We were proud to recognize Clare Byarugaba of Chapter Four Uganda for her incredible work advocating for the equality and dignity of LGBTQIA+ persons in Uganda. Read her inspiring speech about her work here: humanrightsfirst.org/library/when...

Live from the Twin Cities 🚨 Thank you @jayapal.house.gov, the Minnesota delegation, and the over 30 Congress members that took the time to be present in person and demand accountability for DHS enforcement actions in Minnesota.

Yesterday, a Senate hearing on the Afghan parole program and the aftermath of the 2021 evacuation tried to unjustly villainize our Afghan allies.

This attack on Chapter Four Uganda, and other nongovernmental organizations facing similar crackdowns, are a dangerous move to restrict civic space in Uganda and undermine democracy on the eve of the country’s elections.

Human Rights First condemns the Ugandan government’s suspension of Chapter Four Uganda, a leading human rights organization, on spurious national security grounds. We call on the government to immediately overturn the suspension order. allafrica.com/stories/2026...

The NOPE Act is absolutely critical to ensure our fundamental rights are protected against an administration bent on abusing its power to target political opponents. We wholeheartedly support this bill and applaud this effort to defend our democracy. www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/pre...

"... Many of us owe our lives to these Afghan soldiers, we have a moral duty to protect them ..." @SenWhitehouse said is what he heard from veterans after the fall of Kabul.

Thank you @padilla.senate.gov, @coons.senate.gov and others for standing up for #AfghanAllies at the Senate Judiciary hearing today. #Veterans #StandWithAfghanAllies

Our VP of External Affairs @enriqueroig on Venezuela for the @makingpeacevisible.bsky.social podcast: youtu.be/J3R7uVFlWsI?...

As the United Kingdom government grapples with overhauling the law on how to address issues from the Northern Ireland conflict, the British parliament has asked Human Rights First for our analysis and recommendations. ⬇️ humanrightsfirst.org/library/uk-p...

@humanrightsfirst.org ‘s December 2025 ICE Flight Monitor report reveals the unprecedented scale, scope, and secrecy of the Trump administration’s mass deportation campaign during its first 11 months in office. Key findings from December:

"There is the constant boom of explosions from nearby Vovchansk as we round up the animals. The Russian army, specifically the 2nd Guards Spetsnaz Brigade, the 128th Guards Motor Rifle Brigade, and the 82nd Motor Rifle Regiment, are about 10 miles up the road." humanrightsfirst.org/library/evac...

@vets4amerideals.bsky.social celebrates #HumanRightsDay. In a time when vulnerable people around the world are being deprived of their rights and the foundations of our democracy is at risk, the work of human rights advocates is more important than ever.

As we celebrate #HumanRightsDay and look ahead to the 75th anniversary of the #RefugeeConvention, 300+ groups worldwide are calling on States to uphold human rights, refugee, and humanitarian treaties. Read the letter👇

This administration's immigration crackdowns are harming the VA. Per a leaked memo, the VA is sharing information on its non-citizen employees to “relevant agencies.” As the country faces a healthcare crisis, this move endangers our healthcare and data privacy. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...

This #GivingTuesday, your support helps defend democracy and advance human rights in the U.S. and abroad. In 2025, you protected 500k+ humanitarian parolees, equipped 14k with critical resources, & sent 13k+ letters to Congress. THANK YOU.👏👏 Help us keep going in 2026: humanrightsfirst.org/donate

@vets4amerideals.bsky.social joined @aclu.org & other veterans & organizers on Capitol Hill to urge members on both sides of the aisle to protect our democracy & make clear that troops don't belong on our streets. Read the full press release here: www.aclu.org/press-releas...

We may no longer belong to an active unit, but that sense of duty – to protect, to serve our communities, to uphold the Constitution – never fades. Thank you, veterans, for your continued service to the ideals and principles that we swore to defend. humanrightsfirst.org/library/vete...

Members of the Texas National Guard arrived in Illinois on Tuesday. The President’s decision to federalize the troops received remarkable opposition at the state and local level, and represents a severe misuse of the Guard’s mission. blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/07/n...

The recent Quantico meeting “made it clear that this administration is working toward remaking our military into [a] politicized force, devoid of the democratic ideals that have historically made the United States strong." said @vets4amerideals.bsky.social Director Gretchen Klingler

On #ConstitutionDay, we reflect on the right to dissent—a cornerstone of American democracy. Trump’s use of the National Guard in LA & DC threatens that right, but residents are standing up to defend their cities. Read about how DC residents have stood up👇

September 11 reminds us of profound loss, but also of profound unity. We remember those taken, those who rushed toward danger, and those who served in the years that followed. VFAI reaffirms our commitment to build a country that lives up to its highest ideals—together. Never forget.

Four years ago today at Abbey Gate, 13 U.S. service members gave their lives protecting American personnel and Afghan allies during the withdrawal. We remember their courage, sacrifice, and selfless service.

“Veterans for American Ideals, a nonpartisan Human Rights First initiative of veterans defending democracy and human rights, strongly condemns the National Guard deployment in Washington, D.C. and the federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department.”

Anthony Aguilar, a U.S. Army vet, spoke to Senator Van Hollen about the horrors he saw in Gaza. With National Whistleblower Day this week, we stand with those who risk everything to expose the truth. www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWVC...

The vast majority of our uniformed service members join to serve our communities when we need them most.

This week, we reflect on what Serving Our Communities means as a servicemember and as Americans who care about our communities. Veterans: why did you serve or chose to serve in the military? Community Allies: how have you shown up to serve your community in the past?

Veterans for American Ideals & 8 partners sent a letter to Sec. Pete Hegseth demanding DOD fully fund Civilian Harm Mitigation programs. Cuts mean more civilian deaths, moral injury, risks to service members & weakened U.S. leadership.

This #WorldRefugeeDay @Vets4AmerIdeals & @humanrights1st is proud to advocate for the right of all people to seek safety. As U.S. policies are shutting out those in need of protection, it is more important than ever to #SupportRefugees

Today on #WorldRefugeeDay @Vets4AmerIdeals & @humanrights1st celebrates the refugees & immigrants who have served in our armed forces to uphold democratic principles here & around the world. Today and every day we must work to welcome refugees & honor their contributions.

This #WorldRefugeeDay, we celebrate how refugees represent the best of our American ideals. 🇺🇸 Emir Hadzic, born and raised in Bosnia, was inspired to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps after arriving in the U.S. as a young refugee. #USMC

This #WorldRefugeeDay, you can contribute to our Client Emergency Fund to directly support recently arrived #refugees with the things they need most: food, clothing, and shelter. Donate: humanrightsfirst.org/action/contr...

For #WorldRefugeeDay, read our client Darwin’s story of resilience and hope after seeking safety for himself and his two sons in the U.S.: humanrightsfirst.org/library/starting-from-zero

The continued utilization of the National Guard & active duty troops to target vulnerable immigrant populations and democratic protests is a gross misuse of power.