Washington Center For Human Rights
From DC to the World
CategoriesAdvocacy Country Profile StatementsIntroduction: In recent years, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has embarked on a journey of progressive reforms aimed at improving human rights within its borders. In a significant step forward, the KSA has committed to protecting human rights defenders, prohibiting torture, and upholding freedom of expression. These reforms, while in their early stages, signal […]
CategoriesAdvocacy StatementsThe Washington Center for Human Rights stands firm in its commitment to promoting and protecting human rights globally. As the United Arab Emirates (UAE) prepares to host the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), we urge the UAE government to prioritize the immediate release of […]
CategoriesAdvocacyNigeria stands at a critical juncture in its history, with the upcoming inauguration of President Tinubu amid uncertainty and scrutiny surrounding his election. As the Washington Center for Human Rights, we emphasize the importance of respecting the rule of law and improving human rights in Nigeria across five key areas. This article examines the challenges […]
CategoriesAdvocacyFor the past 1.5 years, the oppressive regime of the Taliban has imposed severe restrictions on the rights and freedoms of women and girls in Afghanistan. One of the most alarming consequences is the closure of public doors, including secondary schools and universities, effectively denying education and opportunities to a significant portion of the Afghan […]
CategoriesAdvocacy StatementsInternational Institutions Concerned with Human Rights and Peacekeeping Subject: Urgent Call to Stop the UAE and KSA from Promoting Violence in Sudan Dear Honorable Representatives, The Washington Center for Human Rights, an organization committed to promoting peace, justice, and the protection of human rights, writes to draw your attention to the concerning situation in Sudan […]
CategoriesAdvocacy StatementsOn behalf of the Washington Center for Human Rights, we write to express our deep concern regarding the current crisis of shortage of bread and other basic foodstuffs in Tunisia. While we acknowledge the seriousness of this situation and the challenges it poses for the population, we urge you to focus on addressing the root […]
CategoriesAdvocacy StatementsDear Secretary-General, subject: Urgent Appeal for UN Action in Promoting Social Justice in Ethiopia On behalf of the Washington Center for Human Rights, we write to bring to your attention the grave situation of social injustice in Ethiopia. We urgently call upon the United Nations to take decisive action and play a vital role in […]
CategoriesAdvocacy Country ProfileImpunity for human rights violations remains a significant concern in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), particularly in cases involving torture, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings. The lack of accountability not only denies justice to the victims and their families but also perpetuates a culture of impunity that undermines the rule of law and human rights […]
CategoriesAdvocacy StatementsThe Washington Center for Human Rights (WCHR) urgently calls for a comprehensive national dialogue in Yemen to reformulate the form of the unity state and its political system. The ongoing conflict in Yemen has had devastating humanitarian consequences, exacerbating the need for a renewed and inclusive dialogue to address the root causes of the crisis. […]
CategoriesAdvocacy StatementsThe Washington Center for Human Rights (WCHR) strongly condemns the Iraqi government’s failure to adequately support and address the needs of the victims of ISIS in Sinjar. The recent report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) titled “Iraqi Government Is Failing Victims of ISIS” sheds light on the dire situation faced by the survivors and displaced […]
CategoriesAdvocacy StatementsWashington, D.C. – [Date] The Washington Center for Human Rights (WCHR) applauds the recent announcement of a ceasefire agreement in Sudan, marking a significant step towards peace and stability in the region. This positive development comes as a beacon of hope for the Sudanese people, who have endured prolonged conflict and suffering for far too […]
CategoriesAdvocacy StatementsWashington, D.C. – The Washington Center for Human Rights expresses its deepest concern and unequivocally denounces the recent tragic incident of a Lebanese man who lost his life while in the custody of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) authorities. This incident highlights the urgent need for the international community to address the systemic human rights […]
CategoriesAdvocacy StatementsThe Washington Center for Human Rights (WCHR) examines the 43rd Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Statement on the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as outlined in the speech provided by the UK government. The WCHR expresses deep concern regarding the UAE’s failure to meet basic human rights requirements, as detailed in the statement. This comprehensive analysis aims […]
CategoriesAdvocacy Country ProfileThe United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a popular destination for expatriate workers from all over the world. It offers high salaries, tax-free income, and a luxurious lifestyle that attracts thousands of people every year. However, behind the glitz and glamour lies a dark reality of exploitation, abuse, and violation of basic human rights. Migrant workers, […]
CategoriesAdvocacy Country Profile StatementsThe Washington Center for Human Rights (WCHR) is deeply concerned about the continued human rights violations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The recent joint statement by Human Rights Watch and other organizations highlights the severity of the situation, with reports of arbitrary detention, restrictions on the right to freedom of expression and assembly, and […]
CategoriesAdvocacy Country Profile StatementsThe United Arab Emirates (UAE) has long been criticized by human rights organizations for its poor human rights record. The country has a history of arbitrarily detaining individuals, restricting freedom of expression, and using torture and other forms of ill-treatment. Discriminatory laws also target women, migrant workers, and the LGBTQ+ community. The recent joint statement […]
CategoriesStatements AdvocacyRecently, there have been reports of African workers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) being arrested and deported en masse. The Washington Center for Human Rights is deeply concerned about these developments, which appear to be part of a broader pattern of discrimination and mistreatment of migrant workers in the UAE. According to media reports, […]
CategoriesAdvocacy StatementsThe use of spyware by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia (KSA) to target human rights defenders, journalists, and political dissidents is a clear violation of international human rights law. Recent revelations about the extent of this surveillance have raised serious concerns about the impact on freedom of expression, privacy, and human rights […]
CategoriesCountry Profile AdvocacySaudi Arabia has long been accused of monitoring dissidents and critics of the government using various methods, including spyware tools. The latest such tool to come to light is called “Reign,” which has been likened to the infamous Pegasus spyware. According to a recent report, Reign was used to spy on the iPhones of several […]
CategoriesStatements Advocacy Country ProfileWashington Center for Human Rights (WCHR) demands the immediate and unconditional release of Salma al-Shehab and seven other detained Saudi women who have been on a hunger strike since March 23, 2023. These women have been unjustly detained and are protesting against their detention and trial, as well as demanding their release. Salma al-Shehab, a […]
CategoriesAdvocacy Country ProfileHuman rights abuses are a serious issue in many parts of the world, and the Middle East is no exception. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are two countries that have been criticized for their poor human rights records. In recent years, international organizations and foreign governments have played […]
CategoriesAdvocacy Country ProfileIntroduction Saudi Arabia (KSA) has been accused of numerous human rights abuses in recent years, including the brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the detention of women’s rights activists, and the ongoing war in Yemen. Despite these accusations, the Saudi government has faced little legal action or international sanctions for their actions. This article will […]
CategoriesAdvocacy Country ProfileThe use of torture and other forms of physical abuse against prisoners and detainees in KSA is a serious human rights concern that has been documented by numerous human rights organizations. Despite the government’s claims to the contrary, reports suggest that torture is routinely used in KSA’s prisons and detention centers, with little accountability for […]
CategoriesAdvocacy Country Profile StatementsIntroduction The Washington Center for Human Rights has been monitoring the situation of foreign working women in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for several years now. Unfortunately, we have found that despite efforts to curb the practice of modern slavery, it continues to be rampant in the UAE. This report is an attempt to shed […]
CategoriesAdvocacy StatementsWashington Center for Human Rights (WCHR) is deeply concerned about the continued imprisonment of Dr. Mohammed Al-Qahtani, a prominent Saudi Arabian human rights activist. Dr. Al-Qahtani has been detained since 2012 without any formal charges or trial, in what can only be described as a blatant violation of his fundamental human rights. Dr. Al-Qahtani is […]
CategoriesAdvocacy Country Profile StatementsSocial media companies have become a vital part of modern-day communication, providing an avenue for people worldwide to connect, share ideas and communicate with one another. However, as social media companies continue to grow and expand their reach, the power they wield has become a cause for concern, particularly regarding human rights abuses. Governments, particularly […]
CategoriesAdvocacy Country Profile StatementsThe Washington Center for Human Rights is pleased to applaud the recent decision by Burkina Faso to pass a bill that aims to bring more accountability for security force abuses. This landmark decision is a significant step forward in promoting human rights and strengthening the rule of law in Burkina Faso. The new bill will […]
CategoriesAdvocacy StatementsDear Danish and European Human Rights Organizations, We, Washington Center for Human Rights, are writing to you to raise our concerns about the United Arab Emirates (UAE) appointing Dr. Thani Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi as President of COP28, scheduled to take place in 2023. The appointment of Dr. Al-Zeyoudi, the UAE’s Minister of Climate Change and Environment, […]
CategoriesAdvocacy Country ProfileThe Washington Center for Human Rights is deeply concerned about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen and the role played by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia (KSA) in the conflict. We urge the International Criminal Court (ICC) to take action and release a warrant against the leaders of UAE and KSA for […]
CategoriesAdvocacy StatementsThe International Criminal Court (ICC) has released a warrant against Russian President Vladimir Putin, following years of mounting evidence of his involvement in gross human rights violations and war crimes committed in Ukraine and Syria. The Washington Center for Human Rights is pleased to announce its full support of the ICC’s decision, which demonstrates the […]
CategoriesAdvocacy Country Profile StatementsThe recent Tunisia-EU talks have brought to light the importance of privileging human rights over politics. The Washington Center for Human Rights believes that human rights should always be the top priority in any discussion or negotiation. While politics can often dictate the course of these discussions, it is important not to let human rights […]
CategoriesAdvocacy Country Profile StatementsThe Washington Center for Human Rights applauds FIFA’s decision not to make “Visit Saudi” a sponsor for the Women’s World Cup. This decision sends a strong message that human rights abuses and gender inequality will not be tolerated in the world of sports. Saudi Arabia has a long history of oppressing women and denying them […]
CategoriesAdvocacy Country Profile StatementsHuman rights organizations launch “SANID” campaign in solidarity with prisoners of conscience in the UAE On March 3, 2022, a coalition of international human rights organizations launched the “SANID” campaign in solidarity with prisoners of conscience in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The campaign aims to draw attention to the alarming number of individuals being […]
CategoriesAdvocacy Country Profile StatementsSaudi Arabia has been under international scrutiny for its male guardianship system, which requires women to obtain the consent of a male guardian, usually a father or husband, for a wide range of activities, including travel, education, employment, and even medical treatment. This system has been criticized for restricting women’s autonomy and reinforcing gender inequality, […]
CategoriesAdvocacy Country Profile StatementsThe situation of detained Afghans stuck in limbo in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a pressing human rights issue that demands immediate international attention. The Washington Center for Human Rights condemns the inhumane treatment of these individuals and calls upon the United Nations (UN) and the United States (US) to take immediate action to […]
CategoriesAdvocacy StatementsThe Washington Center for Human Rights praises the Head of the Iranian judiciary, for pardoning over 82,000 people, including 22,000 demonstrators. This move is a significant step forward for human rights in Iran and demonstrates a commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of the Iranian people. In recent years, Iran […]
CategoriesAdvocacy Country Profile StatementsThe Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ) has been an active organization since 1995, working to promote and protect freedom of speech and the rights of journalists in Belarus. However, on November 16, 2021, the Belarusian authorities designated BAJ as an “extremist formation,” along with its staff members. This move is part of an ongoing crackdown […]
CategoriesAdvocacy Country Profile StatementsThe Washington Center for Human Rights is deeply concerned about the ongoing human rights violations in Myanmar, which have continued since the military coup on February 1, 2021. Despite widespread international condemnation and efforts to hold the junta accountable for its actions, the situation on the ground remains dire, with reports of extrajudicial killings, torture, […]
CategoriesAdvocacy Country Profile Statements TopicsThe ongoing conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran is one of the most significant geopolitical issues in the Middle East. The two countries have been engaged in a long-standing rivalry that has had far-reaching implications for the region and beyond. Recently, there have been reports of a potential Saudi-Iran deal, backed by China, which has […]
CategoriesAdvocacy Country Profile StatementsThe ongoing conflict in Syria has resulted in one of the most severe humanitarian crises in recent history, with serious human rights violations being committed by all parties to the conflict. The Washington Center for Human Rights is deeply concerned about the situation in Syria and urges the international community to take action to address […]
CategoriesBriefsVenezuela has been in a state of political and economic crisis for several years, with serious human rights violations taking place on a regular basis. The Washington Center for Human Rights is deeply concerned about the situation in Venezuela and urges the international community to take action to address the human rights abuses taking place […]
CategoriesAdvocacy Country Profile StatementsLebanon has been grappling with serious human rights violations for several years now. The country’s political instability, economic crisis, and social unrest have created a volatile environment in which human rights are constantly under threat. The Washington Center for Human Rights is deeply concerned about the situation in Lebanon and urges the international community to […]
CategoriesAdvocacy Country Profile StatementsNigeria is one of the largest and most populous countries in Africa, with a population of over 200 million people. Despite being a regional economic powerhouse, Nigeria faces significant challenges in promoting and protecting human rights. The Washington Center for Human Rights is deeply concerned about the current state of human rights in Nigeria, including […]
CategoriesAdvocacy StatementsThe Washington Center for Human Rights is deeply concerned about the exclusion of Afghan women from public life and the continued violation of their human rights. As the world marks International Women’s Day, it is critical to remember the plight of Afghan women who are facing increasing oppression and marginalization in their country. The Taliban’s […]
CategoriesAdvocacy Country Profile StatementsThe Washington Center for Human Rights is deeply concerned about the continued detention of human rights activist Saad Almadi in Saudi Arabia. Mr. Almadi has been arbitrarily detained since September 2018 and has endured numerous human rights violations, including torture and ill-treatment during his detention. The Washington Center for Human Rights is calling on the […]
CategoriesAdvocacy StatementsThe Washington Center for Human Rights is deeply concerned about the ongoing detention of Kem Sokha, the former president of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP). Mr. Sokha has been held in pre-trial detention since September 2017, on charges of treason. His detention is politically motivated and aimed at suppressing opposition to the ruling party. […]
CategoriesAdvocacy StatementsThe Washington Center for Human Rights is deeply concerned about the human rights situation in Nicaragua. We believe that the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) should renew the mandate of the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua and the reporting mandate on Nicaragua of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights […]
CategoriesStatements Country ProfileWashington Center for Human Rights strongly condemn the recent executions in Saudi Arabia, and we call upon the United States government to take immediate action to halt this unjust practice. The execution of two individuals in Saudi Arabia on charges of terrorism and attacking a palace is the latest example of the country’s flagrant disregard […]
CategoriesAdvocacy Country Profile StatementsThe Washington Center for Human Rights is deeply concerned about the ongoing human rights violations in China. The Chinese government’s policies and actions towards its own citizens and the people of Hong Kong and Xinjiang are a clear violation of international human rights law. These abuses have been well-documented by international organizations, journalists, and human […]
CategoriesAdvocacy Country Profile StatementsOn the 15th anniversary of the arrest of Dhaifullah Zaid Al-Sareeh Al-Otaibi, the Washington Center for Human Rights calls on the Saudi Arabian authorities to reveal his fate and release him immediately. Dhaifullah was arrested in 2008 for expressing his opinions on improving the standard of living for his fellow citizens. As a result of […]