Religious Freedom

On-Going

Crisis

Past Work

What's Going On

Governments and non-state actors around the world have committed violent abuses against individuals on the basis of their religious beliefs or lack of such beliefs.

Where It's Happening

What We're Doing

Through our targeted sanctions coalition, Human Rights First is helping civil society partners and others use tools like Global Magnitsky sanctions to promote accountability for those who commit serious human rights abuse in denying the freedom of religion or belief of others.

Join the Work

Interested civil society organizations can join our coalition to understand whether and how sanctions tools can help protect these rights.

Religious Freedom

Authoritarianism

On Bloody Sunday’s 50th Anniversary: Frustration at New British Proposal to Hide the Truth

This Sunday, at 4pm Irish time, people all over the world will put lighted candles in their windows to mark the anniversary of the Bloody Sunday Massacre in Derry. They…

Blog

Authoritarianism

EGYPT

Topics

Trump’s National Security Strategy Doesn’t Reflect His Reality

Yesterday, the Trump Administration released its National Security Strategy (NSS) describing the administration’s national security priorities and its proposed approach to them. The NSS acknowledges of the importance of diplomacy, supporting our…

Blog

Authoritarianism

Testimony of Robert G. Berschinski

Chairman DeSantis, Ranking Member Lynch, and members of the subcommittee, thank you for giving me the opportunity to testify today regarding the U.S. government’s important role in protecting international religious…

Testimony

Authoritarianism

Aligning American Foreign Policy to Protect Religious Freedom

On Tuesday Secretary of State Rex Tillerson delivered a speech to mark the release of the State Department’s annual International Religious Freedom Report. Human Rights First’s Rob Berschinski spoke to NPR’s All Things Considered about Tillerson’s remarks.…

Blog

Extremism

Issues Facing the Next President of France: Will Disruption Further Divide?

France’s presidential election is a potential turning point for Europe, which continues to reel from Britain’s decision to exit the European Union. Ethno-nationalist populism has been gaining ground in France…

Issue Brief

Authoritarianism

Supreme Court Reschedules Jennings Immigration Detention Case

New York City—Human Rights First today expressed its concern over the Supreme Court’s decision to schedule the Jennings v. Rodriguez case for reargument in its next session, a move that will leave many…

Press

Authoritarianism

World Refugee Day Community Iftar

By Saadia H. Khan and Emma Bernstein Saadia: As a practicing Muslim born and raised in the United States, I fast during the holy month of Ramadan every year. Muslims across…

Blog

Authoritarianism

Cairo Cathedral Bombing Indicates Worsening Climate for Egypt’s Christian Minority

Cairo – Human Rights First condemns the brutal terrorist attack on Christian worshipers in a chapel adjacent to Cairo’s main Coptic Christian cathedral. The organization expresses its sympathy for all the…

Press

Systemic Injustice

Faith Leaders Join Forces against Trump’s Executive Order

(Image courtesy of Interfaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington) Thousands of faith leaders have voiced strong opposition to President Trump’s executive order banning immigrants—including refugees— from several predominately Muslim countries. Faith-based…

Blog

Extremism

Freedom of Expression and Religious Tolerance Under Fire in Germany

By Timothy Meyers As Human Rights First’s Susan Corke reported last week, Germany faces an array of daunting challenges, from the refugee crisis to the rise of the far right to…

Blog