December Series: Conversations for International Human Rights Day

• Join us on December 6th to delve into the pressing issue of access to asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border with a discussion between Christina Asenscio, Director of Research & Analysis, Refugee Protection, and Felicia Rangel-Samponaro, Director of The Sidewalk School for Children Asylum Seekers, an organization that provides services to asylum seekers and migrants in the Mexican border towns of Matamoros and Reynosa, opposite the Rio Grande Valley in Texas. They will provide insight into the current challenges and risks faced by migrant children and adults who are stranded in Mexico waiting to obtain CBP One appointments to seek U.S. asylum protection.

2. Supporting Human Rights Defenders Globally

Date: Thursday, December 7th, 11:00 AM EST

• On December 7th, Senior Advisor Brian Dooley and Ingeborg Moa, Executive Director of the Norwegian Human Rights Fund, will engage in a discussion about the efforts to support human rights defenders globally. The conversation will explore the initiatives required to make cities like Oslo safe havens for human rights defenders and the challenges and opportunities faced in this pursuit.

3. Afghan Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Pakistan: Challenges and Pathways

Date: Monday, December 11th, 12:00 PM EST

• Stay tuned for an upcoming event featuring Seelai Karzai, our Afghanistan Advocacy Campaign Manager. The discussion will revolve around the impact of Afghan asylum seekers in Pakistan, seeking permanent refuge amid the challenges upon being forcibly returned to Afghanistan. Karzai will shed light on the path these individuals take to successfully seek asylum in the face of recent adversities.

Recordings of the three conversations.

Learn more about this topic:

• Correcting the record: the reality of U.S. asylum process and outcomes
• The U.S. needs a human rights institute to reform the international system
• Human Rights First calls on the U.S. to protect Afghans in Pakistan