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Press Releases & Statements

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July 9, 2008
G8 Forfeits Leadership on Stopping Arms to Darfur
Rights Group Calls on World Leaders to Take Responsibility for Enforcing Embargo

June 24, 2008
Top Interrogators Declare Torture Ineffective in Intelligence Gathering

June 24, 2008
Human Rights First Welcomes Bill to Establish White House Coordinator for Iraqi Refugees
Bi-Partisan Bill Would Create U.S. Government Accountability at the Highest Level

June 19, 2008
Rights Groups Based in All G8 Countries, Sudan Call on Nations' Leaders to Advocate Against Darfur Violence at July Summit

June 16, 2008
Security Council Takes Important Step 'Towards Ensuring Justice and Accountability' in Darfur

June 12, 2008
Supreme Court Upholds Due Process for Guantanamo Prisoners
Terrorist Cases should be Tried in Federal Courts

June 12, 2008
Human Rights First Welcomes Bill to Address Flawed Immigration Detention System
Bi-Partisan Bill Would Improve Treatment of Asylum Seekers and Immigrants

June 5, 2008
U.S. Rendition to Torture Illegal

June 5, 2008
Human Rights First Welcomes Passage of Amendment to Help Iraqi Translators

June 5, 2008
9-11 Victims, Justice Disserved by Military Commissions System
Rights Observer Calls For 9-11 Cases to Be Moved to Federal Courts

June 4, 2008
New Video: Eyewitnesses Implicate Sudanese Minister in War Crimes
Video released ahead of ICC report to UN Security Council

June 4, 2008
Rights Groups to UN Security Council: Insist on Justice for Darfur
Press Sudan to Cooperate With the International Criminal Court

May 28, 2008
Post 9-11 Terrorism Cases Show Federal Courts Bring Terrorists to Justice Without Administrative Detention, Military Commissions
Federal Trials Protect Nat’l Security, Former Federal Prosecutors Say in Human Rights First Report

May 15, 2008
Uzbek Human Rights Defender in Prison Wins 2008 Martin Ennals Award

May 13, 2008
Somali Women’s Rights Activist Wins Roger Baldwin Award
Honored For Her Work with Women and Girls Affected by Violence

May 9, 2008
Media Advisory: Somali Women’s Rights Activist Wins Roger Baldwin Award
Honored For Her Work with Women and Girls Affected by Violence

May 1, 2008
U.S. Resettles 974 Iraqi Refugees in April; Improvement Welcome but Comprehensive Response Still Needed

May 1, 2008
Human Rights First Supports Senate Bill on Ending Secret Prisons

April 28, 2008
Civil Society Groups Seek Durban Review that Rejects Hatred

April 25, 2008
ACLU And HRF Ask Circuit Court To Reconsider Rumsfeld Torture Case
Precedent Used To Dismiss Case Wrongly Ignores Constitution, Groups Say

April 25, 2008
"Justice for Darfur" Campaign Launched
Sudan Should Arrest War Crimes Suspects Now

April 25, 2008
President Bush Should Address Human Rights in Meeting with Guatemalan President
Rights Group calls on Bush to Raise Accountability for Past Atrocities with President Colom

April 24, 2008
Members of United States Congress Urge Pakistani Leadership to Reinstate Dismissed Judges
Letter Commends Progress and Pledges Support for Judicial Independence

April 18, 2008
Archives of Human Rights First to be Housed at Columbia University Libraries

April 17, 2008
UN Anti-Racism Review Conference: HRF Calls on Governments to Prevent Repeat of Problems that Plagued 2001 Conference

April 10, 2008
U.S. Contributes to Afghan Fair Trial Violations
Former U.S. Detainees Convicted Without Evidence

April 8, 2008
Somali Women’s Rights Activist Wins Roger Baldwin Award
Hawa Aden Mohamed honored for her work with women and girls affected by violence

April 8, 2008
Petraeus and Crocker Testimonies on Refugees Missing Critical Information:
Refugee Returns Are Not Safe and Appropriate at This Time

April 2, 2008
Release of 2003 Torture Memo Critical First Step in Accountability
Accountability for past violations is crucial to deterring future violations.

March 26, 2008
NGOs Press Uribe to Address Wave of Violence Against Rights Defenders, Unionists
Uribe Advisor’s Statements Contribute to Climate of Intolerance that Fosters Violence

March 24, 2008
HRF Applauds Release of Pakistan's Judges

March 19, 2008
Iraq: the Refugee Crisis Five Years On

March 18, 2008
Time for Cuba to Release Human Rights Defenders
On Fifth Anniversary of Crackdown, Many Detainees in Poor Health

March 17, 2008
New Pakistani Government Must Restore Courts and Constitution
Time for Bush Administration to Stand Up for Rule of Law

March 14, 2008
HRF Response to China's Report Rebuke

March 14, 2008
Transfer Shows: Prisoners Still Held in CIA Program, Now without Congress’ Support

March 13, 2008
New Report: China’s Oil Interests In Sudan Fueling Darfur Violence
$55M in Small Arms Sold By China to Sudan

March 12, 2008
New Report: China’s Oil Interests In Sudan Fueling Darfur Violence
Media Telebriefing On Linkage, Policy Recommendations On March 13th

March 11, 2008
State Department Human Rights Reports Highlight Need for U.S. Leadership
U.S. Ability to Lead Hampered by Own Human Rights Record, Policies

March 10, 2008
New Report: Tortured Justice
Coerced Evidence Contaminating Judicial System, Undermining Terrorist Prosecutions

March 8, 2008
President Vetoes Bill that Would Enforce Torture Ban

March 7, 2008
Human Rights First to Release Study on Illegal Methods Used to Prosecute Terrorist Suspects

March 3, 2008
Low Iraqi Resettlement Rate Is Troubling
HRF expresses concern that State Department goal of 12,000 will not be met.

February 28, 2008
Cuba’s Signature of Human Rights Treaties a Step in the Right Direction
Cuba Must Follow Through by Releasing Detained Activists

February 28, 2008
Oscar Winner, Former National Security Advisor, Retired Generals to Urge President to Sign Anti-Torture Bill
Group to brief reporters by telephone

February 22, 2008
Justice Department Announces Investigation into Torture Authorization
HRF welcomes investigation as crucial first step.

February 22, 2008
HRF Challenges China’s Attempt to Diminish its Role in Arms Exports to Sudan

February 13, 2008
Congress Votes to Enforce Ban on Torture

February 11, 2008
Prosecution of 9-11 Suspects Long Overdue
Serious obstacles to achieving justice still remain.

February 11, 2008
HRF on the Loss of Congressman Lantos

February 7, 2008
Experts to Discuss Enhancing Accountability for Private Security Contractors at War
Panel discussion to take place Friday, February 8th, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. in the Capitol Building.

February 7, 2008
Attorney General Stands Idly By While White House, CIA Break Law

February 1, 2008
Fact Check: Attorney General Mukasey and Waterboarding
The Attorney General's January 30 Testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee: Mukasey’s Statements on Waterboarding and other Coercive Interrogation Techniques, and Human Rights First’s Responses

February 1, 2008
President Bush Signs Defense Authorization Act, Commits the U.S. to Helping More Iraqi Refugees
A comprehensive solution to the refugee crisis still needed

February 1, 2008
President Bush Signs Defense Authorization Act, Commits the U.S. to Helping More Iraqi Refugees
A comprehensive solution to the refugee crisis still needed

January 30, 2008
Leading Rights Group Rejects AG’s Testimony On Waterboarding, Legality of CIA Program

January 25, 2008
Indonesian Supreme Court Returns Activist’s Killer to Prison
Human Rights Group Calls on Police to Act on New Evidence

January 25, 2008
Human Rights First Calls on African Union Member States to Oppose Sudan’s Reported Bid to Head the Regional Body

January 24, 2008
Guatemala’s New President Must Confront Human Rights Challenges Immediately
Rights Group Urges Colom to Seize Opportunity to Address Atrocities, End Lawlessness

January 23, 2008
Independent Investigation of Post-Election Violence Urgently Needed in Kenya

January 21, 2008
Interrogation and Torture in U.S. Policy: Forum with Former Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency and Other Retired Generals
Forum to be held at Florida State University on January 23rd at 11:30 a.m.

January 16, 2008
Department of Justice Continues to Ignore Violent Crimes Committed By Private Security Contractors in Iraq, Afghanistan
Human Rights First Report Details Risk to Mission from ‘Culture of Impunity’

January 15, 2008
New Report: Justice Department Systematically Ignores Violent Crimes Committed By Private Security Contractors
Authors, Retired Flag Officer to Brief Journalists on Risk to Mission from ‘Culture of Impunity’ in Iraq, Afghanistan

January 11, 2008
Interrogation and Torture in U.S. Policy: Forum with Retired Admirals and Generals
Forum to be held at University of South Carolina on January 14th at 3:00 p.m.

January 11, 2008
Retired Admirals and Generals Visit The Citadel to Speak about U.S. Interrogation Policy and the Geneva Conventions
Political Science Classes at 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.; Press Availability with Military Leaders at 12:30 p.m.

January 2, 2008
Criminal Investigation of CIA Tape Destruction Not Enough
Mukasey should appoint a Special Counsel to ensure independence and transparency.

December 28, 2007
Dangerously Ill Iranian Human Rights Defender Must be Released

December 27, 2007
Bhutto Assassination a Tragedy for Pakistan and the Rule of Law

December 21, 2007
Human Rights Groups Call on Bush Administration to Stand Up for Pakistani Judges and Media Freedom

December 18, 2007
Guatemalan Court’s Refusal to Extradite Those Accused of Genocide a Blow to Justice

December 17, 2007
HRF Executive Director Back from Pakistan
Don’t Be Fooled by the Lifting of the State of Emergency

December 17, 2007
China Shield's Sudan in the Security Council After ICC Prosecutor's Report

December 17, 2007
European Governments Must Do More to Tackle Hate Crimes

December 13, 2007
House Votes to limit CIA to Humane Interrogation Methods

December 11, 2007
Former Head of the Defense Intelligence Agency Says Torture Produces Unreliable Information

December 6, 2007
HRF Welcomes House Passage of Genocide Accountability Act
New law would end safe haven for perpetrators of genocide.

December 6, 2007
ICC Prosecutor Reports on Sudan's Obstructionism

December 3, 2007
RETIRED GENERALS, ADMIRALS DISCUSS TORTURE, PRISONER TREATMENT POLICIES WITH CANDIDATES
15 Retired Flag and General Officers Met Biden, Clinton, Dodd, Edwards,Huckabee, Obama, Richardson

November 29, 2007
Retired Generals, Admirals To Meet With Presidential Candidates on Torture, Prisoner Treatment Policies
15 Retired Flag and General Officers to Meet with Biden, Clinton, Dodd, Edwards, Huckabee, Obama, Richardson

November 15, 2007
Rights Groups Reiterate Call for Release of Cuban Prisoners

November 12, 2007
Iran: End harassment of women’s rights defenders
Human Rights Groups Protest imminent imprisonment of Delaram Ali

November 12, 2007
New ICE Parole Directive for Asylum Seekers Reverses Prior Guidance
Refugees May Languish in U.S. Immigration Jails Even

November 10, 2007
Tunisia: Allow Rights Activists to Attend US Conference
Government Consistently Violates Basic Right to Leave Country

November 9, 2007
Campaign to End Torture Does Not End With Mukasey Confirmation

November 4, 2007
“Assault on the Legal Profession No Answer to the Threat of Terrorism”
Human Rights First Condemns Pakistan’s State of Emergency

November 2, 2007
The Nomination of Michael Mukasey: His Positions on Torture and Official Cruelty

November 1, 2007
HRF Opposes Judge Mukasey's Nomination for Attorney General

October 30, 2007
Mukasey Should Provide Clear Answer on Waterboarding

October 29, 2007
Attorney General Nominee Must Stand Clearly Against Torture

October 28, 2007
Thailand Should Charge or Release Suspected Insurgents
The military’s “vocational training” camps are not the answer

October 16, 2007
HRF Honors Iranian Women's Leader, TV’s 'Criminal Minds' and Retired Military Leaders at Annual Awards Dinner

October 15, 2007
'Criminal Minds' Wins Human Rights Award for Portrayal of Interrogation

October 5, 2007
Human Rights First Calls on Congress to End Bush Administration’s Sanction of Torture

October 5, 2007
Harassment by Russian Authorities Another Attempt to Avert Investigation of Politkovskaya’s Murder

September 28, 2007
All Senators Agree: U.S. Must Help Iraqi Refugees
Leading human rights group welcomes bipartisan commitment to greater role in addressing Iraqi Refugee Crisis

September 28, 2007
Human Rights Defenders from Burundi and Sri Lanka honored with 2007 Martin Ennals Award

September 26, 2007
HRF Applauds Candidates' Rejection of the 'Ticking Time Bomb' Scenario

September 25, 2007
Burmese Junta's Record Suggest Potential for Violent Crackdown, Rights Group Says

September 11, 2007
Human Rights First Statement on the Sixth Anniversary of September 11

September 7, 2007
Human Rights Defenders to Speak at Wilson Center

September 6, 2007
HRF Statement on Naming of Suspected War Criminal as Chair of Sudanese Human Rights Investigative Committee

September 6, 2007
On Anniversary of Activist’s Death, New Evidence Demands Investigation
Human Rights First: New Findings “Should be a Starting Point, Not the Final Word”

August 31, 2007
Human Rights Leaders from More than 20 Countries to Meet September 6 and 7 in Atlanta to Discuss Prevention of Mass Atrocities, Role of Faith in Advancing Rights

August 27, 2007
Gonzales Resignation an Opportunity to End Policy of Official Cruelty

August 27, 2007
HRF Joins Unusual Coalition in Amicus Brief in Boumediene Case

August 16, 2007
Russian Authorities Must Act Decisively to Stop Hate Violence

August 16, 2007
Padilla Verdict Shows Criminal Justice System Can Deal with Terrorism

August 9, 2007
ABA Slated to Vote on Resolution Condemning Executive Order on CIA Interrogations
Michael Posner, President of Human Rights First and Author of Companion Report in Support of Resolution, Available for Comment

August 6, 2007
Darfur Rebel Groups Agree to Move Peace Talks Forward

August 3, 2007
Human Rights First Calls on Taliban to Release Hostages

August 2, 2007
Those Who Authorize and Use CIA 'Enhanced' Interrogation Tactics Risk Criminal Prosecution
Landmark Report: Techniques Previously Authorized for CIA Use — Not Ruled Out by President’s CIA Executive Order — Likely Violate U.S. Law

August 2, 2007
United Nations Establishes Mission to Protect Civilians in Darfur but More is Needed in the Immediate Term

August 2, 2007
Guatemalan Congress Approves Innovative International Commission to Combat Impunity

July 31, 2007
U.N. Mandates Troops to Protect Civilians in Darfur

July 24, 2007
Release of Wrongfully Imprisoned Tunisian Human Rights Lawyer Abbou a "Welcome Step"

July 20, 2007
Human Rights First Statement on Executive Order Interpreting Geneva Conventions Common Article 3 as Applied to the CIA
The Order contains fine sounding rhetoric that changes little and leaves dubious claims in place

July 5, 2007
Human Rights First Challenges New UK Leadership to Make Good on Finucane Inquiry Promises

July 3, 2007
Closing Guantanamo

July 3, 2007
In Rare Move, Supreme Court Reverses Self, Agrees to Hear Appeal of Guantanamo Detainees

June 28, 2007
Group Calls for Proper Medical Care for Critically Ill Cuban Prisoners

June 26, 2007
Thailand's Draft Security Law a "Recipe for Rights Violations"
Law gives military too much power with too little accountability

June 19, 2007
Human Rights First Welcomes Bipartisan Bill to Protect Iraqi Refugees
Proposals Would Extend a "Long-Overdue Lifeline"

June 18, 2007
Human Rights First Decries Mounting Repression against Human Rights Defenders in Syria
Seven young activists sentenced to harsh prison terms.

June 11, 2007
U.S. Appeals Court Rejects Administration's Claimed Ability to Declare Civilian an "Enemy Combatant" for Indefinite Military Detention
Human Rights First: Ruling a "Powerful Vindication" of Courts' Role

June 6, 2007
New Report Finds Hate Crimes on the Rise in Many Parts of Europe

June 5, 2007
Colombian Human Rights Leader Ivan Cepeda Wins Roger Baldwin Liberty Award

June 4, 2007
Human Rights First Statement on Khadr Ruling

June 4, 2007
Human Rights First Statement on the Opening of the Trial of Charles Taylor
Statement of Betsy Apple, Director of the Crimes Against Humanity program at the New York -based advocacy group Human Rights First, on the opening of the trial of Charles Taylor, former president of Liberia, before the U.N.-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone

May 31, 2007
Latest Guantanamo Death Another Sign of Policy Failure

May 16, 2007
"Ticking Time Bomb" Not a Basis for Policy
GOP Debate Focused on Flawed Scenario

May 4, 2007
Human Rights First Statement on U.S. Military Mental Health Report

May 2, 2007
HRF: Congress Must Fix "Material Support" Laws, Stop Treating Victims Like Terrorists

April 27, 2007
HRF Statement on transfer of Al-Iraqi to Guantanamo

April 24, 2007
HRF Condemns Long Prison Term for Leading Syrian Human Rights Lawyer
His "Crimes" Were Exposing and Denouncing Government Violations

April 24, 2007
Child Soldiers: Treat them as Victims, Not Just Victimizers
HRF Tells Senators Current Policy on "Material Support" for Terrorism is "Insanity"

April 23, 2007
Retired Generals and Admirals Meet with Presidential Candidates
Generals Krulak, Hoar and Kern Co-Chair Unprecedented Gathering on U.S. Detention and Interrogation Policies

April 11, 2007
New Suspects in Murder of Leading Indonesian Human Rights Lawyer

April 10, 2007
Guantanamo Hunger Strikes: "Symptoms of a Failed System"

April 9, 2007
Retired Generals and Admirals to Meet with Presidential Candidates
Generals Krulak, Hoar and Kern to Co-Chair Unprecedented Gathering on U.S. Detention and Interrogation Policies

April 3, 2007
Iranian Women's Human Rights Defenders Arrested: HRF Calls for Immediate Release

April 2, 2007
Supreme Court Ruling: "Justice Denied" for Detainees

March 30, 2007
U.N. Human Rights Council Closes its Eyes to Sudanese Government's Role in Darfur Violations

March 30, 2007
Hicks Plea Illustrates Problems with Military Commissions
Maureen Byrnes, executive director of Human Rights First, released the following statement on the acceptance by the Guantanamo tribunal of David Hicks's plea.

March 27, 2007
Human Rights First and ACLU Express Disappointment at Dismissal of Rumsfeld Torture Case
Ruling 'Leaves a Gap' in Accountability

March 22, 2007
Police in Nizhny Novgorod Threaten to Detain Russian Human Rights Leaders
Human Rights First Condemns Continuing Harassment of Peaceful Government Critics

March 19, 2007
On Fourth Anniversary of Clampdown, Rights Group Calls for Release of Prisoners

March 14, 2007
Justice in Finucane Case Long Overdue
Government Collusion in Murder Must Be Publicly Exposed

March 8, 2007
Iran: Police Clash with Hundreds of Protestors on International Women's Day

March 7, 2007
State Department's Human Rights Reports Omit US Involvement in Abuses Abroad

March 6, 2007
President Bush Should Stand Up for Human Rights Defenders in Latin America

February 27, 2007
HRF Urges Prosecutor to Pursue Evidence 'Up the Chain of Command' in Darfur Case
The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has named the first suspects in his investigation of mass atrocities in Darfur

February 21, 2007
Human Rights First Disappointed at Federal Appeals Court Decision Denying Guantanamo Detainees Due Process

February 15, 2007
Human Rights Group Says Colombian President's Rhetoric Endangers Activists

February 8, 2007
Government Commission Gives DHS Failing Grade for Detention of Asylum Seekers
Sen. Lieberman's Planned Reform Legislation Wins Praise from Human Rights First

January 29, 2007
Robert Drinan, S.J., a Giant of Human Rights, Dies

January 29, 2007
Yet Again U.S. Special Forces Escape Criminal Punishment for Torture and Death of Afghan Detainees

January 23, 2007
Russian Court Forces Closure of Russian Chechen Friendship Society
Ruling sends a chilling message to Russian civil society

January 19, 2007
Proposed Rules for Detainee Trials Fall Short of Fair Standards
HRF calls for congressional hearings

January 17, 2007
Statement on the Apology of Charles D. Stimson for His Remarks Against Lawyers Representing Detainees Held at Guantanamo Bay
The U.S. government must affirm that the right of the accused - including the indigent, the criminal and even a suspected enemy - to legal representation is a cornerstone of the U.S. justice system and a fundamental human right

January 12, 2007
Administration's New Asylum Proposal Leaves Vulnerable Refugees at Risk

January 11, 2007
Statement by HRF Executive Director Maureen Byrnes on the Fifth Anniversary of Detentions at Guantanamo

January 2, 2007
Statement on the Execution of Saddam Hussein
Full Accounting of His Crimes Denied

December 25, 2006
Statement of Human Rights First on the Release of Pollycarpus Budihari Priyanto
Outrage Over Early Release of Man Tied to Murder of Indonesian Human Rights Activist

December 19, 2006
Statement by Maureen Byrnes, Executive Director of Human Rights First, Commending the Appointment of Jan Eliasson as Special Envoy to Sudan
Former Foreign Minister of Sweden to lead diplomatic efforts seeking an end to crisis

December 8, 2006
In Torture Case Against Rumsfeld, Lawyers Cite 'Widespread Pattern' of Abuse, Need for Accountability
Federal court to rule whether top U.S. officials can be held legally accountable for the torture scandal in Iraq and Afghanistan

December 6, 2006
Human Rights First Welcomes Release of Cuban Activist
Hector Palacios Ruiz was released on medical parole after over 3 years in prison

November 21, 2006
HRF Hails Release of Independent Journalist in Cuba
Oscar Mario Gonzalez Perez is freed following international pressure campaign

November 16, 2006
Human Rights Advocates Urge Bush to Raise Munir Case with Indonesian President
Bush Visit Follows Letter from Members of Congress Calling for Action on Lawyer's Murder

October 24, 2006
HRF Condemns Sudan Government's Latest Actions: Urges U.N. to Appoint a Special Envoy

October 18, 2006
HRF Details Recent Escalation of Attacks Against Russian Human Rights Defenders in the Wake of Anna Politkovskaya's Murder
Group Calls on Russian Officials to Condemn Threats, Cease Misuse of Anti-Extremism Law

October 16, 2006
Despite Stated Intent of New Law's Authors to Ban "Enhanced" Interrogation Techniques, White House Needs Watching on Military Commissions Act, Group Warns
Human Rights First: "This is a battle we'll have to keep fighting."

October 10, 2006
Murderers of Prominent Russian Journalist and Human Rights Defender Must Be Brought to Justice

October 5, 2006
Conviction Overturned in Murder of Indonesian Human Rights Leader Munir
Human Rights First Calls for New Investigation

October 4, 2006
Thai Authorities Must End Martial Law and Lift Restrictions on Basic Rights

September 28, 2006
Military Commissions Act of 2006 Defies U.S. Constitution, Violates Fundamental Rights

September 27, 2006
What The World is Saying About Darfur -- Almost Nothing

September 26, 2006
Victims of Terrorist Acts and Oppression Denied Asylum in United States
Senate Hearings Wednesday on "Material Support" Bar

September 22, 2006
Administration Attempts End Run (Again) Around Torture Prohibitions

September 21, 2006
Key Senators Strike Deal with Bush Administration: Redefinition of Geneva Conventions Rejected, Acts of "Serious" Cruelty Criminalized
Concerns About Habeas and Court Stripping Remain

September 21, 2006
49 Retired Admirals and Generals, Military Leaders and Former DOD Officials Urge Congress to Preserve the Geneva Conventions
Five Former Joint Chiefs - Generals John Shalikashvili, John Vessey, Colin Powell, Hugh Shelton, and William Crowe - join 48 Other Military Leaders in Telling Administration Their Proposal Will Harm U.S. Soldiers

September 20, 2006
Thai Political Crisis Must Not Undermine Rights Protections

September 19, 2006
Human Rights First Welcomes President Bush's Focus on Darfur

September 15, 2006
President Bush's Press Conference on Military Commissions and National Security, September 15, 2006
What the President Said ...and Human Rights First's Response

September 14, 2006
Worldwide Mobilization Calls for End to Mass Slaughter in Darfur
Events in 32 Countries: Massive Show of Global Solidarity from Australia to Zambia Thousands Wear Blue Hats to Call for UN Troops

September 13, 2006
Human Rights First to Congress: Reject Administration's Military Commissions Proposal
Bill Retreats from Core Principles of Geneva Conventions - and Creates Confusion and Invites Abuse

September 8, 2006
Human Rights First Statement on the Fifth Anniversary of September 11

September 8, 2006
President Bush's Speech on Military Commissions and National Security, September 6, 2006
What the President Said ...and Human Rights First's Response

September 7, 2006
Human Rights First Says Administration Announcements on Detainee Interrogation and Detention Send Mixed Message

August 31, 2006
International Efforts Failing to Protect Civilians in Darfur: Security Council Resolution Gives Khartoum Veto Power

August 29, 2006
Momentum Grows for the Global Day for Darfur: Events Planned in 18 Countries to Date

August 22, 2006
U.N. Human Rights Council - Recent Resolution on Rights Violations in Lebanon Condemns Israel But Fails to Mention Hezbollah

August 18, 2006
Global Day of Action for Darfur: September 17
Thousands to Wear a Blue Hat to Call for UN Action in Darfur

August 17, 2006
CIA Contractor Guilty Of Abusing Detainee
Clear Guidance Needed to Prevent More Abuse in U.S. Custody

August 11, 2006
Parties to Conflict in Lebanon Must Aid Humanitarian Assistance to Civilians

August 10, 2006
Immigration Court Reforms Welcomed, But Some Problems Overlooked

August 9, 2006
Human Rights First Experts Available For Analysis Of Administration Proposal To Redefine War Crimes

August 3, 2006
Human Rights First Observing CIA Contractor Abuse Trial

July 31, 2006
Wide Disparities in Immigration Court Asylum Denials
New Statistics Show Need for Judicial Review, Administrative Reforms, and Legal Representation

July 31, 2006
Henry Griggs Joins HRF as Director of Communications

July 28, 2006
Noncombatants in Lebanon and Israel Must Be Protected

July 27, 2006
Darfur: Former Political Prisoner Outlines Road Map For Peace

July 24, 2006
Secretary Rumsfeld Continues to Argue Against Responsibility for Torture and Abuse

July 19, 2006
Courts-Martial a Proven System for War Crimes Trials

July 18, 2006
United States Continues to Reject Human Rights Laws

July 18, 2006
Human Rights First to Testify before Senate Armed Services Committee

July 18, 2006
After One Year of Emergency Decree, No Justice in Southern Thailand Human Rights Defenders under Attack
Thai Version

July 14, 2006
Human Rights First Expresses Serious Concerns About the Nomination of William Haynes To Be U.S. Circuit Judge

July 14, 2006
Human Rights First to Brief United Nations Human Rights Committee
HRF Expert to Stress Need for U.S. Compliance with Treaty Barring Arbitrary Detentions, Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment

July 12, 2006
"Trust but Verify" Bush Administration Must Be Held Accountable On Geneva Convention Pledge

July 11, 2006
Bush Administration Pledges to Uphold Minimal Protections of the Geneva Conventions
HRF Says the "Devil Is in the Details" of Implementation

July 10, 2006
Human Rights First Urges Congress To Use Time-Tested Rules For War Crimes Trials

July 5, 2006
Message to Leaders of the G8: Condemn Human Rights Violations in Russia

June 29, 2006
Supreme Court Military Commission Ruling Sweeping Victory for the Rule of Law

June 27, 2006
New Reports Document Deteriorating Human Rights Situation in Russia
As the G8 Summit in St. Petersburg approaches, HRF urges world to leaders to set clear benchmarks for progress in Russia

June 20, 2006
On World Refugee Day, US Leadership on Refugee Protection in Doubt
Recent Laws and Policies Mean Refugees Jailed, Unable to Access Protection

June 16, 2006
Darfur Promises Not Kept:
Peace Agreement Deadlines Pass and New Ones Approach: Ceasefire and Other Commitments Remain Unrealized

June 13, 2006
Women's Rights Protest Broken Up in Tehran

June 10, 2006
Human Rights First Calls Detention Center Policy an Invitation to Disaster

June 8, 2006
Military Commissions Continue Next Week in Guantanamo; Ruling on Legality Still Pending from Supreme Court

June 2, 2006
Human Rights First Calls On Secretary-General Annan to Adopt Comprehensive Approach
In Letter, HRF Urges Annan to Appoint High-Level Envoy to Darfur

June 2, 2006
Abu Ghraib Dog Handler Convicted; Role Of Commanders In Setting Policies That Lead to Abuses Still Not Addressed

May 26, 2006
Senate Immigration Bill Threatens Refugees Fleeing Political and Religious Persecution
One Harmful Provision Removed, but Others Remain

May 25, 2006
Secretary Rumsfeld Attempts to Shirk Responsibility for U.S. Torture Policies, Say ACLU and Human Rights First
Military Law Experts Say Abuse Not Within Scope of Senior Commanders’ Employment

May 23, 2006
Human Rights Defenders From Iran and Zimbabwe Share 2006 Martin Ennals Award

May 19, 2006
UN Anti-Torture Experts Urge United States to Stop Illegal Conduct
U.S. Record Damages Human Rights Worldwide

May 17, 2006
President's Border Control Plan Ignores Impact on Refugees
Immigration Proposals Will Endanger Refugees Seeking Asylum

May 9, 2006
Violence and Repression Worsening in Year Since Massacre in Uzbekistan
Targeted Sanctions Needed

May 8, 2006
U.S. Offers No Concrete Steps Toward Implementing McCain Ban on Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment

May 5, 2006
Human Rights First Welcomes Abuja Agreement - Calls on the International Community to Redouble Its Leadership So Peace Will Last
A U.N. Special Envoy Is Critical to Ensuring Success of Peace Agreement

May 5, 2006
U.S. Must Clarify Commitment to Abide by McCain Ban on Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment

May 3, 2006
United States to Appear Before Committee Against Torture
Expert Body to Question U.S. Delegation about Torture Ban Rendition

Human Rights First to Urge Full Implementation of McCain Amendment as Key to Compliance with Anti-Torture Treaty

April 25, 2006
More Than 600 U.S. Personnel Implicated in Detainee Abuse

April 11, 2006
Sentence of Russian Human Rights Activist Affirmed

March 28, 2006
Human Rights First Statement on Oral Arguments in Hamdan Case

March 21, 2006
Guilty Verdict Handed Down in Abu Ghraib Dog Handler's Trial

March 17, 2006
Verdict in Abu Ghraib Dog Handler Case Expected Soon

March 16, 2006
Human Rights First Condemns Forced Closure of Human Rights Organization in West Darfur

March 15, 2006
Human Rights First Calls on Senate Judiciary Committee to Reject Specter Proposal to Limit Access to Courts for Refugees Trying to Escape Persecution

March 10, 2006
Secretary Rice Must Raise Human Rights in Dialogue with Indonesia

March 2, 2006
As Senate Debates Immigration Reform, Refugees May Become Unspoken Victims - Again

February 24, 2006
Human Rights First Urges Creation of UN Human Rights Council

February 22, 2006
Human Rights First Releases First Comprehensive Report on Detainee Deaths in U.S. Custody

February 21, 2006
Human Rights First Identifies Fatal Flaws in Thai "Disappearance" Trial

February 16, 2006
Human Rights First Welcomes Expansion of Congressional Human Rights Caucus Hopes Bicameral Caucus Will Sharpen Focus on Human Rights Issues in the Senate

February 13, 2006
Statement of Maureen Byrnes, Executive Director,

February 10, 2006
Human Rights First Calls On President Bush and Secretary General Annan To Use Upcoming Meeting To Develop Initiatives To End Darfur Conflict

February 8, 2006
Homeland Security Names Senior Refugee Advisor

February 3, 2006
Russian Human Rights Activist Convicted in Politically Motivated Case

January 25, 2006
Human Rights First Condemns False Accusations against Russian Human Rights Organizations

January 24, 2006
A.U. Avoids Embarrassment of Sudan as Organization's Head in 2006, but Doubts About A.U.'s Capacity to Resolve Darfur Crisis Increase

January 19, 2006
22 High-Level Retired Military Leaders and Human Rights First Urge President Bush to Fully Implement the McCain Amendment

January 13, 2006
Government Motion in Hamdan Serious Challenge to Supreme Court Authority

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