Statements

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

In 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 […]

Introduction 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 […]

Introduction: 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 […]

Introduction: 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 […]

Introduction:The Washington Center for Human Rights (WCHR) is deeply alarmed by the reports of severe abuse and abandonment suffered by migrants at the hands of Tunisian security forces. The mistreatment, including physical assault, confiscation of belongings, and abandonment at the Libyan border, highlights the urgent need for immediate action to protect the rights and safety […]

The recent unannounced official visit of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to France has raised profound concerns and calls for action among human rights advocates and organizations worldwide. While the visit was touted as an opportunity to strengthen financial partnerships and address climate-related challenges, it is crucial to emphasize the pressing need […]

Introduction: 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 […]

The 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 […]

The 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 […]

Washington 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 […]

Introduction 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 […]

Social 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 […]

The 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 […]

The 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 […]

The 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 […]

Human 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 […]

Saudi 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, […]

The 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 […]

The 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 […]