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-...

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...

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.

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...

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 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👇

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

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⬇️

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

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

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

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

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/

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.

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.

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.

Human Rights First welcomes the preliminary ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The deal marks progress with hostage and prisoner releases, troop withdrawal, and more aid to Gaza — but key issues remain. Read more⬇️

As the UNHCR Executive Committee convenes for its annual meeting, 117 refugee-led organizations have released an open letter calling on UN member states to assert their commitments to global refugee and human rights conventions. Read the letter here: refugeecongress.org/news-updates...

A year ago today activist Tigran Galustyan was killed by a Russian drone while evacuating civilians from Ukraine’s eastern front. My latest here for @qubelfastofficial.bsky.social on how drones are an increasing threat www.qub.ac.uk/Research/GRI... @humanrightsfirst.org @glushko.bsky.social

⚠️ The September 2025 ICE Flight Monitor report documents a record 1,464 U.S. immigration enforcement flights, including removals to 48 countries—the highest number of removal destinations recorded since at least 2020. @iceflightmonitor.bsky.social

Human Rights First urges the Trump administration to schedule consultations with Congress to reinstate U.S. refugee resettlement. Take action with @rcusa.bsky.social to call on your elected officials to defend resettlement: rcusa.org/take-action-... Read more: humanrightsfirst.org/library/trum...

Human Rights First joined 3700+ civil society organizations opposing the Trump administration's unlawful and politically motivated targeting of nonprofits that harm the countless people who rely on their work. Read our letter: fb1cd5ab-5a51-475c-87d1-10904a61146d.usrfiles.com/ugd/fb1cd5_4...

Human Rights First is honoring Richard Gere with its first-ever Visionary Award, recognizing his lifetime of standing for dignity, justice, and global human rights — from Tibet to HIV/AIDS advocacy and beyond. Read more: humanrightsfirst.org/library/huma...

We stand with @pressfreedom.bsky.social and call for an investigation and accountability for this misuse of force against journalists doing their job. gothamist.com/news/journal...

The Trump admin’s push to expand military involvement in US cities — & its meetings with generals about domestic deployments — is dangerous and un-American. This blurs the line between civilian law enforcement & the military, putting our democracy at risk. humanrightsfirst.org/library/the-...

#Ukraine’s corruption fighters are under fire. Even after the July reversal of the controversial law stripping NABU & SAPO of independence, attacks on the agencies continue. Read more in our latest blog: humanrightsfirst.org/library/why-...

We joined 50+ nonpartisan, nonprofit orgs affirming solidarity with Open Society Foundations & its vital work to strengthen democracy & uphold freedom. Weaponization of justice to target civil society for their constitutionally protected work should alarm every American, no matter their politics.

Our hearts are with all those impacted by yesterday's horrific attack in Grand Blanc Township, MI. We should be able to worship, attend school, and exist in our communities without fear of events like this.

Bullying allies on the world stage is not leadership. At the UN General Assembly High Level Week, Human Rights First President and CEO @uzraz.bsky.social reminds us of the importance of maintaining international commitments to human rights and protecting marginalized people everywhere.

The Trump admin’s new memo on “Countering Domestic Terrorism & Political Violence” threatens core freedoms by conflating protected speech and protest with criminal conduct. It risks eroding First Amendment and due process protections. See our statement ⬇️

🗣️The people united will never be defeated. Today marks the start of #LatineHeritageMonth — a time to celebrate the culture, power & resilience of Latine people. But this celebration is also an act of resistance. As our communities face attacks on our dignity, we remember: we're stronger together.

At tomorrow’s #UNGCUSASummit, our CEO @uzraz.bsky.social will join business & civil society leaders to explore how the private sector can advance social sustainability and human rights amid global crises. Learn more about the annual summit: globalcompactusa.org/annualsummit

At the UN this morningTrump pushed falsehoods & xenophobia, trying to export his anti-immigrant agenda worldwide. Our CEO & President @uzraz.bsky.social decried his speech as a "cacophony of false information, xenophobia, and cruelty." Read our full statement: humanrightsfirst.org/library/trum...

Alaa Abd El-Fattah, Egypt’s most prominent dissident, has been pardoned after years of imprisonment. His release is a victory for human rights and a call for freedom for all political prisoners. www.reuters.com/world/africa...

Alongside 268 faith-based, NGO, & civil society orgs, we call on UN Member States to uphold and strengthen international refugee, human rights, and humanitarian treaties and reject efforts to undo or undermine these legal norms. Read more ⬇️

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👇

The trial of former British paratrooper Soldier F opened in Belfast yesterday, 53 years after #BloodySunday. He is charged with 2 murders & 5 attempted murders. Our Sr. advisor @dooleydooley.bsky.social tells you what you needs to know in this brief explainer. #speirgorm

En este Mes de la Herencia Hispana es especialmente importante celebrar el poder que emana de la diversidad. Los latinos en los Estados Unidos somos la personificación de ‘e pluribus unum’ – de muchos, uno.

This Hispanic Heritage Month, it is especially important to celebrate the power that comes from diversity. U.S. Latinos are the embodiment of ‘e pluribus unum’ – out of many, one.

TOMORROW: Join Human Rights First President and CEO @uzraz.bsky.social and Senior Advisor Scott Busby on Wednesday, Sept. 17, for an online briefing on the integrity and future of the State Department’s annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices. Register below.

Human Rights First is proud to honor @wilmerhale.bsky.social with the 2025 Marvin E. Frankel Award for their unwavering pro bono contributions! 5,000+ hours just this year defending asylum seekers & advancing justice. Thank you for your partnership! humanrightsfirst.org/library/huma...

The Trump admin is trying to globalize its anti-immigrant agenda—undermining international law, attacking refugee protections, & pressuring other nations to follow. Our CEO @uzraz.bsky.social says this is an “assault on human rights that puts lives at risk.” Read our full statement⬇️