Human Rights First
@humanrightsfirst.org
Fighting for human rights on Capitol Hill, in court, and on the front lines.
In #Geneva, our CEO @uzraz.bsky.social joined AFI, @amnesty.org, @inhrgeneva.bsky.social & other partners & local/state leaders at the @uninvhrc.bsky.social—showing up for America when the gov’t skipped its own Universal Periodic Review. The US must confront & fix its worsening human rights record.
November 10, 2025 at 9:36 PM
In #Geneva, our CEO @uzraz.bsky.social joined AFI, @amnesty.org, @inhrgeneva.bsky.social & other partners & local/state leaders at the @uninvhrc.bsky.social—showing up for America when the gov’t skipped its own Universal Periodic Review. The US must confront & fix its worsening human rights record.
Human Rights First Special Counsel Joshua Colangelo-Bryan visited northern Lebanon and met with the Syrian Alawite refugee community. Conditions in refugee camps are growing increasingly difficult, reflecting the human cost of U.S. aid cuts.
Read more: humanrightsfirst.org/library/the-...
Read more: humanrightsfirst.org/library/the-...
November 5, 2025 at 10:08 PM
Human Rights First Special Counsel Joshua Colangelo-Bryan visited northern Lebanon and met with the Syrian Alawite refugee community. Conditions in refugee camps are growing increasingly difficult, reflecting the human cost of U.S. aid cuts.
Read more: humanrightsfirst.org/library/the-...
Read more: humanrightsfirst.org/library/the-...
Reposted by Human Rights First
Piece out today in @justsecurity.org
by @suchitauppal.bsky.social & myself for @humanrightsfirst.org on the continuing battle for truth & accountability in n Ireland
@barrymalone.bsky.social @finucanecentre.bsky.social @museumfreederry.bsky.social #speirgorm
www.justsecurity.org/123679/legal...
by @suchitauppal.bsky.social & myself for @humanrightsfirst.org on the continuing battle for truth & accountability in n Ireland
@barrymalone.bsky.social @finucanecentre.bsky.social @museumfreederry.bsky.social #speirgorm
www.justsecurity.org/123679/legal...
Legal Progress Stalls for Northern Ireland Families
The coming months will show whether the UK has the political will to deliver long-overdue truth and justice in Northern Ireland.
www.justsecurity.org
November 3, 2025 at 9:43 PM
Piece out today in @justsecurity.org
by @suchitauppal.bsky.social & myself for @humanrightsfirst.org on the continuing battle for truth & accountability in n Ireland
@barrymalone.bsky.social @finucanecentre.bsky.social @museumfreederry.bsky.social #speirgorm
www.justsecurity.org/123679/legal...
by @suchitauppal.bsky.social & myself for @humanrightsfirst.org on the continuing battle for truth & accountability in n Ireland
@barrymalone.bsky.social @finucanecentre.bsky.social @museumfreederry.bsky.social #speirgorm
www.justsecurity.org/123679/legal...
Join the Disappeared in America Weekend of Action Nov 1–2 to push back against family separations, disappearances, and attacks on immigrant communities. Take a stand by joining an event in your community: www.mobilize.us/disappearedi...
Volunteer Opportunities, Events, and Petitions Near Me · Disappeared in America on Mobilize
Find events, petitions, volunteer opportunities, fundraisers and more with Disappeared in America.
www.mobilize.us
October 31, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Join the Disappeared in America Weekend of Action Nov 1–2 to push back against family separations, disappearances, and attacks on immigrant communities. Take a stand by joining an event in your community: www.mobilize.us/disappearedi...
This admin once again shows its colors. The formation of a "quick reaction force" is not about protecting cities but about using military forces to push an authoritarian political agenda & threaten our constitutional right to assemble. This is not what a #democracy looks like.
Pentagon readying thousands of Guard ‘reaction forces’ as U.S. mission widens
The Defense Department’s newly established “quick reaction force” within the National Guard is being readied for civil unrest missions in U.S. cities.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 30, 2025 at 9:02 PM
This admin once again shows its colors. The formation of a "quick reaction force" is not about protecting cities but about using military forces to push an authoritarian political agenda & threaten our constitutional right to assemble. This is not what a #democracy looks like.
Reposted by Human Rights First
On this International Day of Political Prisoners, we’re proud to co-lead a joint statement—standing in solidarity with the estimated one million political prisoners detained worldwide. #FreeThemAll
freedomhouse.org/article/join...
freedomhouse.org/article/join...
Joint Statement on the International Day of Political Prisoners
freedomhouse.org
October 30, 2025 at 2:22 PM
On this International Day of Political Prisoners, we’re proud to co-lead a joint statement—standing in solidarity with the estimated one million political prisoners detained worldwide. #FreeThemAll
freedomhouse.org/article/join...
freedomhouse.org/article/join...
Authoritarians win only if we stay silent.
The Last Word from @DDAction_ × @Public_Citizen is a powerful reminder that democracy depends on those who speak up—peacefully and together.
Watch and share: www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrDW...
The Last Word from @DDAction_ × @Public_Citizen is a powerful reminder that democracy depends on those who speak up—peacefully and together.
Watch and share: www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrDW...
The Last Word | Democracy Defenders Action × Public Citizen
YouTube video by Democracy Defenders Action
www.youtube.com
October 30, 2025 at 8:14 PM
Authoritarians win only if we stay silent.
The Last Word from @DDAction_ × @Public_Citizen is a powerful reminder that democracy depends on those who speak up—peacefully and together.
Watch and share: www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrDW...
The Last Word from @DDAction_ × @Public_Citizen is a powerful reminder that democracy depends on those who speak up—peacefully and together.
Watch and share: www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrDW...
The U.S. refugee program once stood for compassion and leadership. Slashing admissions to 7,500, favoring White Afrikaners, and excluding thousands of at-risk refugees betrays that legacy. We call for a fair, fact-based resettlement system. Read more⬇️
humanrightsfirst.org
October 30, 2025 at 7:58 PM
The U.S. refugee program once stood for compassion and leadership. Slashing admissions to 7,500, favoring White Afrikaners, and excluding thousands of at-risk refugees betrays that legacy. We call for a fair, fact-based resettlement system. Read more⬇️
Governments are prosecuting and silencing those defending the planet, Special Rapporteur @marylawlorhrds.bsky.social warns in her latest report. Protecting climate defenders isn’t rocket science—it just needs political will. Read our new piece by @suchitauppal.bsky.social👇
UN Special Rapporteur Reminds States of the Duties to Protect Climate HRDs - Human Rights First
Greater political will from governments is needed to defend those who defend rights, UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders (HRDs), Mary Lawlor, told governments last week: “...
humanrightsfirst.org
October 29, 2025 at 7:55 PM
Governments are prosecuting and silencing those defending the planet, Special Rapporteur @marylawlorhrds.bsky.social warns in her latest report. Protecting climate defenders isn’t rocket science—it just needs political will. Read our new piece by @suchitauppal.bsky.social👇
Immigrants built this nation — and they belong here.
On #NationalImmigrantsDay, join us in defending the rights of people seeking safety and opportunity. Tell Congress to stand with immigrants: bit.ly/standwimmigrants
On #NationalImmigrantsDay, join us in defending the rights of people seeking safety and opportunity. Tell Congress to stand with immigrants: bit.ly/standwimmigrants
October 28, 2025 at 11:17 PM
Immigrants built this nation — and they belong here.
On #NationalImmigrantsDay, join us in defending the rights of people seeking safety and opportunity. Tell Congress to stand with immigrants: bit.ly/standwimmigrants
On #NationalImmigrantsDay, join us in defending the rights of people seeking safety and opportunity. Tell Congress to stand with immigrants: bit.ly/standwimmigrants
Thanks to the UN special rapporteur @unsr-judges.bsky.social for keeping the spotlight on the U.S. government's sanctions targeting the International Criminal Court, its judges and staff, and those who work with it. We condemn this attack on justice and the rule of law.
Press Conference: Ben Saul (Special Rapporteur) & Margaret Satterthwaite (Special Rapporteur) on the independence of judges and lawyers
Joint Press Briefing by Professor Ben Saul, UN Special Rapporteur counter terrorism and human rights, and Margaret Satterthwaite, UN Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, follo...
webtv.un.org
October 28, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Thanks to the UN special rapporteur @unsr-judges.bsky.social for keeping the spotlight on the U.S. government's sanctions targeting the International Criminal Court, its judges and staff, and those who work with it. We condemn this attack on justice and the rule of law.
Join us Thurs, Oct. 30 at 3pm ET in NYC for a free panel on the future of human rights, humanitarian & refugee law treaties. Experts from @humanrightsfirst.org, @unhcr.org, & @refugeecongress.bsky.social will discuss how to strengthen international protections amid today’s challenges. Register now⬇️
The Future of Human Rights, Humanitarian, and Refugee Law Treaties - Human Rights First
The Future of Human Rights, Humanitarian, and Refugee Law Treaties Thursday, October 30, 2025 New York City (Register for location) 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm You are cordially invited to join Human Rights Fir...
humanrightsfirst.org
October 27, 2025 at 9:16 PM
Join us Thurs, Oct. 30 at 3pm ET in NYC for a free panel on the future of human rights, humanitarian & refugee law treaties. Experts from @humanrightsfirst.org, @unhcr.org, & @refugeecongress.bsky.social will discuss how to strengthen international protections amid today’s challenges. Register now⬇️
Reposted by Human Rights First
Our thoughts with Bloody Sunday families now as court finds former British paratrooper Soldier F not guilty of murders that day in 1972.
We @humanrightsfirst.org will continue to stick with families looking for justice from N Ireland conflict
@cjharvey1.bsky.social
#speirgorm
We @humanrightsfirst.org will continue to stick with families looking for justice from N Ireland conflict
@cjharvey1.bsky.social
#speirgorm
October 23, 2025 at 12:37 PM
Our thoughts with Bloody Sunday families now as court finds former British paratrooper Soldier F not guilty of murders that day in 1972.
We @humanrightsfirst.org will continue to stick with families looking for justice from N Ireland conflict
@cjharvey1.bsky.social
#speirgorm
We @humanrightsfirst.org will continue to stick with families looking for justice from N Ireland conflict
@cjharvey1.bsky.social
#speirgorm
New report: #Ukraine's anti-corruption activists, journalists, and HRDs are facing escalating threats from the Ukrainian authorities. Human Rights First's, "Attacking the Watchdogs," documents the attacks & urges Western allies to act. Read more⬇️
ATTACKING THE WATCHDOGS - Human Rights First
Ukraine’s Anti-Corruption Activists and Institutions Face New Wave of Assaults Introduction Human Rights Defenders (HRDs), journalists, and others in Ukraine working to counter corruption say they are...
humanrightsfirst.org
October 23, 2025 at 4:22 PM
New report: #Ukraine's anti-corruption activists, journalists, and HRDs are facing escalating threats from the Ukrainian authorities. Human Rights First's, "Attacking the Watchdogs," documents the attacks & urges Western allies to act. Read more⬇️
Our client, Afghan human rights advocate Ali Faqirzada, was detained by ICE moments after being found to have a strong asylum claim. Read how Ali's community has rallied for his release.
Join our campaign to #FreeAli: bit.ly/FreeAliFaqirzada
Join our campaign to #FreeAli: bit.ly/FreeAliFaqirzada
Community rallies behind Afghan refugee facing expedited removal
A legal challenge to Ali Faqirzada’s deportation is pending in federal court; meanwhile, the community that took him in is rallying to his defense.
www.timesunion.com
October 22, 2025 at 7:07 PM
Our client, Afghan human rights advocate Ali Faqirzada, was detained by ICE moments after being found to have a strong asylum claim. Read how Ali's community has rallied for his release.
Join our campaign to #FreeAli: bit.ly/FreeAliFaqirzada
Join our campaign to #FreeAli: bit.ly/FreeAliFaqirzada
Sen. Merkley has held the floor for over 16 hours to speak on the growing authoritarian threat this administration poses. He is ringing the alarm bells about the attacks on our cities, the rule of law, and our very democracy. Tune in👇
The President is not a king.
The law is not a suggestion.
The Constitution is not optional.
🔗 www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymDt...
The law is not a suggestion.
The Constitution is not optional.
🔗 www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymDt...
October 22, 2025 at 2:48 PM
Sen. Merkley has held the floor for over 16 hours to speak on the growing authoritarian threat this administration poses. He is ringing the alarm bells about the attacks on our cities, the rule of law, and our very democracy. Tune in👇
🚨ICE detained Afghan student from @bardcollege.bsky.social right after he was found to have a strong asylum claim.
Ali & his family fled Taliban threats for defending human rights. They're now safe in NY—but he’s behind bars.
Join us in demanding that DHS #FreeAli NOW: bit.ly/FreeAliFaqirzada
Ali & his family fled Taliban threats for defending human rights. They're now safe in NY—but he’s behind bars.
Join us in demanding that DHS #FreeAli NOW: bit.ly/FreeAliFaqirzada
October 20, 2025 at 10:33 PM
🚨ICE detained Afghan student from @bardcollege.bsky.social right after he was found to have a strong asylum claim.
Ali & his family fled Taliban threats for defending human rights. They're now safe in NY—but he’s behind bars.
Join us in demanding that DHS #FreeAli NOW: bit.ly/FreeAliFaqirzada
Ali & his family fled Taliban threats for defending human rights. They're now safe in NY—but he’s behind bars.
Join us in demanding that DHS #FreeAli NOW: bit.ly/FreeAliFaqirzada
We are watching a full-scale attack on our #democracy, and we're fighting back!
Before you join the #NoKingsDay protests tomorrow, check out this guide to learn 1) How to prepare, 2) Your rights, and 3) How to engage. #NotAboveTheLaw
Before you join the #NoKingsDay protests tomorrow, check out this guide to learn 1) How to prepare, 2) Your rights, and 3) How to engage. #NotAboveTheLaw
Resource Guide & Community Response For No Kings Day — No Kings
A practical guide for activists and community organizers participating in No Kings Day. Learn how to prepare for protests, know your rights, stay safe, and organize effective community responses groun...
www.nokings.org
October 17, 2025 at 8:48 PM
We are watching a full-scale attack on our #democracy, and we're fighting back!
Before you join the #NoKingsDay protests tomorrow, check out this guide to learn 1) How to prepare, 2) Your rights, and 3) How to engage. #NotAboveTheLaw
Before you join the #NoKingsDay protests tomorrow, check out this guide to learn 1) How to prepare, 2) Your rights, and 3) How to engage. #NotAboveTheLaw
This week, Human Rights First honored celebrated actor & humanitarian Richard Gere with our inaugural Visionary Award at our Annual Awards Dinner, recognizing those who use their creativity & influence to advance human rights.
More on Gere's work: humanrightsfirst.org/awards/visionary-award/
More on Gere's work: humanrightsfirst.org/awards/visionary-award/
October 17, 2025 at 8:45 PM
This week, Human Rights First honored celebrated actor & humanitarian Richard Gere with our inaugural Visionary Award at our Annual Awards Dinner, recognizing those who use their creativity & influence to advance human rights.
More on Gere's work: humanrightsfirst.org/awards/visionary-award/
More on Gere's work: humanrightsfirst.org/awards/visionary-award/
At our Annual Awards Celebration this week, we honored the people who make our work possible—our staff, partners, and community of advocates. Your dedication and compassion are what fuel our mission for a more just world, where human rights come first.
October 16, 2025 at 10:07 PM
At our Annual Awards Celebration this week, we honored the people who make our work possible—our staff, partners, and community of advocates. Your dedication and compassion are what fuel our mission for a more just world, where human rights come first.
We are pleased to welcome Enrique Roig (@enriqueroig.bsky.social) as Human Rights First's new Vice President for External Affairs. He will lead efforts to build partnerships, strengthen engagement, and amplify the voices of human rights defenders worldwide.
Human Rights First Welcomes Enrique Roig as Vice President for External Affairs - Human Rights First
New York, NY – Human Rights First is pleased to welcome Enrique Roig as our new Vice President for External Affairs. In this role, Roig will lead Human Rights First’s efforts to build partnerships, sh...
humanrightsfirst.org
October 14, 2025 at 3:19 PM
We are pleased to welcome Enrique Roig (@enriqueroig.bsky.social) as Human Rights First's new Vice President for External Affairs. He will lead efforts to build partnerships, strengthen engagement, and amplify the voices of human rights defenders worldwide.
The Trump administration’s approach to immigration enforcement has inflicted deep and lasting harm on migrant communities. Family separation, criminalization, and mass deportations have torn lives apart—creating a public health crisis rooted in fear and trauma.
October 10, 2025 at 8:08 PM
The Trump administration’s approach to immigration enforcement has inflicted deep and lasting harm on migrant communities. Family separation, criminalization, and mass deportations have torn lives apart—creating a public health crisis rooted in fear and trauma.
While we celebrate the new Nobel Peace Prize laureate, María Corina Machado, for her fight for democracy in #Venezuela, the Trump admin continues deporting Venezuelans back to danger without due process. We must do more to protect those fleeing persecution.
María Corina Machado, Venezuelan opposition leader, wins Nobel Peace Prize
The prize honored Machado, who is in hiding, for keeping “the flame of democracy burning,” but the White House accused the Nobel jury of “placing politics over peace.”
www.washingtonpost.com
October 10, 2025 at 6:37 PM
While we celebrate the new Nobel Peace Prize laureate, María Corina Machado, for her fight for democracy in #Venezuela, the Trump admin continues deporting Venezuelans back to danger without due process. We must do more to protect those fleeing persecution.
We’re just one week away from Human Rights First’s 2025 Annual Awards Dinner in NYC! We look forward to honoring Richard Gere, vkaramurza.bsky.social and Evgenia Kara-Murza, @tomcartwright.bsky.social, WilmerHale, and @cristosal.bsky.social , for their extraordinary leadership in human rights.
Human Rights First 2025 Awards Dinner - Human Rights First
Tuesday, October 14, 2025 6:00PM Join us in welcoming Uzra Zeya, Human Rights First’s new President & CEO, who will host and share opening remarks. Together, we will honor human rights advocates and d...
humanrightsfirst.org
October 10, 2025 at 5:12 PM
We’re just one week away from Human Rights First’s 2025 Annual Awards Dinner in NYC! We look forward to honoring Richard Gere, vkaramurza.bsky.social and Evgenia Kara-Murza, @tomcartwright.bsky.social, WilmerHale, and @cristosal.bsky.social , for their extraordinary leadership in human rights.
Thanks to @shaheen.senate.gov, @warren.senate.gov, and @kaine.senate.gov for pressing the Trump administration to end its misuse of sanctions under the Global #Magnitsky Act and implement the law as Congress intended.
Shaheen, Warren, Kaine Condemn Trump Administration’s Abuse of Global Magnitsky Act | United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ranking...
www.foreign.senate.gov
October 10, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Thanks to @shaheen.senate.gov, @warren.senate.gov, and @kaine.senate.gov for pressing the Trump administration to end its misuse of sanctions under the Global #Magnitsky Act and implement the law as Congress intended.