Uzra Zeya
@uzraz.bsky.social
President & CEO, @HumanRightsFirst.Org. Dogged optimist. Mom to cats & people.
Reposted by Uzra Zeya
Today in UK parliament, @chloecheung.bsky.social @iainduncansmithmp.bsky.social @billbrowder.bsky.social @uzraz.bsky.social & Finn Lau urged the UK govt to follow the lead of @usstatedept.bsky.social and sanction the #HongKong officials responsible for the national security crackdown in #HK.
November 13, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Today in UK parliament, @chloecheung.bsky.social @iainduncansmithmp.bsky.social @billbrowder.bsky.social @uzraz.bsky.social & Finn Lau urged the UK govt to follow the lead of @usstatedept.bsky.social and sanction the #HongKong officials responsible for the national security crackdown in #HK.
Reposted by Uzra Zeya
Our CEO & President @uzraz.bsky.social joined Senators @vanhollen.senate.gov & @andykimnj.bsky.social, @repsuhas.bsky.social and a fired-up crowd in applauding the brave service of 1300+ State Department diplomats unjustly fired today.
July 11, 2025 at 10:15 PM
Our CEO & President @uzraz.bsky.social joined Senators @vanhollen.senate.gov & @andykimnj.bsky.social, @repsuhas.bsky.social and a fired-up crowd in applauding the brave service of 1300+ State Department diplomats unjustly fired today.
Reposted by Uzra Zeya
"The list of cruelty enacted by this [reconciliation] bill is long, and it taxes the soul of this country." - Uzra Zeya, CEO of Human Rights First.
The House is debating whether to pass this bill right now. Our message is clear: protecting human rights isn't a partisan issue. Congress must vote no.
The House is debating whether to pass this bill right now. Our message is clear: protecting human rights isn't a partisan issue. Congress must vote no.
July 3, 2025 at 6:34 PM
"The list of cruelty enacted by this [reconciliation] bill is long, and it taxes the soul of this country." - Uzra Zeya, CEO of Human Rights First.
The House is debating whether to pass this bill right now. Our message is clear: protecting human rights isn't a partisan issue. Congress must vote no.
The House is debating whether to pass this bill right now. Our message is clear: protecting human rights isn't a partisan issue. Congress must vote no.
Reposted by Uzra Zeya
Human Rights First condemned the passage of the reconciliation bill, which dismantles protections for the most vulnerable and endangers the rights of immigrants, asylees, and others fleeing persecution. Read our press release below.
Human Rights First Condemns Passage of Reconciliation Bill: “A Big Ugly Betrayal” - Human Rights First
Washington, D.C. — Human Rights First strongly condemns the passage of the reconciliation bill, describing it as a historic rollback of legal protections for children, refugees, and other survivors of...
humanrightsfirst.org
July 3, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Human Rights First condemned the passage of the reconciliation bill, which dismantles protections for the most vulnerable and endangers the rights of immigrants, asylees, and others fleeing persecution. Read our press release below.
Fired up to join @ramirez.house.gov in denouncing the destructive impact of this big, ugly, betrayal of a bill.
Thank you @ramirez.house.gov for leading today’s press conference against a bill that guts protections for children, refugees, and survivors of persecution. We urge Members of Congress to stand in strong opposition to this bill.
📣Protecting lives and rights should never be a partisan issue.
📣Protecting lives and rights should never be a partisan issue.
July 3, 2025 at 1:56 AM
Fired up to join @ramirez.house.gov in denouncing the destructive impact of this big, ugly, betrayal of a bill.
Reposted by Uzra Zeya
Watch as our CEO, @uzraz.bsky.social , introduces Bach's vital contributions to the fight for climate justice in Vietnam and hear from Bach's wife, Thao, as she accepts the Baldwin Medal of Liberty on his behalf. #FreeBach #StandwithBach #4YearsTooLong
youtu.be/08l6GHZw7BE
youtu.be/08l6GHZw7BE
Jailed Vietnamese climate activist/lawyer Dang Dinh Bach wins the Roger N. Baldwin Medal of Liberty
YouTube video by Human Rights First
youtu.be
July 1, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Watch as our CEO, @uzraz.bsky.social , introduces Bach's vital contributions to the fight for climate justice in Vietnam and hear from Bach's wife, Thao, as she accepts the Baldwin Medal of Liberty on his behalf. #FreeBach #StandwithBach #4YearsTooLong
youtu.be/08l6GHZw7BE
youtu.be/08l6GHZw7BE
The SCOTUS decision on birthright citizenship is devastating for immigrant families, for all who value constitutional protections, and for our friends and neighbors across the country. Read my statement at Human Rights First here ⬇️.
Today, the Supreme Court said the Trump administration can move forward—for now—with an executive order that clearly violates the Constitution and is illegal.
humanrightsfirst.org/library/huma...
humanrightsfirst.org/library/huma...
Human Rights First Warns of Far-Reaching Harms of Supreme Court’s Order in Birthright Citizenship Case - Human Rights First
Washington, D.C. – Today, the Supreme Court issued a decision in Trump v. Casa Inc., et al, a consolidated matter before the Court involving emergency applications by the Trump Administration in sever...
humanrightsfirst.org
June 27, 2025 at 10:37 PM
The SCOTUS decision on birthright citizenship is devastating for immigrant families, for all who value constitutional protections, and for our friends and neighbors across the country. Read my statement at Human Rights First here ⬇️.
Reposted by Uzra Zeya
We condemn weaponization of immigration enforcement to suppress speech and will continue to support students and organizations targeted by the Trump administration's overreach.
Human Rights First welcomes yesterday's release of Mahmoud Khalil, after more than 100 days in unjust federal detention, a grievous violation of his constitutional rights and a threat to First Amendment protections for all Americans.
apnews.com/article/mahm...
apnews.com/article/mahm...
Columbia protester Mahmoud Khalil freed from immigration detention
Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil has been released from federal immigration detention. The former Columbia University graduate student left a federal facility in Louisiana on Friday after 104 days ...
apnews.com
June 21, 2025 at 3:49 PM
We condemn weaponization of immigration enforcement to suppress speech and will continue to support students and organizations targeted by the Trump administration's overreach.
Glad to be headed to LA and joining allied organizations, @humanrightsfirst.org & Angelenos in standing up to this unjust travel ban. Join us! ⬇️
📣JOIN US NOW📣
Travel Ban Protest at LAX
📍Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B)
Arrivals Entrance
Travel Ban Protest at LAX
📍Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B)
Arrivals Entrance
June 9, 2025 at 2:51 PM
Glad to be headed to LA and joining allied organizations, @humanrightsfirst.org & Angelenos in standing up to this unjust travel ban. Join us! ⬇️
Reposted by Uzra Zeya
We stand with our LA-based colleagues at Human Rights First, the asylum-seekers and communities we serve, and with all Angelenos who reject the federal government’s overbearing intrusion into their neighborhoods and brutal separation of families.
humanrightsfirst.org/library/trum...
humanrightsfirst.org/library/trum...
Trump Administration Flagrantly Abuses Power in Los Angeles - Human Rights First
Washington, D.C. – In response to President Trump’s decision to defy state and local officials and call National Guard personnel into federal service under 10 U.S.C. 12406, a statute with language add...
humanrightsfirst.org
June 8, 2025 at 8:13 PM
We stand with our LA-based colleagues at Human Rights First, the asylum-seekers and communities we serve, and with all Angelenos who reject the federal government’s overbearing intrusion into their neighborhoods and brutal separation of families.
humanrightsfirst.org/library/trum...
humanrightsfirst.org/library/trum...
Reposted by Uzra Zeya
Our President and CEO @uzraz.bsky.social said: "Abandoning courageous human rights defenders and vulnerable populations fleeing persecution and armed conflict will make Americans less safe and fuel instability and injustice that endanger U.S. national security and prosperity for years to come."
We joined over 75 partners to urge Congress to oppose the White House rescissions package that would revoke foreign assistance funds related to urgent human needs, including food, medical and humanitarian aid, and to global stability and resilience.
www.fcnl.org/updates/2025...
www.fcnl.org/updates/2025...
Over 75 Organizations Send Letter to Congress Opposing the Rescission of Foreign Assistance | Friends Committee On National Legislation
In a letter sent to Congress yesterday, leading anti-hunger, anti-poverty, environmental, faith-based, gender equality, global health, humanitarian aid, human rights, peacebuilding and refugee agencie...
www.fcnl.org
June 6, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Our President and CEO @uzraz.bsky.social said: "Abandoning courageous human rights defenders and vulnerable populations fleeing persecution and armed conflict will make Americans less safe and fuel instability and injustice that endanger U.S. national security and prosperity for years to come."
Reposted by Uzra Zeya
In response to the tragic killing of two Israeli Embassy staff in DC, our President & CEO @uzraz.bsky.social said: "Politically motivated & hate-fueled violence is anathema to the functioning of a free society & the perpetrator must face justice.” Full statement humanrightsfirst.org/library/murd...
Murderer of Diplomats Must Face Justice - Human Rights First
Washington, D.C.– In response to the murder of two employees of the Israeli embassy in Washington, Human Rights First’s President and CEO, Uzra Zeya, said the following: “The brutal murder of two youn...
humanrightsfirst.org
May 22, 2025 at 5:28 PM
In response to the tragic killing of two Israeli Embassy staff in DC, our President & CEO @uzraz.bsky.social said: "Politically motivated & hate-fueled violence is anathema to the functioning of a free society & the perpetrator must face justice.” Full statement humanrightsfirst.org/library/murd...
Congressman Gerry Connolly exemplified selfless public service for decades and fought for a better future for all Virginians. From supporting rights-respecting foreign policy and protecting refugees to building the best bike trail in the DMV, his legacy of giving back lives on. Rest in peace, Gerry.
May 22, 2025 at 2:11 AM
Congressman Gerry Connolly exemplified selfless public service for decades and fought for a better future for all Virginians. From supporting rights-respecting foreign policy and protecting refugees to building the best bike trail in the DMV, his legacy of giving back lives on. Rest in peace, Gerry.
Glad to join @josepagliery.bsky.social & remarkable women leaders in discussing how unlawful denial of due process for immigrants is a threat to us all. #FP4AmericaSummit
Our CEO @uzraz.bsky.social joined @democracyforward.org's @skyeperryman.bsky.social, @mayorsheehan.bsky.social, & Ur M. Jaddou at @fp4america.bsky.social Summit to discuss how rising enforced disappearances of migrants & people seeking #asylum threaten #HumanRights, the rule of law & our #democracy.
May 21, 2025 at 7:57 PM
Glad to join @josepagliery.bsky.social & remarkable women leaders in discussing how unlawful denial of due process for immigrants is a threat to us all. #FP4AmericaSummit
Reposted by Uzra Zeya
The notion of voluntary deportation is ludicrous,” said our President & CEO, @uzraz.bsky.social, in the
@washingtonpost.com, where she condemned the Trump admin’s plan to repatriate Ukrainians & Haitians as “unlawful mistreatment." www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
@washingtonpost.com, where she condemned the Trump admin’s plan to repatriate Ukrainians & Haitians as “unlawful mistreatment." www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
Trump proposal to repatriate Ukrainians, Haitians would use foreign aid funds
Documents reviewed by The Post call for leveraging foreign assistance accounts to return migrants to conflict-afflicted nations, even as officials seek to cut such spending.
www.washingtonpost.com
May 20, 2025 at 4:23 PM
The notion of voluntary deportation is ludicrous,” said our President & CEO, @uzraz.bsky.social, in the
@washingtonpost.com, where she condemned the Trump admin’s plan to repatriate Ukrainians & Haitians as “unlawful mistreatment." www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
@washingtonpost.com, where she condemned the Trump admin’s plan to repatriate Ukrainians & Haitians as “unlawful mistreatment." www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
Secretary Rubio should face tough grilling on his proposed 84% evisceration of State/USAID when he appears before SFRC May 20 and HFAC May 21. Abandoning human rights defenders, anti-corruption champions, and refugees globally makes U.S. adversaries stronger and Americans less safe & prosperous.
Our CEO @uzraz.bsky.social went to Capitol Hill to defend U.S. leadership on human rights and humanitarian aid. Now, the admin proposes cutting the State Dept and #USAID funds by 83%—abandoning human rights defenders, ending key programs, and leaving refugees without support. This is not who we are.
May 17, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Secretary Rubio should face tough grilling on his proposed 84% evisceration of State/USAID when he appears before SFRC May 20 and HFAC May 21. Abandoning human rights defenders, anti-corruption champions, and refugees globally makes U.S. adversaries stronger and Americans less safe & prosperous.
This #MothersDay, let’s remember all the mothers risking it all to keep their children safe & their families together.
This #MothersDay, we celebrate the powerful stories of refugee and immigrant mothers like Gloria, who risk everything to seek protection for themselves and their families.
Their labor, love, and leadership remind us that love knows no borders, and asylum keeps families together.
Their labor, love, and leadership remind us that love knows no borders, and asylum keeps families together.
May 11, 2025 at 5:26 PM
This #MothersDay, let’s remember all the mothers risking it all to keep their children safe & their families together.
Must-read ⬇️
🚨We just published a NEW REPORT with @refugeesinternational.org on the rampant abuse and enforced disappearances of people seeking #asylum in the U.S. We spoke with people detained in #CBP custody and expelled to the countries they originally fled or to third countries.🧵⤵️
New Report Reveals Rampant Abuse and Enforced Disappearances of Asylum Seekers in CBP Custody, Illegal Expulsions, and Refoulement - Human Rights First
Washington, D.C. – A new report from Human Rights First and Refugees International reveals systemic and grave human rights abuses by the Trump administration against asylum seekers in U.S. Customs and...
humanrightsfirst.org
May 9, 2025 at 1:44 PM
Must-read ⬇️
The possibility that a U.S. veteran who works to hold war criminals accountable could be prosecuted for doing his job sends a chilling message to all who fight for human rights. That’s why we’re taking this administration to court to defend Eric Iverson’s right to free speech… ⬇️
BREAKING: We’re suing the Trump administration on behalf of #ICC attorney and U.S. Army veteran Eric Iverson, challenging its dangerous misuse of sanctions that threaten war crimes accountability and violate fundamental rights. Read more👇
Human Rights First Sues Trump Administration Over Sanctions Threatening U.S. Prosecutor at International Criminal Court - Human Rights First
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Human Rights First has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on behalf of the International Criminal Court (ICC) trial attorney and U.S. Army veteran Eric Iverson, challe...
humanrightsfirst.org
May 5, 2025 at 6:44 PM
The possibility that a U.S. veteran who works to hold war criminals accountable could be prosecuted for doing his job sends a chilling message to all who fight for human rights. That’s why we’re taking this administration to court to defend Eric Iverson’s right to free speech… ⬇️
Reposted by Uzra Zeya
US diplomacy and development programs through
the State Department & USAID aren't just helping people abroad in places like Ukraine, they're also helping the American people here at home by working to combat drug cartels, address the fentanyl crisis, and make our communities safer.
the State Department & USAID aren't just helping people abroad in places like Ukraine, they're also helping the American people here at home by working to combat drug cartels, address the fentanyl crisis, and make our communities safer.
May 2, 2025 at 3:52 PM
US diplomacy and development programs through
the State Department & USAID aren't just helping people abroad in places like Ukraine, they're also helping the American people here at home by working to combat drug cartels, address the fentanyl crisis, and make our communities safer.
the State Department & USAID aren't just helping people abroad in places like Ukraine, they're also helping the American people here at home by working to combat drug cartels, address the fentanyl crisis, and make our communities safer.
Glad to testify @houseforeign.bsky.social on how U.S. human rights & humanitarian leadership bolsters American security, prosperity & well-being. Downgrading human rights & anti-TIP experts & eliminating offices that negotiate peace, fight GBV, and pursue war criminals — does exactly the opposite.
Happening now: our CEO @uzraz.bsky.social will testify before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on the importance of an empowered, authorized State Department to advance peace, stability, and human rights. Tune in here: foreignaffairs.house.gov/hearing/the-...
The Need for an Authorized State Department - Committee on Foreign Affairs
Hearing Notice
foreignaffairs.house.gov
May 1, 2025 at 3:48 AM
Glad to testify @houseforeign.bsky.social on how U.S. human rights & humanitarian leadership bolsters American security, prosperity & well-being. Downgrading human rights & anti-TIP experts & eliminating offices that negotiate peace, fight GBV, and pursue war criminals — does exactly the opposite.
As the United States retreats from global human rights and humanitarian leadership, authoritarian adversaries will rush to fill the void. Those other powers can be counted upon to put Americans last.
We are deeply concerned about the proposed reorganization of the U.S. Department of State, which would radically reduce and marginalize U.S. human rights & humanitarian leadership. These cuts do NOT put America first.
Read the full statement from our CEO @uzraz.bsky.social below.
Read the full statement from our CEO @uzraz.bsky.social below.
State Department Reorganization Undermines U.S. Human Rights and Humanitarian Leadership and American Security and Prosperity - Human Rights First
Washington, DC – In response to today’s proposed reorganization of the U.S. Department of State, Human Rights First President and CEO Uzra Zeya issued the following statement: “We are deeply concerned...
humanrightsfirst.org
April 22, 2025 at 9:49 PM
As the United States retreats from global human rights and humanitarian leadership, authoritarian adversaries will rush to fill the void. Those other powers can be counted upon to put Americans last.
Honored to start a new chapter with the dynamic & dedicated team @humanrightsfirst.org on the frontlines of the fight for freedom and justice. Though the threats we face are greater than ever, so is our resolve. Join us in righting human wrongs!
NEW! Human Rights First welcomes @UzraZeya as our new President & CEO. A leader in foreign policy & human rights, Uzra brings vast experience to advance democracy & protect fundamental freedoms.
Thank you, Sue Hendrickson, for your leadership. Read more: humanrightsfirst.org/library/huma...
Thank you, Sue Hendrickson, for your leadership. Read more: humanrightsfirst.org/library/huma...
Human Rights First Names Uzra Zeya as President and CEO - Human Rights First
Media Contact: Press@HumanRightsFirst.org New York, NY–Human Rights First, a leading international human rights organization founded in 1978 to advance freedom and protect rights, announced the select...
humanrightsfirst.org
April 1, 2025 at 6:13 PM
Honored to start a new chapter with the dynamic & dedicated team @humanrightsfirst.org on the frontlines of the fight for freedom and justice. Though the threats we face are greater than ever, so is our resolve. Join us in righting human wrongs!