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We found 491 results for "Syrian Refugees"

Topics

SYRIAN REFUGEES

September 19, 2022

The United States should lead a global effort to protect Syrian refugee families fleeing conflict and terrorism. The world is facing the largest refugee crisis…

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Testimony

Meeting International Obligations to Welcome and Protect Refugees

June 24, 2022

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

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Press

Evacuate Our Allies Urges Extension of Ukrainian Parole Program to Afghans

April 13, 2022

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Blog

Lviv Offers Fast Track to Safety

March 19, 2022

Lviv’s magnificent old railway station in Ukraine is one of those Art Nouveau classics of eastern Europe. It survived a couple of world wars, Nazi…

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Fact Sheet

Ten Reasons to End the Title 42 Policy

March 11, 2022

March 20, 2022 will mark two years since the Trump administration began to use the Title 42 policy to block and expel to danger people…

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Blog

Black immigrants face unique challenges

February 17, 2022

By Reema Ghabra Black Immigrant and Refugee Equity (BIRE) Project Fellow Over the past twenty years, the Black immigrant population in the United States has…

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Fact Sheet

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

November 10, 2021

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

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Press

Human Rights First Heralds Legislation to Restore American Leadership to Refugee Protection

November 21, 2019

Legislation will overhaul the American refugee system to reassert humane U.S. leadership on refugee protection and resettlement WASHINGTON – Today, Human Rights First lauds Senator…

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Press

Recipients of 2019 Marvin E. Frankel Award for Pro Bono Service Announced

August 13, 2019

New York City—Human Rights First today announced that it will present its annual Marvin E. Frankel Award to the law firms of Akin Gump Strauss…

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VFAI Leader Spotlights

Leader Spotlight: Shakir Radeef

March 26, 2019

Tell us about your background. Before moving from Baghdad to the United States in 2014, I spent much of my career working as a journalist in…

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Blueprint

How to Address the Global Refugee Crisis and Safeguard U.S. National Security

September 10, 2018

Historically, the United States has been a global leader in protecting vulnerable refugees fleeing persecution. Both Republican and Democratic administrations have recognized the moral and…

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Blog

Proposed Refugee Cap Threatens U.S. National Security

August 7, 2018

By Kevin Schuster A new report suggest the Trump Administration plans to decrease the number of admitted refugees to 25,000 or lower for fiscal year 2019—a historic…

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VFAI Leader Spotlights

Leader Spotlight: Gretchen Klingler

July 23, 2018

Our Leader Spotlights offer a glimpse into our diverse leadership: veterans who are continuing to serve their country and community in creative ways. Today, we…

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VFAI Leader Spotlights

Leader Spotlight: Matthew Deibel

July 9, 2018

9/11 changed everything. Matthew Deibel remembers shortly after the towers fell, a store owned by one of his Muslim neighbors in Ohio was vandalized. “I…

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Press

Administration Falling Behind Historically-Low Refugee Resettlement Goals

March 30, 2018

New York City—As the United States approaches the end of the first half of its 2018 fiscal year, Human Rights First said that the Trump…

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Blog

Will Trump DHS Nominee Adhere to International Law?

November 8, 2017

This content originally appeared in the Huffington Post On Wednesday, the Senate Homeland Security Committee will have the opportunity to question Kirstjen Nielson, President Trump’s…

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Press

United States to Admit All-Time Low Number of Refugees in 2018

September 27, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today condemned the Trump Administration for setting the refugee admissions goal at an all-time low number for fiscal year 2018. After…

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Press

Administration to Set Refugee Admissions Cap at All-Time Low

September 13, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Following reports that the administration is considering dropping the number of admitted refugees to an all-time low for fiscal year 2018, Human Rights First…

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Blog

Aligning American Foreign Policy to Protect Religious Freedom

August 21, 2017

On Tuesday Secretary of State Rex Tillerson delivered a speech to mark the release of the State Department’s annual International Religious Freedom Report. Human Rights First’s Rob Berschinski spoke…

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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…

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Report

U.S. Leadership Forsaken: Six Months of the Trump Refugee Bans

July 27, 2017

The United States has long been a global leader in protecting and resettling persecuted refugees, and over the years has encouraged other countries to launch…

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Press

Audio Recording Reveals Border Agents Turning Back Asylum Seekers

July 13, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today released an audio recording of a Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agent repeatedly turning away asylum seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border, a…

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Blog

Questions Surround Trump Administration’s Syria Policy

July 12, 2017

Six years into the Syrian conflict, more than five million Syrians are refugees. More than six million people are displaced within Syria, and over thirteen…

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Blog

Three Things to Watch for during Trump’s Trip to Poland

June 29, 2017

By Jacob Kostrzewski President Trump will make a stop in Poland’s capital Warsaw on July 5th prior to attending the G-20 Summit in Germany. His visit comes a year…

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Press

House Legislation Would Harm Asylum Seekers Entering the United States

June 29, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today condemned the passage of legislation that would subject asylum seekers to criminal prosecutions, a violation of the Protocol Relating to…

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Blog

World Refugee Day Community Iftar

June 28, 2017

By Saadia H. Khan and Emma Bernstein Saadia: As a practicing Muslim born and raised in the United States, I fast during the holy month of…

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Blog

Robbie Karp: Making the Refugee Crisis Human

June 21, 2017

By Rosalind Faulkner An Iranian boy who walked 2000 miles alone to reach safety in Greece. A pregnant Syrian woman who boarded an escape raft…

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Press

New Analysis Reveals Trump Administration Slashing Resettlement of Muslim Refugees

June 13, 2017

Washington, D.C.—As the Supreme Court reviews President Trump’s request for stays of the preliminary injunctions against the travel and refugee bans in his revised executive…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: May 22, 2017

May 22, 2017

By Mary Elizabeth Margolis Top Items Ambassador Haley Travels to Jordan and Turkey U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley is currently on a…

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Press

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

May 19, 2017

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

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Press

House Judiciary Committee Urged to Reject Bill Targeting Refugees and Asylum Seekers During Today’s Hearing

May 18, 2017

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights first today, along with 25 leading human rights, refugee resettlement, and faith organizations, called on the House Judiciary Committee to reject…

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Press

Erdogan Visit Continues Disturbing Trend of Engaging with Authoritarians

May 15, 2017

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

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: May 15, 2017

May 15, 2017

By Mary Elizabeth Margolis Top Items Turkish President to Visit the White House President Trump is scheduled to welcome Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the White House…

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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…

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Blog

Religious Animus Also Underlies Trump’s Refugee Resettlement Reduction

April 14, 2017

Two weeks ago, a federal judge upgraded his temporary restraining order to a preliminary injunction, indefinitely blocking sections two and six of President Trump’s revised executive order on refugees and…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: April 10, 2017

April 10, 2017

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

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Press

U.S. Action to Uphold Chemical Weapon Prohibition Must Be Founded in Broader Strategy to End Conflict in Syria

April 7, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First condemned the Syrian government’s use of chemical gas that killed over 70 civilians this week and urges the U.S. government to work with…

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Press

Revised Executive Order on Refugees Continues to Betray Ideals, Put America at Risk

March 6, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today condemned President Trump’s executive order signed today suspending the refugee resettlement program, and banning the issuance of new visas and…

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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…

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Blog

Trump’s “Pause” on Refugees Would Put a Wrench in the Entire System Indefinitely

March 3, 2017

This blog is cross posted from The Huffington Post President Trump’s executive order suspending refugee resettlement is not dead in the courts—the administration is preparing…

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Blog

Rumored Revisions to Executive Order Not Enough to Protect Iraqi Allies

March 2, 2017

The White House is expected to soon release its revised executive order on refugees and immigrants. The administration’s first order, signed January 27, placed a…

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Fact Sheet

LGBT Refugees and President Trump’s Refugee and Muslim Ban Executive Order

February 22, 2017

LGBT REFUGEES AND PRESIDENT TRUMP’S REFUGEE AND MUSLIM BAN EXECUTIVE ORDER President Trump’s Executive Order President Trump’s January 27th executive order sought to: Halt the refugee…

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Press

LGBT Refugees, Experts Explore Impact of President Trump’s Travel Ban

February 22, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today will co-host a congressional briefing examining the administration’s recent executive order targeting refugees and its impact on lesbian, gay, bisexual,…

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Blog

President Trump to Issue Revised Executive Order—Will It Be Better or Worse?

February 17, 2017

By Eleanor Acer Yesterday President Donald Trump announced that he will issue a new executive order next week “which will comprehensively protect our country” and be “tailored” to…

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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…

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Blog

How Not to Honor Holocaust Remembrance Day

February 13, 2017

By Dora Illei On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, it is customary for the U.S. government to honor its victims, who were primarily Jewish. In last year’s…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: February 13, 2017

February 13, 2017

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

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Blog

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

February 10, 2017

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

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Press

Ninth Circuit Ruling on Trump Executive Order a Victory for the Rule of Law

February 9, 2017

New York City—Human Rights First said that today’s Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that refused to reinstate President Trump’s executive order is a victory…

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Fact Sheet

Myth v. Fact: Trump’s Refugee and Immigration Executive Order

February 7, 2017

On January 27, 2017, President Trump issued an executive order that: 1) Bars Syrian refugees from coming to the United States indefinitely; 2) Bars nationals from…

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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…

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Press

Department of Homeland Security to Continue Processing Asylum Applications

February 6, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today welcomed reports that the Department of Homeland Security will continue adjudicating asylum and other applications for individuals in the United…

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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…

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Blog

Questions for Secretary Kelly

February 6, 2017

By Eleanor Acer Tomorrow morning the new Secretary for Homeland Security, General John F. Kelly, will testify before the House Homeland Security Committee. The hearing, “Ending the…

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Fact Sheet

Former U.S. National Security and Military Leaders Oppose Refugee and Immigration Ban

February 2, 2017

On January 27, 2017, President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled, “Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States.” The order…

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Blog

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

February 2, 2017

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

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Blog

The Syria “Safe Zones” Mystery

February 2, 2017

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

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Blog

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

February 2, 2017

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

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Refugees Strengthen America: Q & A

February 1, 2017

Q. Should we be worried a terrorist can get into the United States through the resettlement program by pretending to be a refugee? A. Refugees must…

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Blog

The Trump Administration Turns its Back on the World’s Refugees

February 1, 2017

This blog is cross posted from The Huffington Post. President Trump and his senior advisors have sought to downplay the significance of the sweeping restrictions on refugees…

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Fact Sheet

Refugee Resettlement – Security Screening Information

February 1, 2017

Refugee Resettlement Screening Process The United States screens and vets refugees more stringently than any other group allowed to enter the country. STAGE ONE: The U.N.…

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VFAI Leader Spotlights

Leader Spotlight: Kelsey Campbell

January 31, 2017

As part of United Religions Initiative North America’s #TangibleHope campaign, Veterans for American Ideals is recognizing veteran leaders who are continuing their service by building…

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Press

Suspension of Asylum Grants Would Put Vulnerable Individuals at Risk

January 31, 2017

New York City—Human Rights First today expressed grave concerns about reports that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has suspended decision-making in asylum and other…

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Press

DHS Reportedly to Allow Iraqis with SIV Visas into United States Despite Ban

January 31, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today praised reports that the Department of Homeland Security will provide exemptions to President Trump’s executive order for Iraqis who are eligible…

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Fact Sheet

Trump’s Refugee and Immigration Executive Order

January 31, 2017

The order discriminates against Muslims, imperils refugees, and degrades U.S. national security and global leadership. The executive order of January 27, 2017, titled “Protecting the…

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Press

Veterans Urge Trump to Rethink Executive Orders Barring Refugees, Immigrants

January 29, 2017

Washington, D.C.—In a letter sent today Veterans for American Ideals, a group of more than 2,000 veterans of the U.S. armed forces, urged President Donald Trump to reconsider…

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Press

“Extreme Vetting” Executive Order Targets Vulnerable Refugees

January 27, 2017

New York City— Human Rights First today condemned an executive order on the entry of refugees that will block and derail resettlement of thoroughly screened refugees,…

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Blog

Resettling Refugees is the Right Choice, Morally and Strategically

January 26, 2017

Accepting refugees—some of the most at-risk people on earth—makes America stronger, despite claims from President Trump and others that refugees pose a danger to the…

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Press

Executive Orders Halting Refugee Resettlement Dangerous to National Security

January 25, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today urged the Trump Administration to refrain from issuing executive orders that would suspend the U.S. refugee resettlement program and end U.S.…

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Letter

National Security Leaders Oppose Halting Refugee Resettlement

January 25, 2017

(Published December 1, 2015) Dear Senator/Representative, We write to express our opposition to proposals that would effectively halt the resettlement of Syrian and Iraqi refugees…

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Blog

President Obama’s Record and Legacy on Human Rights: On the Radio with WBEZ Chicago

January 23, 2017

Last Thursday on WBEZ Chicago’s Worldview, Human Rights First President and CEO Elisa Massimino joined the program to discuss President Obama’s legacy on human rights. Broaching topics such…

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Blog

Haley Concerned about Refugees, but Lacks Information on Vetting

January 20, 2017

Governor Nikki Haley, President Trump’s nominee for U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, expressed concern for refugees during her Senate confirmation hearing this Wednesday, noting…

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Fact Sheet

Refugees and National Security

January 20, 2017

Resettling and assisting refugees benefits U.S. national security. Refugees are already very rigorously vetted. Accepting Refugees Helps the United States and Enhances National Security. National…

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Blog

Reflecting on the Year: Veterans for American Ideals

December 28, 2016

When I retired from the Marine Corps, like all of my friends who served, I reflected on my experience and wondered if I could find…

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Blog

Veterans Talk Refugees and American ideals on Full Frontal with Samantha Bee

December 20, 2016

By Joe Jenkins This week’s episode of TBS’ Full Frontal with Samantha Bee takes a look at the divisive language around the Syrian refugee crisis—and the group pundits…

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Blog

New Report Shows Syrians Thriving in America

December 19, 2016

By Joe Jenkins 2016 has been a particularly trying time for Syrians. The city of Aleppo has fallen to the Assad regime after a particularly brutal four-year…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: December 19, 2016

December 19, 2016

Statement of Principles As 2016 draws to a close and the next administration readies to take office, Human Rights First and a coalition of 20…

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Blog

Barring Refugees Would Hurt National Security

December 5, 2016

This blog is cross posted from The Huffington Post: Just days before the nation celebrated Thanksgiving, an AP photographer snapped a picture of Kris Kobach’s proposed…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: November 28, 2016

November 28, 2016

Top Items Veterans Storming Capitol Hill  This week members of Veterans for American Ideals will convene in Washington, D.C. to call on members of Congress to save…

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VFAI Leader Spotlights

Leader Spotlight: Mansoor Shams

November 21, 2016

As part of United Religions Initiative North America’s #TangibleHope campaign, Veterans for American Ideals is recognizing veteran leaders who are continuing their service by building…

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Blog

Top 3 Myths About the U.S. Refugee Resettlement System Dispelled

November 15, 2016

By Joe Jenkins Today we are living through one of the greatest humanitarian crises of our time. Over 65 million people are displaced around the world due…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: October 31, 2016

October 31, 2016

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

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: October 31, 2016

October 31, 2016

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

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Blog

Refugee Advocates Find Growing Support for Private Sponsorship

October 27, 2016

By Joe Jenkins Today’s refugee crisis is the worst the world has seen in generations. But it’s not only a devastating manifestation of the conflict…

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Blog

Refugee Advocates Find Growing Support for Private Sponsorship

October 27, 2016

By Joe Jenkins Today’s refugee crisis is the worst the world has seen in generations. But it’s not only a devastating manifestation of the conflict and…

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Blog

“Finding Refuge” by 60 Minutes Puts the Refugee Crisis in Focus

October 20, 2016

By Joe Jenkins The civil war in Syria has raged on for over five years, but many Americans only began to learn about the ensuing…

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Letter

Letter to President Obama on Last 100 Days in Office

October 13, 2016

October 13, 2016   The Honorable Barack Obama The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, D.C. 20500   Dear Mr. President: Right now, in…

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Press

Human Rights First Urges President Obama to Take Action to Secure Human Rights Legacy

October 13, 2016

Washington, D.C. – As President Obama enters the last 100 days of his term in office, Human Rights First today urged him to take specific actions…

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Blog

Top Texas Officials Drop Lawsuit Over Syrian Refugees

October 13, 2016

By Joe Jenkins Late last week, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton withdrew his lawsuit against the U.S. government in a move that may signal the end of…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: October 11, 2016

October 11, 2016

Top Items United Nations Last week the U.N. Security Council voted to elect former prime minister of Portugal António Guterres as the next Secretary-General of the United…

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Press

U.N. Security Council Elects Former High Commissioner on Refugees as Secretary-General

October 6, 2016

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today welcomed the U.N. Security Council vote to elect former prime minister of Portugal António Guterres as the next Secretary-General of…

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Blog

No More “Nightmare Speculation:” Federal Court Strikes Down Indiana Anti-Syrian Refugee Policy

October 6, 2016

By Joe Jenkins On Monday, judges of the 7th Circuit Court dealt a major blow to states trying to buck the federal refugee resettlement program when it…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: October 3, 2016

October 3, 2016

Top Items Refugee Resettlement The Obama Administration has reached its refugee resettlement goal for Fiscal Year (FY) 2016, which ended on Friday. Early reports indicate that…

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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…

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Press

At Fiscal Year End, Obama Administration Meets Refugee Resettlement Goals

September 30, 2016

New York City – As today marks the end of Fiscal Year (FY) 2016, Human Rights First applauds the Obama Administration for reaching its goal of…

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Press

Refugee Veteran Urges Congress to Fund Administration’s Refugee Resettlement Goals

September 28, 2016

Washington, D.C.—In a statement for the record submitted today to the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration and the National Interest, Bosnian refugee and 20-year U.S. Marine Corps…

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Testimony

Statement for the Record of Emir Hadzic: The Need to Protect Refugees

September 28, 2016

Statement for the Record of Emir Hadzic, Gunnery Sergeant, USMC (Ret.) Senate Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Immigration and the National Interest “Oversight of…

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Press

Texas Decision to Pull Out of Refugee Resettlement Program Ignores Stringent Vetting Requirements

September 21, 2016

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today condemned the decision by Texas Governor Greg Abbott to withdraw the state from the refugee resettlement program, erroneously claiming the program is a…

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Press

Obama Summit a Welcome Step in the Right Direction, but Gaps and Serious Rights Violations Remain

September 21, 2016

New York City—Human Rights First today applauded President Obama for hosting yesterday’s Leaders’ Summit on Refugees, which brought together members of the international community to…

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Press

Human Rights First’s Acer Addresses U.N. High Level Meeting on Refugees

September 19, 2016

New York City—In remarks today before the U.N. High Level Meeting on Refugees and Migrants, Human Rights First’s Eleanor Acer urged countries to uphold commitments to refugee…

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Blog

Retired General Charles Krulak and Pastor Bob Roberts: Islamophobia Diminishes Us

September 14, 2016

By Joe Jenkins  In early September the White House met its goal of resettling 10,000 Syrian refugees. President Obama stated that the United States welcomed…

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Press

Congress Should Fund White House’s Increased Refugee Resettlement Goal

September 14, 2016

New York City—Human Rights First today welcomes the Obama Administration’s decision to increase the number of refugees resettled in the United States to at least…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: September 12, 2016

September 12, 2016

Top Items Global Refugee Crisis This Thursday the White House will host an event to celebrate the contributions of refugees resettled in the United States.  The…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: September 6, 2016

September 6, 2016

Top Items Congress This month in New York City world leaders will attend two major summits designed to address the ongoing global refugee crisis, the…

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Blog

Human Rights First and Veterans for American Ideals Speak at Rally4Refugees

August 31, 2016

By Kristina Doan and Joe Jenkins Ahead of news that the White House met its goal of resettling 10,000 Syrian refugees by September, supporters of refugee…

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Press

Comprehensive Plan Details How U.S. Should Lead on Global Refugee Crisis

August 31, 2016

Washington, D.C. — Human Rights First today released “Respecting Rights and Securing Solutions,” a comprehensive plan for how the United States should address the global refugee…

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Report

Respecting Rights and Securing Solutions

August 31, 2016

  Two major summits slated for September 2016 present opportunities for the United States to lead, and advance key components of, a comprehensive initiative to…

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Press

U.S. Reaches 10,000 Syrian Refugee Resettlement Goal

August 29, 2016

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today praised the Obama Administration for reaching its goal of admitting “at least 10,000” Syrian refugees in fiscal year 2016.…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: August 29, 2016

August 29, 2016

Top Items G20 in China As President Obama prepares to travel to China at the end of this week for his final G20 summit, Human Rights First urges him…

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Blog

Two Months Later: Brexit Unleashes Hate Crimes

August 23, 2016

By Zahava Moerdler Immediately following the U.K.’s vote to exit the European Union, there was a significant uptick in hate crimes in the U.K. and…

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Blog

The Truth about Refugee Vetting, from the Experts

August 22, 2016

By Joe Jenkins Though the White House is close to meeting its goal of resettling 10,000 Syrian refugees in 2016, there has been ongoing resistance from some…

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Blog

Biden in Turkey: Holding the Line on Human Rights

August 22, 2016

This week, Vice President Joe Biden will travel to Turkey to meet with President Erdogan and Prime Minister Yildirim. This is one of the last…

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Blog

The Syrian Refugee Crisis: A Greenhouse for Human Trafficking

August 16, 2016

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

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Blog

Vote for Human Rights First’s SXSW PanelPicker Ideas

August 16, 2016

Last March we set out for Austin, Texas to talk about using corporate data to fight modern slavery at SXSW (South by Southwest). Now we’re…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: August 15, 2016

August 15, 2016

Top Items Family Detention Last week a group of nearly two dozen mothers detained at the Berks County Detention Facility in Pennsylvania—many for over one year—announced…

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Blog

The Obama Administration’s “Problem from Hell” in Syria

August 15, 2016

This blog is cross-posted from The Huffington Post. Samantha Power, the United States Ambassador to the United Nations and longtime foreign policy advisor to President Obama,…

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Press

Obama Administration Resettles 2,340 Syrian Refugees in July, Marking Progress Toward 2016 Goal

August 3, 2016

New York City—The State Department today released official resettlement data for July, indicating that 2,340 Syrian refugees arrived last month, bringing the fiscal year total to 7,551…

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Blog

Navy Veteran Doyle Hodges to Governor Christie: Policy on Syrian Refugees Helps ISIS

August 2, 2016

By Joe Jenkins In May 2016, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie announced that the state would no longer participate in the Office of Health and…

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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…

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Six Ways Human Rights are at Risk in Turkey after the Coup Attempt

July 25, 2016

This blog is cross posted from the Huffington Post On July 16, a faction of the Turkish military initiated an attempted coup. It disagreed with…

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Washington Week on Human Rights: July 25, 2016

July 25, 2016

Top News Immigration Detention Human Rights First today released a new report detailing the increase in asylum seekers held in U.S. immigration detention facilities and…

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Washington Week on Human Rights: July 18, 2016

July 18, 2016

TOP NEWS Guantanamo Bay There are 59 motions on the docket for consideration during the next two weeks as the military commission proceedings for the…

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Military Chiefs and National Security Experts Agree: America Must Lead in the Refugee Crisis

July 12, 2016

By Joe Jenkins In a recent Miami Herald op-ed, two of the country’s most experienced and respected national security leaders made the case for American…

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Press

House Should Reject Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill that Diminishes Refugee Protection

July 12, 2016

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today urges members of the House of Representatives to reject the State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations Bill for Fiscal…

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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…

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Press

President Obama Should Champion Refugee Protection at NATO Summit

July 7, 2016

Washington, D.C.—As world leaders gather for the NATO summit in Poland to discuss how to best address the migration of refugees across the Central Mediterranean,…

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Blog

A Milestone in the Immigration Court Backlog Points to Progress

July 6, 2016

There are more immigration judges on the bench today than ever before—an important step forward in the fight against the ballooning backlog, demonstrating that the…

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NYC Council Members Demand Protection for Refugees

July 1, 2016

By Elise Adams On Wednesday morning New York City council members joined together at City Hall and called for federal action to support Syrian refugees…

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Increasing the Pace of Refugee Resettlement Does Not Cut Corners on Security

July 1, 2016

As the Washington Times recently reported, the United States reached the 5,000 arrivals mark for Syrian refugees resettled to the United States in fiscal year…

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Today’s Refugees Would Fill 1,166 LA Dodgers Stadiums

June 29, 2016

By Haley Agront In 2015 65.3 million people were displaced in what United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon has called “the biggest refugee and displacement crisis…

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Texas Court Rules that State Cannot Block Federal Refugee Resettlement

June 27, 2016

By Manya-Jean Gitter In the last two weeks, Texas has the joined the ranks of states enacting pro-refugee policies. On June 16, 2016, the United…

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Syrian Refugee Walks as Grand Marshal in NYC Pride Parade

June 27, 2016

By Elise Adams  Subhi Nahas, a 28-year-old gay refugee from Syria, served as a grand marshal at the New York City Pride Parade on Sunday.…

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Washington Week on Human Rights: June 20, 2016

June 21, 2016

Top News World Refugee Day Today, to mark World Refugee Day, 28 of the nation’s most prominent national security leaders, retired generals and admirals, and former government…

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Blog

What Does It Mean to be a Refugee?

June 20, 2016

By Elise Adams TED Ed recently published an informational video explaining what it means to be a refugee in today’s world. The United Nations 1951 convention officially defined…

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Iowa and South Carolina Pass Legislation to Benefit Refugees

June 13, 2016

By Manya-Jean Gitter This week several state legislators decided to take action in support of refugees. Despite negative campaign rhetoric and misinformation, national security leaders have…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: June 13, 2016

June 13, 2016

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

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Press

Obama Administration Resettles 2,406 Syrian Refugees in June, Halfway to Yearly Goal

June 12, 2016

New York City— The State Department today released official resettlement data for June, indicating that 2,406 Syrian refugees arrived last month, and bringing the fiscal…

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Blog

Iowa and South Carolina Pass Legislation to Benefit Refugees

June 10, 2016

By Manya-Jean Gitter This week several state legislators decided to take action in support of refugees. Despite negative campaign rhetoric and misinformation, national security leaders have…

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Blog

Let Me Tell You About The Refugees I Assist

June 10, 2016

By Adelma Jakupovic Since August of 2015, I have volunteered at the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) in Washington, D.C. As part of my work…

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Press

Obama Administration Resettles 1,069 Syrian Refugees in May, Remains far from Goal

June 6, 2016

New York City—The State Department today released its official resettlement numbers for May, indicating that eight months into the fiscal year it has resettled a…

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Washington Week on Human Rights: June 6, 2016

June 6, 2016

Top Items Human Trafficking This week Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the United States. In advance of the visit, Human Rights First is urging the State Department to press…

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Olympic Refugee Team will Feature Ten Athletes from Syria, DRC, Ethiopia, and South Sudan

June 3, 2016

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) today announced who will compete as part of a historic first-ever Olympic refugee team. The announcement, which came this morning, revealed the names of…

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Guantanamo Diary Author Receives Periodic Review Board Hearing

June 2, 2016

Today, nearly 17 months after the release of his best-selling memoir Guantanamo Diary, Mohamedou Ould Slahi received his Periodic Review Board (PRB) hearing. Slahi is a 45-year-old Guantanamo…

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Washington Week on Human Rights: May 31, 2016

May 31, 2016

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

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State Department Should Drastically Increase Resettlement in FY 2017

May 27, 2016

In response to the Department of State’s Request for Public Comment on its Fiscal Year 2017 refugee resettlement program, Human Rights First has urged the government to resettle 100,000…

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Survey Finds Most People Want to Welcome Refugees

May 20, 2016

Amnesty International released a poll today documenting people’s attitudes in 27 different countries towards welcoming refugees. Encouragingly, the vast majority want their countries to accept refugees. In…

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Blog

The World Humanitarian Summit and Beyond

May 20, 2016

By Eleanor Acer At the World Humanitarian Summit on Monday and Tuesday, May 23-24, nations, humanitarian organizations, and civil society actors will identify ways to better address the…

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Press

Senators Press Obama to Meet Commitment to Resettle 10,000 Syrian Refugees this Fiscal Year

May 18, 2016

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today applauded a group of 27 senators for expressing support for the resettlement of Syrian refugees and calling on the…

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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…

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Maryland Legislators Stand Up for Refugees

May 12, 2016

Syrian refugees have become the scapegoats for much of Americans’ anxieties about terrorism, despite the fact that they are rigorously vetted. In fact, experts—including former national security advisors, CIA…

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Press

Bipartisan Legislation Introduced to Block Religious Discrimination Against Refugees and Immigrants

May 11, 2016

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today welcomed the introduction of the Freedom of Religion Act, a piece of legislation that would ensure that no individual can be denied…

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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…

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What Voters Don’t Know about Refugees

May 6, 2016

The Guardian reported on a recent Pew poll that found 85 percent of Donald Trump supporters believe that refugees from Iraq and Syria are a major threat to…

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Press

United States Resettles 451 Syrian Refugees in April

May 3, 2016

New York City—The State Department today released its official resettlement numbers for April, indicating that it resettled 451 Syrian refugees last month. This brings the…

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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…

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Utah Shows the Way on Welcoming Refugees

April 26, 2016

While New Jersey Governor Chris Christie recently took steps to pull New Jersey out of the U.S. resettlement program, many other Americans are welcoming refugees. Utah is…

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Blog

Syrian Refugee Will Carry Olympic Flame through Athens

April 25, 2016

By Greg Felder The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) announced that Ibrahim Al-Hussein, a 27-year-old Syrian refugee, will carry the Rio 2016 Olympic Torch through the Eleonas…

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Washington Week on Human Rights: April 25, 2016

April 25, 2016

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

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Obama’s Opportunity in Germany

April 22, 2016

President Obama heads to Hanover, Germany this weekend and on Monday he will meet with the leaders of Germany, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom.…

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Press

In Germany, Obama Urged to Promote Refugee Protection and Support Efforts to Address Antisemitism and Extremism

April 22, 2016

New York City – In light of his upcoming meetings in Germany, Human Rights First today called on President Obama to promote the protection of refugees and…

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Blog

Governor Chris Christie Should Listen to National Security Leaders on Refugee Resettlement

April 22, 2016

This week New Jersey Governor Chris Christie announced that New Jersey state agencies will no longer participate in the federal government’s resettlement program. More than half of…

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Blog

The Right to Run

April 20, 2016

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

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Blog

An Opportunity for President Obama at the GCC

April 20, 2016

As President Obama’s second term draws to an end he is going to making many “lasts.” His last ride in Airforce One, his last state dinner, and…

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Issue Brief

High Stakes for Syria at GCC Meeting: How President Obama Should Urge Gulf Leaders to Help Syria

April 19, 2016

When President Obama meets the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council on April 21 in Saudi Arabia it will be his last chance to press…

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Washington Week on Human Rights: April 18, 2016

April 18, 2016

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

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Blog

The Full Picture: Refugee screening is thorough and safe

April 18, 2016

By Gregory Felder Those who fear that accepting Syrian refugees will make America less safe don’t have the full picture on the refugee resettlement process. In…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: April 11, 2016

April 11, 2016

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

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Infographic

Resettlement of Syrian Refugees

April 6, 2016

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Report

At Least 10,000: A six-month progress report on U.S. resettlement of Syrian refugees

April 5, 2016

In September 2015, Secretary of State John F. Kerry announced that the United States would resettle “at least 10,000” Syrian refugees during the 2016 fiscal…

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Press

Six Months in, United States has Resettled only 1,285 of 10,000 Pledged Syrian Refugees

April 5, 2016

New York City – Human Rights First today released a new report detailing the slow progress the Obama Administration has made in the first six months of FY 2016 toward its goal…

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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…

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Press

U.S. Pledge at UNHCR Meeting in Geneva Falls Short of Leadership Needed to Address Syrian Refugee Crisis

March 30, 2016

New York City – Human Rights First today said that the Obama Administration today missed a key opportunity to demonstrate meaningful leadership in addressing the global…

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Washington Week on Human Rights: March 28, 2016

March 28, 2016

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

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Blog

A Death in Limbo: How one refugee family’s loss demonstrates the toll of resettlement backlogs

March 28, 2016

By Eleanor Acer This blog is cross-posted from the Huffington Post: Sometimes it only takes the suffering of one to drive home the pain of thousands. Last week I…

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Press

Congress Urged to Reject Proposals to Deny Funding for Refugee Resettlement

March 25, 2016

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today called on Congress to reject any proposals that would remove funding for the resettlement of vulnerable Syrian and Iraqi…

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Press

In Testimony, Human Rights First Urges U.S. to Protect National Security while Upholding Human Rights of Refugees

March 23, 2016

Washington, D.C.—In testimony before the House of Representatives, Human Rights First’s Eleanor Acer urged the U.S. government to take steps to protect our national security while also…

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Testimony

Testimony of Eleanor Acer: Oversight and Government Reform Committee Joint Subcommittee Hearing

March 23, 2016

This hearing is focused on “National Security: Threats at Our Borders” including steps that the U.S. government can take to mitigate the potential of terrorists…

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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…

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Press

European Agreement to Return Refugees to Turkey Threatens the Rights of Refugees

March 18, 2016

New York City – Human Rights First today warned that the European Union’s new agreement to return refugees to Turkey threatens the rights of vulnerable refugees…

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Washington Week on Human Rights: March 14, 2016

March 14, 2016

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

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Fact Sheet

National Security Voices on Refugee Resettlement

March 14, 2016

IN RESPONSE to misguided anti-refugee proposals, an array of prominent and well-respected former government officials and national security advisors have raised their voices to emphasize the…

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Press

Bill Would Diminish Ability of United States to Resettle Refugee Victims of Mass Atrocities

March 14, 2016

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today urged members of Congress to reject legislation that would severely hamper the United States’ ability to provide safety for those…

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Blog

Syrian Refugee Resettlement by the Numbers

March 9, 2016

The United States has often been a global leader in resettlement, challenging other countries to meet their international obligations, contributing to global stability, and advancing…

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Washington Week on Human Rights: March 7, 2016

March 7, 2016

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

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All-Refugee Team to Compete at the 2016 Summer Olympics

March 7, 2016

By Gregory Felder The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that it will sponsor an all-refugee team to compete at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. As…

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Press

United States Resettles Only 114 Syrian Refugees in February

March 3, 2016

New York City—Human Rights First said that today’s announcement that the United States resettled only 114 Syrian refugees last month falls far short of the…

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Press

New Report Finds Worsening Conditions for Syrian Refugees, Threats to Regional Stability, Due to Lack of Support

February 29, 2016

New York City – Human Rights First today released a new report, “The Syrian Refugee Crisis and the Need for U.S. Leadership,” that details the deteriorating conditions facing…

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Report

The Syrian Refugee Crisis and the Need for U.S. Leadership

February 29, 2016

Foreword by Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker The Syrian refugee crisis is at a pivotal moment. More than 11 million people are displaced within Syria, a…

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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…

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Press

During Meeting with King Abdullah of Jordan, President Obama Should Pledge Increased Support for Front-line Syrian Refugee Hosting States

February 23, 2016

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today called on President Obama to announce a major U.S. initiative to help address the Syrian refugee crisis that includes…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: February 22, 2016

February 22, 2016

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

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Blog

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…

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Blog

The Refugee Question: A THINK Conversation with Ryan Crocker

February 12, 2016

By Adelma Jakupovic Ryan Crocker, former U.S Ambassador to Syria, Iraq, and several other Middle Eastern countries, recently participated in a special broadcast of KERA FM’s Think program exploring…

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Press

White House Budget Fails to Provide Adequate Funding to Protect Refugees and Asylum Seekers

February 9, 2016

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First said today that the White House’s failure to request funding to increase immigration court capacity and the small increase of the…

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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…

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Press

Administration Announces Increased Aid for Syrian Refugees, More Efforts Needed

February 4, 2016

New York City – Human Rights First today welcomed the announcement that the United States has committed an additional $925 million in humanitarian aid and support for Syrian…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: February 1, 2016

February 3, 2016

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

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Press

Obama Urged to Commit to Increasing Efforts to Address Refugee Crisis at Syria Donors Conference

February 1, 2016

New York City – Human Rights First today called on President Obama to use his participation in the Syria Donors Conference on Thursday in London to publicly commit…

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Blog

U.S. Resettlement is No Cake Walk for Syrian Refugees

January 27, 2016

By Greg Felder The terror attacks in Paris and San Bernardino sparked a widespread debate on how the United States should handle refugees, particularly those…

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Press

Denmark Immigration Law Violates the Human Rights of Vulnerable Refugees

January 27, 2016

New York City – Human Rights First today called on the Obama Administration to urge Denmark to abandon the newly-passed immigration law that allows for the seizure…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: January 25, 2016

January 26, 2016

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

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Blog

They Hear Us: The Toxic U.S. Debate about Refugee Resettlement

January 25, 2016

By Eleanor Acer This blog is cross posted from The Huffington Post: Over the last two weeks, I was in Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey assessing the challenges…

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Press

Biden Urged to Raise Concerns Over Refugee and Civil Society Protection While in Turkey

January 22, 2016

New York City – As Vice President Biden visits Turkey, Human Rights First today calls on him to praise Turkey for providing safety to more than 2.2…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: January 19, 2016

January 21, 2016

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

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Press

Human Rights First Praises Senate Defeat of American SAFE Act

January 20, 2016

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today praised the Senate for voting against a motion to proceed on the American Security Against Foreign Enemies Act (H.R.…

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Press

American SAFE Act Undermines Security Interests and American Values

January 19, 2016

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today urged the Senate to reject the American Security Against Foreign Enemies Act (H.R. 4038), a bill that would…

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Blog

Obama, Power Extol American Leadership and Values. Refugees Need Action.

January 15, 2016

This is a cross-post from The Huffington Post. In his final State of the Union address President Obama focused on the importance of American leadership, both…

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Press

United States to Increase Admission of Central American Refugees

January 13, 2016

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today praised Secretary of State John Kerry’s announcement that the United States will accept more refugees in an effort to admit…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: January 4, 2016

January 5, 2016

Top News Guantanamo A senior U.S. official who spoke on the condition of anonymity confirmed to CNN that 17 detainees cleared for release from the U.S. detention facility…

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Press

Human Rights First Applauds Congress for Omitting Anti-Refugee Provisions from Omnibus Spending Bill

December 16, 2015

New York City – Human Rights First today praised the bipartisan effort to ensure that harmful provisions were not included in the omnibus spending package that…

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Blog

What You Should Know about Syrian Refugee Resettlement before Tonight’s Debate

December 15, 2015

There’s a lot of misinformation swirling around the politisphere about Syrian refugees, and tonight’s primary debate is likely to be no exception. So when you…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: December 14, 2015

December 15, 2015

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

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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…

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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…

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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…

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Fact Sheet

Fact Sheet: American Security Against Foreign Enemies Act

December 1, 2015

American Security Against Foreign Enemies Act Would Bring Resettlement of Iraqi and Syrian Refugees to a Standstill Bill Would Also Abandon Iraqis who worked with…

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Press

National Security Leaders Call on Congress to Reject Proposals to Halt the Resettlement of Syrian and Iraqi Refugees in the United States

December 1, 2015

Washington, D.C. – A bipartisan group of twenty of the nation’s top national security experts, former government officials, and former military leaders today sent a letter to each…

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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…

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Letter

Letter: U.S. Resettlement of Syrian and Iraqi refugees

November 23, 2015

November 23, 2015 Re: U.S. Resettlement of Syrian and Iraqi refugees Dear Senator: We write to urge you to oppose proposals that would undermine the…

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Press

Former INS Commissioners Urge Senate to Reject Bill that would Halt Resettlement of Syrian Refugees

November 23, 2015

Washington, D.C.—Former Commissioners of Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) Doris Meissner and James W. Ziglar today urged senators to uphold America’s commitment to protecting the…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: October 26, 2015

October 26, 2015

Top News Family Immigration Detention The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services has announced that it will not renew the license of the Berks County Residential Center,…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: October 19, 2015

October 19, 2015

Top News Antisemitism Tomorrow Senator Ben Cardin and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Special Representative on Anti-Semitism, Racism, and Intolerance will host a conversation on Combating Anti-Semitism…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: October 13, 2015

October 13, 2015

Top News Guantanamo President Obama will soon decide whether to make good on his promise to veto the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year…

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Press

Senate Should Pass Bipartisan Bill to Provide Funding to Better Address Syrian Refugee Crisis

October 7, 2015

New York City – Human Right First today welcomed the introduction of an emergency supplemental appropriations bill in the Senate that would provide funding to support…

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Washington Week on Human Rights: October 5, 2015

October 5, 2015

Top News Guantanamo This week, the Senate will take up the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2016, legislation that contains provisions that would…

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Press

Judiciary Committee Should Press for Comprehensive Initiative to Address Refugee Crisis

October 1, 2015

Washington D.C. – Human Rights First today urged members of Congress to press the Obama Administration to lead a comprehensive global initiative in partnership with European and other…

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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…

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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…

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Blog

Pope’s Visit Should Galvanize U.S. to Meaningfully Respond to Global Refugee Crisis

September 22, 2015

By Eleanor Acer This blog is cross posted from The Huffington Post: As the Syrian conflict rages into its fifth year, it’s all too easy…

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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…

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Blog

Eleanor Acer Discusses the U.S. Response to the Syrian Refugee Crisis on The Brian Lehrer Show

September 16, 2015

By Megdi Abebe Earlier this week, Human Rights First’s Eleanor Acer was a guest on WNYC’s Brian Lehrer Show. As a response to the global…

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Washington Week on Human Rights: September 14, 2015

September 14, 2015

Top News Global Refugee Crisis Last week, the Obama Administration announced that it plans to increase the annual ceiling for refugee admissions to the United…

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Eleanor Acer on Al Jazeera: The United States Must Do More to Meet Refugee Resettlement Needs

September 10, 2015

The global refugee crisis is intensifying, and the international community, particularly the United States, must do more to meet resettlement needs. As Eleanor Acer emphasized…

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Massimino Discusses Global Refugee Crisis on the Diane Rehm Show

September 9, 2015

By Megdi Abebe Today Human Rights First President and CEO was a guest on “The Diane Rehm Show” where she spoke about the world’s response…

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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…

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Blog

What the New U.S.-Turkey Agreement Means for the Syrian People

August 7, 2015

By Jordan Dannenberg After months of negotiation, the United States and Turkey have reached an agreement to cooperatively establish an ISIL-free zone along Turkey’s border…

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“Safe” Zones Should Not Trap Syrian Refugees

August 5, 2015

By Eleanor Acer The United States and Turkey have agreed try to clear ISIL militants from a zone within Syria along its border with Turkey.…

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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…

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Washington Week on Human Rights: June 15, 2015

June 16, 2015

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

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Washington Week on Human Rights: June 8, 2015

June 8, 2015

Top News Torture This week in an historic step forward toward ensuring that torture is never again the official policy of the United States, Senators John…

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Washington Week on Human Rights: June 1, 2015

June 2, 2015

Top News Defense Authorization The Senate is poised to consider its FY16 National Defense Authorization Act, a bill that could have significant ramifications for U.S. national…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: May 18, 2015

May 18, 2015

Top News Equality Yesterday was International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO), a time to celebrate advocates around the world who work, often at great risk to themselves,…

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Press

International Response to Mediterranean Migrant and Refugee Crisis Should Protect Human Rights

May 7, 2015

New York City – As the United Nations considers authorizing the use of force to stop boats from carrying migrants and refugees across the Mediterranean, Human Rights…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: May 4, 2015

May 4, 2015

Top News Immigration Detention Over the weekend, more than 500 people gathered in Dilley, Texas to protest the Obama Administration’s immigration detention policies that have put…

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Blog

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

April 29, 2015

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

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Press

Mediterranean Migrant and Refugee Crisis Demonstrates Need for U.S. Leadership to Better Protect Refugees

April 23, 2015

New York City – Following today’s meeting of European Union Leaders in Brussels to discuss a coordinated response to the migrant and refugee crisis in…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: April 6, 2015

April 6, 2015

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

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Press

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

March 31, 2015

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

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Blog

Statelessness is a Human Rights Violation

March 30, 2015

By Erica Qualliotine An estimated 10 million people in the world are stateless. One third are children. When people do not legally exist, they are…

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Washington Week on Human Rights: March 23, 2015

March 23, 2015

Top News GUANTANAMO Retired Marine Corps Major General Vaughn Ary has stepped down from his post overseeing the military commissions at the U.S. detention facility…

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Washington Week on Human Rights: March 16, 2015

March 16, 2015

Top News WAR AUTHORIZATION On Wednesday, Defense Secretary Ashton Carter and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey will appear before the…

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Press

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

March 13, 2015

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

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Transcript

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

February 10, 2015

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

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Washington Week on Human Rights: February 9, 2015

February 9, 2015

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

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Washington Week on Human Rights: February 2, 2015

February 2, 2015

 Top News CARTER CONFIRMATION On Wednesday, the Senate Armed Services Committee will hold a confirmation hearing for Ashton Carter, President Obama’s nominee to serve as the…

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Blog

Refugees in Egypt Urgently Need Protection

January 29, 2015

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

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Blog

Syrian Refugees: The Snow is Just One of Many Dire Challenges

January 10, 2015

By Eleanor Acer AMMAN, Jordan – Many Syrian refugees are struggling in the face of a brutal winter storm that has poured snow, rain and hail down on…

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Press

In Wake of New Lebanese Border Restrictions, United States Should Champion Protection for Syrian Refugees

January 5, 2015

AMMAN, Jordan – In response to Lebanon’s new border restrictions that could prevent many Syrian refugees fleeing violence from accessing needed protection, Human Rights First today urged…

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Blog

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

December 15, 2014

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

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: December 1, 2014

December 3, 2014

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

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Blog

Winter is Coming

November 19, 2014

About 13.6 million Syrians and Iraqis have been displaced by war, violence, and persecution. Nearly four million of those have escaped to neighboring countries. Two million have left…

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Blog

More Needs to be Done to Address the Syrian Refugee Crisis

October 10, 2014

By Eleanor Acer Fighting continues to rage in the Syrian town of Kobani near the border with Turkey, as Kurdish fighters—with support from U.S. airstrikes—attempt to…

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Washington Week on Human Rights: September 22, 2014

September 25, 2014

Top News U.N. General Assembly This week, as the United Nations General Assembly gathers in New York City, President Obama will address member nations on Wednesday…

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Washington Week on Human Rights: September 15, 2014

September 15, 2014

Top News Congressional ISIS Hearings Members of the House and Senate will hold a series of hearings this week on the administration’s plan to address the…

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Washington Week on Human Rights: September 8, 2014

September 8, 2014

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

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: August 18, 2014

August 18, 2014

Top News FAMILIES AT THE BORDER Human Rights First last week visited the Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center in Artesia, New Mexico, to investigate the challenges…

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Blog

As Lebanon Implements Restrictions on Syrian Refugees, U.S. Must Supplement Generous Aid with Robust Leadership on Resettlement

June 11, 2014

As Lebanon places new restrictions on Syrian refugees, Secretary Kerry has announced that the United States will provide another $290 million of humanitarian assistance for those…

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Blog

Lebanon Imposes Restrictions on Syrian Refugees

June 10, 2014

For a long time, Lebanon commendably refrained from the kind of border “management” that Turkey, Jordan, and Iraq have each engaged in with regard to…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: June 9, 2014

June 9, 2014

Top News CHIDREN AT THE BORDER Over the… Read More

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Blog

Syria’s Election Serves as Stark Reminder to Refugees: They Are Not beyond Assad’s Reach

June 3, 2014

Today, the Syrian regime leads a propaganda exercise that it terms an “election.” Syrians able to vote include only those who are living in regime…

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Washington Week on Human Rights: June 2, 2014

June 2, 2014

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

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Washington Week on Human Rights: May 19, 2014

May 19, 2014

Top News POST-WAR NATIONAL SECURITY On Wednesday morning, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will hold a hearing on “Authorization for Use of Military Force After Iraq…

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Washington Week on Human Rights: May 12, 2014

May 12, 2014

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

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Blog

New Camp Opens in Jordan Desert for Syrian Refugees

April 30, 2014

By Eleanor Acer This morning a new UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) refugee camp, Camp Azraq, opened in Jordan. As of today, the new camp will receive all…

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Blog

Bahrain Rewards Assad’s Arms Supplier With New Contract

April 30, 2014

By Brian Dooley Yesterday’s news that the  Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) has signed another contract with the Russian state-owned arms dealer, Rosoboronexport, is a further depressing…

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Blog

In Syria, Phony Ballots amid Real Bombs

April 29, 2014

With 2.7 million Syrians having taken refuge beyond their country’s borders and 6.5 million more having fled their homes and sought shelter elsewhere within the…

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Fact Sheet

The U.S. Asylum System: Protecting the Persecuted, Fighting Fraud

April 29, 2014

The United States has a long history of protecting people who flee political, religious or other persecution. In the wake of WWII, the international community…

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Press

New U.S. Sanctions on Russia Punish Putin Allies Involved in Syria Abuses

April 28, 2014

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today praised the Obama Administration’s decision to designate for sanctions Sergey Chemezov and other senior Russian officials and companies…

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Blog

Bipartisan Call to Address Impact of Immigration Inadmissibility Provisions

April 2, 2014

By Eleanor Acer Sweeping Definitions Block Case by Case Refugee Determinations, keep U.S. from living up to its Ideals. In today’s USA Today, Elliot Abrams, former deputy…

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Opinion

The Guardian: America has resettled 121 of Syria’s 2m refugees. We must do better – now

April 2, 2014

By Eleanor Acer, Refugee Protection When I met with Syrian refugees in Jordan and Turkey a few months ago, many were already struggling with the realization that…

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Press

Richard Should Address Syrian Refugee Protection, Resettlement with Turkish Leaders

March 19, 2014

Washington, D.C. – As Assistant Secretary of State Anne Richard meets with her Turkish counterparts this week in Ankara and Adana, Human Rights First urges her to…

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Blog

Strong U.S. Commitment and Leadership Key to Launch of Global Resettlement Initiative for Syrian Refugees

March 13, 2014

At an event in Washington, D.C. yesterday, U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres emphasized the need for—and indispensable role of—U.S. leadership in the effort to help…

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Blog

Elisa Massimino on The Diane Rehm Show

February 26, 2014

By Jess Ballance Today, Human Rights First President and CEO Elisa Massimino was a guest on The Diane Rehm Show, discussing the crisis in Syria. Massimino…

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Blog

Malala Shines Light on Children’s Education for Syrian Refugees

February 20, 2014

When she was eleven, Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai spoke out against the Taliban’s effort to deny girls education. When she was fourteen, in  response to…

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Press

President Obama Urged to Press King Abdullah II on Syrian Refugee Crisis

February 13, 2014

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First urges President Barack Obama to use his meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan to advance protection for refugees fleeing…

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Testimony

Human Rights First Congressional Testimony: Asylum Fraud: Abusing America’s Compassion?

February 11, 2014

Testimony of Human Rights First’s Eleanor Acer On “Asylum Fraud: Abusing America’s Compassion?” Submitted to the House Judiciary Committee, Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security February 11,…

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Fact Sheet

Addressing Barriers to the Resettlement of Vulnerable Syrian and Other Refugees

February 10, 2014

Nearly three years since the onset of violence in Syria, more than 2.4 million Syrians have fled to neighboring countries, many with little hope of…

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Press

Syrian Refugees Fleeing Aleppo Denied Protection in Turkey

February 5, 2014

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First calls for increased U.S. engagement with Turkey on the protection of Syrians at the border following today’s reports that…

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Press

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

February 3, 2014

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

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Press

Burns Should Address Syrian Refugee Protection with Jordanian Leaders

January 27, 2014

Washington, D.C. – As Deputy Secretary of State William Burns meets with Jordanian authorities, Human Rights First urges him to raise the barriers preventing some refugees of…

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Press

U.S. Commits $380 Million to Syrian Crisis Response

January 15, 2014

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First welcomes the United States’ pledge of $380 million in humanitarian assistance for the Syrian crisis. At today’s second International Humanitarian…

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Press

Overbroad Barriers Stifle U.S. Response to Syrian Refugee Crisis

January 7, 2014

Washington, D.C. – In a statement today to the Senate Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights, Human Rights First recommended ways for the…

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Testimony

Statement for the Record of Human Rights First: The Syrian Refugee Crisis

January 6, 2014

In a statement on January 7, 2014 to the Senate Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights, Human Rights First recommended…

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Report

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

November 21, 2013

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

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Press

Kerry Trip to Jordan Should Affirm U.S. Commitment to Syrian Refugees, Importance of Access to Protection

November 6, 2013

New York City – As Secretary of State John Kerry heads to Amman, Jordan to discuss a range of bilateral issues, Human Rights First urges him…

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Press

Human Rights First Welcomes U.S. Leadership at Syria Refugee Meeting

September 30, 2013

Geneva – Human Rights First welcomes today’s statement by Deputy Secretary of State Bill Burns at a U.N. Refugee Agency (UNHCR) meeting in Geneva to address the…

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Blog

United States Should Send a Strong Message on Syrian Refugees at High-Level Meeting Next Week

September 27, 2013

Next week in Geneva, foreign ministers will convene to discuss ways to support Syria’s neighbors as they host hundreds of thousands of refugees. The United…

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Press

Obama U.N. Speech Should Lay Out Strategy for Syrian Negotiations; Call for Security Council Resolution

September 23, 2013

New York City ­­– Tomorrow as President Obama addresses the United Nations General Assembly, Human Rights First urges him to call for a Security Council resolution…

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Blog

House Hearing Demonstrates the Need for U.S. Leadership on Protection of Syrian Refugees

September 20, 2013

As the number of Syrian refugees registered in neighboring countries continues to rise beyond the two million mark, reports continue to emerge of Syria’s neighbors…

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Blog

Syrian Refugees Face Rising Fears in Egypt

September 20, 2013

When Syrian refugees first arrived in Egypt, they were welcomed as brothers and sisters who, just like their hosts, sought freedom from an oppressive regime.…

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Press

Obama Return to Diplomatic Channels Praised

September 10, 2013

Washington, D.C. – This evening, following President Obama’s address to the nation making his case to the American people for action on Syria, Human Rights First issued…

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Press

President’s Oval Office Remarks Should Detail Broader Strategy

September 10, 2013

Washington, D.C. – As President Obama prepares to deliver his Oval Office address, remarks that will reportedly detail the reasons behind his request for authority to…

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Blog

Faith, Human Rights Groups to Urge U.S. Leadership in Protecting the Persecuted

September 9, 2013

By Eleanor Acer With Syria’s refugee crisis hitting the 2 million mark, the world’s attention has been focused this week on the plight of men, women…

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Press

Senate Syria Resolution Passes as Questions of Broader Strategy Persist

September 4, 2013

Washington, D.C. –Human Rights First today urged that the U.S. response to the crisis in Syria should be shaped by three priorities: protecting Syrian civilians, reinforcing…

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Press

Administration Should Detail Broader Strategy During Syria AUMF Debate

September 3, 2013

Washington, D.C. – As Members of Congress consider the administration’s proposal to launch military strikes against Syria, Human Rights First today urged lawmakers to ensure…

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Press

Human Rights First Responds to President Obama’s Remarks on Syria

August 31, 2013

Washington, DC — Today, in response to President Obama’s Rose Garden statement detailing U.S. concerns about the ongoing crisis in Syria and noting that he plans…

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