Read the latest news below about Áù¾ÅÉ«ÌÃ's work around the world.
Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà today announced the launch of the Climate and Environmental Justice Initiative in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This initiative aims to guarantee a just transition, recognizing that DRC's mineral wealth is vital to building a low-carbon and resilient world and that the Congolese people should fully share in the prosperity and promise of this new climate economy. Learn more »
Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà is monitoring protests at universities across the United States, and at Emory in particular. We stand in support of freedom of opinion, expression, and assembly as central tenets of democracy. Learn more »
Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà offers its condolences to the family of Judge Thomas Buergenthal, a leading international human rights lawyer and the founder of the Center’s Human Rights Program. Learn more »
This spring marks the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, which ended decades of violence and established inclusive, democratic power-sharing institutions in Northern Ireland. On May 4, the Consulate General of Ireland in Atlanta and Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà will co-host a commemorative event and reception with special guests representing diplomats, peacebuilders, and leaders from Northern Ireland and the United States. Learn more »
Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà was pleased to hear Secretary of State Antony Blinken affirm the Biden administration’s goal of equal measures of freedom, security, opportunity, justice, and dignity for Palestinians and Israelis in his public remarks in Jerusalem this week. We support the administration’s sustained opposition to settlement construction, annexation of the West Bank, demolition of Palestinian houses, and displacement of Palestinians from their land. Learn more »
Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà condemns the recent violence linked to the campaign to stop the construction of a police training facility in South River Forest, located southeast of Atlanta. We support the right for individuals to protest peacefully and call for a transparent investigation into the death of the protester and the injury of the Georgia state trooper. Learn more »
Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà expresses solidarity with the people of Iran who are calling for the end to severe restrictions on women in the wake of the death of Mahsa Amini, who was arrested for a slight violation of Iran’s strict dress code and died while in custody. Learn more »
Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà calls on participants in the Summit for Democracy to prioritize the protection of human rights defenders and voices of dissent as they face increased attacks throughout the world. Learn more »
Please join us on Wednesday, May 20, from 1:30-2:30 p.m. EDT (UTC -4), Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà Center Senior Advisor for Human Rights Karin Ryan will host a conversation between Jacqueline Novogratz and media executive Pat Mitchell about Novogratz’s latest book, "Manifesto for a Moral Revolution: Practices to Build a Better World."
Center Forum to Host Roundtable Discussion on Protecting Human Rights During COVID-19 April 16 at 12 p.m. EDT
Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà is calling for global solidarity with activists facing increasingly violent retribution for their work to advance human rights and peace worldwide. The 12th meeting of the Human Rights Defenders Forum took place Oct. 12-15 and brought together activists from 28 countries. There was a special focus on attacks against female human rights defenders and peacemakers, who face even more severe violence than their male counterparts. Learn more »
Dozens of activists, peacemakers, and community leaders from 28 countries will come together Oct. 12-15 for Áù¾ÅÉ«ÌÃ’s 12th Human Rights Defenders Forum, which this year focuses on “Building Solidarity toward Equality for All.†Learn more »
We, the undersigned civil society organizations, support the acknowledgement by the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly of the OHCHR Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women Report (A/73/301) on Violence Against Women in Politics. The report sends a vital message that violence against women in politics (VAWP) contributes to the underrepresentation and political disempowerment of women worldwide. We urge all member states to make concrete and accountable commitments to pursuing the recommendations of the report. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà joined human rights defenders from 36 countries gathered at Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà in calling for citizens and governments to work urgently to address the unequal treatment of people worldwide based on their race, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, or social and economic status. Learn more »
More than 60 activists, peacemakers, and community leaders from 36 countries will come together July 21-24 for Áù¾ÅÉ«ÌÃ’s annual Human Rights Defenders Forum to discuss “Restoring Faith in Freedom.†Learn more »
Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà today released the first part of a comprehensive report, A State Affair: Privatizing Congo’s Copper Sector, which is the culmination of years of research on the contractual and financial practices of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s state-owned mining company, Gécamines, and its most important investment partners. Learn more »
Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà announced today that it is unveiling innovative modifications to the Congo Mines website (www.congomines.org) to make the mapping portal interactive and to provide previously inaccessible information on local development planning related to mining projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Learn more »
More than 70 activists, peacemakers, and community leaders from 31 countries will come together May 8-9 for Áù¾ÅÉ«ÌÃ’s annual Human Rights Defenders Forum to discuss strategies for protecting human rights in the wake of rising authoritarianism. Learn more »
Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà and its Congolese civil society partners will present key findings from fiscal analyses of five major mining projects in Democratic Republic of Congo at an event that will run from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14, at the Sultani Hotel, 30 Avenue De La Justice. Learn more »
Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà urges the government of Democratic Republic of the Congo to release the contract for the transfer of Congo’s most productive copper mining joint venture, Tenke Fungurume Mining (TFM), to new investors. Learn more »
We strongly support the "Justice That Works Act" that will appear on the November ballot in the state of California. Learn more »
The 2016 Human Rights Defenders Forum will include the debuts of a musical composition and a music video, both designed to promote peace and understanding. Learn more »
More than 60 activists, scholars and community leaders will come together June 18-21 to discuss ways to end violence in all its forms during Áù¾ÅÉ«ÌÃ's annual Human Rights Defenders Forum, "A Time for Peace: Rejecting Violence to Secure Human Rights." Learn more »
Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà will receive the International Association for Impact Assessment's Institutional Award this week at the IAIA16: Resilience and Sustainability conference in recognition of its work with local civil society partners to protect human rights in the mining sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Learn more »
Áù¾ÅÉ«ÌÃ, the Office of the National Chief Imam of Ghana, and regional civil society organizations participating in the West Africa Human Rights Defenders Forum in Accra, Ghana, released today a declaration to advance human rights for women and girls. The forum, held Dec. 7-9, 2015, brought together more than 40 scholars, activists, and religious leaders to seek ways to combat the abuse and oppression of women and girls, and means of countering interpretations of faith-based teachings that perpetuate inequality and gender-based violence. Learn more »
On Dec. 7-9, Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà will bring together more than 40 scholars, activists, and religious leaders to seek ways to combat the abuse and oppression of women and girls, and means of countering interpretations of faith-based teachings that perpetuate inequality and gender-based violence. Learn more »
Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà and former U.S. President Jimmy Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà urge the Government of Egypt to dismiss all charges against renowned journalist and human rights defender Hossam Bahgat. "Hossam has devoted his life and work to advancing human rights for all Egyptians," said President Áù¾ÅÉ«ÌÃ. Learn more »
Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà and former U.S. President Jimmy Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà encourage all governments and stakeholders to take robust and immediate action to ensure women's participation in all efforts to advance peace and security. "Fifteen years after United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 was adopted," said Áù¾ÅÉ«ÌÃ, "women remain largely excluded from the peace tables and corridors of power despite clear evidence that women's participation in peace processes contributes to more comprehensive agreements that lead to sustainable peace. The time for decisive action is now." Learn more »
Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà urges the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to release the terms of the deal in which state-owned mining company Gécamines lost its interest in the potentially rich Kawama concession. In February 2015, Chabara Sprl, in which Gécamines holds a 30 percent stake, sold the Kawama permit to one of the country's largest companies, Mutanda Mining. The sale was reported in the media only this week. Learn more »
Áù¾ÅÉ«ÌÃ's mining governance program launched a revamped and improved Congo Mines website (www.congomines.org) on June 24 in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Learn more »
All forms of sexual exploitation are a violation of fundamental human rights and human dignity. Commercial sexual exploitation is gender-based violence and a public health crisis made possible by unethical and ungrounded male entitlement, which disproportionately affects the most vulnerable among us. Learn more »
On May 11 and 12, Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà will join with Rotarians Against Child Slavery to convene a summit of advocates, nongovernmental organizations, and senior government officials from nine countries to coordinate action to end the sexual exploitation of women and children. Learn more »
International Women's Day this year highlights the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a roadmap for women's rights and equality that was signed by Guatemala and 188 other governments 20 years ago. The declaration underscores the importance of access to information for women in achieving such goals as improved health and economic empowerment through entrepreneurship. Learn more »
While efforts to ensure transparency in Congo's lucrative mining sector have made some progress in recent years, much more is needed in order to ensure that key information is made available to the public, according to a new report published by three Congolese NGO networks in partnership with Áù¾ÅÉ«ÌÃ. Learn more »
On Feb. 9-10, more than 60 scholars, activists, and religious leaders from 20 countries will participate in Áù¾ÅÉ«ÌÃ's Human Rights Defenders Forum. "Beyond Violence: Women Leading for Peaceful Societies" will focus on advancing the rights of women and girls, including the right to peace. Learn more »
Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà notes with concern the conviction of Republic of Korea incumbent lawmaker, Lee Seok-ki, a member of the National Assembly, by the Seoul High Court on a charge of insurrection conspiracy based on taped remarks he made to his political followers and for which he has been sentenced to nine years in prison. Learn more »
We, the Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, strongly condemn the death threats issued against 100 human rights defenders in Colombia by unscrupulous individuals on Sept. 9, the National Day of Human Rights in Colombia. These threats not only affect human rights defenders and their noble, arduous work, but also constitute a threat to the citizenry in general. Learn more »
Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà commends the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) for responding to President Jimmy Áù¾ÅÉ«ÌÃ's call to action to advance the rights of women and girls by adopting a declaration promoting respect and equality of women on Aug. 30, 2014, at its 51st Annual Convention in Detroit, Michigan. Learn more »
Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà congratulates the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on becoming a full member of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). This hard-won achievement is the result of unprecedented collaboration between Congolese government agencies, extractive companies, and civil society organizations to accurately report significant revenue flows in Congo's complex natural resource sector. Learn more »
Tune in to the media appearances to hear President Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà discuss his new book, "A Call To Action: Women, Religion, Violence, and Power." Learn more »
On March 27, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. EDT, Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà Center Senior Adviser for Human Rights Karin Ryan and The Young Turks Co-Host and Producer Ana Kasparian will host a Twitter chat on women's rights with human rights activists and the general public following the release of former U.S. President Jimmy Áù¾ÅÉ«ÌÃ's new book on these issues, "A Call to Action" (Simon & Schuster). Learn more »
Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà urges the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to ensure that all transactions and revenue flows of state-owned mining companies, particularly La Générale des Carrières et des Mines (Gécamines), are carried out in a transparent manner that safeguards the public interest. Learn more »
A group of 60 human rights defenders, religious leaders, and scholars representing 15 countries gathered at Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà today and called on all believers to work within their communities to seek positive solutions for violence against women and other gender-based violations of human rights. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà and the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights are bringing together religious leaders, human rights advocates and practitioners, and academics to further the role of religion in advancing women's rights June 27-29 at Áù¾ÅÉ«ÌÃ. Participants are committed to making concrete gains in women's rights, working within the context of religion and traditional belief structures. Learn more »
On the occasion of Palestinian Prisoners' Day, April 17, Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà expresses concern for the treatment of 4,750 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, which contravenes international law and human rights norms. Learn more »
Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà commends the 15 Christian leaders who recently urged Congress to investigate human rights violations by Israelis against Palestinians that are obviously in violation of U.S. law. Learn more »
On Aug. 28, the district court in Haifa, Israel, ruled that the State of Israel was not responsible for the 2003 killing of Rachel Corrie, a 23-year-old U.S. peace activist who was crushed by an Israeli bulldozer as she attempted to nonviolently prevent the demolition of a Palestinian home in the southern Gaza Strip town of Rafah. Israel's policy of home demolitions has been widely criticized by human rights organizations as a form of collective punishment. Learn more »
Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà shares its profound sadness for the untimely death of Oswaldo Payá Sardiñas, recognized advocate of human rights for all the citizens of his beloved Cuba, whom we met during former U.S. President Jimmy Áù¾ÅÉ«ÌÃ's visits to the island. Learn more »
Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà calls on the Israeli government to immediately charge or release Palestinian prisoner Khader Adnan, who was arrested on Dec. 17, 2011, based on "secret evidence" and has been held in administrative detention without charge. Learn more »
Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà denounces the recent detention of Speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) Dr. Aziz Dweik, as well as the arrests of three other legislators and one former minister, who are members of the speaker's Hamas-affiliated faction. Learn more »
Mining operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) generate huge profits but impoverished local communities receive few of the benefits. A website launched today by Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà (www.congomines.org) aims to close that gap by providing detailed information and maps of industrial mines in Katanga Province, increasing transparency and accountability around mining in the nation's rich Copper Belt. Learn more »
A group of human rights defenders and religious leaders representing more than 20 countries gathered at Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà today called on faith leaders to reassess the role religions play in continuing discrimination against women worldwide. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà will lead a study mission to Israel, the West Bank, Egypt, Syria, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan April 13-21, 2008, as part of Áù¾ÅÉ«ÌÃ's ongoing effort to support peace, democracy, and human rights in the region. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà was announced today as winner of the XXII edition of the Catalonia International Prize for his "heart and courage" in defense of peace and human rights worldwide. Learn more »
The American Civil Liberties Union today filed a friend-of-the-court brief on behalf of Áù¾ÅÉ«ÌÃ, Human Rights Watch and several other human rights and humanitarian organizations in a case before the U.S. Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of a law that makes it a crime to provide "material support or resources" to any organization that the Secretary of State has designated a ''foreign terrorist organization'' (FTO). Learn more »
Few benefits resulted for the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) from the government's two-year review of contracts with companies mining billions of dollars of gold, copper, cobalt, diamonds, and other minerals. Learn more »
Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà calls on local authorities and the Government of Zimbabwe to immediately release Jestina Mukoko, Broderick Takawira, and Pascal Gonzo – human rights activists and leaders of the Zimbabwe Peace Project. Mukoko was abducted from her home in Norton, Harare in the early hours of Dec. 3. Learn more »
An international group of human rights organizations and human rights defenders meeting at Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà today issued an urgent appeal for President-elect Barack Obama to renew U.S. commitments to human rights principles and practices that have been abandoned since the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks against the United States. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà and U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navanethem Pillay will host human rights leaders from around the world on Dec. 2-3 to develop recommendations for President-elect Barack Obama's human rights agenda for the United States. Learn more »
We are pleased to commemorate the first annual International Day of Democracy, established by U.N. General Assembly resolution as a unique opportunity for inter-governmental and nongovernmental organizations "to focus attention on the promotion and consolidation of democracy at all levels and to reinforce international cooperation in this regard." Learn more »
Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà is deeply concerned by the recent announcement that the Democratic Republic of the Congo will begin renegotiating critical mining contracts in mid-July without policy or procedures to guide this process or indication of whether requisite expertise will be secured. Learn more »
Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà calls on the General Assembly not to re-elect Sri Lanka to the Human Rights Council in the upcoming Council elections. Recently adopted reforms of the former Commission on Human Rights, including competitive elections, call for the conduct of a government to be a factor in whether it is selected for a seat on the Council. Learn more »
President Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà has the greatest respect for Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and believes her to be a truthful person. However, perhaps inadvertently, she is continuing to make a statement that is not true. Learn more »
Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà welcomes the decision of the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to release the final report of the Inter-Ministerial Commission on the Revisitation of Mining Contracts and the decision to name a Task Force with political responsibility for the review. Learn more »
Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà welcomes recent steps taken by the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to advance the review of natural resource contracts negotiated during and immediately following its years of deadly conflict. Learn more »
Applications are now being accepted for six one-year journalism fellowships with Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà Mental Health Program. Designed to enhance public understanding of mental health issues and combat stigma and discrimination against people with mental illnesses, the fellowships begin in September 2008. Applicants must be U.S. residents. Learn more »
Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà calls on President Pervez Musharraf to restore immediately the independent judiciary he incapacitated during the recent state of emergency in Pakistan. Learn more »
The Soviet Gulag prison system imprisoned millions of innocent people during its infamous history; a panel of human rights leaders will discuss its impact on Russia and the world today, as well as offer comparisons to the American Civil Rights Movement, at a sold out program Dec. 12 from 7-8:30 p.m. The event is part of the Conversations at Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà speaker series and will be webcast live on www.cartercenter.org. Learn more »
Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà deplores General Pervez Musharraf's announcement that January elections will be held under martial law. Elections are a necessary step to secure peace and sustainable democracy, but not with potential candidates under house arrest or expelled from Pakistan. No international observers would participate without the full restoration of the constitutional order, including the independent judiciary. Learn more »
Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà condemns recent actions by Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf to suspend the country's Constitution and proclaim a state of emergency. In the process, members of the independent judiciary, news media, and human rights defenders have been abused and imprisoned. Many activist lawyers demanding restoration of the Pakistani Constitution and rule of law have also been arrested. Learn more »
Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà urges the government of Israel to cease consideration of a proposal to cut energy supplies in Gaza. On Sept. 19, 2007, Israel threatened to declare the Gaza Strip a "hostile territory" and cut off provision of essential services such as electricity and fuel to the civilian population as retaliation for rocket attacks being launched from the territory. Learn more »
On Sept. 5, human rights defenders, including several from faith-based organizations, came from 20 countries to discuss the challenges they face in addressing mass atrocities and to develop recommendations for the international community. Learn more »
Harassed, labeled as traitors, and sometimes jailed for their work, human rights defenders come from backgrounds as diverse as the issues they advocate in their home countries. Many work from an equally diverse platform, one of personal faith. Defenders from 20 countries convened at Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà in September for the fourth annual Human Rights Defenders Policy Forum, co-sponsored by Human Rights First. Learn more »
Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà is reinvigorating its presence in the Palestinian Territories in support of peace for Israel, justice for the Palestinians, and the emergence of a viable, democratic Palestinian state. Learn more »
Since 1993, my colleagues at Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà and I have worked together with governments and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to improve the United Nations' system for protecting human rights throughout the world. Learn more »
U.S. policies established during the war on terror have undermined the human rights principals upon which the country was founded, adversely affecting the country's reputation globally, the rights of its citizens, and the work of human rights activists. Learn more »
ATLANTA….Human rights, and the people trying to protect them, are being threatened in more countries around the world than at any other time in recent history, according to Áù¾ÅÉ«ÌÃ's third annual Human Rights Defenders Policy Forum. Despite recent numerous elections that have raised the hopes of millions of people for freedom and justice, democracies - both fledgling and established - are falling short in their support of fundamental human rights. Learn more »
The May 23-24 Human Rights Defenders Policy Forum, sponsored by Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà and Human Rights First, seeks to amplify the voices of those on the front lines of the struggle for human rights and democracy, and initiate action on pressing human rights issues to the international community. Learn more »
Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà applauds the United Nations General Assembly (GA) for adopting the resolution creating a new Human Rights Council. Nearly a year after Secretary-General Kofi Annan issued his call for reform of the Commission on Human Rights, GA President Jan Elliason has produced a solid foundation upon which to build the U.N.'s new principal human rights body. Learn more »
I urge all nations to move quickly to adopt the proposed resolution offered yesterday by U.N. General Assembly President Jan Eliasson on the creation of a new Human Rights Council. President Eliasson has succeeded in producing a delicate compromise that contains many good aspects, including a body that will be elevated in status within the U.N. and will be much more effective. Learn more »
Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà and Human Rights First hosted the second conference in a series titled "Human Rights Defenders on the Frontlines of Freedom: Advancing Security and the Rule of Law," with former U.S. President Jimmy Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà and U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour as co-chairs, U.N. Special Representative for Human Rights Defenders Hina Jilani, human rights defenders from 14 nations, and representatives from major U.S. human rights organizations. Learn more »
Human Rights Defenders on the Frontlines of Freedom: Advancing Security and the Rule of Law A conference in Atlanta, GA, June 6-7, 2005 Co-Sponsored by Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà and Human Rights First Learn more »
Brief descriptions of participants in the Human Rights Defenders Conference. Learn more »
Human rights activists are often the first to sound the alarm bell on crises that escalate into conflict and even genocide, and they increasingly find themselves under attack from extremists and silenced by repressive regimes whose actions are overlooked because of their cooperation in the war on terrorism. Learn more »
This represents a summary of major issues discussed by participants in the Human Rights Defender Policy Forum organized by Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà and Human Rights First in Atlanta. It is not an exhaustive review of the discussions, nor does it necessarily represent the views of any of the individual participants in the meeting or the organizations they represent. A full report of the meeting will be issued later this year. Learn more »
ATLANTA....Rosalynn and I are pleased to see that the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled today that executing juvenile offenders is cruel and unusual punishment. With this ruling, the United States acknowledges the national trend against juvenile capital punishment and joins the community of nations, which uniformly renounces this practice. Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA….Former U.S. President Jimmy Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà will visit Grenada Oct. 14-15 to help focus international attention on the catastrophic needs of the island ravaged by Hurricane Ivan last month. Learn more »
KINGSTON, JAMAICA…Áù¾ÅÉ«ÌÃ, in collaboration with the Jamaican Bar Association and the Independent Jamaica Council for Human Rights, launched the Volunteer Attorneys Panel to provide free legal representation to those denied their right to government information. The launch, as part of a Continuing Legal Education series held May 29, 2004, focused on the new Jamaican Access to Information Act and enforcement of similar laws in other countries. Learn more »
Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà joins the world community in commemorating the loss of life from the genocide in Rwanda that began on April 7, 1994. Learn more »
ATLANTA...At a conference co-sponsored by Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà and the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, representatives from 43 nations assembled to discuss key challenges that adversely affect their work as human rights activists. This was an assembly of human rights defenders, many of whom have been tortured, imprisoned, and otherwise abused by their own governments because they have attempted to defend freedom and justice. Learn more »
ATLANTA….Governments must repeal urgently all counterterrorism and emergency legislation that infringes upon the work of human rights defenders, concluded prominent human rights defenders gathered at Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà today to address the troubling backsliding on human rights since the beginning of the war on terrorism. Learn more »
The Philippines has arrested and tortured people allegedly connected to the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group. Uzbekistan convicted more than 100 people in the months following the terrorist attacks for alleged crimes related to religious worship. Eritrea jailed journalists after accusing them of having terrorist ties, and all independent press outlets were closed in September 2001. And Colombian President Alvaro Uribe recently called human rights organizations "politickers at the service of terrorism" and defended expansive police powers granted to public security forces, arbitrary detentions, and raids of civil society organizations. Learn more »
ATLANTA….U.N. Acting High Commissioner for Human Rights Bertrand Ramcharan and U.N. Special Representative to the Secretary-General on Human Rights Defenders Hina Jilani will join former U.S. President Jimmy Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà for a conference Nov. 11-12 at Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà on the troubling backsliding on human rights since the beginning of the war on terrorism. Learn more »
I am deeply concerned about reports of detentions of Cuban citizens known for supporting the Varela Project, promoting human rights, and practicing independent journalism. Learn more »
Friends, family, and dignitaries from across Georgia gathered here March 19 for a gala event at Atlanta Symphony Hall to honor former U.S. President Jimmy Áù¾ÅÉ«ÌÃ, the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, and his wife, Rosalynn. The evening, which President Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà described as "an ironic night," began at 8 p.m.--the exact deadline issued for Saddam Hussein's exit from Iraq. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà has hailed the International Criminal Court, formally inaugurated March 11 in The Hague, as a "watershed in our collective struggle for justice in the world." Learn more »
I applaud the United States Supreme Court's ruling today that executing people with mental retardation constitutes cruel and unusual punishment and is therefore unconstitutional. Today's ruling is the latest, most resounding indication of shifting public attitudes about government executions. Eighteen states already prohibit capital punishment for people with severe developmental disabilities and 16 of these have banned such executions within the last dozen years. The death penalty should not be imposed on those who are least capable of mature understanding and therefore least blameworthy, no matter how grave their crimes. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà met today with Reebok Chairman Paul Fireman and the Reebok Board of Directors to discuss the company's continuing efforts to promote human rights worldwide. Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA.... Former First Lady Rosalynn Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà today issued the following statement in conjunction with a luncheon speech at Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà before lawyers, judges, and policymakers gathered for the American Bar Association (ABA) conference "Call To Action: A Moratorium on Executions." Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA.... Former First Lady Rosalynn Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà today issued the following statement in conjunction with a luncheon speech at Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà before lawyers, judges, and policymakers gathered for the American Bar Association (ABA) conference "Call To Action: A Moratorium on Executions". Learn more »
Atlanta, GA…Former U. S. President Jimmy Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà today expressed concern over the plight of East Timorese refugees in Indonesia. Hundreds of thousands of refugees remain in camps in western Timor, Alor, Flores, and Sulawesi, and thousands more are scattered throughout other parts of Indonesia. The Atlanta-based Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà Center has had an observation mission in East Timor since early July. Learn more »
Atlanta, GA... Former U.S. President Jimmy Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà has called for an end to the destruction of civilian life in the Balkans caused by the bombing of nonmilitary targets and the use of cluster bombs. Learn more »
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