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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Letter
Joint NGO Letter re: Further Delay in Rescinding Public Health Asylum Ban Rule
February 28, 2022
RE: Security Bars and Processing, DHS Docket No. USCIS 2020-0013 The 135 undersigned faith-based groups, national and local legal services providers, medical and public health…
Blog
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Fact Sheet
Mexico: Still Not Safe for Refugees and Migrants
March 23, 2018
The Trump Administration seeks to prevent refugees who pass through Mexico from receiving asylum in the United States. In addition to pushing for legislative change…
Press
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: February 6, 2017
February 6, 2017
By Mary Elizabeth Margolis TOP ITEMS Muslim Ban Temporarily Halted A decision Sunday by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit preserved a lower…
Blog
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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)…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
Blog
Washington Week on Human Rights: November 14, 2016
November 14, 2016
Top Items 2016 Election This year’s divisive campaign season was filled with troubling rhetoric and policy proposals that are out of step with the United States’…
Blog
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
Blog
Russia’s Bad Example
March 21, 2016
This month Russia’s legislative body, the Duma, introduced a draft law that would further strangle the work of Russian NGOs. The Duma wants to broaden the…
Blog
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Blog
FDR’s “Four Freedoms” 75 Years Ago and Today
January 6, 2016
On January 6, 1941, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt gave his now-famous speech on four freedoms essential to democracy and human rights: Freedom of speech Freedom…
Blog
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Blog
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…
Blog
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…
Blog
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…
Blog
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…
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…
Blog
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.…
Press
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…
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…
Press
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…
Blog
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…
Press
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…
Press
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…
Press
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…
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…
Blog
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…
Blog
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…
Blog
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…
Blog
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…
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…
Blog
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…
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…
Blog
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…
Blog
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…
Press
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…
Blog
“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…
Blog
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…
Blog
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…
Blog
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…
Blog
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.…
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…
Press
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…
Blog
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.…
Blog
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…
Blog
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…
Blog
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…
Blog
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…
Blog
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…
Blog
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…
Press
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…
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…
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…
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…
Blog
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…