 12, 2016
Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today welcomed the introduction of the Trafficking in Persons Report Integrity Act (S.3520). Introduced by Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL),…
Press
Marilyn Carlson Nelson to Receive Human Rights First’s Beacon Prize
December 8, 2016
Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today announced that Marilyn Carlson Nelson, former chairwoman and CEO of the global travel and hospitality company Carlson Inc., will receive…
Press
NDAA Authorizes Grants to Fund Global Anti-Slavery Programs
December 8, 2016
Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today applauded the inclusion of Section 1298 in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2017 (S.2943), which authorizes $250 million over a…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: December 5, 2016
December 6, 2016
Top Items National Security Today the Obama Administration released a presidential report and memorandum, as well as supporting documents, detailing the administration’s policy and legal…
Blog
Truckers Joining the Fight against Modern Slavery
December 1, 2016
One challenge to dismantling trafficking networks is that most people don’t recognize a trafficking victim when they see one. That’s why law makers, advocates, and…
Blog
Great Britain Ramps up Anti-Slavery Efforts
November 18, 2016
The United Kingdom is taking a hard look at its efforts to combat modern slavery. Last month the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Kevin Hyland, released his first…
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’…
Video
How to Bankrupt Slavery
November 1, 2016
Human trafficking is the world’s fastest growing criminal enterprise, earning exploiters an estimated $150 billion annually. Let’s work together to put traffickers out of business…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: October 24, 2016
October 24, 2016
Top Items LGBT On Wednesday, October 26 National Security Advisor Susan Rice will deliver an address focused on the Obama Administration’s efforts to protect and expand the…
Blog
Fallout from Revelations of Slavery in Hawaii Fishing Industry
October 14, 2016
By Alexander Strain AP recently reported on suspected labor exploitation in Hawaii’s multi-million-dollar fishing industry, prompting a robust response from advocacy organizations, businesses, and legislators. Documenting the…
Blog
The Syrian Refugee Crisis: A Greenhouse for Human Trafficking
October 3, 2016
By Rachel Buchan Jordan has the third largest population of Syrian refugees in the world, with 635,000 registered Syrian refugees in the country. Additional unregistered refugees push…
Blog
A Missed Opportunity on Burma, Human Trafficking
September 21, 2016
By Alexander Strain Burmese Nobel Peace Prize laureate and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi met with President Obama last week. It was an ideal…
Blog
Slave-Caught Fish: Illegal from Thailand, Legal from Hawaii
September 14, 2016
By Alexander Strain Goods made with slave labor are categorically banned from import into the United States, thanks to a new provision in the Tariff Act…
Blog
Intel Ad Campaign Highlights Importance of Supply Chain Responsibility
September 9, 2016
By Lewis Golove The past two decades in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have been characterized by civil war and mass atrocity, the…
Blog
Cambodian Labor Trafficking Victims Sue U.S.-Based Seafood Suppliers
August 18, 2016
By Lewis Golove Survivors of human trafficking in the multi-billion dollar seafood industry filed suit this summer in federal court against California-based seafood importers that supply large…
Blog
The Syrian Refugee Crisis: A Greenhouse for Human Trafficking
August 16, 2016
By Rachel Buchan Around the world today, an estimated twenty-one million people have fallen prey to the criminal enterprise of human trafficking. Though victim demographics…
Blog
Subaru Must Begin Holding Its Suppliers Accountable
August 15, 2016
In the past four years, Subaru’s U.S. sales have almost doubled and its stock price has quadrupled. Yet most consumers don’t know that a large…
Press
President Obama Stresses Opportunity to Combat Trafficking Through Trade
August 2, 2016
Washington, D.C. — President Obama’s remarks today during a press conference that followed an official meeting with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong stressed the…
Blog
Domestic Servitude, an Especially Hidden Form of Labor Trafficking
August 2, 2016
A Minnesota woman is facing charges of labor trafficking, false imprisonment, and assault after her children’s nanny was found wandering outside at night with bruises all over…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: August 1, 2016
August 1, 2016
Top News Immigration Detention This Wednesday, August 3rd the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) and Human Rights First will host a breakfast discussion on…
Blog
Corporations Forced to Start Taking Responsibility for Human Trafficking in their Supply Chains
July 27, 2016
By Lewis Golove Approximately 21 million people are victims of modern day slavery worldwide, and 68 percent of these are victims of forced labor in…
Blog
Labor Trafficking and Sex Trafficking: Equally Critical, Unequally Prioritized
July 18, 2016
By Rachel Buchan On July 12, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) and the House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC) Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights,…
Blog
Fairphone Offers a Model of Ethical Transparency in Business
July 12, 2016
By Lewis Golove How are our smartphones made? Underneath the sleek design are dozens of minerals processed in hundreds of factories by thousands of workers.…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: July 11, 2016
July 11, 2016
TOP ITEMS Global Refugee Crisis This week, the House Committee on Appropriations will markup the Fiscal Year 2017 State and Foreign Operations Bill. In its…
Blog
U.S. Needs Designated Labor Trafficking Prosecutors across the Country
July 8, 2016
The 2016 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, released June 30 by the State Department, ranks countries from Tier 1 to Tier 3 based on their…
Blog
India’s Anti-Trafficking Efforts Still Need Improvement
July 6, 2016
The 2016 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, which the State Department released on June 30, documents a significant increase in both the number of human…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: July 5, 2016
July 5, 2016
TOP ITEMS Bahrain This week President Obama travels to Poland, where he and other world leaders will attend the July 8-9 NATO summit. Human Rights…
Press
TIP Report Highlights Increase in Prosecution of Human Trafficking Worldwide
June 30, 2016
Washington, D.C.– Human Rights First today welcomed new data in the State Department’s 2016 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report indicating that global prosecutions of human…
Blog
Myth: Human Traffickers Are Always Part of Large Criminal Enterprises
June 28, 2016
A common misconception: human trafficking always involves a large and elaborate criminal enterprise engaged in systematic exploitation of victims. In reality, it occurs in a…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: June 27, 2016
June 27, 2016
TOP ITEMS Bahrain Wednesday, June 29 marks the one-year anniversary of the State Department’s decision to resume security assistance to Bahrain and remove some holds on arms sales originally imposed following Bahrain’s 2011 crackdown on peaceful protestors calling for reform. The anniversary…
Blog
Myth: Human Trafficking Victims are Usually Hidden
June 21, 2016
By Meghan Hampsey Human trafficking is often viewed as a clandestine crime that only happens on the fringes of society. Yet in reality, human trafficking…
Press
On World Refugee Day National Security Leaders, Retired Military Leaders, and Former Government Leaders Pledge Support for Refugee Protection
June 20, 2016
Washington, D.C. – In honor of World Refugee Day, 28 of the nation’s most prominent national security leaders, retired military leaders, and former government officials today publicly called on…
Blog
Myth: Human Traffickers Only Target “Poor and Uneducated” Individuals
June 11, 2016
By Meghan Hampsey The stereotypical human trafficking victim is often portrayed as uneducated, poor, or otherwise disadvantaged and desperate. Although that can be true, many…
Blog
Labor Trafficking Victims in Southern U.S. Win Judgements Totaling Millions
June 10, 2016
By Lewis Golove Over the past year, the Southern District Court of Mississippi has awarded default judgments in 38 separate cases to immigrant workers brought to the…
Blog
Myth: Human Traffickers Always Use Physical Force to Control Victims
June 7, 2016
By Meghan Hampsey Although traffickers often use physical force to control their victims, they don’t always. And physical force isn’t required for the crime to…
Press
During Meetings with Indian Prime Minister Modi, Obama Urged to Raise Human Trafficking Concerns
June 6, 2016
Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today urged President Obama to press Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strengthen his country’s anti-trafficking laws and promote consistent enforcement…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: June 6, 2016
June 6, 2016
Top Items Human Trafficking This week Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the United States. In advance of the visit, Human Rights First is urging the State Department to press…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: May 31, 2016
May 31, 2016
Top Items Guantanamo Yesterday at the U.S. detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, proceedings began in a pre-trial hearing for accused 9/11 terrorist Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and…
Blog
Myth: Human Trafficking Includes Only Sex Trafficking
May 31, 2016
By Meghan Hampsey The crime of human trafficking encompasses much more than sex slavery. While efforts to end commercial sex trafficking tend to receive the…
Blog
How One Survivor’s Story Helps Us Understand Modern Slavery
May 26, 2016
Political turbulence caused Shandra to lose her job at an international bank in Indonesia. She replied to an advertisement and worked with a recruiting company…
Blog
Four Questions the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Should Ask About the State Department’s Trafficking in Persons Report
May 25, 2016
By Annick Febrey This is a cross post from The Huffington Post Today, in advance of this year’s release of the annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP)…
Press
NDAA Provision Would Provide Resources to Combat Human Trafficking Globally
May 23, 2016
Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today applauded the inclusion of Section 1276 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2017 (S.2943), which would authorize…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: May 23, 2016
May 23, 2016
Top News Guantanamo On Tuesday, the House Oversight and Government Reform National Security Subcommittee will hold a hearing examining the remaining detainees at the U.S. detention…
Blog
Companies Should Use New Technologies to Monitor Supply Chains for Slavery
May 20, 2016
Two innovative solutions to worldwide labor trafficking launched this week, providing companies with tools to make responsible sourcing decisions and lessen the risk of slave…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: May 16, 2016
May 16, 2016
TOP NEWS Guantanamo This week as the military commission proceedings in the case against Abdul Hadi al Iraqi continue at the U.S. detention center at…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: May 9, 2016
May 9, 2016
Top News Global Refugee Crisis Last week, the State Department released its official resettlement numbers for April, indicating that it resettled 451 Syrian refugees last…
Blog
New Report Highlights Need for National Human Trafficking Case Reporting System
May 5, 2016
A new report by Sarah Godoy of the Luskin Center for Innovation reveals that there is a great need for additional resources and research efforts…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: May 2, 2016
May 2, 2016
Top News Guantanamo As the administration works toward its goal of closing the U.S. detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, it has scheduled two more Periodic…
Topics
Understanding Modern Slavery
May 1, 2016
WHAT IS HUMAN TRAFFICKING? Modern Slavery is a human rights crisis. More than 20 million people around the world are entrapped in some form of…
Topics
Arrest and Prosecution
May 1, 2016
How do authorities combat human trafficking? The most effective way to investigate human trafficking cases is through collaboration between relevant executive branch agencies, federal, state,…
Topics
Exploitation and the Private Sector
May 1, 2016
How are victims exploited in different sectors? Which sectors see a high rate of trafficking? Nearly 70 percent of trafficking victims are exploited in the…
Topics
Force, Fraud and Coercion
May 1, 2016
How do traffickers control victims? The use of force, fraud, or coercion to exploit victims for labor or sex is at the heart of all…
Topics
Recruitment
May 1, 2016
How are trafficking victims recruited into sex work or forced labor? Domestic Victims Human trafficking victims in America are recruited from both within the United…
Topics
Human Trafficking in the United States
May 1, 2016
Who are the victims? Where do they come from? Human trafficking affects every country in the world. Many are trafficked within their native country. Many…
Topics
Intervention & Victim Recovery
May 1, 2016
How do victims escape? Who helps them? In just about all domestic human trafficking cases, third-party bystanders play some role in assisting victims, reporting crimes,…
Blog
CBP Enforces the Ban on Goods Produced with Forced Labor with Two Withhold Release Orders
April 21, 2016
By Meghan Hampsey The U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) recently issued two “withhold release” orders, blocking goods from entering the country under suspicion that…
Blog
Labor Trafficking and the “Big Four 4”
April 18, 2016
By Meghan Hampsey Palm oil, timber, cattle, and soy are the top commodities linked to environmental and social challenges, earning them the moniker the “big…
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
Washington Week on Human Rights: April 4, 2016
April 4, 2016
Top News Guantanamo Today two detainees from the U.S. detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, were transferred to Senegal. The transfers come as the Pentagon continues to advocate for the administration’s plan to close…
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…
Blog
Human Trafficking, Corporate Liability, and the Courts
March 24, 2016
Several significant lawsuits addressing labor trafficking in supply chains have resolved in the past two months, creating important precedents in state anti-trafficking and consumer protection…
Press
Business, Government, and Law Enforcement Leaders Urge Congress to Increase Funding for DOJ Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit
March 23, 2016
Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First Bankrupt Slavery campaign ambassadors called for Congress to increase resources appropriated to the Department of Justice’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit (HTPU). The call came in a letter to leadership…
Blog
Myth: Human Trafficking Only Happens Abroad
March 23, 2016
By Meghan Hampsey Human trafficking occurs in cities all across the United States. According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), developed economies including North America,…
Letter
Letter to Appropriations Subcommittee Requesting Increased Funding for Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit
March 23, 2016
March 18, 2016 The Honorable Richard C. Shelby Chairman Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies U.S. Senate Washington, DC 20510 The…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: March 21, 2016
March 21, 2016
Top News Torture Last week National Security Advisor Susan Rice announced that the president will begin the declassification of records from Argentina’s “Dirty War” as…
Blog
Human Rights First will Highlight Human Trafficking at SXSW 2016
March 8, 2016
By Mary Elizabeth Margolis We’re headed to Austin for SXSW Interactive 2016! We hope you’ll join us on Sunday, March 13 at 5:00 p.m. for a…
Blog
Combatting Human Trafficking by Increasing the Risks for Perpetrators
March 7, 2016
By Meghan Hampsey On February 18th, The Heritage Foundation released an issue brief analyzing the correlation between economic freedom and human trafficking, utilizing the State Department Trafficking in…
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…
Campaigns
BANKRUPT SLAVERY: DISMANTLING THE BUSINESS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING
March 1, 2016
We are holding the U.S. government and businesses accountable to end the business of modern day slavery 150 years after the United States ratified the…
Bankrupt Slavery Campaign Ambassadors
March 1, 2016
Leaders in the Fight Against Human Trafficking Some of the nation’s most prominent business, government, military, law enforcement, and civil rights leaders have partnered with…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: February 29, 2016
February 29, 2016
Top News Guantanamo Last week the Pentagon sent Congress the Obama Administration’s plan to close the U.S. detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The plan includes…
Press
President Signs Bill to Close Loophole on Import of Goods Made with Forced Labor
February 24, 2016
Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today applauded the president’s signing of the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act, which includes a provision to strengthen prohibitions…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: February 22, 2016
February 22, 2016
Top News Guantanamo Tomorrow is the statutory deadline for the Obama Administration to give Congress its plan for closing the U.S. detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The…
Blog
A Depression-Era Loophole Allowing Trafficked Goods in America Finally Closes
February 17, 2016
Last Thursday the Senate passed a new customs enforcement bill by a margin of 75-20. The Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act, which addresses a wide array of issues…
Blog
Slavery in Houston Suburb
February 16, 2016
By Meghan Hampsey Last week a couple from Katy, Texas was charged with forced labor, withholding documents, conspiracy to harbor an illegal alien, and visa…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: February 16, 2016
February 16, 2016
Top News Torture Last week 42 of the nation’s most respected retired generals and admirals released a letter sent to all candidates for president urging them to publicly…
Blog
Lawmakers Urge President Obama to Address Human Trafficking Concerns at ASEAN Summit
February 16, 2016
President Obama is meeting with ten Southeast Asian leaders at the annual Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit starting February 15 in Rancho Mirage,…
Press
Senate Passes Trade Provision to Strengthen Prohibition of the Import of Goods Produced with Forced Labor
February 12, 2016
Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today applauded the Senate’s passage of section 910 of the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 (H.R. 644),…
Blog
Humanity United’s “Rethink Supply Chains” Challenge Could Help Eliminate Labor Trafficking
February 11, 2016
By Meghan Hampsey The ILO reports there are 14.2 million victims of labor trafficking worldwide. In an effort to address this crime, Humanity United is…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: February 8, 2016
February 8, 2016
Top News President Obama’s Budget Tomorrow President Obama will release his final budget request, which is expected to contain increased funding to address immigration court case backlogs. Human…
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…
Press
House Passes Bill to Prevent Human Trafficking in U.S. Government Contracts
February 2, 2016
Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today praised the House of Representatives for passing the Trafficking Prevention in Foreign Affairs Contracting Act (H.R. 400), a bill that…
Press
Congress Urged to Pass Bill to Prevent Human Trafficking in U.S. Government Contracts
January 29, 2016
Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today called on the House of Representatives to pass the Trafficking Prevention in Foreign Affairs Contracting Act (H.R. 400), a bill that…
Press
Human Rights First Calls for Nominations for 27th Annual Roger N. Baldwin Medal of Liberty Award
January 27, 2016
Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today announced that nominations are now open for the 2016 Roger N. Baldwin Medal of Liberty Award. The 2016…
Blog
Guest Workers and Human Trafficking in California
January 26, 2016
The Christian Science Monitor recently explored the high volume of trafficked labor in California’s guest worker community. Focusing on a 2006 case that exposed an exploitative labor…
Blog
The Consumer Goods Forum Commits to Fighting Forced Labor in its Supply Chains
January 26, 2016
The Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) recently announced the Social Resolution on Forced Labour, a commitment to fight forced labor throughout its global supply chains. In its announcement,…
Blog
In Queens, a Tyrant: Child Labor Trafficking in a New York Borough
January 22, 2016
A quiet residential street in Queens isn’t typically be the first place that comes to mind when you think about human trafficking. Yet earlier this month, an…
Blog
$500 Million Carnival Industry Depends on Mexican Laborers Paid Below Minimum Wage
January 20, 2016
A recent Reuters report exposed the $500 million per year U.S. carnival business as a high-risk industry for forced labor and exploitation. The report focuses on former circus…
Blog
New Survivors Council to Advise Federal Government on Anti-Trafficking Policy
January 15, 2016
On January 5th Secretary of State John Kerry chaired the annual meeting of the President’s Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (PITF).…
Fact Sheet
End Modern Slavery Initiative Act
January 14, 2016
S.553: END MODERN SLAVERY INITIATIVE ACT OF 2015 Modern slavery is the fastest growing criminal enterprise in the world. It is a profit driven business;…
Blog
Year in Review: 2015 and the Fight to Bankrupt Slavery
January 11, 2016
One hundred and fifty years ago on December 6, 1895, the United States ratified the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, legally abolishing slavery in America.…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: January 11, 2016
January 11, 2016
Top News Guantanamo Over the weekend, White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough reaffirmed President Obama’s promise to shutter Guantanamo before the end of his final…
Blog
Taking Slave Labor Out of American Markets
December 22, 2015
This December marks the 150th anniversary of passage of the 13th amendment, banning slavery in the United States. Its passage was a historic step towards…
Blog
U.N. Security Council Holds First Session on Human Trafficking
December 22, 2015
Last Wednesday the United States hosted the first ever U.N. Security Council session on human trafficking in armed conflict. Nick Grono, head of the Freedom Fund—a…
Blog
Historical Abolitionist of the Month: Robert Smalls
December 18, 2015
By Katie Masi The fight to end slavery is rooted in history and extends until today. Each month we profile some of the brave men…
Amicus Brief
Amicus Brief: Adhikari v. Kellogg Brown & Root
December 18, 2015
IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE FIFTH CIRCUIT INTEREST OF AMICI CURIAE Amici curiae are retired generals and admirals of the U.S.…
Blueprint
How to Dismantle the Business of Human Trafficking
December 18, 2015
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the ratification of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery in the United States. Yet in the world today…
Press
Omnibus Package Includes Funding to Combat Human Trafficking
December 18, 2015
Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today applauded the inclusion of $25 million to fund the first year of the End Modern Slavery Initiative in the…
Blog
Peel and Defeat: A Pulitzer Prize Winning Journalist Exposes Widespread Trafficking in Thai Shrimp Factories
December 17, 2015
“There is more oversight in seafood to protect dolphins than there is to protect humans.” -Martha Mendoza On a recent “Ask Me Anything” session on Reddit, the entertainment,…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: December 14, 2015
December 15, 2015
Top News Extremism in France During yesterday’s second round of French regional elections, voters rejected candidates from the far-right political party the National Front. The development…
Blog
Human Rights First Summit Explores Solutions to Human Trafficking
December 11, 2015
The 2015 Human Rights First Summit, held December 9 at the Newseum in Washington, D.C., featured experts who sought to answer difficult questions on how…
Press
House Passes Trade Provision to Strengthen Prohibition of the Import of Goods Produced with Forced Labor
December 11, 2015
Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today applauded the House of Representatives’ passage of section 910 of the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 (H.R. 644),…
Blog
Contemporary Abolitionist of the Month: Raimi Vincent Parasio
December 10, 2015
By Katie Masi The fight to end slavery is rooted in history and extends until today. Each month we profile some of the brave men…
Report
Corporate Liability and Human Trafficking
December 9, 2015
In our world of increased globalization and worldwide movement of goods and capital, companies can face legal liability if they fail to guard against human…
Press
Americans Want Stronger U.S. Leadership on Key Human Rights Issues
December 9, 2015
According to a Human Rights First Study conducted by Harris Poll Washington, D.C.—Today, Human Rights First released a new study conducted by Harris Poll showing broad bipartisan…
Press
New Report Details Corporate Liability Risks Regarding Labor Trafficking in Supply Chains
December 9, 2015
Washington, D.C. – As part of the 4th Annual Human Rights Summit, Human Rights First today issued a new report titled “Corporate Liability and Human Trafficking,” which…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: December 7, 2015
December 8, 2015
Top News Extremism in France France’s far-right National Front party, spearheaded by Marine Le Pen, reportedly made major gains in yesterday’s regional elections. News sources say…
Press
Human Rights First Celebrates 150th Anniversary of the Ratification of the 13th Amendment
December 6, 2015
Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today celebrates the 150th anniversary of the ratification of the 13th Amendment, legally abolishing slavery and ending a dark chapter…
Blog
Forced Labor and “Blood Gold” in Colombia
December 2, 2015
In film and television, Colombia is virtually synonymous with drug trafficking. But for all of Hollywood’s work to shine a light on the Medellin Cartel,…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: November 30, 2015
December 2, 2015
Top News Torture Last week, President Obama signed into law an updated defense authorization bill for fiscal year 2016 that included a landmark provision reinforcing the…
Nestle Acknowledges Slavery in its Supply Chain
November 30, 2015
Following a year-long investigation by Verité, a nonprofit organization that monitors and evaluates corporate compliance with human rights, Nestle disclosed last week that slavery and…
Historical Abolitionist of the Month: John Parker
November 30, 2015
By Katie Masi The fight to end slavery is rooted in history and extends until today. Each month we profile some of the brave men…
Blog
Biting the Hand that Feeds: Labor Trafficking in Florida’s Agricultural Sector
November 24, 2015
One of the nation’s largest produce suppliers is also ground zero for human trafficking in the United States. As the Christian Science Monitor reports in…
Washington Week on Human Rights: November 23, 2015
November 24, 2015
Top News Global Refugee Crisis Last week, the House of Representatives passed the American Safe Act, legislation that would effectively shut down the resettlement of…
Blog
Contemporary Abolitionist of the Month: Susan Ople
November 23, 2015
By Katie Masi The fight to end slavery is rooted in history and extends until today. Each month we profile some of the brave men…
Blog
From Cuba to Uzbekistan: Politics in the TIP Report?
November 13, 2015
In July the U.S. Department of State (DOS) released its 2015 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report. The report ranks countries based on efforts to meet…
Blog
Historical Abolitionist of the Month: Henry “Box” Brown
October 29, 2015
By Katie Masi The fight to end slavery is rooted in history and extends until today. Each month we profile some of the brave men…
Blog
Elisa Massimino: One of The Hill’s Top Lobbyists of 2015
October 28, 2015
By Megdi Abebe The Hill listed Human Rights First President and CEO Elisa Massimino as one of the top lobbyists of 2015, using the term broadly…
Blog
Contemporary Abolitionist of the Month: Jeanette Richardson-Baars
October 27, 2015
By Katie Masi The fight to end slavery is rooted in history and extends until today. Each month we profile some of the brave men…
Blog
There is No Such thing as a Child Prostitute
October 27, 2015
Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell announced this week that the police force would stop arresting minors for prostitution-related crimes, joining a growing list of U.S. cities…
Blog
Using Data to Fight Slavery
October 23, 2015
Fighting human trafficking is not just about infiltrating criminal networks and catching criminals in flashy stings. It also requires using the power of information to reveal how and…
Blog
Indiana Tackles Trafficking
October 15, 2015
The Hoosier State is upping its game to disrupt the business of modern day slavery. With 27 reported cases of human trafficking in Indiana this year as…
Blog
Action Must Follow Sustainable Development Goals on Human Trafficking
October 15, 2015
At the end of this year the timeline for the U.N. Millennium Goals will come to a close. The lofty aspirations of the Millennium Summit…
Blog
The CNN Freedom Project Highlights Plight of Yazidi Slaves
October 14, 2015
In a new animated short presented by The CNN Freedom Project, heart-wrenching images of the plight of the Yazidis of Mount Sinjar shine a light…
Blog
Concordia Summit Spotlights Labor Trafficking
October 8, 2015
By Annick Febrey Last week Concordia hosted their fifth Annual Summit in New York City, convening a diverse group of thought leaders to explore solutions to various…
Blog
Signal International Apologizes to Trafficking Victims
October 6, 2015
Signal International, a maritime company that reached a $20 million settlement in July over 12 labor trafficking lawsuits, apologized last week as part of the settlement agreement.…
Press
Retired Generals and Admirals Urge the Fifth Circuit Court to Hold Military Contractors Accountable for Human Trafficking
October 2, 2015
New York City – Human Rights First, representing a group of 11 retired generals and admirals, filed an amicus brief urging the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals to…
Blog
Historical Abolitionist of the Month: Matilda Joslyn Gage
September 30, 2015
By Katie Masi The fight to end slavery is rooted in history and extends until today. Each month we profile some of the brave men…
Blog
Pope Francis Urges Congress to Combat Modern Slavery
September 30, 2015
“Such cooperation is a powerful resource in the battle to eliminate new global forms of slavery, born of grave injustices which can be overcome only…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: September 28, 2015
September 28, 2015
Top News Global Refugee Crisis On Thursday, the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Immigration and National Interest Subcommittee will hold a hearing on the Obama Administration’s Fiscal…
Blog
Contemporary Abolitionist of the Month: Simona Broomes
September 24, 2015
By Katie Masi The fight to end slavery is rooted in history and extends until today. Each month we profile some of the brave men…
Blog
Hold Military Contractor KBR Accountable for Deadly Trafficking Scheme
September 24, 2015
In 2004, thirteen Nepali laborers were offered jobs in a luxury hotel and restaurants in Amman, Jordan. The families of these young men took on…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: September 22, 2015
September 22, 2015
Top News Global Refugee Crisis Yesterday, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry announced that the United States will increase the annual number of refugees it…
Press
Increase in U.S. Refugee Ceiling Falls Short of Meaningful Leadership
September 20, 2015
New York City – Human Rights First today said that Secretary of State John Kerry’s announcement that the United States will increase the annual ceiling for refugee admissions…
Video
Birmingham Mayor William Bell on Human Trafficking
September 17, 2015
Mayor William Bell of Birmingham, Alabama discusses the collaboration needed between all levels of government to effectively combat human trafficking, a travesty that…
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New York Times Highlights Photographs of NYC Trafficking Victims
September 17, 2015
By Katie Masi On Monday The New York Times highlighted the photographs of Xyza Bacani, a former maid and Filipino native, who documented and photographed…
Blog
Ohio Labor Traffickers Plead Guilty
September 17, 2015
By Katie Masi Two men have pled guilty for their role in a labor trafficking scheme that brought eight teens and two adults to the…
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What We Can Learn from San Francisco about Human Trafficking
September 14, 2015
Last month the San Francisco’s Mayor’s Task Force on Human Trafficking released its first report. Mayor Edwin Lee launched the task force in March 2013…
Press
U.S. Leadership Urgently Needed to Address Syrian Refugee Crisis
September 9, 2015
New York City – As Secretary of State John Kerry meets with the Senate and House judiciary committees this morning to discuss the U.S. response to the…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: August 31, 2015
August 31, 2015
Top News Saudi Arabia This Friday King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia will make his first visit to the White House since…
Blog
Historical Abolitionist of the Month: Harriet Beecher Stowe
August 31, 2015
By Solveig Haugen The fight to end slavery is rooted in history and extends until today. Each month we profile some of the brave men…
Blog
Contemporary Abolitionist of the Month: Vannak Anan Prum
August 21, 2015
By Solveig Haugen, The fight to end slavery is rooted in history and extends until today. Each month we profile some of the brave men…
Blog
Humans of Pakistan
August 21, 2015
From New York to Pakistan, people are uniting to combat modern day slavery. Most recently: the popular photoblog Humans of New York raised awareness of…
Blog
Using Data Analysis to Fight Slavery
August 20, 2015
Last week as part of the Freedom Project, CNN published a piece on the use of technology in combating modern-day slavery. The article profiles innovative…
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
Massimo Evaluates the Obama Administration’s Human Rights Record on WBEZ’s Worldview
August 11, 2015
This week Elisa Massimino, Human Rights First’s President and CEO, spoke with Jerome McDonnell, host of Chicago radio show, WBEZ Worldview. On the program, Massimino…
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
During Hearing Tomorrow, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Should Raise Concerns Over Trafficking in Persons Report Credibility
August 5, 2015
Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First urged the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to raise concerns over the credibility of the State Department’s annual Trafficking in…
Blog
TIP Report Turns Up the Heat on Labor Trafficking
August 4, 2015
Since it’s inception in 2001, The State Department’s annual Trafficking in Person (TIP) Report has brought the world’s efforts to combat modern day slavery into…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: August 3, 2015
August 3, 2015
Top News EGYPT Over the weekend the United States resumed formal security talks with Egypt, as part of the U.S.–Egypt Strategic Dialogue. The bilateral relationship…
Blog
Analyzing Malaysia’s Upgraded TIP Report Ranking
July 31, 2015
By Radha Desai All eyes were on Malaysia this week in anticipation of the State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report. The country’s status would…
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Lessons from the 2015 Trafficking in Persons Report
July 30, 2015
The recently released TIP report shows that several key countries are taking certain important steps to combat trafficking but lagging in other ways. Japan, which…
Blog
Historical Abolitionist of the Month: Gerrit Smith
July 29, 2015
By Solveig Haugen The fight to end slavery is rooted in history and extends until today. Each month we profile some of the brave men…