Skip to content
Human Rights First Human Rights First
About Us Join the Work
Donate
Donate
Human Rights First Human Rights First
About Us Join the Work

Work With Asylum Seekers

Learn More

If you are seeking asylum, we can help

Seek Asylum

Areas of Focus

  • Authoritarianism
  • Extremism
  • Systemic Injustice
  • The Use and Abuse of Technology

Current Initiatives

  • Extremism and Human Rights
  • Innovation Lab
  • Our Work in Ukraine
  • Project: Afghan Legal Assistance
  • Targeted Sanctions Project
  • Veterans for American Ideals
  • Financials
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Join the Work
  • Media Library
  • Events
  • Contact
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Facebook

We found 172 results for "Ukraine and Russia"

Blog

Almost There: When Will the Biden Administration Support the ICC in Ukraine?

March 7, 2023

This article was first published on Just Security on March 4, 2023 By Adam Keith Over the last year, the people of Ukraine have endured Russian war crimes on…

Learn More

Press

Human Rights First Welcomes U.S. Sanctions for Vladimir Kara-Murza’s Persecutors

March 3, 2023

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. government sanctioned six Russian individuals involved in the arbitrary detention of Russian opposition leader, journalist, and historian Vladimir Kara-Murza, who…

Learn More

Report

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

February 16, 2023

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

Learn More

Press

Ten Ways the U.S. Should Help Civil Society in Ukraine

February 16, 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C.— A year after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Human Rights First issued a briefing with ten recommendations for how the United States can…

Learn More

Press

Deadline Passes for Biden to Address Sanctions for Kara-Murza’s Russian Persecutors

January 25, 2023

WASHINGTON, DC – The Biden administration has failed to provide a substantive response to the senators who set a January 20 deadline for a decision…

Learn More

Blog

Ukrainian Activists Urge Reform on Prisoner Swaps and Military Ombudsman

January 12, 2023

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

Learn More

Blog

Ukraine’s Gwara Media Fights For Truth in Kharkiv

January 11, 2023

By Brian Dooley Despite what United States Senator Hiram Johnson declared in 1918, truth wasn’t the first casualty of the Russian war on Ukraine. Russia…

Learn More

Press

Biden Must Sanction Russians Involved in Kara-Murza’s Detention

January 10, 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ahead of a January 20 deadline to respond to a letter from U.S. senators that calls for the Biden administration to consider…

Learn More

Blog

DIVOCHE.MEDIA: Amplifying Voices of Women in Ukraine

January 10, 2023

By Brian Dooley  Kyiv — For over a decade, the independent media outlet DIVOCHE.MEDIA has provided a feminist perspective on Ukrainian society, health advice, and…

Learn More

Blog

Coping in the Kharkiv cold

January 9, 2023

https://humanrightsfirst.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/dooley-in-Kharkiv.mp4 By Brian Dooley For months, the city of Kharkiv in eastern Ukraine has been bracing for a bitter winter. Back in August we reported…

Learn More

Blog

Undoing Some Damage, U.S. Commits to More Support for ICC

December 16, 2022

By Adam Keith In the fog on the outskirts of The Hague, governments and civil society representatives came together last week for the annual meeting…

Learn More

Press

After Documenting Abuses at ICE Berks Detention Center, PHR and Human Rights First Welcome Biden Administration Decision to Close Facility

December 2, 2022

NEW YORK – Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) and Human Rights First welcome reports that the Biden administration will end a contract with the Berks…

Learn More

Report

Friends Like These: U.S. Security Partners and Selectivity in the Global Magnitsky Sanctions Program

November 30, 2022

U.S. Security Partners and Selectivity in the Global Magnitsky Sanctions Program To live up to its commitments to protect human rights, Human Rights First urges…

Learn More

Blog

Same-sex Partnerships In Ukraine Would Show Its Values

November 29, 2022

By Brian Dooley Days after Russia invaded his country in February, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy framed the war as a struggle “for values: life, democracy,…

Learn More

Blog

Crimean Human Rights Lawyers Appeal for Solidarity in Wake of Attacks

November 22, 2022

By Brian Dooley  KYIV: The Crimean Solidarity movement was set up by lawyers, journalists, and relatives of those arrested following the Russian invasion of Crimea…

Learn More

Press

Human Rights First Outraged by Administration’s Handling of Lawsuit against Saudi Crown Prince

November 18, 2022

WASHINGTON– After the U.S. government yesterday told a U.S. federal court that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman’s purported recent promotion to prime minister gives…

Learn More

Blog

Ukrainian Experts Produce Guide for Journalists Reporting War-Related Sexual Violence

November 8, 2022

By Brian Dooley  Russia’s war on Ukraine is the biggest news story of 2022. Teams of international journalists are all over the country detailing Russia’s…

Learn More

Blog

As Winter Bites, Russian Missiles Threaten Ukraine’s Power Supply

November 7, 2022

By Brian Dooley https://humanrightsfirst.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Dooley-Winter-Bites83.mp4 KHARKIV:  Ukraine’s winter has begun, bringing new threats to its cities already battered by eight months of rocket attacks. Kharkiv, Ukraine’s…

Learn More

Blog

Criticizing the Kremlin

October 18, 2022

Human Rights Sanctions Coming in the Case of Vladimir Kara-Murza By Ashley Collins Yesterday, the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs announced that Canada would soon…

Learn More

Press

Human Rights First Recommends Sanctions For Vladimir Kara-Murza’s Detention and Poisoning

October 14, 2022

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First yesterday filed a formal recommendation to the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of the Treasury recommending Magnitsky…

Learn More

Blog

From Magnitsky to the Mothers of Mariupol

October 12, 2022

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

Learn More

Blog

In ICC Investigation of 2008 Russia-Georgia War Crimes: Don’t Let Justice Delayed Become Justice Denied

October 6, 2022

This article was first published on Just Security on September 23rd, 2022 By Adam Keith and Nika Jeiranashvili On June 30, the International Criminal Court (ICC)…

Learn More

Press

New Board Members Bring Key Expertise

October 4, 2022

NEW YORK — Today, Human Rights First announced the addition of three new members to its board of directors: Catherine Amirfar, Gil H. Ha and…

Learn More

Press

Human Rights First Honors World Refugee Day

September 19, 2022

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

Learn More

Blog

How LGBT Groups in Kharkiv Help The City Fight Back

September 15, 2022

By Brian Dooley and Vasyl Malikov This week’s stunningly successful counteroffensive by Ukrainian soldiers against Russian forces in the northeast of the country led to…

Learn More

Press

Human Rights First Honors Three Law Firms with the 2022 Marvin E. Frankel Award for Pro Bono Service

August 31, 2022

NEW YORK — Human Rights First today announced that three law firms will be honored with the Marvin E. Frankel Award for Pro Bono Service: Greenberg…

Learn More

Blog

Kharkiv Battles on Despite Russian Rocket Attacks

August 15, 2022

Next week marks six months since the largescale Russian invasion of Ukraine. Although many battle lines have shifted across the country in that time, the…

Learn More

Blog

LGBTQ Asylum Seekers Still Facing Grave Dangers Due to Title 42

August 12, 2022

By Teodoro Garcia, Intern, Refugee Protection This week, the Biden administration announced the end of “Remain in Mexico,” a policy that forced migrants and asylum…

Learn More

Blog

A Taste of Normal Life in a Ukrainian City at War

August 11, 2022

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

Learn More

Blog

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

July 25, 2022

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

Learn More

Blog

Responsibly Researching War Crimes in Ukraine

July 12, 2022

By Brian Dooley War crimes in Ukraine are now so horribly common that one of the local groups tracking them documents incidents virtually every day.…

Learn More

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…

Learn More

Blog

Biden to Visit Saudi: Recalibration of the Relationship or Rehabilitation of MBS?

June 15, 2022

True to its word, the Biden White House is recalibrating its relationship with Saudi Arabia. Just not in the way we'd hoped. Press reports suggest…

Learn More

Blog

Air Raid App Offers Reassurance in Ukraine

May 11, 2022

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

Learn More

Blog

Ukraine’s Public Mobilizes to Document War Crimes

May 9, 2022

By Brian Dooley From Lviv in the west to Kharkiv 700 miles away in the northeast, people across Ukraine are talking about war crimes and…

Learn More

Blog

Underground in a Ukrainian City at War: How Kharkiv’s Metro System Offers Shelter

May 5, 2022

  By Brian Dooley Tucked in northeastern Ukraine, less than 25 miles from the Russian border, Kharkiv is a major target of Russia’s invasion. It’s…

Learn More

Report

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

April 27, 2022

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

Learn More

Blog

“There is a Shortage of Body Bags”

April 25, 2022

By Brian Dooley On the first night of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February, Human Rights Defender Mila Yankina from the NGO ZMINA spoke to…

Learn More

Blog

The Polish Catholic Group Taking Risks to Help Refugees

April 15, 2022

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

Learn More

Press

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

April 12, 2022

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

Learn More

Press

Permanent Global Magnitsky Act Will Ensure Perpetrators Face Consequences

April 12, 2022

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following a yearlong advocacy campaign by Human Rights First and Freedom House, the organizations welcomed the permanent reauthorization of the Global Magnitsky…

Learn More

Press

Russian Human Rights Activist Vladimir Kara-Murza Arrested in Moscow

April 11, 2022

WASHINGTON D.C. – Vladimir Kara-Murza, the Russian democracy activist, historian, twice-poisoned critic of Vladimir Putin’s regime, and a senior advisor to Human Rights First, was reportedly…

Learn More

Blog

Poland’s Secret Heroes

April 11, 2022

By Brian Dooley For now, their real names must be kept hidden: locals along Poland’s border with Belarus who are secretly helping refugees in the…

Learn More

Blog

Crimea Offers Disturbing Blueprint for Russian Takeover of Ukraine

March 25, 2022

Aliev Alim is a leading Crimean Tatar Human Rights Defender, and he told Human Rights First what could happen should Russian forces take control of…

Learn More

Blog

Biden Should Speak Out on Trans People Blocked from Leaving Ukraine

March 24, 2022

By Brian Dooley Liana Georgi is an activist with the Safe Bow organization, which helps people from marginalized groups fleeing to safety from Ukraine. It…

Learn More

Blog

From Magnitsky to the Mothers of Mariupol

March 24, 2022

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

Learn More

Press

Atrocities in Ukraine Underscore Need To Reauthorize Strengthened Global Magnitsky Act

March 23, 2022

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

Learn More

Press

In Poland, Biden Must Meet NGOs and Refugees

March 23, 2022

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

Learn More

Blog

Mila Yankina’s Medical Work in the Violence of Kyiv

March 23, 2022

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

Learn More

Blog

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

March 22, 2022

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

Learn More

Blog

Tracking War Crimes in Ukraine with the Truth Hounds

March 21, 2022

Set up in 2014, Ukrainian human rights organization Truth Hounds has built an international reputation for its superb work in documenting war crimes in the eastern parts…

Learn More

Blog

Ukraine Medics Face Rocket Attacks with Defiance

March 20, 2022

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

Learn More

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…

Learn More

Fact Sheet

Evacuate Our Allies Calls Out Biased Media Coverage of Forced Displacement

March 9, 2022

Against the backdrop of displacement crises in Afghanistan, the U.S.-Mexico border, and other areas, the differences in reporting are stark Following media coverage of the…

Learn More

Justice for Ukraine and the U.S. Government’s Anomalous Int’l Criminal Court Policy

March 9, 2022

The International Criminal Court's investigation of Russian war crimes in Ukraine should prompt the United States to set aside its idiosyncratic view about the court's…

Learn More

Press

Human Rights First Welcomes Temporary Protected Status Designation for Ukrainians

March 3, 2022

WASHINGTON D.C. – Human Rights First welcomes the Biden Administration's Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for citizens of Ukraine and repeats calls for TPS for…

Learn More

Press

Human Rights First Calls on Russian Authorities to Stop Muzzling Civil Society

March 2, 2022

WASHINGTON D.C. – Human Rights First expressed its grave concern about the March 1 decision by Russian authorities to take the independent radio station “Echo…

Learn More

Fact Sheet

Q & A on Sanctions and the Russian Invasion of Ukraine

March 1, 2022

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

Learn More

Blog

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

February 27, 2022

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

Learn More

Blog

Human Rights Activists in Ukraine Call for Swift Response

February 25, 2022

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

Learn More

Blog

Targeted Sanctions on Corrupt and Abusive Russian Officials: What Civil Society is Calling For

February 25, 2022

By Gita Howard, Adam Keith Human Rights First has called for the United States and other governments to immediately impose targeted Global Magnitsky sanctions on…

Learn More

Press

Human Rights First Expresses Solidarity with Ukrainian People

February 24, 2022

WASHINGTON D.C. – In response to the Russian government’s declaration of war on Ukraine, Human Rights First called for international solidarity with the Ukrainian people.…

Learn More

Press

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

February 22, 2022

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

Learn More

Letter

Listening to Survivors of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence in Ukraine

August 29, 2021

No-one knows how many war crimes have been committed in Ukraine since the Russian invasion in February, or how many were committed since Russia’s 2014…

Learn More

Letter

Listening to Survivors of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence in Ukraine

August 29, 2021

No-one knows how many war crimes have been committed in Ukraine since the Russian invasion in February, or how many were committed since Russia’s 2014…

Learn More

Press

Bipartisan Resolution Addresses Eroding Democracy in Hungary

May 28, 2019

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today applauded introduction of new bipartisan legislation expressing deep concern over the Government of Hungary weakening democratic institutions, undermine free elections, and…

Learn More

Press

Trump Should Confront, not Accommodate, During Orban White House Visit

May 10, 2019

Washington, D.C—In advance of Monday’s White House meeting between President Trump and Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary, Human Rights First calls on the Trump…

Learn More

Blog

Five Oversight Questions for Secretary Pompeo

March 27, 2019

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will testify twice today in the House of Representatives to justify President Trump’s fiscal year 2020 budget plan and answer…

Learn More

Blog

A Few Questions for Madeleine Albright at HFAC

February 27, 2019

Today, former secretary of state Madeleine Albright appeared before the House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC) at its hearing on “The Trump Administration’s Foreign Policy: A…

Learn More

Press

Human Rights First Meets with State and Treasury Departments on Human Rights and Corruption Sanctions

August 1, 2018

Washington, D.C.—Today, Human Rights First and ten other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) met with representatives from the Departments of State and Treasury to discuss sanctions recommendations…

Learn More

Fact Sheet

Helsinki Summit: A Review of Vladimir Putin’s Record of Human Rights Violations and Attacks on Democratic Institutions

July 10, 2018

On July 16, U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet one-on-one with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki, Finland. According to White House officials,…

Learn More

Press

New Resource Details Russian Government’s Efforts to Undermine Democracy, Human Rights, and Fundamental Freedoms

July 10, 2018

Washington, D.C.—In advance of President Trump’s July 16 meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Human Rights First today released a new fact sheet detailing how the Russian…

Learn More

Press

Congressional Delegation to Russia Must Raise Human Rights Concerns, Meet with Civil Society

June 27, 2018

New York City—In response to reports that a group of Republican lawmakers planned to travel to Russia and meet with senior Russia officials, Human Rights…

Learn More

Press

New Report Reveals Ukraine at Crossroads on Corruption, Human Rights

December 10, 2017

Kyiv, Ukraine—Human Rights First today released a new report documenting how recent attacks on anti-corruption activists, corruption in government, and media restrictions threaten reform in…

Learn More

Report

Democracy in Danger

December 8, 2017

  The 2013-14 Euromaidan protests brought down the corrupt government of President Viktor Yanukovych and offered Ukrainians the prospect a brighter and freer future. Four…

Learn More

Testimony

Testimony of Melissa Hooper

October 17, 2017

Senator Gardner, Co-Chair Smith, Ranking Member Cardin, and Members of the Helsinki Commission, I would like to thank you and Chairman Wicker for giving me…

Learn More

Press

Hooper Testifies on Russian Disinformation Efforts in United States, Europe

September 14, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First’s Melissa Hooper today will urge members of Congress to maintain American support for democratic norms and institutions in response to Russian…

Learn More

Press

NGOs Identify Human Rights Abusers, Corrupt Actors for Sanctions Under U.S. Bill

September 13, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today called on the Trump Administration to use the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act to levy targeted sanctions against individuals in 15 cases from…

Learn More

Press

Human Rights First Welcomes Enactment of Russia Sanctions Bill

August 2, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today applauded President Trump’s signing of bipartisan legislation codifying, strengthening, and expanding sanctions against Russia for its interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, as well as for…

Learn More

Press

Trump Should Raise Human Rights Concerns With Putin

June 30, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today urged President Trump to use his upcoming meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to make clear that the United States…

Learn More

Press

Comprehensive Sanction Package is Decisive Action Against Russian Abuses

June 13, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today applauded bipartisan efforts in the Senate to provide congressional oversight over executive branch sanctions authority—including any efforts to reduce current…

Learn More

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…

Learn More

Blog

Remember and Respect the Holocaust by Rejecting a Rewriting of History

April 25, 2017

This week, we observe the Days of Remembrance to commemorate the Holocaust, remember its victims, and honor the survivors.  On Monday, we celebrated the anniversary of the Warsaw…

Learn More

Press

Tillerson Urged to Raise Rights Abuses, Civil Society Crackdown During First Russia Visit

April 7, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First called on U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to publicly and privately raise concerns over recent human rights abuses, the crackdown…

Learn More

Letter

Letter to Secretary Tillerson on First Russia Trip

April 7, 2017

Dear Secretary Tillerson: Your upcoming visit to the Russian Federation comes at a particularly consequential time for bilateral relations between the United States and Russia.…

Learn More

Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: March 20, 2017

March 20, 2017

By Mary Elizabeth Margolis Top Items Neil Gorsuch Confirmation Hearings Confirmation hearings begin today in the Senate for Judge Neil Gorsuch, President Trump’s nominee to…

Learn More

Blog

Six Questions for State’s First Press Briefing Under Tillerson

March 7, 2017

Today the U.S. State Department promises to hold its first daily press briefing under the Trump administration. Roughly thirty working days into the tenure of…

Learn More

Blog

Trump Prepares Dangerous Sale of F-16s to Bahrain

February 24, 2017

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

Learn More

Letter

Trump Prepares Dangerous Sale of F-16s to Bahrain

February 24, 2017

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

Learn More

Blog

On Maidan Anniversary, United States Must Offer Clarity

February 23, 2017

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

Learn More

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…

Learn More

Press

Congress Should Support Legislation to Maintain Sanctions against Russia

February 8, 2017

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

Learn More

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…

Learn More

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…

Learn More

Press

Trump Urged to Maintain Sanctions Against Russia

January 27, 2017

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

Learn More

Blog

Secretary Tillerson: Three Things to Show Leadership on Universal Values

January 24, 2017

By Erika Asgeirsson Rex Tillerson will almost certainly be the next Secretary of State. During his confirmation hearing, he was grilled on Russia: on sanctions, its interference…

Learn More

Issue Brief

Russian Influence in Europe

January 11, 2017

SIX WAYS (OTHER THAN HACKING) THAT RUSSIA IS EXPLOITING DIVISIONS AND THE RISE OF XENOPHOBIA IN EUROPE 1.Backing far-right and other disruptive parties Russia has…

Learn More

Blog

Risks of a Tillerson Foreign Policy: Authoritarian Growth and Corruption

January 10, 2017

In 2011 Exxon Mobil, with Secretary of State-nominee Rex Tillerson at the helm, won a lucrative contract to explore for oil in a Russian-controlled part of the…

Learn More

Blog

Russia’s Toolkit for Undermining Democracy

December 13, 2016

The CIA recently announced its conclusion that the Russian government intentionally interfered in the U.S. presidential election. Much of the attention has focused on illegal hacking. While…

Learn More

Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: December 12, 2016

December 12, 2016

Top Items Human Rights Summit Tomorrow Human Rights First will host its fifth annual Human Rights Summit at the Newseum in Washington, D.C. The afternoon…

Learn More

Blog

Congress Starting to Push Back against Russian Interference

December 12, 2016

By Erika Asgeirsson After a public back-and-forth between the CIA and President-elect Donald Trump over the role of Russian hackers in the U.S. election, a bipartisan group of senators…

Learn More

Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: December 5, 2016

December 6, 2016

Top Items National Security Today the Obama Administration released a presidential report and memorandum, as well as supporting documents, detailing the administration’s policy and legal…

Learn More

Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: November 21, 2016

November 21, 2016

Top Items Torture Senator John McCain (R-AZ), while speaking at the Halifax International Security Forum on Saturday, delivered strong remarks against any return to the use of torture…

Learn More

Blog

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

October 5, 2016

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

Learn More

Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: September 26, 2016

September 26, 2016

Top Items Global Refugee Crisis On Wednesday, the Senate Judiciary Immigration and National Interest Subcommittee will hold a hearing to examine the administration’s FY2017 refugee…

Learn More

Blog

Russia and the OSCE: Anatomy of a takedown

September 17, 2016

Next week on September 19 the Human Dimension Implementation Meeting of the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) will open. One of the…

Learn More

Spread of Russian-Style Propaganda Laws

July 11, 2016

The international LGBT community has watched in horror as Russia’s brand of discriminatory propaganda legislation has taken root outside its borders. The flagship piece of…

Learn More

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…

Learn More

Blog

Voices for Equality: Ukraine

June 13, 2016

By Shawn Gaylord “I stand with the rainbow flag. I know that many of you belong to this group. I ask that you not be afraid…

Learn More

Press

Amid Threats of Violence, United States Urged to Press for Protection of Kiev Pride Participants

June 10, 2016

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today called on the State Department to press the Ukrainian government to provide protection to organizers and participants of Pride…

Learn More

Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: June 6, 2016

June 6, 2016

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

Learn More

Press

Members of Congress Urge Ukraine to Protect the Rights of LGBT Citizens

May 27, 2016

Washington, D.C.– Human Rights First today applauded a group of 38 members of Congress for expressing support for the protection of the rights of Ukraine’s…

Learn More

Blog

Sharing Worst Practice: New Publication on Russia’s Traditional Values Foreign Policy

May 26, 2016

On May 15-19, attendees at a conference in Tbilisi, Georgia railed against threats they described as “homofascism,” “rainbow radicalism,” “demographic winter,” and “cultural Marxism.” These conference-goers…

Learn More

Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: May 16, 2016

May 16, 2016

TOP NEWS Guantanamo This week as the military commission proceedings in the case against Abdul Hadi al Iraqi continue at the U.S. detention center at…

Learn More

Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: April 18, 2016

April 18, 2016

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

Learn More

Press

Violence Erupts in Lviv as Ukrainian Equality Festival is Cancelled

March 21, 2016

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today expressed alarm over reports of violence that took place against members of Ukraine’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT)…

Learn More

Fact Sheet

Hate Crime Report Card

March 16, 2016

The Hate Crime Report Card is a unique online tool that examines hate crime laws in the 56 States that comprise the Organization for Security…

Learn More

Press

Ahead of Equality Festival, U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Called to Support LGBT Ukrainians

March 16, 2016

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today urged U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Geoffrey Pyatt to raise concerns with his Ukrainian counterparts over the possible cancellation of…

Learn More

Report

Russia’s Bad Example

March 11, 2016

A joint report by Human Rights First and Free Russia Foundation Since the start of Vladimir Putin’s presidency in 2000, Russian authorities have been continually…

Learn More

Blog

Poland and the Threat of Illiberalism

January 29, 2016

By Timothy Meyers Poland’s far-right Law and Justice Party (PiS) took power two months ago and has enacted a number of laws eroding democratic safeguards.…

Learn More

Fact Sheet

Stemming the Tide of Extremism in Greece: Recommendations for the United States

December 2, 2015

The Obama Administration can take the following steps now to combat the rise of hate parties in Greece and the erosion of democratic norms and…

Learn More

Press

Ukraine Parliament Passes Anti-Discrimination Amendment

November 12, 2015

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today praised Ukraine’s parliament for passing a workplace anti-discrimination amendment to the country’s labor code that is inclusive of…

Learn More

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…

Learn More

Blog

LGBT Voices for Equality: Ukraine

August 31, 2015

By Shawn M. Gaylord   Taras Karasiichuk, Executive Director of Gay Alliance Ukraine In his Words “We have sent letters to the police and they have…

Learn More

Press

President Obama Urged to Raise Extremism, Antisemitism as G7 Nations Meet to Address Security Concerns

June 3, 2015

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today urged President Obama to work with his Group of Seven counterparts to confront antisemitism and extremism in a way that strengthens the Trans-Atlantic…

Learn More

Blog

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…

Learn More

Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: April 13, 2015

April 13, 2015

Top News Equality in Jamaica During his trip to Jamaica last week, President Obama voiced support for the island’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT)…

Learn More

Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: March 2, 2015

March 2, 2015

Top News GUANTANAMO This week, Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter will appear before the Senate Armed Services Committee and the House Appropriations Committee’s Defense Subcommittee…

Learn More

Letter

U.S. Ambassador to Hungary Should Encourage Government to Protect Human Rights

February 18, 2015

February 15, 2015 The Honorable Colleen Bell, U.S. Ambassador to Hungary Embassy of the United States of America Szabadság tér 12 H-1054 Budapest Hungary Dear…

Learn More

Press

U.S. Ambassador to Hungary Should Encourage Government to Protect Human Rights, Rule of Law

February 17, 2015

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today urged U.S. Ambassador Colleen Bell to press Hungary to adopt policies that would improve the rule of law while strengthening…

Learn More

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…

Learn More

Press

Obama, Merkel Urged to Discuss Hungary’s Authoritarianism after White House Meeting

February 9, 2015

Washington, D.C.—As President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Andrea Merkel continue conversations that started during their meeting today, Human Rights First urges them to focus…

Learn More

Blueprint

We’re not Nazis, but…The Rise of Hate Parties in Hungary and Greece and Why America Should Care

December 8, 2014

Greece’s Golden Dawn and Hungary’s Jobbik represent the bloody tip of the far-right spear in Europe. In the May elections for the 751- member European…

Learn More

Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: November 10, 2014

November 12, 2014

Top News TORTURE This week, the United States will appear before the United Nations Committee Against Torture in Geneva to describe its efforts to fulfill America’s…

Learn More

Blog

To Succeed as a Democracy, Ukraine Must Protect LGBT Citizens

November 6, 2014

Last week, Kyiv’s oldest movie theater was burned to the ground during an LGBT movie screening as the arsonists shouted anti-gay slurs. Despite serious injury…

Learn More

Blog

Election Day Reflection

November 4, 2014

By Maddy Tennis Today U.S. citizens head to the polls, exercising the fundamental freedom of the right to vote. As we practice democracy at its…

Learn More

Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: November 3, 2014

November 3, 2014

Top News TORTURE The United Nations Committee Against Torture kicked off its November session today and will review steps taken by countries to prevent torture and…

Learn More

Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: October 27, 2014

October 27, 2014

Top News TORTURE Twelve Nobel Peace Prize laureates are calling on President Obama to release the Senate intelligence committee’s long-anticipated CIA torture report and make “full disclosure to…

Learn More

Blog

Six Things to Watch Out for in Ukraine’s Elections

October 24, 2014

By Brian Dooley This is a cross post from The Huffington Post: Parliamentary elections take place in Ukraine on Sunday and are expected to show what direction…

Learn More

Press

U.S. Should Push Democracy, Rights in Meeting with Hungarian Foreign Minister

October 20, 2014

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today urged the U.S. government to emphasize the need for democratic reforms in Hungary during a critical meeting scheduled for…

Learn More

Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: October 20, 2014

October 20, 2014

Top News TORTURE Over the weekend, The New York Times’ Charlie Savage reported that State Department attorneys are urging the president to “officially abandon” the George W.…

Learn More

Blog

Is the United States Government Finally Losing Patience with Bahrain?

October 20, 2014

By Brian Dooley This is a cross post from the Huffington Post The U.S. State Department today reacted to a decision by a Bahraini judge not to…

Learn More

Press

U.S. Sanctions Target Corrupt Hungarian Officials

October 17, 2014

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today welcomed reports that the United States has imposed visa bans on ten members of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s…

Learn More

Blog

A Way Forward for Ukraine

October 17, 2014

Ukraine is fighting more than a war with Russian-backed rebels: it is also fighting for democracy. Now more than ever Ukraine is at the tipping point of…

Learn More

Blueprint

How to Promote Ukraine’s Democracy

October 16, 2014

INTRODUCTION This blueprint is based on research conducted in Ukraine by Human Rights First staff, and on discussions with Ukrainian government and civil society representatives,…

Learn More

Press

Blueprint Urges U.S. Role in Ukraine’s Push for Democracy

October 16, 2014

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today released a blueprint for the U.S. government on how to promote Ukraine’s democracy. The blueprint comes as Ukraine is set to…

Learn More

Blog

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…

Learn More

Blog

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…

Learn More

Press

Greek Mayor’s Protest of Antisemitic City Councilors Demonstrates Need to Combat Extremist Parties

September 2, 2014

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today applauded actions by Yiannis Boutaris, the mayor of the Greek city of Thessaloniki, for wearing a Star of David…

Learn More

Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: September 2, 2014

September 2, 2014

Top News Ukraine Tops NATO Agenda President Obama leaves today for a four-day trip that will include a high-profile meeting in Tallinn with the presidents of…

Learn More

Press

Upcoming NATO Summit Agenda Should Include Rising Neo-Facism, Antisemitism in Greece and Hungary

August 28, 2014

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today urged President Obama, Secretary of State John Kerry and Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel at the upcoming NATO Summit…

Learn More

Transcript

Transcript: Media Telebriefing on “We’re not Nazis, but… The Rise of Hate Parties in Hungary and Greece and Why America Should Care”

August 15, 2014

Below is a shortened transcript of the August 14 media telebriefing featuring Human Rights First’s Tad Stahnke and Sonni Efron, co-authors of the new report…

Learn More

Press

New Report Details Rise of Extremist Parties in Europe; Recommends Steps for U.S. Government to Confront Growth of Far-Right

August 14, 2014

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today released a new report on the rise of violent ultra-nationalist parties in Hungary and Greece, and their impact on…

Learn More

Report

We’re not Nazis, but…

August 14, 2014

We’re not Nazis, but…The Rise of Hate Parties in Hungary and Greece and Why America Should Care Recommendations To the U.S. Government The primary responsibility…

Learn More

Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: July 28, 2014

July 28, 2014

Top News CHILDREN AT THE BORDER As Congress prepares to recess at the end of this week, it will continue to debate and possibly bring…

Learn More

Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: July 21, 2014

July 21, 2014

Top News CHILDREN AT THE BORDER On Friday, President Obama will meet with the presidents of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras to discuss the surge…

Learn More

Press

Ukraine’s Cancellation of Kyiv March for Equality is a Major Setback for Human Rights

July 4, 2014

Kyiv – Human Rights First today said that the cancellation of the 2014 Kyiv March for Equality is a disappointing failure in the struggle for…

Learn More

Blog

Remnants of Revolution in Kyiv

June 27, 2014

Kyiv, Ukraine – Today the new President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko signed the European Union cooperation agreement that late last year sparked the protests that ended…

Learn More

Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: June 16, 2014

June 16, 2014

Top News CRISIS IN IRAQ This morning, Secretary of State John Kerry said the Obama Administration is willing to talk with Iran about ways to address…

Learn More

Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: June 9, 2014

June 9, 2014

Top News CHIDREN AT THE BORDER Over the… Read More

Learn More

Blog

LGBT Activist Refused Membership of New Ukrainian Party

June 5, 2014

As Vice President Joe Biden heads to Ukraine this weekend for the inauguration of new Ukrainian president Poroshenko, he might want to pay closer attention to the new era of…

Learn More

Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: June 2, 2014

June 2, 2014

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

Learn More

Blog

What Really Happened at Eurovision

May 29, 2014

Russia’s crackdown on LGBT people is having a spillover effect as neighboring countries enact copycat homophobic legislation. Conventional wisdom holds that leaders such as President…

Learn More

Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: May 12, 2014

May 12, 2014

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

Learn More

Press

United States Sanctions Syrian Finance Minister and Russian Bank Involved in Enabling the Assad Regime

May 8, 2014

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today applauded the Obama Administration’s decision to designate for sanctions the Syrian Minister of Finance, other Syrian cabinet ministers, and…

Learn More

Opinion

Los Angeles Times: In parts of Europe, the far right rises again

May 8, 2014

By Sonni Efron As Europe marks the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of World War I, the war that destroyed Old Europe, far-right parties are…

Learn More

Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: May 5, 2014

May 5, 2014

International Human Rights, Inside the Beltway Top News UKRAINE During a hearing on Thursday, the House Foreign Affairs Committee will examine Russia’s role in the destabilization…

Learn More

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…

Learn More

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…

Learn More

Press

Human Rights First Condemns Antisemitic Actions in Ukrainian City

April 17, 2014

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First condemns reports that Jews in Eastern Ukraine are being asked to register with regional authorities or risk deportation. The organization…

Learn More

Press

U.S. Should Prioritize Hungarian Relationship as Critical NATO Ally Courts Russia, Erodes Democratic Norms

April 7, 2014

Budapest, Hungary – Human Rights First today urged the Obama Administration to place a greater priority on the U.S.-Hungarian relationship after Sunday’s election that solidified the…

Learn More

Letter

Coalition Letter Urging the Senate to Vote on the Confirmation of Malinowski

March 26, 2014

Human Rights First along with a broad based group of human rights organizations today urged the Senate to immediately confirm Tomasz Malinowski as Assistant Secretary…

Learn More

Press

President Obama Expands U.S. Sanctions Against Russia

March 20, 2014

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today welcomes the expansion of U.S. sanctions against Russia for its aggression against Ukraine. The Executive Order issued today for the…

Learn More

Press

U.S. Financial Sanctions Against Russia Establish Framework for Targeting Arms Exporters

March 17, 2014

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First welcomes President Obama’s executive order issued today that puts in place financial sanctions against the Russian government. This newly-signed executive…

Learn More

Blog

Fraud Prevention Tools in Immigration System Should Be Strengthened without Adding Unnecessary Burden

February 27, 2014

A piece in Saturday’s The New York Times details the appalling conduct that led to high-profile indictments in December 2012 against more than 30 lawyers, paralegals, and…

Learn More

Blog

Fraud Prevention Tools in Immigration System Should Be Strengthened without Adding Unnecessary Burden

February 27, 2014

By Eleanor Acer A piece in Saturday’s The New York Times details the appalling conduct that led to high-profile indictments in December 2012 against more than 30 lawyers,…

Learn More

Press

Human Rights Priorities at Core of Strong State of the Union

January 28, 2014

Washington, D.C. – As President Obama prepares to deliver his State of the Union address tonight, Human Rights First is urging him to articulate policies…

Learn More

Press

Treasury and State Departments Should Investigate Reports of Sanctions-Busting Russian Banks

October 31, 2013

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First calls on the U.S. Treasury Department to investigate reports of sanctions-busting by Russian banks that are enabling the regime of…

Learn More

Fact Sheet

The Basics of U.S. Asylum Law

December 31, 2012

Who are refugees? Refugees are often survivors of unimaginable atrocities. Many have had family members killed in conflict or been separated from their parents or…

Learn More

Blog

Attacked by Racists, Then Thrown in Jail: Free Femi Now

November 9, 2012

Once the breadbasket of the Soviet Union, known for its rich black soil and sweeping fields of grain, Ukraine is now gaining notoriety for its…

Learn More

Blog

Ukraine Takes Another Step Back on LGBTI Rights

October 4, 2012

Last year the world spoke up when Ukrainian lawmakers sought to pass a bill that would criminalize the dissemination of “homosexual propaganda.” Though the bill…

Learn More

Blog

Xenophobic Violence in Greece Highlights Need for Better Government Response

July 26, 2012

A recent front page article in the New York Times shines a light on the troubling rise in xenophobic violence in Greece. The article cites a new report from…

Learn More

Blog

European Emissaries Seek to Confront Intolerance and Promote Freedom

June 9, 2011

The Council of Europe’s group of Eminent Persons—assembled to address the challenges arising from the resurgence of intolerance and discrimination in Europe—has produced a new…

Learn More

Press

New Report Finds Violent Hate Crime on the Rise

September 24, 2008

NEW YORK–Incidents of violent hate crime targeting a number of minority groups are increasing or occurring at historically high levels in many of the Organization…

Learn More

Press

Rights Groups Call On State Dept. To Raise Concern On Escalating Hate Crimes In Ukraine

August 7, 2008

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A coalition of leading advocacy groups, convened by Human Rights First, has called on Dan Fried, the Assistant Secretary of State for…

Learn More

Report

2008 Hate Crime Survey: Framework Of Criminal Law

March 16, 2008

Executive Summary While governments have an obligation to combat all crime, the hate crime concept is a simple acknowledgement of the greater seriousness of crimes…

Learn More

Report

2008 Hate Crime Survey

March 16, 2008

The 2008 Hate Crime Survey includes sections examining six facets of violent hate crime in the 56 countries that comprise the Organization for Security and Cooperation in…

Learn More

Blog

European Governments Must Do More to Tackle Hate Crimes

December 17, 2007

TEL AVIV – A majority of European governments get a poor grade in their efforts to tackle violent hate crimes, according to Human Rights First’s…

Learn More

Blog

New Report Finds Hate Crimes on the Rise in Many Parts of Europe

June 6, 2007

 NEW YORK – Hate crimes are on the rise in many parts of Europe, according to Human Rights First’s 2007 Hate Crimes Survey, a new…

Learn More
12345...1020...»Last »

Subscribe

    Financials About Us Careers Join the Work Media Library Events Contact
    Human Rights First

    Human Rights First is a nonpartisan, 501(c)(3). We do not favor or oppose any candidate for public office.

    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • Facebook