Sudan and UAE envoys clash at UN over military interference claims CategoriesAdvocacy

Sudan and UAE envoys clash at UN over military interference claims

During a Security Council meeting on Tuesday, Sudan’s UN ambassador verbally attacked the United Arab Emirates, claiming that the Gulf state was inciting strife in his nation. The Emirati envoy categorically denied the accusation. Sudan accuses UAE of meddling The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), headed by army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his former […]

UAE must end the human rights violation at the 50th anniversary of SSA CategoriesAdvocacy

UAE must end the human rights violation at the 50th anniversary of SSA

Many groups criticized UAE’s State Security Apparatus(SSA)’s on its 50th anniversary. Different groups urging Emirati authorities to prevent SSA from committing serious human rights violations in the country. The organizations that opposed SSA include  MENA Rights Group, the Emirates Detainees Advocacy Center, and Human Rights Watch.  The establishment of the State Security Apparatus (SSA) was […]

Amnesty: Free arbitrarily detained Yemeni-Dutch national CategoriesAdvocacy

Amnesty: Free arbitrarily detained Yemeni-Dutch national

Amnesty International demanded the immediate release of Fahd Ramadhan, a Dutch national who was detained by Saudi Arabian authorities since November 20, 2023, without being charged, having no legal counsel, and receiving inadequate medical care. Why Is Amnesty calling for the Yemeni-Dutch national’s release? Two days after returning from the Netherlands, where he had been […]

Humanitarian pleas: Ending Saudi Arabia's execution of child offenders CategoriesAdvocacy

Humanitarian pleas: Ending Saudi Arabia’s execution of child offenders

Saudi Arabia persists in suppressing human rights advocates, usually by cruel treatment and wrongful detention, in spite of the world’s advances towards protecting human rights. Right Livelihood and its allies alerted the Council to the harsh anti-terrorism and cybercrime legislation in the nation, which are being utilised to suppress dissent and the inalienable right to […]

Silenced voices: Human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia CategoriesAdvocacy

Silenced voices: Human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia

At 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 prison for postings they […]

Saudi Arabia issues warning: Condemns Israeli 'War Machine' amidst Rafah invasion concerns CategoriesAdvocacy

Saudi Arabia issues warning: Condemns Israeli ‘War Machine’ amidst Rafah invasion concerns

On Monday, Saudi Arabia issued a warning to Israel not to attack Rafah, describing it as a “bloody and systematic” operation meant to drive Palestinians from the Gaza Strip. The Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it is a clear breach of international law and human rights norms to intentionally target civilian areas […]

Amazon settles worker rights violation claims in Saudi Arabia for $1.9m CategoriesAdvocacy

Amazon settles worker rights violation claims in Saudi Arabia for $1.9m

Amazon, a massive online retailer, will provide over 700 migrant workers in Saudi Arabia with $1.9 million to address concerns related to their human rights and safety, including inadequate living circumstances and irregular wages. After hiring Verité, Amazon discovered infractions such as poor living conditions and safety concerns at Saudi warehouses. Problems included inconsistent wages, […]

Saudi female activist sentenced to 11 years for social media posts and dress code violation CategoriesAdvocacy

Saudi female activist sentenced to 11 years for social media posts and dress code violation

A young Saudi activist for women’s rights was detained for “her choice of clothing and support for women’s rights,” and an anti-terrorism court secretly sentenced her to 11 years in jail. In a statement to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Saudi authorities verified that Manahel al-Otaibi was found guilty on January 9 of […]

Fueling the future: FIFA's world cup sponsorship deal with Saudi Arabia's aramco signals closer ties CategoriesAdvocacy

Fueling the future: FIFA’s world cup sponsorship deal with Saudi Arabia’s aramco signals closer ties

GENEVA-FIFA confirmed a sponsorship deal with Aramco, the national oil company of Saudi Arabia, on Thursday, strengthening its relationship with the country. Aramco generated a $121 billion profit last year. The agreement was anticipated and eventually became unavoidable after Saudi Arabia was virtually confirmed to host the men’s World Cup in 2034 in October of […]

Saudi Arabia at the helm: Leading the UN women's forum amidst lingering ironies CategoriesAdvocacy

Saudi Arabia at the helm: Leading the UN women’s forum amidst lingering ironies

Saudi Arabia was selected to chair the UN committee tasked with advancing gender parity and women’s empowerment globally, following an unchallenged candidacy denounced by human rights organizations for the kingdom’s “abysmal” record on women’s rights. At the annual meeting of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in New York on Wednesday, there was […]

OIC calls for Action: Halting war crimes against Palestinians in Israeli detention CategoriesAdvocacy

OIC calls for Action: Halting war crimes against Palestinians in Israeli detention

The escalation of Israeli troops’ arbitrary arrest operations against Palestinians has alarmed the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). On the eve of Palestinian Prisoners Day, it was reported that Israel now holds over 9,500 detainees, including over 200 minors and 80 female inmates. Approximately 600 inmates are receiving life sentences, while more than 3,600 are […]

Iran's Warning: Implications of 'Decisive Response' to Israel CategoriesAdvocacy

Iran’s Warning: Implications of ‘Decisive Response’ to Israel

After bombings in Syria that were attributed to Israel killed many military personnel, including at least two senior commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a top Iranian ambassador issued a warning, stating that the Islamic Republic reserved the right to react. Written by Zahra Ershadi, charge d’affaires for the Iranian Mission to the […]

Restrictions on expression: Saudi fans confront jail time for chanting at games CategoriesAdvocacy

Restrictions on expression: Saudi fans confront jail time for chanting at games

For 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 […]

Saudi Arabia's image campaign masking deadly abuses: A closer look CategoriesAdvocacy

Saudi Arabia’s image campaign masking deadly abuses: A closer look

Saudi 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 […]

Unplugged Saudi Arabia's draft penal code: Dismantling illusions of reform CategoriesAdvocacy

Unplugged Saudi Arabia’s draft penal code: Dismantling illusions of reform

A 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 […]

Failing Gaza: Israeli rights Group alleges non-compliance with ICJ ruling on aid CategoriesAdvocacy

Failing Gaza: Israeli rights Group alleges non-compliance with ICJ ruling on aid

Twelve 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 […]

Syria's cry for peace: Urgent plea for ceasefire echoes from UN Commission of inquiry CategoriesAdvocacy

Syria’s cry for peace: Urgent plea for ceasefire echoes from UN Commission of inquiry

The 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 […]

Legal battle brewing: Pro-Palestinian activists Sue canadian government over arms sales to Israel CategoriesAdvocacy

Legal battle brewing: Pro-Palestinian activists Sue canadian government over arms sales to Israel

Human 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 […]

Escalating criticism: International condemnation of Israel's actions in Gaza amidst aid-seekers' deaths CategoriesAdvocacy

Escalating criticism: International condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza amidst aid-seekers’ deaths

At 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 […]

Understanding the ICJ Hearings on Israel’s Occupation: Key Insights CategoriesAdvocacy

Understanding the ICJ Hearings on Israel’s Occupation: Key Insights

The 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 […]

The Taliban And the Global Backlash Against Women’s Rights: A Growing Concern CategoriesAdvocacy

The Taliban And the Global Backlash Against Women’s Rights: A Growing Concern

Rights 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 […]

Yemen: Arrest of Judge Highlights Suppression of Dissent and Threats to Judicial Independence CategoriesAdvocacy

Yemen: Arrest of Judge Highlights Suppression of Dissent and Threats to Judicial Independence

Human 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 […]

Saudi Arabia: Authorities Must Commit To Human Rights CategoriesAdvocacy

Saudi Arabia: Authorities Must Commit To Human Rights

Saudi 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 […]

Accusations Of UAE Financing Political Killings In Yemen CategoriesAdvocacy

Accusations Of UAE Financing Political Killings In Yemen

The 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 […]

CategoriesAdvocacy Country Profile Statements

Safeguarding Human Rights and Upholding International Law in the US-Saudi Defense Pact

In 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 Profile

Two Years of Injustice: Standing with Belarusian Rights Group Viasna

Two 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 Statements

The Tragic Reality: Taliban’s Gender Persecution in Afghanistan

Introduction 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 Statements

Tunisian Judge Faces Harassment for Defending Judicial Independence: A Call for Justice

In 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 Statements

UN Condemns Escalating Repression and Violations of Human Rights in Russia

In 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 Statements

Saudi Arabia’s Alarming Crackdown on Freedom of Expression: A Disturbing Escalation

In 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 Statements

The Plight of Ahmed Mansoor: A Call for Human Rights Ahead of COP28 in Dubai

In 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 […]