Author: DuffyC

Washington, D.C.—As the Trump Administration’s refugee ban executive order hits the six-month mark, Human Rights First today released a new analysis detailing the impacts of this policy on vulnerable individuals fleeing persecution and on U.S. national security interests and global leadership. The analysis, “U.S.

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today mourned the death of Liu Xiaobo, a Chinese patriot, poet, steadfast human rights defender, and winner of the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize. Liu is the first Nobel laureate to die in detention since 1938. 

“The world has lost a great champion for human dignity and universal values,” said Human Rights First’s Rob Berschinski. “Liu Xiaobo’s courage and vision for a better future for the people of China will serve as an inspiration, both in China and around the world for generations to come.”

New York City—Human Rights First today welcomed reports that Stephen Bannon, chief strategist to President Trump, has been removed from the National Security Council. Prior to his White House appointment, Bannon served as the executive chairman of Breitbart News, a website that has promoted racist, antisemitic, and white-nationalist ideologies.   

Washington, D.C.—In response to reports that President Trump is considering whether to send an alleged al Qaeda member to the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Human Rights First today urged the administration to instead prosecute suspects in federal courts, which have a long track record of success in adjudicating terrorism cases.

New York City—Human Rights First expressed its opposition to proposals included in a draft Department of Homeland Security (DHS) memorandum outlining potential steps to implement President Trump’s executive order relating to the border and asylum that would block access to asylum and hold asylum seekers in immigration detention for extended periods of time.

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today urged members of Congress to support legislation that would make it more difficult for President Trump to unilaterally lift certain Ukraine-related sanctions on Russia.

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today condemned an executive order signed by President Trump that appears aimed at blocking access to asylum for refugees at the border and would lead more asylum seekers to be held in U.S. immigration detention for months or longer.