Washington Center For Human Rights
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CategoriesCountry ProfileHuman rights and humanitarian laws have been broken by all sides in the protracted battle in Yemen, and they have all done so with impunity. Parties to the war persisted in their illegal attacks that killed and maimed civilians, obstructed their access to humanitarian relief, and damaged civilian property in spite of an agreement to […]
CategoriesAdvocacyFor yelling during games, twelve Saudi Arabian football supporters might be fined three million riyals (£633,000) and go to jail for up to five years. Trial proceedings have begun after the Saudi Ministry of Sport charged Al Safa’s fans with expressions of sectarianism. Initially, after footage of fans singing during games went viral on social […]
CategoriesAdvocacyThe United Nations criticized Saudi Arabia for its record on human rights, which included the death sentence, prosecutions for exercising free speech, freedoms for women, and the reported slaughter of migrants at its border with Yemen. More than 50 measures in favor of women have already been enacted, according to the Saudi Arabian delegation at […]
CategoriesStatementsThe Washington Center for Human Rights successfully hosted a meaningful congressional briefing titled “Review of the Human Rights Condition in Saudi Arabia.” The event took place on March 29th, from 11 to 12 pm, providing much time for in-depth analysis and dialogue. Speakers embarked on a critical analysis of the human rights conditions in Saudi […]
CategoriesAdvocacyFor the first time, Saudi Arabia will have a written criminal code. The 116-page document, meant to remain confidential, was leaked to the public and seen by two legal firms and a member of the Bar Association. Its validity was certified by Saudi legal experts. The Quran and Sunnah (traditions and customs based on the […]
CategoriesAdvocacySaudi authorities killed hundreds of migrants at the Saudi-Yemen border in what may have amounted to crimes against humanity in 2023, despite spending billions of dollars to boost their reputation. Along with unjust trials and cruel detention procedures, the government often condemned people to death or decades in jail for their social media activities. The […]
CategoriesAdvocacyA leaked draft of Saudi Arabia’s first written penal code exposes the hypocrisy behind Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman’s promises to portray his government as progressive and inclusive and falls dreadfully short of international human rights standards. Several Saudi legal experts have verified the legitimacy of the leaked draft criminal code, however Saudi Arabia’s authorities […]
CategoriesAdvocacyThe capital club Real Madrid has lodged a protest against the referee of Saturday’s encounter at El Sadar stadium for allegedly insulting their Brazilian player Vinicius Jr. in his match report. In light of the material that emerged in the media following Real Madrid’s press release, which portrays El Sadar in a racist light, Osasuna […]
CategoriesAdvocacyHuman rights are a contentious issue in Saudi Arabia. Several foreign groups and nations have accused and blamed the Saudi government, which upholds sharia law under the House of Saud’s ultimate control, of breaching several human rights throughout the kingdom. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s authoritarian government is often listed as one of the “worst […]
CategoriesAdvocacyTwelve of Israel’s most prominent human rights organizations have signed an open letter accusing the country of failing to comply with the international court of justice’s (ICJ) provisional ruling that it should facilitate access of humanitarian aid into Gaza. When the The Hague court delivered a preliminary verdict in response to South Africa’s lawsuit, which […]
CategoriesAdvocacyThe UN Syria Commission of Inquiry has cautioned that Syria is currently going through a surge of violence not witnessed before 2020. Parties to the conflict have attacked civilians and infrastructure on several frontlines in actions that most certainly qualify as war crimes, and an unparalleled humanitarian catastrophe is driving Syrians into ever-deeper despair. The […]
CategoriesAdvocacyHuman rights attorneys and Palestinian Canadians are suing Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly for allegedly breaching Canada’s legal and international duties by exporting military hardware to Israel. The complaint requests that the Canadian government cease granting export licenses for military hardware and technology that is headed for Israel before a federal court. Canada is a […]
CategoriesAdvocacyAt least 112 Palestinians were fired at by Israeli authorities in Gaza while they were waiting for food handouts, leaving 760 others injured. As the death toll in Gaza surpasses 30,000, UN relief head Martin Griffiths remarks, “Life is draining out of Gaza at terrifying speed” in reference to the onslaught on aid seekers. At […]
CategoriesAdvocacyBetween the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea, which includes both Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), which is composed of the West Bank, which includes East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip, there are now about 6.8 million Jewish Israelis and 6.8 million Palestinians living there. In the majority of this territory, Israel is […]
CategoriesAdvocacyThe World Court, commonly known as the International Court of Justice, convened its fourth day of hearings on Thursday regarding the legal ramifications of Israel’s actions and policies “in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.” During the six-day proceedings, which address Israeli rule over the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza Strip, dozens of nations are anticipated […]
CategoriesCountry ProfilePoverty and inequality were made worse by the Covid-19 epidemic, even with government efforts to lessen its economic effects. Police used biased identity checks to target young people of color. Authorities in charge of child protection frequently neglected to give unaccompanied migrant children the proper attention and assistance. Inhumane living conditions and police brutality were […]
CategoriesCountry ProfileHuman rights and humanitarian laws have been broken by all sides in the protracted battle in Yemen, and they have all done so with impunity. Parties to the war persisted in their illegal attacks that killed and maimed civilians, obstructed their access to humanitarian relief, and damaged civilian property in spite of an agreement to […]
CategoriesCountry ProfileAuthorities prosecuted nonviolent activists and critics who joined thousands of other dissidents already incarcerated in Egypt’s overcrowded jails by using the harsh Emergency State Security Courts more frequently. The number of executions has been drastically increasing as a result of courts handing down death sentences in mass cases. Drastic limitations on independent groups were formalized […]
CategoriesCountry ProfileThe administration, headed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), persisted in subjecting religious and other minorities, especially Muslims, to institutionalized discrimination and stigma. Supporters of the BJP attacked designated groups violently more frequently. Bias in government-affiliated institutions, including the judiciary and constitutional bodies like the National Human Rights Commission, was a reflection of the government’s […]
CategoriesStatementsThe Washington Center for Human Rights, a renowned think tank and platform for international policy discussions, organized a highly acclaimed congressional briefing titled “Review of the Human Rights Condition in the UAE.” The event took place on February 15th from 3 to 4 p.m., providing much time for in-depth analysis and discussion. Held at the […]
CategoriesCountry ProfileA month after the initial hearing, on January 6, 2024, the state news agency formally announced the trial and the new charges against the 84 defendants, claiming that they had concealed evidence of their past conviction for “establishing another clandestine organization for the purpose of committing acts of violence and terrorism” on state property. Authorities […]
CategoriesCountry ProfileIncreased suppression of opposition within Russia coincided with Russia’s aggressive assault against Ukraine. Protesters who spoke out against the war feared prosecution, and peaceful anti-war demonstrations were frequently broken up by force. New laws that limit the actions of NGOs and activists from civil society and protests have been introduced. Jehovah’s Witness prosecutions went on. […]
CategoriesCountry ProfileThose targeted for arbitrary arrest and incarceration included religious leaders and practitioners, human rights advocates, government opponents, and pro-democracy campaigners. In Tibet and Xinjiang, systematic persecution of ethnic minorities persisted. A study by the OHCHR detailing possible crimes against humanity and other transnational crimes in Xinjiang was attempted to be suppressed by the authorities. Sexual […]
CategoriesCountry ProfileAt least hundreds of Ethiopian migrants and asylum seekers were killed by Saudi Arabian authorities at the Yemen-Saudi border; these killings may qualify as crimes against humanity. Authorities in Saudi Arabia have arrested human rights campaigners, public intellectuals, and nonviolent dissidents. They have also condemned people to death or decades in jail over postings they […]
CategoriesCountry ProfileThe UN children’s agency has warned that tens of thousands of Sudanese children might perish from the deadliest type of malnutrition this year, which affects at least 700,000 youngsters. Millions of people have been displaced both inside and outside of Sudan during the 10-month conflict between the government and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), […]
CategoriesAdvocacyRights have been curtailed in a number of nations in recent years due to anti-feminist policies and discourse. UN Women reports a deepening of gender inequality. They project that it will take an additional 286 years to close the gender inequalities in women’s and girls’ legal rights worldwide. Governments need to pay attention to this […]
CategoriesAdvocacyHuman Rights stated that the Houthis had detained a judge in Yemen’s capital of Sanaa, most likely as a result of his remarks on X, the official Twitter platform, denouncing Houthi operations in the Red Sea. In the parts of Yemen under their authority, the Houthis, sometimes called Ansar Allah, intimidate, arrest, and imprison anybody […]
CategoriesAdvocacySaudi Arabia continues to widely violate fundamental human rights both inside and beyond of its borders, despite having endorsed several recommendations during its most recent Universal Periodic Review. The Saudi government has made significant reform announcements, such as those pertaining to women’s rights, but these initiatives are still insufficient, and advancement is hampered by the […]
CategoriesAdvocacyThe United Arab Emirates (UAE) has provided funding for politically motivated killings in Yemen. After the UAE engaged American mercenaries in 2015, the training they received was utilized to train locals, which led to an increase in targeted assassinations. The results coincide with the Yemeni conflict’s resurgence in the worldwide media following attacks on ships […]
CategoriesStatements Country ProfileIn a concerning development that highlights the severe erosion of freedom of expression in Saudi Arabia, the Washington Center for Human Rights condemns the recent sentencing of 18-year-old Manal al-Gafiri to 18 years in jail and a travel ban. Her alleged crime? Posting tweets in support of political prisoners. This shocking violation of basic human […]
CategoriesAdvocacy Country Profile StatementsIn the ongoing discussions between US and Saudi officials regarding the possibility of a mutual defense pact, the Washington Center for Human Rights emphasizes the paramount importance of prioritizing human rights and unwavering adherence to international law in shaping this prospective agreement. The potential ramifications of such a pact, envisioned to provide military support in […]
CategoriesStatements Advocacy Country ProfileTwo years ago, a collective of human rights organizations worldwide joined hands to rally behind the unjustly imprisoned members of the Belarusian rights group Viasna. These brave individuals had dedicated their lives to championing human rights in Belarus, and their incarceration was a grave miscarriage of justice. On September 17, 2021, the #FreeViasna campaign was […]
CategoriesAdvocacy Country Profile StatementsIntroduction In the aftermath of the Taliban’s swift return to power in Afghanistan in August 2021, the world has been confronted with a harrowing erosion of fundamental rights, particularly for women and girls. The Washington Center for Human Rights stands in solidarity with the findings of Human Rights Watch’s recent report, which underscores that the […]
CategoriesAdvocacy Country Profile StatementsIn a disconcerting development, Tunisian Judge Anas Hmedi, President of the Tunisian Judges’ Association (AMT), finds himself entangled in a legal battle that threatens not only his personal freedom but also the very principles of justice and judicial independence. As he prepares to face an investigating judge at the Kef Court of First Instance on […]
CategoriesAdvocacy Country Profile StatementsIn recent times, the world has witnessed a disconcerting erosion of human rights and civil liberties in the Russian Federation. Over the past year, the United Nations has maintained a vigilant eye on the situation, issuing a series of grave statements that highlight the concerning escalation of repression and violations within the country. From July […]
CategoriesAdvocacy Country Profile StatementsIn a chilling and alarming development, Saudi Arabia has once again demonstrated its ruthless commitment to suppressing freedom of expression, this time with a death sentence handed down to a retired Saudi teacher, Muhammad al-Ghamdi. The charges? Solely his online presence on Twitter and YouTube. This egregious violation of human rights serves as a grim […]
CategoriesAdvocacy Country Profile StatementsIn the bustling lead-up to the 28th Conference of Parties on the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), slated to be held in Dubai from November 30 to December 12, 2023, a troubling situation has emerged that demands immediate international attention. A coalition of 19 human rights groups has come together to issue […]
CategoriesAdvocacy Country Profile StatementsIn recent years, Chad’s political landscape has been marked by turbulence and uncertainty. Following the sudden death of President Idriss Déby Itno in April 2021, the nation faced a constitutional crisis that ultimately led to the rise of his son, Mahamat Déby, who assumed control of the transitional military council. With elections delayed and a […]
CategoriesAdvocacy Country Profile StatementsIntroduction The Washington Center for Human Rights stands in solidarity with Human Rights Watch in its recent call for Bahrain to urgently address the alarming situation of hundreds of prisoners currently engaged in a hunger strike. This pressing issue demands immediate global attention, as it raises critical concerns about the humane treatment of detainees in […]
CategoriesAdvocacy Country ProfileIntroduction For more than three decades, Human Rights Watch organisation has tirelessly documented abuses at international borders, shedding light on human rights violations that often go unnoticed. The recent revelations of Saudi border guards systematically shooting and shelling Ethiopian migrants and asylum seekers attempting to cross from Yemen have shocked our conscience and demand immediate […]
CategoriesAdvocacy StatementsIntroduction: In a shocking display of oppression, the Taliban have once again revealed their cruelty towards women by banning them from visiting the picturesque Band-e-Amir national park in Afghanistan. This heart-wrenching restriction on women’s access to nature highlights the urgent need for international attention and action. The Washington Center for Human Rights condemns this blatant […]
CategoriesAdvocacy StatementsIntroduction The Washington Center for Human Rights is deeply alarmed by the deteriorating human rights situation in Tunisia, particularly in the aftermath of President Kais Saied’s power grab in July 2021. Over the past two years, Tunisian authorities have taken alarming steps to suppress political opposition, curtail free expression, and discriminate against migrants and refugees. […]
CategoriesAdvocacy Country Profile StatementsIntroduction: The Washington Center for Human Rights expresses deep concern over the lack of justice and accountability a decade after the mass sentencing of 69 peaceful activists in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The continued imprisonment of these individuals, who were unjustly convicted for exercising their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, is […]
CategoriesAdvocacy Country Profile StatementsIntroduction: The Washington Center for Human Rights strongly condemns the ongoing arbitrary detention of Saudi women’s rights activists Salma al-Shehab and Nourah al-Qahtani. These courageous individuals have dedicated their lives to advocating for women’s rights and challenging the oppressive gender norms in Saudi Arabia. The recent call by the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention […]
CategoriesAdvocacy StatementsIntroduction: As the war in Sudan approaches its three-month mark, there are no signs of progress in ending the conflict between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The international community must abandon outdated strategies and embrace new, innovative approaches to prevent Sudan’s collapse, as warned by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Recent attempts […]
CategoriesAdvocacyIntroduction:The Washington Center for Human Rights closely examines the concerning relationship between the Wagner Group, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the illicit gold smuggling operations in Africa. This unholy alliance poses a significant threat to regional stability, exacerbates human rights abuses, and undermines efforts to combat illicit financial activities. The Washington Center for Human […]
CategoriesAdvocacyIntroduction:The Washington Center for Human Rights closely monitors the human rights situation in Iran and expresses deep concern over the recent resumption of ‘morality police’ patrols. The decision to enforce headscarves on women through street patrols has sparked shock and outrage among observers, who fear that this regressive step may exacerbate social unrest and further […]
CategoriesAdvocacyIntroduction:The Washington Center for Human Rights closely follows the human rights situation in Venezuela with deep concern. As the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights prepares to present his report on Venezuela, we emphasize the critical importance of implementing UN recommendations to ensure justice for the Venezuelan people. The report will shed light on the […]
CategoriesAdvocacyIntroduction:In recent years, China has intensified its crackdown on human rights lawyers, stifling the voices of those who advocate for justice and defend the fundamental rights of its citizens. The Washington Center for Human Rights expresses deep concern over this alarming trend and calls upon international bodies and world leaders to take decisive action to […]
CategoriesAdvocacy StatementsIntroduction:The Washington Center for Human Rights (WCHR) expresses grave concern over the continued restriction of religious freedom in Bahrain, as highlighted in the recent report by Human Rights Watch (HRW). The denial of access to Friday prayers for Shia worshippers constitutes a clear violation of fundamental human rights and underscores the urgent need for Bahrain […]