Human Rights First Human Rights First

Firstcast – Human Rights First’s Podcast

Subscribe now!

Subscribe to FirstCast on iTunes and other platforms

FirstCast is a podcast by Human Rights First, providing news and in-depth analysis on human rights issues around the globe.

Subscribe Instantly»


Pride Month: Celebrating and Advocating for LGBTI Persons Around the World

6-24-2011

Pride Month: Celebrating and Advocating for LGBTI Persons Around the World [ 6 min 34 s | 2.25 MB ] Play in Popup | Download (908)

June is Pride Month, celebrating Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex rights around the world. Here in the United States, supporters of LGBTI rights are able to voice their enthusiasm and participate in marches, a testament to the strength of our democracy. Unfortunately, that’s not the case everywhere. Recent attacks during the Pride Marches in Croatia, Poland and Russia only adds to the fact that LGBTI persons around the world continue to be persecuted and suffer from violent hate crimes. In this week’s podcast, we focus on celebrating and advocating for rights of LGBTI persons.

After F1 Setback, Bahrain’s Crackdown Still on High Gear

6-17-2011

After F1 Setback, Bahrain’s Crackdown Still on High Gear [ 10 min 36 s | 9.77 MB ] Play in Popup | Download (390)

June 1st marked the end of over two months of a state of emergency in Bahrain. Despite the push from the Bahraini government to convince the world that things are back to normal, the situation on the ground has not improved. The motivations behind lifting the oxymoronic “state of national safety” may have been more of economic interest than a real assessment of the country’s stability. Listen to this week’s podcast and learn more about Bahraini human rights defenders cope with the continuing crackdown post-June 1st.

LGBTI “Pride” in Uganda Means Fighting for Basic Rights and Freedom

6-10-2011

LGBTI “Pride” in Uganda Means Fighting for Basic Rights and Freedom [ 9 min 21 s | 3.21 MB ] Play in Popup | Download (806)

As we celebrate LGBTI Pride Month in the United States, we should also celebrate those who continue to fight for basic rights and freedoms of LGBTI persons in other countries. Ugandan LGBTI activist Julius Kaggwa’s advocacy for equality is an important testament for those in Uganda who have been identified as fringe and whose rights as human beings and citizens are being challenged. Listen to this week’s podcast and learn about Julius’ work on the ground in Uganda and the current state of the controversial Anti-homosexuality bill.

Getting the Torture Argument Right: It Doesn’t Work

5-27-2011

Getting the Torture Argument Right: It Doesn’t Work [ 8 min 30 s | 2.92 MB ] Play in Popup | Download (4649)

It is tempting to ignore the “torture worked” jubilation and to refuse to engage with those whose claims damage the moral fabric of the United States. The fact that this debate is again rearing its ugly head may be less a consequence of substance than one of politics. Listen to this week’s podcast for analysis on the recent torture debate rising from the death of Osama bin Ladin.

Bahrainis Await U.S. Response to Human Rights Abuses

5-20-2011

Bahrainis Await U.S. Response to Human Rights Abuses [ 7 min 25 s | 10.19 MB ] Play in Popup | Download (360)

President Obama took an impressive first step towards defining a framework for U.S foreign policy in the Middle East that is grounded in sustained support and promotion of human rights and democracy. With the U.S. being muted over the past few months about abuses in Bahrain, it has much work to do to help people in the region establish universal rights—including the right to elect representatives. Listen to the latest podcast for an analysis on President Obama’s Middle East speech and an outline of what the U.S. could take to support democracy and human rights in Bahrain and other countries in the region.
« Older Entries
Newer Entries »