Washington Center For Human Rights
From DC to the World
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 […]
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 […]
CategoriesAdvocacy Country Profile StatementsOn the fourth anniversary of the arrest of Dr. Saud Al-Fanisan, former Dean of the Faculty of Sharia at Al-Imam University in Saudi Arabia, the Washington Center for Human Rights reiterates its call for his immediate release. Dr. Al-Fanisan has been unfairly sentenced to seven years in prison on charges related to his peaceful expression […]
CategoriesAdvocacy StatementsSheikh Turki bin Al-Hamidi Al-Dawish, a prominent member of the Otaiba tribe in Saudi Arabia, has been under arbitrary arrest since 14 May 2019. The arrest came shortly after he posted a tweet on his official Twitter account in which he expressed his protest against the detention of Sheikh Issa bin Salman Al-Ajmi, another member […]
CategoriesAdvocacy Country Profile StatementsThe Washington Center for Human Rights (WCHR) is gravely concerned about the state of freedom of expression in Nigeria. As an organization that is committed to promoting and protecting human rights globally, we believe that freedom of expression is a fundamental right that should be protected and promoted in all countries, including Nigeria. Freedom of […]
CategoriesAdvocacy Country Profile StatementsThe Washington Center for Human Rights is deeply concerned about the ongoing violations of freedom of expression in Venezuela. The Venezuelan government has consistently violated the right to freedom of expression by using laws and regulations to restrict the media, censor online content, and punish individuals who express their views. Journalists, human rights defenders, and […]
CategoriesStatementsDear UNFCCC Secretariat, We are writing to you today to urge you to cancel the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC UAE COP 28) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). As we approach the critical decade for climate action, it is important that we make informed decisions about where we hold such events. There are […]
CategoriesAdvocacy StatementsWashington Center For Human Rights strongly condemns the Emirati authorities’ refusal to release 40 prisoners of conscience and their intentional determination to keep them detained notwithstanding the completion of their sentences. Many of them are members of the UAE94, a group of detainees who were detained in 2012 and convicted to jail terms ranging from […]
CategoriesStatementsThe meeting between French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is a slap in the face for Saudi human rights victims, and it signals a shameful and dangerous rehabilitation of the kingdom’s de facto ruler, a trend that world leaders must urgently challenge. According to the Elysee Palace, Mohammed bin Salman […]
CategoriesStatementsWCHR has learnt of a new three-month contract for Washington public relations firm Qorvis Communications to provide consultation and public relations services linked to Saudi Arabia’s official Human Rights Commission (HRC) and human trafficking concerns to a Saudi institution. This is another example of the Saudi government’s primary human rights priority: to obfuscate, rather than […]
CategoriesAdvocacy StatementsOn June 21, 2017, Mohammed bin Salman became Crown Prince and de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia on behalf of his father, King Salman. In contrast to his claims of liberal reform, his highly centralised and dictatorial reign has been distinguished by ruthless repression and significant human rights violations. Since King Salman took the throne […]
CategoriesAdvocacy StatementsGreetings, Mr. President. Given recent media reports that you would be visiting Saudi Arabia and meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, we write to voice our great concern. Attempts to repair the United States’ relationship with the Saudi government without a genuine commitment to prioritize human rights are not only a betrayal of your […]
CategoriesStatementsOn World Refugee Day, the Washington Center for Human Rights honors both the great challenges that displaced people throughout the world continue to confront, as well as their incredible perseverance in their search of safety. Refugees play an important role in communities around the United States. Washington Center for Human Rights urges the US government […]
CategoriesAdvocacy StatementsThousands of protestors came to the streets of Tunis on Saturday to oppose President Kais Saied’s request for a vote on a new constitution, which would consolidate his hold on power. The rally was headed by Abir Moussi, the leader of the Free Constitutional Party, and mirrored rising resistance to Saied since he took executive […]
CategoriesStatements AdvocacyUS Secretary of State Anthony Blinken blasted efforts to stifle press freedom in numerous Latin American countries on Tuesday, saying the US wants to strengthen media safety in the area with the highest number of journalist deaths. Speaking at a press freedom event before of the Summit of the Americas, a regional conference aimed at […]
CategoriesAdvocacy StatementsA mass shooter indoctrinated into bigotry and antisemitism on the internet committed another act of domestic terrorism yesterday at a Buffalo market. This brutal hate crime, which left 10 people dead and three injured, is just another illustration of how networks of racial fanatics influence one other, encouraging murder and domestic terrorism. Hate-based communities on […]
CategoriesAdvocacy StatementsIsraeli and Palestinian authorities must undertake an early, thorough, and open inquiry into the assassination of Al-Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh in the West Bank today. According to an Al-Jazeera report, a video of the aftermath of the shooting posted on Twitter by Al-Jazeera, and multiple news outlets, Abu Akleh, a prominent Palestinian-American correspondent for […]
CategoriesAdvocacy StatementsAt a time when democracy is under attack all across the world, American politicians should be concerned about the assault on Tunisia’s democratic institutions. The Biden administration should do a lot more to send a message to President Saied that international recognition and help would be conditional on democratic conduct. The United States and its […]
CategoriesStatementsThree anti-corruption organizations encouraged the internal watchdogs of the US Treasury and State Departments to examine the US government’s improper move to essentially ease sanctions on billionaire businessman Dan Gertler right before the change of US administrations. Mr. Gertler was sanctioned by the Trump administration in 2017 under the Global Magnitsky Act for his alleged […]
CategoriesStatementsAsylum-Seekers are being locked up as a result of policies implemented by the Biden administration, and human rights are being violated. The first records show that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has detained tens of thousands of asylum seekers in jails, where they face long detentions, severe physical and psychological suffering, medical negligence, discrimination, […]
CategoriesStatementsWhile Washington Center for Human Rights applauds rumors of a special parole program for Ukrainians fleeing Russian aggression, the center urges the Biden administration to undertake similar humanitarian protection efforts for Afghans and others across the world facing human rights violations and persecution. The establishment of a Ukrainian special parole program to welcome Ukrainians escaping […]
CategoriesAdvocacy Country Profile StatementsThe situation in Saudi Arabia has deteriorated since the previous UN Human Rights Council joint statement on human rights in September 2020. Although a number of prominent women human rights campaigners and political prisoners were conditionally freed, they remain subject to harsh restrictions, implying that they are not yet free. According to ALQST for Human […]
CategoriesAdvocacy StatementsIn March 2021, the Human Rights Council voted Resolution 46/2, which strengthened the High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet’s monitoring mandate on the human rights situation in Nicaragua. On March 7, Bachelet delivered to the Council her Office’s (the OHCHR) written report, in which she concludes to a ‘pattern of egregious abuses of civil […]
CategoriesAdvocacy StatementsThe General Assembly has required that members of the Human Rights Council respect human rights and has created criteria and a mechanism to protect the Council. The Human Rights Council is made up of 47 member states chosen by the UN General Assembly’s 193 members. Members of the HRC are obligated by UN General Assembly […]
CategoriesAdvocacy Country Profile StatementsIn addition to focusing on Russia’s war in Ukraine, the 49th session of the Human Rights Council began with severe concerns raised about China’s human rights problems. High-level officials from France, New Zealand, and the United States have encouraged UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet to disclose her Office’s report on the Uyghur […]
CategoriesStatementsGlobal news organizations claimed they were stopping reporting in Russia to safeguard their journalists following the introduction of a new law that threatens up to 15 years in prison for distributing “fake news.” The BBC said that it had temporarily discontinued reporting in Russia, and Canadian Broadcasting Company and Bloomberg News had also announced that […]
The Washington Center for Human Rights firmly condemns Russia’s premeditated and unprovoked military invasion into Ukraine.We strongly condemn Russian violence in Ukraine, as well as Russia’s violation of Ukrainian sovereignty. Many intelligence officers have been predicting this scenario for months, and it is now unfolding in real time. While Russia has a history of aggression […]
CategoriesAdvocacy StatementsIn view of the current humanitarian crises and violent conflicts in Cameroon, Washington Center for Human Rights encourages President Biden and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to grant Cameroon Temporary Protected Status (TPS). If compelled to return to their home country, an estimated 40,000 Cameroonians living in the United States face horrific violence, displacement, and death. […]
CategoriesAdvocacy StatementsThe House of Representatives passed House Bill No. 10576, known as the Human Rights Defenders Act, on its third and final reading on January 17, 2022. The proposed legislation was passed by 200 members of the House, with no abstentions or votes against it. The House had previously accepted the Bill in 2019, but the […]
CategoriesAdvocacy StatementsThe Biden administration is contemplating an extended home detention and curfew pilot program for immigrants seeking asylum or other protection in U.S. immigration courts, according to Axios. National Immigration Project (NIPNLG), National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC), Detention Watch Network, Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR), Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC, Black Alliance […]
CategoriesStatementsHuman Rights Watch said today that Indian authorities are using politically motivated claims of tax evasion and financial irregularities to suppress human rights activists, journalists, and other opponents of the government. Authorities monetary officers raided journalists’ residences, news offices, an actor’s premises, and the home and office of a human rights activist in September 2021 […]
CategoriesAdvocacy StatementsAfghans who are at risk of being persecuted by advancing Taliban troops require immediate evacuation and international protection. Foreign countries should make obtaining visas and assisting in the safe transit of civilians who may be targeted for abuse by the Taliban due to their former employment or status, as well as their close family members, […]
CategoriesStatementsAccording to Amnesty International, Iranian security forces used unlawful force, including mass arrests, to mercilessly suppress mostly peaceful rallies that erupted across the country in recent weeks. Activists, protestors, and onlookers, including children, have been subjected to enforced disappearance, torture, and other ill-treatment as a result of the surge of arrests. Security personnel unlawfully fired […]
CategoriesAdvocacy StatementsIn a case generally perceived as retaliation for Canada’s detention of a senior Huawei executive wanted by the US, a Chinese court sentenced Canadian businessman Michael Spavor to 11 years in jail on Wednesday. Spavor was sentenced to prison for espionage and exporting state secrets overseas, according to the Dandong City Intermediate People’s Court. The […]