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We found 217 results for "Xenophobia"

Letter

Letter on “United We Stand” event

September 20, 2022

Dear Ambassador Rice, We applaud the administration’s efforts to address hate through the upcoming summit, United We Stand: Countering Hate-Fueled Violence Together. We believe that…

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Press

Human Rights First’s Response to President Biden’s Remarks on Afghanistan

September 19, 2022

Human Rights First’s President and CEO Michael Breen responded to President Biden’s remarks on the end of the U.S. war in Afghanistan: “The president has…

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Topics

XENOPHOBIA

September 19, 2022

Rising xenophobia against minorities, refugees, and Muslims is a pressing human rights challenge. In both Europe and the United States, xenophobic rhetoric and hate crimes…

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Press

Human Rights First Opposes Attempts to Codify Inhumane Title 42 Expulsion Policy

April 7, 2022

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Human Rights First opposes the Lankford-Sinema bill that would codify the misuse of Title 42 to illegally block and expel people seeking…

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Testimony

U.S. Asylum and Border Policies Resulting in Human Rights Violations

March 1, 2022

Human Rights First’s Submission for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants pursuant to…

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Letter

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

February 28, 2022

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

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Blog

The CDC’S Extension of the Title 42 Order: Misusing Public Health Authority

December 20, 2021

By: Diandra Coonghe, HRF Intern   Human Rights First Fall 2021 Communications Intern Diandra Coonghe is studying biological science at Fairleigh Dickinson University. She prepared…

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Press

Groups File Emergency Request to Inter-American Commission on Human Rights for Asylum Seekers Expelled to Danger

October 7, 2021

WASHINGTON — The Lowenstein Project at Yale Law School submitted today an emergency request for precautionary measures against the United States on behalf of asylum…

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Testimony

20 Years After 9/11: Rights-Based Policies for a New Era

September 9, 2021

  On September 11th, 2001, nineteen members of Al Qaeda used hijacked airplanes to murder almost three thousand people. Twenty years later, we are still living in the post-9/11 world. Shortly after the attacks, the…

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Press

Human Rights First Applauds Launch of Welcome With Dignity Campaign

May 26, 2021

NEW YORK — Today, Human Rights First joined the Welcome with Dignity Campaign, a coalition of dozens of organizations, activists, asylum seekers, and advocates that aims to ensure that…

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Letter

NGO Letter to HHS and CDC on Orders Authorizing Border Expulsions

February 22, 2021

Dear Acting Secretary Cochran and Director Walensky: As organizations that represent and advocate for migrants, refugees, and immigrant children as well as organizations committed to…

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Press

Human Rights First Welcomes the End of the Xenophobic Muslim, African Bans

January 20, 2021

WASHINGTON –– Today, President Joe Biden, in one of his first acts as president reversed the Trump administration’s ban on immigrants and refugees from Muslim-majority…

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Press

Human Rights First: Congress Should Act Quickly to Legislate Protections for Refugees and Asylum Seekers

January 20, 2021

WASHINGTON — Human Rights First welcomed a legislative proposal from President Biden that would begin to repair the damage done to the U.S. immigration and…

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Press

Human Rights First Calls for Revocation of New Rule That Uses COVID-19 as Pretext to Deny Asylum and Other Protection

December 22, 2020

WASHINGTON – Human Rights First urges immediate rescission of a new regulation to be published tomorrow by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Justice that…

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Story, Updates

Government Records Shed Light on Illegal Expulsions of Asylum Seekers and Children

October 30, 2020

Human Rights First has received previously undisclosed records that reveal how the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been carrying out illegal expulsions of asylum…

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Letter

Comment on Proposed Security Bars and Processing

August 10, 2020

August 10, 2020 Human Rights First submits these comments in response to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Justice (DOJ) Executive Office…

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Press

Leading Public Health Experts Gravely Concerned About New Proposal to Deny Asylum

August 6, 2020

Experts including epidemiologists and infectious disease specialists find that Trump administration’s rationale for proposed rule denying refugees protection is a misuse of science and public…

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Press

Human Rights First Urges Meaningful Action on Systemic Racism in the United States from the UN Human Rights Council

June 17, 2020

WASHINGTON — Human Rights First welcomed today’s UN Human Rights Council “urgent debate” on “race-based human rights violations, systemic racism, police violence against persons of…

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Press

Responding to the COVID-19 Crisis While Protecting Asylum Seekers – Update

March 25, 2020

(Updated March 25, 2020) Amnesty International USA, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières USA, Human Rights First, Physicians for Human Rights, Refugees International, and Women’s Refugee…

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Press

Responding to the COVID-19 Crisis While Protecting Asylum Seekers

March 19, 2020

Amnesty International USA, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières USA, Human Rights First, Physicians for Human Rights, Refugees International, and Women’s Refugee Commission call on the Trump…

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Press

Human Rights First Calls for Accountability for Governments Which Encourage Hate

January 29, 2020

As House Examines Rise of Anti-Semitism in Europe, Human Rights First Calls for Practical Policy Solutions to Create Accountability for Governments Which Encourage Hate WASHINGTON…

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Testimony

Testimony of Ira N. Forman for the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, Energy, and the Environment hearing on Resisting Anti-Semitism and Xenophobia in Europe

January 28, 2020

Testimony of Ira N. Forman Senior Advisor for Combating Antisemitism Human Rights First HOUSE FOREIGN AFFAIRS SUBCOMMITTEE ON EUROPE, EURASIA, ENERGY, AND THE ENVIRONMENT Resisting…

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Press

HRF CEO Michael Breen Statement on Human Rights Day

December 10, 2019

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

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VFAI Leader Spotlights

Leader Spotlight: Pattie Adams

December 19, 2018

Our Leader Spotlight series highlights the diverse and dynamic veterans who make up VFAI. Today, we’re highlighting Pattie Adams of Los Angeles, California. Tell me…

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Statement on Shooting at Tree of Life Synagogue

October 27, 2018

Washington, D.C.—In response to today’s tragic shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Human Rights First released the following statement: Today we mourn…

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Press

Hungarian Migrant Champion, RBG to Receive Awards During Human Rights First Dinner Tonight

October 17, 2018

New York City – Tonight at Human Rights First’s annual awards dinner at Chelsea Piers in New York City, the organization will honor Márta Pardavi,…

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Blog

The Germany NSU Trial: Justice Does Not Go Deep (Part 5)

July 23, 2018

By Isaiah Affron In this five-part blog series, Human Rights First examines the crimes and trial of the National Socialist Underground (NSU), a neo-Nazi terrorist…

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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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Blog

Yom HaShoah—”To Truly Honor the Past we Must Understand the Present and Preserve the Future”

April 12, 2018

On March 23, 2018—one week before Passover and three weeks before Yom HaShoah—Mireille Knoll, an 85-year-old French Holocaust survivor, was brutally stabbed to death and…

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Blog

Congress Showed that Combating Antisemitism is a Priority. Will the Administration?

March 27, 2018

By Susan Corke and Zahava Moerdler Antisemitic incidents are increasing at home and abroad. In response, Human Rights First and our partners in the Jewish community…

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Fact Sheet

Mexico: Still Not Safe for Refugees and Migrants

March 23, 2018

The Trump Administration seeks to prevent refugees who pass through Mexico from receiving asylum in the United States. In addition to pushing for legislative change…

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Press

Tillerson Urged to Raise Threats to Rule of Law on Poland Trip

January 25, 2018

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today called on Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to raise with his Polish counterparts the government’s concerning efforts to undermine the rule of law in…

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Issue Brief

Preventing Security Measures from Eclipsing Human Rights

December 6, 2017

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

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Blog

Austria: Another Political Success Built on a Populism?

October 20, 2017

By Teresa Eder On October 15, the Austrian electorate rewarded 31-year-old foreign minister Sebastian Kurz of the Austrian Conservative Party (ÖVP) and far-right candidate Heinz…

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Press

French National Assembly Approves Discriminatory Counterterrorism Bill

October 3, 2017

New York City—Human Rights First expressed concern over today’s passage of a controversial counterterrorism bill by the French National Assembly. The legislation enshrines into law…

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Blog

Arti Walker-Peddakotla: Veteran +

August 30, 2017

Meet Arti Walker-Peddakotla. She’s a U.S. Army veteran, a mother of three, and the daughter of Indian immigrants, a first generation American. After basic training…

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Press

New Report Reveals Escalating Assault on Activists, NGOs in Poland

August 3, 2017

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

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VFAI Leader Spotlights

Leader Spotlight: Ibrahim Hashi

August 1, 2017

Veterans for American Ideals is recognizing veteran leaders who are continuing their service by building unity and standing up for American values. Through a series…

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Press

French Senate Moves to Codify Discriminatory Counterterrorism Measures

July 19, 2017

New York City—Human Rights First today expressed concern over the approval of a new counterterrorism bill by the French Senate. The legislation enshrines into law measures…

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Blog

Canada Avoids Ethno-Populism, but not the Surge in Hate Crimes

July 19, 2017

By Chelsea Wilson Miller First, the good news: Canada has largely resisted the ethno-populism that’s swept through other Western democracies in recent years. The ethno-populists who’ve risen…

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Press

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

July 13, 2017

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

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VFAI Leader Spotlights

Leader Spotlight: Victor Santana

June 6, 2017

Veterans for American Ideals is recognizing veteran leaders who are continuing their service by building unity and standing up for American values. Through a series…

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Blog

When Hate Becomes Mainstream

May 19, 2017

By Erika Asgeirsson On Sunday May 21, Geert Wilders, the controversial Dutch far-right politician, is scheduled to  speak in Los Angles at the annual dinner of the…

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VFAI Leader Spotlights

Leader Spotlight: Arti Walker-Peddakotla

March 20, 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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Blog

Sebastian Gorka’s Xenophobic Equivocations on Islam

March 3, 2017

This blog is cross posted with The Huffington Post Controversial presidential adviser Sebastian Gorka was on NPR yesterday discussing President Trump’s address to Congress. He…

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Press

President Trump Should Take Concrete Steps to Combat Antisemitic Hate Crime

February 21, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today urged President Trump to make stronger public statements condemning acts of antisemitism, and to take concrete steps to strengthen responses…

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Blog

Trump Shows How Not to Respond to Antisemitism

February 16, 2017

By Erika Asgeirsson On Wednesday, during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Trump was asked about the rise of antisemitic incidents since his…

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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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Press

Human Rights First Releases New Report on Rise of Extremism, Far-Right in Germany

February 7, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today released a new report examining antisemitism, xenophobia, and extremism in Germany. The report, “Germany Conflicted: The Struggle Between Xenophobia and…

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Report

Germany Conflicted: The Struggle Between Xenophobia and Tolerance

February 6, 2017

  Germany is at a tipping point as it heads into important national elections in 2017. Hate crimes, particularly those associated with xenophobia, have increased…

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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

Faith Leaders Join Forces against Trump’s Executive Order

February 3, 2017

(Image courtesy of Interfaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington) Thousands of faith leaders have voiced strong opposition to President Trump’s executive order banning immigrants—including refugees— from…

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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…

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Blog

German Constitutional Court Rejects Attempt to Ban NPD

January 18, 2017

By Erika Asgeirsson On Tuesday, the German Constitutional Court rejected an attempt to ban the far-right National Democratic Party (NPD). The NPD is a neo-Nazi political party…

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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…

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Blog

Trump Win Encourages Europe’s Far Right

December 16, 2016

A few weeks after the U.S. election, I was in Berlin to discuss a report we are writing on xenophobia and extremism in Germany. In parallel, we watched…

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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…

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Press

Kerry Urged to Counter Extremism, Antisemitism at OSCE

December 7, 2016

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today urged Secretary of State John Kerry to uphold the values of the Organization for Society and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)…

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Letter

Letter to Secretary Kerry on OSCE Ministerial Council

December 7, 2016

Dear Secretary Kerry: This year’s meeting of the Ministerial Council of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) comes at a critical and…

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Blog

The NSU Trial: The Golden Dawn and Beyond (Part 4)

December 6, 2016

By Dora Illei and Zahava Moerdler In this four-part blog series, Human Rights First is examining the crimes and trial of the National Socialist Underground…

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Blog

NGOs Under Attack in Hungary, Poland, Continue to Adapt

December 2, 2016

After the United States presidential election I found myself in despair. I knew that my country was in store for more threats to NGOs, journalists,…

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Press

As Hate Rhetoric Dominates Political Sphere, Report Shows Underreporting of Bias-Motivated Incidents Among OSCE States

November 30, 2016

Washington, D.C.— As xenophobic and hate-filled rhetoric dominates political discourse in Europe and the United States, Human Rights First and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today…

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Blog

The NSU Trial: Responding to Institutional Racism in Law Enforcement (Part 3)

November 17, 2016

By Erika Asgeirsson and Zahava Moerdler In this four-part blog series, Human Rights First is examining the crimes and trial of the National Socialist Underground…

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Blog

OSCE Releases Hate Crimes Data

November 16, 2016

In both Europe and the United States, hate crimes are rising along with the public expressions of hatred fanned by extreme political forces. Immediately following…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: November 14, 2016

November 14, 2016

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

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Blog

The NSU Trial: A Victim-Sensitive Approach to Hate Crime Investigations (Part 2)

November 8, 2016

By Erika Asgeirsson and Zahava Moerdler In this four-part blog series, Human Rights First is examining the crimes and trial of the National Socialist Underground…

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Blog

The NSU Trial: A Case Study in Structural Racism in Germany (Part 1)

November 1, 2016

By Dora Illei and Zahava Moerdler In this four-part blog series, Human Rights First will examine the crimes and trial of the National Socialist Underground…

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Blog

An Invalid Vote of Consequence: The Results of Hungary’s Refugee Referendum

October 4, 2016

By Dora Illei On Sunday, the Hungarian people voted on the E.U. plan to relocate 1,294 refugees to their country, part of a larger plan…

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Blog

Why Religion Matters: Fighting Intolerance with Broad Coalitions

September 30, 2016

By Erika Asgeirsson This week I attended #RadCon, a Religion and Diplomacy Conference hosted by the State Department’s Office of Religion and Global Affairs. The…

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Blog

Anti-Immigrant Platform Leads German Far-Right Party to Berlin’s State Parliament

September 22, 2016

By Dora Illei German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), continued to lose voters in the September 18 German state election. It won…

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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

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

Putting the International Religious Freedom Report into Action

August 16, 2016

By Zahava Moerdler The State Department published its International Religious Freedom Report on Wednesday August 10, analyzing the status of religious freedom around the world in 2015…

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Blog

My Trip to Dresden, the Epicenter of Far-Right Germany

August 1, 2016

Simmering tensions in Germany have reached a boiling point, manifesting in violent attacks from various directions. Two weeks ago I was traveling to Berlin and…

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Blog

The View from Munich

July 27, 2016

Last Friday I was wrapping up a research trip to Berlin and Munich, having met with government officials, NGOs, foundations, and grassroots organizers working to…

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Press

Obama Urged to Press Poland About Human Rights, Civil Rights Backslide

July 6, 2016

Washington, DC – Human Rights First today urged President Obama to use his upcoming participation in the Warsaw NATO summit as an opportunity to raise…

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Blog

Racism in the Age of Brexit: A European Trend

June 28, 2016

By Zahava Moerdler While a variety of factors led to the victory for “leave,” there’s no denying that bigotry played a big role. The xenophobia…

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Blog

Mobilizing Against Hate in Brussels as Hate Claims Another Victim in the UK

June 23, 2016

As I joined a consultative seminar in Brussels at the European Parliament on building coalitions to counter antisemitism, intolerance, and discrimination, we received word of…

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Blog

In Poland, U.S. Should Emphasize Link Between Rule of Law, Civil Society, Security

June 9, 2016

This blog is cross posted from The Huffington Post: Over the weekend, tens of thousands turned out in Warsaw to protest the Polish government’s recently-instituted policies…

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Blog

Eroding Restrictions on Civic Space, Piece by Piece and Bit by Bit

June 2, 2016

The civil society and human rights community may be wearied by attacks by authoritarian (or authoritarian-inspired) regimes. And we may be worn out by the…

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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…

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Blog

Substantial Rise in Far-Right Violence in Germany Reported Since Refugee Crisis Began

May 26, 2016

By Timothy Meyers Far-right aggression in Germany is on a dramatic rise. Interior Minister Thomas de Maizière announced on Monday that 2015 has seen the most crippling…

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Press

Human Rights First Welcomes Joint State Department and USAID Strategy on Countering Extremism

May 26, 2016

New York City – Human Rights First today said that the release of a new joint strategy on Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) between the Department of State…

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Blog

Human Rights First Hosts French Interfaith Activists on World Tour

April 27, 2016

By Annie Glasser Chama Mechtaly is a Moroccan Muslim woman with Jewish roots. She began exploring her heritage through art in an effort to highlight…

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Blog

In Berlin, President Obama Calls for Tolerance and Strengthening Transatlantic Alliance

April 25, 2016

Today President Obama called for inclusion, tolerance, and the strengthening of the transatlantic alliance in a speech in Germany. He’s there to meet with Western European leaders…

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Fact Sheet

Germany: Antisemitism, Xenophobia, and Far-Right Extremism

April 22, 2016

Germany is facing a tipping point. Germany is Europe’s economic and political lynchpin; as such, Germany is positioned to play a leadership role in a…

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Blog

French Minister Disregards Right to Religious Expression

April 1, 2016

By Annie Glasser On Wednesday French Minister for Family, Children, and Women’s Rights Laurence Rossignol compared Muslim women who wear traditional head coverings to “American…

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Press

French Government Rejects Measures to Limit Human Rights

March 30, 2016

New York City—Human Rights First today praises French President Francois Hollande’s decision to abandon proposed constitutional amendments that would have undermined human rights, civil liberties,…

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Press

European Terror Attacks Fuel Responses that Undermine National Security and Human Rights

March 22, 2016

New York City—Human Rights First today is saddened by the horrific terrorist attacks that took place in Belgium, and calls on European leaders to resist…

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Press

French Senate Should Reject Constitutional Amendment

March 21, 2016

New York City—Human Rights First today calls on French lawmakers to reject proposals that would amend the French constitution to include terms for declaring a…

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Blog

Russia’s Bad Example

March 21, 2016

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

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Blog

Problematic French Constitutional Reforms on the Horizon

March 18, 2016

By Rebecca Sheff and Annie Glasser The French parliament is considering a set of constitutional amendments. One would add provisions to the constitution on the…

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Blog

Following Elections, U.S. Government Should Focus on Rise of Far Right in Germany

March 16, 2016

By Susan Corke and Timothy Meyers The U.S. government should view the results of this weekend’s elections in Germany as a wakeup call. They show…

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Press

German Elections Highlight Rise of Far Right as Kerry Travels to Europe

March 11, 2016

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today urged the U.S. government to see the expected results of tomorrow’s elections in Germany as a wake-up call to the…

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Blog

French Government Denies Xenophobic Pegida Movement a Platform in Calais

February 5, 2016

By Annie Glasser Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamization of the West (Pegida) is a growing xenophobic extreme right-wing political movement. It emerged in Germany in…

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Blog

New Year’s Eve Assaults in Cologne Lead to Greater Far-Right Support, Fear of Refugees in Germany

January 14, 2016

By Timothy Meyers The deplorable treatment of numerous women on New Year’s Eve in the German city of Cologne, where the police failed to control…

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Blog

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

January 6, 2016

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

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Blog

What Does Laïcité Mean to You? Identity and Antisemitism in France

December 23, 2015

The holiday season is here and families across the world are gathering in celebration, and we hope that it will be a season of peace.…

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Press

Hungarian Government Abandons Statue Honoring Antisemite

December 21, 2015

New York City—Human Rights First today welcomed the Hungarian government’s decision to cancel its plans to build a statue honoring notorious antisemite Bálint Hóman. The…

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Press

Hungary Delays Statue of Antisemite

December 16, 2015

New York City—Human Rights First applauds the Hungarian government for postponing a planned statue to honor notorious antisemite Bálint Hóman in the town of Székesfehérvár. The announcement…

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Press

Human Rights First Urges Hungary to Abandon Antisemitic Statue

December 15, 2015

Washington, D.C.—In a statement today Human Rights First urged the Hungarian government to cease its plans to build a statute honoring Bálint Hóman, a notorious antisemite, in…

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Press

French Voters Reject Far-Right Party in Regional Elections

December 13, 2015

New York City—In response to today’s second round of French regional elections, which early results indicate as a poor showing for the far-right political party…

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Press

U.S. Should Pressure Hungary to Abandon Plans to Build Statue Honoring Anti-Semite

December 4, 2015

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today called on the Obama Administration to pressure its Hungarian counterparts to halt plans to build a statue in honor of notorious anti-Semite…

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Blog

Young European Activists Combating Antisemitism Appear on Brian Lehrer Show

October 26, 2015

By Megdi Abebe On Friday, the 2015 Human Rights First Award winners, Jane Braden-Golay, President of the European Union of Jewish Students (Switzerland); Siavosh Derakhti, Founder…

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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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Press

Activists Combating Antisemitism, HBO Documentary Films, Leading Law Firms to Receive Awards during Human Rights First Dinner Tonight

October 21, 2015

New York City – Tonight at Human Rights First’s annual awards dinner at Chelsea Piers in New York City, the organization will honor European human rights activists Jane…

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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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Press

Three Young Activists Working to Combat Antisemitism in Europe to Receive 2015 Human Rights First Award

September 24, 2015

New York City – Human Rights First will honor European human rights activists Jane Braden-Golay, Siavosh Derakhti, and Niddal El-Jabri with its 2015 Human Rights First Award. The…

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Blog

European Governments Should Protect Vulnerable Minorities

August 27, 2015

By Christina Miliou Refugees are pouring into Europe at historic records, many fleeing conflict in the Middle East. But their struggles don’t end when they…

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Blog

Welcome Steps on Hungary from the European Community

June 11, 2015

The European community is taking a more active stance against Hungary’s dangerous slide into authoritarianism and extremism. This is a welcome step. Both the European Parliament…

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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…

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Blog

Hungary’s Racist Questionnaire

May 4, 2015

The Hungarian government is preparing to send a questionnaire to eight million citizens asking whether they agree that immigrants endanger livelihoods and spread terrorism, according…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: September 29, 2014

September 29, 2014

Top News ISIS This week, the United States will continue its work to expand the coalition of nations joining in the effort to defeat the Islamic…

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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…

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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…

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Russian Court Ruling Forces NGO to close

April 9, 2014

By Shawn M. Gaylord Anti-Discrimination Centre (ADC) “Memorial,” a stalwart in the Russian human rights movement, is the latest victim of Russia’s foreign agent law. A…

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United States Plays Key Role in Global Fight on Hate Crime

May 2, 2013

By Mehran Hicks This week at the Centennial Summit and Gala of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), Elisa Massimino discussed the need to advance the global…

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2012: “A Contradictory Year” In Russia’s Struggle with Hate Crime

March 18, 2013

By Innokenty Grekov They say predictions are difficult, especially about the future. A recent report on hate crime in Russia reveals that it’s been “a…

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New Encampment Policy Fuels Xenophobia in Kenya

February 8, 2013

Following a series of grenade attacks in Nairobi and near the border with Somalia, the government of Kenya has announced a new policy requiring all refugees living…

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Press

Inadequate Hate Crimes Reporting Undermines OSCE Report

November 16, 2012

New York City – Human Rights First and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today issued a paper critiquing inadequate government responses to hate crimes of participating…

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More Action Needed to Address Xenophobic Violence

November 13, 2012

In May of 2008, at least 62 people were murdered and many more injured in a wave of xenophobic violence that swept across South Africa.…

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Testimony Details Concrete Steps U.S. Should Take to Address Global Hate Crime

September 19, 2012

Washington, D.C. – In testimony submitted today to the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights, Human Rights First’s Paul LeGendre urged the…

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Testimony

Testimony Details Concrete Steps U.S. Should Take to Address Global Hate Crime

September 18, 2012

In testimony submitted to the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights, Human Rights First’s Paul LeGendre urged the U.S. to…

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Human Rights Groups Unite to Support Non-Judicial Methods to Combat Racist Hate Speech

August 28, 2012

New York City – Today, as the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination gathers in Geneva to host a discussion on racist hate speech, Human…

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Clinton Challenges South Africa to Live Up To Mandela’s Legacy

August 10, 2012

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s eleven day trip to Africa took another historic turn when she met with Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s former President and…

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Combatting Xenophobic Violence in Israel and Around the World

June 4, 2012

Refugees, asylum seekers and migrants from South Sudan and Eritrea have been the targets of brutal attacks, firebombing and lootings in Israel, as highlighted in…

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Practical Ways to Address Xenophobic Violence

April 18, 2012

Refugees, asylum seekers, migrants and others perceived as “foreign” have been the frequent victims of violent attacks around the world. For several years, Human Rights…

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Toulouse Attacks Highlight Need to Combat Bias-Motivated Crimes

March 19, 2012

Washington, DC – Human Rights First today praised French officials for their response to a horrific shooting at a Jewish school in Toulouse that resulted…

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Report

Combating Xenophobic Violence–A Framework for Action

December 4, 2011

Around the world, refugees, asylum seekers, migrants, and others viewed as “foreign” have been the targets of violent attacks. Xenophobic, racist, and other forms of…

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Watch: Recent Trends in Antisemitism Around the World

November 9, 2011

Today, Human Rights First President and CEO Elisa Massimino marked International Day Against Fascism and Antisemitism and the 73rd anniversary of Kristallnacht during a State…

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Missing Pieces from the Nomination Hearing for Ambassador to Russia

October 12, 2011

A slew of issues were brought up today at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s nomination hearing for Michael McFaul, picked by President Obama to be…

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Moscow Biennale Art Performance Brings Attention to Victims of Racist Violence

September 8, 2011

This week, the New York-based conceptual artist Yevgeniy Fiks led a group tour in Moscow of several sites of violent hate crimes targeting people of…

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Moscow Biennale Art Performance Brings Attention to Victims of Racist Violence

September 8, 2011

This week, the New York-based conceptual artist Yevgeniy Fiks led a group tour in Moscow of several sites of violent hate crimes targeting people of…

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Press

9/11 Anniversary: Civil and Human Rights Groups Commit to Respect for Diversity, Safety, Security

August 31, 2011

Washington, D.C. – On a press conference call today, national civil rights, human rights, civil liberties, Muslim, Jewish, and South Asian groups introduced their statement…

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Supporters of Imprisoned Russian Skinheads Retaliate by Firebombing a Moscow Synagogue

July 12, 2011

At 4 a.m. on Tuesday, July 12, young masked men threw Molotov cocktails at the Darchei Shalom synagogue in Moscow. None of the bombs exploded, and no one…

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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…

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U.N. Expert Highlights Xenophobia in South Africa, Calls for Hate Crime Legislation

June 3, 2011

International human rights bodies have periodically evaluated the response of the South African government to xenophobic and other forms of bias-motivated violence. Since waves of…

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Antigay Hate Crimes Are Rising, Says U.N. High Commissioner

May 6, 2011

“Homophobia and transphobia are no different to sexism, misogyny, racism, or xenophobia,” says U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay in a video on…

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Human Rights First Statement on International Migrants Day

December 18, 2010

New York, NY – Today as it marked International Migrants Day, Human Rights First’s Eleanor Acer issued the following statement: “International Migrants Day is an important reminder…

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“Arguing for Free Speech—not Defamation of Religion—at Human Rights Council”

October 5, 2010

At the UN Human Rights Council debate (with Githu Muigai Special Rapporteur on ‘contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance’) Human Rights…

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Has France Breached European Union Laws By Its Forced Repatriation of Roma ?

September 15, 2010

This summer, as the ‘Ground Zero mosque’ and ‘burn-a-Koran’ controversies raged on American news and talk shows, Europe had to deal with its own xenophobia-related…

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UNHCR and HRF Convene a Panel on Protection from Racism and Xenophobia

June 30, 2010

A panel discussion brings together intergovernmental and NGO experts to discuss strategies for improving protection for refugees, returnees, asylum-seekers, stateless and displaced persons who are…

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Working Together: Strategies for Protection from Xenophobia, Racism, Intolerance and Bias-Motivated Violence

April 28, 2010

June 30, 11:15 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. Human Rights First and UNHCR will convene this thematic session on xenophobia to discuss strategies for improving protection…

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Elisa Massimino Testifies in Congress on Antisemitism

April 14, 2010

Human Rights First President and CEO Elisa Massimino testified today at 2 p.m. before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on the alarming rise of antisemitism worldwide.…

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Press

Group Urges Newly Elected Hungarian Leaders to Prioritize Fight Against Anti-Roma Violence and Discrimination

April 12, 2010

  New York City, 4/12/10 Human Rights First today called on Hungary’s newly elected authorities to prioritize combating hate crime and racist violence, specifically growing xenophobia, antisemitism…

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UN Delegations Urged to Block Efforts to Prohibit “Defamation of Religion”

February 26, 2010

Washington, DC Human Rights First today urged United Nations member states to block ongoing efforts to establish new norms that prohibit defamation of religion, a…

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Obama Signs the Hate Crime Bill into Law! What’s Next?

October 28, 2009

By Paul LeGendre, cross-posted from Huffington Post Ten years ago this month, Wyoming college student Matthew Shepard was brutally attacked and murdered because he was gay.…

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Respecting freedom of expression, while combating discrimination and intolerance: HRF Congressional Testimony

October 22, 2009

Check out testimony below made by Human Rights First’s Tad Stanhke, at the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission Hearing yesterday on the Implications of the…

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The Hungarian government must step up its efforts to stop hate crimes against Roma

August 7, 2009

A few days ago, on August 2 2009, a Roma woman, 45, was shot dead, and her daughter, 13, seriously injured in an overnight attack…

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Human Rights Group Responds to Hate Crime Murder in Germany

July 10, 2009

Human Rights First expresses deep concern at the stabbing of a Marwa El Sherbiny, who was suing her attacker after he insulted her for wearing…

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As U.N. Antiracism Day Is Marked, Racist Violence on the Rise

March 20, 2009

At the occasion of the United Nations-designated International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Human Rights First stresses the role of governments in combating…

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Rights Groups Urge Obama Administration to Address Concerns with the Durban Review Conference

January 12, 2009

Washington, DC – The incoming Obama Administration should lead an international effort to reshape the United Nations Durban Review Conference into a forum for credible…

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Rights Group Launches Series of Blueprints for the Obama Administration

January 5, 2009

New York – A leading rights group has released a series of blueprints laying out detailed, multi-phased strategies for how the Obama administration should act…

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Rights Group urges New Administration to End Mixed Messages on Human Rights Promotion in Russia

December 5, 2008

WASHINGTON – Consistent promotion of human rights must be an integral part of the United States bilateral relationship with Russia, asserts Human Rights First in…

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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…

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Press

Rights Group Calls on European Officials to Raise Concern on Escalating Hate Crimes in Ukraine

August 19, 2008

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A leading human rights advocacy group has urged high-ranking European officials to use a September 9 summit meeting with Ukrainian officials to…

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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…

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Civil Society Groups Seek Durban Review that Rejects Hatred

April 28, 2008

GENEVA— Human Rights First joined 94 leading civil society organizations this morning to declare that the United Nations and its organizations and conferences on human…

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