Join HRF this Friday for a Staged Reading of Vaclav Havel’s “The Memorandum”
January 25, 2012

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) is pleased to announce that a staged reading of “The Memorandum”—an award-winning play written by HRF’s late chairman Václav Havel—is being held to benefit HRF this Friday, January 27, at the 45th Street Theatre in New York, NY, from 8:00pm to 10:30pm. Havel, the first president of the Czech Republic and a champion of human rights, passed away on December 18, 2011.

A satire of oppressive bureaucracy and the stifling of freedom of expression under Soviet domination in Czechoslovakia, “The Memorandum” is a witty depiction of an office tasked with adopting the impossible language “Ptydepe.” Havel’s provocative work won the 1967-1968 Obie Award for Best Foreign Play.

Tickets are by donation and will be available at the theatre entrance or in advance by calling (212) 246.8486. All donations will be tax-deductible. Cash, credit, or checks will be accepted. The reading will take place on January 27, 2012, from 8:00pm to 10:30pm at the 45th Street Theater, 354 West 45th Street (btw. 8th and 9th Ave.), New York, NY.

Please visit the event’s page on Facebook for more information.

HRF Denounces SOPA

HRF has joined an international network of civil society and human rights group—organized by the nonprofit group Access—and signed a letter urging the U.S. Congress to reject the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) because of the dangers posed to freedom of expression by the legislation. Voting on SOPA was delayed in Congress due to unprecedented online petitioning from diverse organizations, companies, and millions of citizens. However, the threat of censorship from similar legislation is still imminent. HRF condemns any law such as SOPA that restricts freedom of expression while legislating online piracy.

Read the letter to Congress urging the rejection of SOPA, signed by HRF here.

HRF Submits Pakistan Report to UN Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women
January 23, 2012

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) has submitted a legal report to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women that examines Pakistan's shortcomings in meeting its obligation to prevent violence against women.

Although Pakistan has ratified and passed legislation to eliminate violence and discrimination, women continue to be victims of honor killings, forced marriages, and rape as a form of retribution—crimes that are largely unpunished. [more]

Ecuador: High Court Confirms Three Years of Prison and $40M Fine for Journalist Critical of the President
January 5, 2012

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) condemns the decision of Ecuador's highest court that upholds the prison sentence against a journalist who wrote an editorial critical of President Rafael Correa.

"Correa was elected democratically but he behaves like an autocrat. In a democracy, you don't send people to jail for criticizing leaders," said Thor Halvorssen, president of HRF. "The court's decision in the Emilio Palacio case sends a chill throughout independent journalism in Ecuador, and calls into question the independence of judicial power in that country," he said. [more]

Vaclav Havel, 1936-2011—HRF in Mourning for its Departed Chairman—"Truth and love must prevail over lies and hate"
December 18, 2011

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) joins the millions upon millions who note with great sadness the passing this morning of Václav Havel, the Czech leader, playwright, poet, former political prisoner, and human rights activist. Havel, 75, was chairman of HRF’s Board of Directors and International Council. [more]

HRF in Forbes: "How Do We Achieve Peace?"

December 9, 2011

The Nobel Peace Prize will be awarded in a few hours here in the Norwegian capital. A legacy of Swedish businessman and inventor Alfred Nobel, the nobility of its aim, to reward those who strive for peace, is seldom questioned, given that the answer seems evident. Of course we should choose peace over war, life over death. But let’s take the inquiry further: What kind of peace is desirable, and how do we achieve it? [more]

• Read the article in Forbes here
• Read the press release "HRF congratulates Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, Liberia's Leymah Gbowee" here.

HRF announces its membership in the International Committee to Support Liu Xiaobo

December 9, 2011

On the eve of the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, the Human Rights Foundation announces its membership in the International Committee to Support Liu Xiaobo. Consisting of intellectuals, artists, experts on China, and human rights activists—including five Nobel Peace Prize Laureates— the International Committee will inform, defend, and advocate for the release of the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Liu Xiaobo and his wife Liu Xia, both detained in China. HRF here distributes the media advisory regarding the existence of the committee. [more]

HRF In the Huffington Post and the Daily Caller: "Uganda: A Brutal Reality Obscured" 

December 7, 2011

General Yoweri Museveni has ruled Uganda for more than 25 years. Since taking power in a 1986 military coup, he has stacked this Central African country's voting commission with his henchmen and stolen its elections. [more]

• Read the article in the Huffington Post here
• Read the article in the Daily Caller here
• Read the article in The European Courier here

HRF Mourns The Passing of Charles Hoeflich
November 29, 2011

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) is saddened by the passing of Charles H. Hoeflich, founding director of HRF. Charlie, as we knew him, died yesterday morning at the age of 97, at his home in Bedminster, Pennsylvania. [more]

HRF in the National Review Online: "Checkpoint Charlie Museum: One man’s heroic determination to fight tyranny with truth"

November 9, 2011

While there are hundreds of military museums around the world, Haus am Checkpoint Charlie, or the Checkpoint Charlie Museum, is one of few memorials that expressly document the tyrannical force of dictatorship — in this instance, the Communist cruelty that operated with an iron fist thanks to a methodically conceived Iron Curtain. The museum ranks with far wealthier museums that document the horrors of fascist tyranny, such as the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. [more]

• Read the article in the National Review Online here

HRF Co-Sponsors Oxford University Press Book on “Responsibility to Protect” (R2P)

November 4, 2011

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) announces the publication of The Responsibility to Protect: The Promise of Stopping Mass Atrocities in Our Time, an Oxford University Press book co-sponsored by HRF’s Center for Law and Democracy. Written by a global team of authors, this international law volume provides a comprehensive overview of how the “responsibility to protect” developed and how it can best be applied to current and future humanitarian crises. [more]

Ecuador: HRF to High Court: Overturn $40 Million Verdict Against Emilio Palacio and El Universo

October 31, 2011

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) sent a letter today to the magistrates of the National Court of Justice of Ecuador (NCJE), exhorting them to overturn the verdict that sentenced journalist Emilio Palacio and three executives of El Universo newspaper to three years in prison and ordered them to pay USD 40 million in damages to Rafael Correa, the president of Ecuador. HRF’s letter to the magistrates was accompanied by a legal report that analyzes Palacio’s case under international human rights law. [more]

• Read the letter that HRF sent to the magistrates of the National Court of Justice of Ecuador (NCJE) here
• Read HRF's legal report that analizes Palacio's case under international human rights law here

Cuba: HRF mourns the passing of Laura Pollán, leader of the Ladies in White

October 17, 2011

NThe Human Rights Foundation (HRF) expresses its profound sadness over the death of Laura Pollán, founder and leader of the Ladies in White, a Cuban civil society group that organizes peaceful weekly protests in support of political prisoners. Pollán, who was 63

years old and the wife of a former political prisoner, passed away on Friday evening after suffering cardiac arrest at a hospital in Havana. In the year prior to her death, Pollán conducted two exclusive interviews with HRF, smuggled out of Cuba and published on YouTube. [more]

• Watch HRF's first interview with Laura Pollán here
• Watch HRF's second interview with Laura Pollán here
• Watch Laura Pollán's last interview in CNN in Spanish here

Hilary Swank apologizes—Pleads Ignorance; But Will She Keep Chechen Warlord’s Money?

October 13, 2011

Earlier today, actress Hilary Swank apologized in a written statement for attending Chechen warlord Ramzan Kadyrov’s birthday celebration. "I deeply regret attending this event," Swank said. "If I had a full understanding of what this event was apparently intended to be, I would never have gone." [more]

• Read the letter HRF sent to Shakira (English and Spanish)
• Read HRF's press release "Celebrities attend festivities of Chechnya’s human rights violator-in-chief; President Ramzan Kadyrov celebrated by Hilary Swank and Jean-Claude Van Damme"

Celebrities attend festivities of Chechnya’s human rights violator-in-chief; President Ramzan Kadyrov celebrated by Hilary Swank and Jean-Claude Van Damme

October 7, 2011

This week, Hilary Swank, Jean-Claude Van Damme and violinist Vanessa-Mae attended a party in Grozny, Chechnya, to celebrate the 35th birthday of the President of the Chechen Republic, Ramzan Kadyrov. Previously, the Human Rights Foundation (HRF) had sent a letter to the numerous invited celebrities--including Colombian singer Shakira--asking them to reconsider in light of the human rights abuses in Chechnya under Kadyrov. [more]

• Read the letter HRF sent to Shakira (English and Spanish)

HRF congratulates Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, Liberia's Leymah Gbowee

October 7, 2011

This morning Liberian human rights activist Leymah Gbowee, Liberian president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and Yemeni activist Tawakkul Karman were awarded the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize for their non-violent struggle for human rights and peace-building work. This past May, Gbowee was a speaker at the Human Rights Foundation’s 2011 Oslo Freedom Forum. Gbowee created a movement in Liberia to end civil war, the use of child soldiers, and the rape and abuse of women. [more]

HRF’s Response to Durban III: Partnership with “We Have A Dream” Global Summit

September 21, 2011

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) is proud to announce its partnership with the We Have A Dream Global Summit Against Discrimination and Persecution, taking place today and tomorrow in New York.

As world leaders gather at the United Nations Headquarters to commemorate the 2001 Durban conference on racism, discrimination, xenophobia, and intolerance, the Summit—formed by an international coalition of NGOs—will be held as a parallel event. [more]

• For more information about the We Have A Dream Global Summit please visit http://ngosummit.org

• Click here to read Thor Halvorssen's OpEd published in the Huffington Post: "Durban III: A Weapon of Mass Distraction"'

HRF Welcomes IACourtHR Ruling on Case of López Mendoza, Asks Venezuela to Comply

September 19, 2011

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) welcomes the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACourtHR ) ruling in the case of López Mendoza v. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. The ruling, published Friday in Spanish, determined that the disqualification of opposition politician López Mendoza violated his political rights.

The IACourtHR also asked Venezuela to lift Lopez Mendoza’s disqualification. [more]

• Click here to read the amicus curiae that The HRF filed with the IACourtHR

• To learn more about López Mendoza’s case, watch his speech at HRF’s annual conference, the Oslo Freedom Forum, here

• Read the March 1 release “HRF Files Amicus Brief with the Inter-American Court of Human Rights; Court’s Decision Could Set Precedent for Protecting Political Rights” here

• Click here to read Javier El-Hage's OpEd published in the Americas Quarterly: "Leopoldo López V. Venezuela: A Case About Venezuela"

HRF in the Americas Quarterly: "9/11: Also a Call for U.S. Leadership on the Inter-American Democratic Charter"

September 9, 2011

September 11, 2001, is remembered as the day the United States received a dramatic call to lead the world in defeating terrorism. It is also the day the U.S., along with 33 nations of the Americas, signed the Inter-American Democratic Charter (IADC) committing to the collective promotion and protection of democracy. Through ten years of costly wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the U.S. has failed to lead the implementation of the IADC and has stood in the sidelines as democracy has eroded in the Americas. It is time to take action—a peaceful one. [more]

• Click here to learn more about the OAS democracy clause.
  

• Click here to read the letters of the “Mr. Insulza and the Democratic Charter” project.
  

• Click here to read the report “The Facts and the Law behind the Democratic Crisis of Honduras, 2009.”

HRF in The Huffington Post: "More PR Shame: Associated Press Cooperates With Dictatorial Propaganda Machines"

August 15, 2011

Fidel Castro just celebrated his 85th Birthday. One would think that after 52 years of running a police state in Cuba, the media would accept that Castro is a brutal oppressor and tyrant. Comparable, no doubt, to any of the totalitarian despots still alive today. For example, Bashar al-Assad in Syria (41 years of dynastic tyranny) or Teodoro Mbasogo Obiang in Equatorial Guinea (31 years of bloody oppression). Yet, surprisingly, when it comes to North Korea and Cuba, one of the most trusted wire services in the world, the Associated Press (AP), cares more about business than about journalistic ethics and the truth. [more]

HRF in the Americas Quarterly: "Caudillos Can be Already Removed from Office in Honduras - Just Not the Way it Was Done with President Zelaya."

July 18, 2011

Last week, the Honduran Truth and Reconciliation Commission confirmed that the June 28, 2009 forced removal of former President of Honduras Manuel Zelaya was a coup d’état.  This is good news.  Unfortunately, the report goes on to recommend a series of unnecessary constitutional reforms intended to allow for a legal process to remove a president from power.

Problem is: procedures for a special trial against high-ranking state officials are already clearly and unambiguously articulated and regulated in the current constitution.  They just weren’t followed.  Amending the beleaguered Honduran constitution again to address this phantom problem will not only fail to address the fundamental issue behind the events of June 28th, they will further confuse and weaken Honduran rule of law. [read more]

Venezuela: HRF Condemns Two-Year Sentence against Oswaldo Álvarez Paz

July 15, 2011

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) condemns the sentencing of Oswaldo Álvarez Paz for expressing opinions critical of the Venezuelan government on a television program. The sentence was read last night after a 16-month trial. In the next few days, the judge will determine whether Álvarez Paz must serve his two-year sentence in prison or on parole. [more]

Honduras: HRF Finds Truth Commission Report Conclusive and Balanced; Criticizes Recommended Reform of the Constitution

July 13, 2011

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) congratulates the Honduras Truth and Reconciliation Commission (CVR-H) after unveiling its report, calling it conclusive and balanced. In particular, HRF appreciates that the CVR-H based many of its conclusions on the report published by HRF after the June 2009 coup in Honduras. However, HRF criticizes the CVR-H’s conclusions and recommendations regarding the alleged absence of a presidential trial in Honduras and the necessity of constitutional reform. [more]

• Read the PDF version of The Facts and the Law behind the Democratic Crisis of Honduras, 2009-2010.

• Read the PDF version of the letter sent to Eduardo Stein.

• Download the report in Spanish of The Honduras Truth and Reconciliation Commission (CVR-H): To Prevent these Events from Happening Again.

Facebook's Peter Thiel Urges Investing in Human Rights

June 20, 2011

Paypal creator and Facebook, LinkedIn, and Yelp angel investor Peter Thiel explains in The Street why he supports the Human Rights Foundation and the Oslo Freedom Forum and the importance of investing in human rights.

Read the full interview here.

Russian human rights activist Elena Bonner dies at 88

June 20, 2011

Elena Bonner, a pillar of the Soviet human rights movement and a speaker at the inaugural 2009 Oslo Freedom Forum, passed away on June 18, 2011, at the age of 88. Bonner leaves behind a legacy of unwavering opposition against injustice, fighting for the release of political prisoners and demanding democratic reform in Russia. She wed fellow activist and nuclear physicist Andrei Sakharov in 1972, and the husband-and-wife team became a sweeping force for the advancement of human rights. Bonner accepted the Nobel Peace Prize in 1975, on behalf of Sakharov when the Soviet government prevented him from traveling, and she delivered his writings to Moscow from his exile in Gorky. After her husband’s death, Bonner continued their struggle for liberty, becoming an outspoken critic of the war in Chechnya and Russian prime minister Vladimir Putin’s growing authoritarianism. Bonner received numerous human rights awards for her work, including the Rafto Prize in 1991. She is survived by two children, Tatiana I. Yankelevich of Boston and Alexey I. Semyonov of Springfield, Va.; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Watch her speech at the 2009 Oslo Freedom Forum.

Defeating Dictators; Transcending Hate; "Peace is About Action, not Kumbaya;" Human Rights Foundation Releases Oslo Freedom Forum Talks

June 6, 2011

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) released the first set of talks from the 2011 Oslo Freedom Forum. Available now:

• A panel discussion exploring the 'Dawn of a New Arab World,' featuring voices from Libya, Tunisia, Sudan, and Bahrain, and moderated by BBC correspondent Philippa Thomas, with a special introduction by Egyptian internet activist Wael Ghonim.

• Ghanaian economist George Ayittey on 'Defeating Dictators'

• Nobel Prize Laureate Jody Williams on 'Why Peace is About Action, Not Kumbaya'

• Palestinian doctor Izzeldin Abuelaish on 'How to Transcend Hate'

For the first time since the event, held May 9, 10, 11 in Norway, presentations and panel discussions are available at www.OsloFreedomForum.com via YouTube. The full program will be released over the next two weeks, including talks and panel discussions from Mona Eltahawy, Shirin Ebadi, Alejandro Toledo, Zoya Phan, Leymah Gbowee, Barbara Demick, James Fallon and Belisario Betancur. Updates and announcements will be shared on Twitter and Facebook.

Talks from the 2009 and 2010 conferences are already on the site—including speeches from Elie Wiesel, Yoani Sánchez, Benjamin Skinner, Kasha Jacqueline, and Lech Walesa.

Founded to address today's most challenging humanitarian issues, the Oslo Freedom Forum brings together some of the world's remarkable individuals from academia, advocacy, business, media, politics, social entrepreneurship, and technology to collaborate on how best to make an impact on the world around them. The Forum draws attention to issues that matter, inspires action, and sheds light on the extraordinary work of innovators across the globe.

PR Mercenaries, Their Dictator Masters, and the Human Rights Stain

May 19, 2011

Today The Huffington Post published a piece by HRF president Thor Halvorssen on the hiring of Western PR companies by repressive governments--like that of Bahrain--to aid in discrediting critical human rights and democracy advocates.

Read the article in full here.

Cuban Blogger Yoani Sánchez Awarded CEPOS Freedom Prize in Denmark; Forbidden to Leave Cuba—Ceremony To Take Place May 5 in Copenhagen

May 4, 2011

Cuban blogger Yoani Sánchez was denied permission by the Cuban government to travel to Denmark and collect the CEPOS Freedom Award—a $50,000 prize that she was granted by the independent Danish think tank, CEPOS—at the official award ceremony tomorrow night in Copenhagen. Sánchez, author of the world-renowned blog Generación Y and a speaker at the 2010 Oslo Freedom Forum, was nominated for the award by HRF president Thor Halvorssen, who will give the keynote speech at the ceremony in Copenhagen. [more]

A Royal Wedding Divorced of Human Rights Concerns; Dictators Will Eat Wedding Cake

April 28, 2011

Today The Huffington Post published a piece by HRF president Thor Halvorssen about the guests invited to the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Several hundred guests will be in attendance at the royal wedding service at Westminster Abbey. According to the official Royal Wedding media briefing, "all Heads of Mission in London representing countries with which the United Kingdom has normal diplomatic relations" have been invited. These include: Prince Mohamed bin Nawaf bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia, the crown prince of Bahrain, the Syrian ambassador representing Bashar al-Assad, the Belarusian ambassador (representing Alexander Lukashenko), the Burmese ambassador (representing Than Shwe), Princess Lalla Salma of Morocco, the ambassador of Equatorial Guinea (representing Teodoro Obiang Nguema), King Mswati III of Swaziland, and Gabriel Machinga, Robert Mugabe's ambassador from Zimbabwe. [more]

Panama Expels Journalists for Exercising Freedom of the Press; HRF: President Martinelli Must Allow Spanish Journalists Back Into the Country

April 6, 2011

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) sent Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli a letter requesting that he allow journalists and human rights activists Paco Gómez Nadal and Pilar Chato to return safely and immediately to Panama. HRF also published a legal report concluding that on February 28, 2011, these Spanish citizens were detained, arrested, and arbitrarily expelled from Panama for engaging in journalism critical of the government and for conducting legitimate activities as human rights defenders. [more]

• Read HRF's response to President Martinelli's claims regarding the illegal expulsion of Paco Gómez Nadal and Pilar Chato here.

HRF in the Americas Quarterly:Leopoldo López v. Venezuela: A Case Not About Venezuela

April 4, 2011

On March 1-2, 2011, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, an international tribunal established also in 1969 and based in Costa Rica, sat to hear the case of Leopoldo López Mendoza v. the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. The case goes as follows—in 2008, through two administrative resolutions alleging corruption, the Comptroller General of Venezuela disqualified the mayor of the Chacao Municipality, in Caracas, Leopoldo López, to run for office for six years. At the time of his disqualification, López was an almost certain winner of the race for mayor of metropolitan Caracas, the country’s largest electoral district. [more]

Cuba’s Black Spring: HRF demands amnesty for Oscar Elías Biscet and all paroled prisoners of conscience; After his release, Biscet tells HRF he’s in a bigger prison now

March 14, 2011

Following the release of prisoner of conscience Oscar Elías Biscet from prison, the Human Rights Foundation (HRF) demands amnesty for him and for all the prisoners of conscience of Cuba’s Black Spring who have rejected exile to Spain and have instead been released on parole in Cuba.

“I know I’m leaving a small prison for the big prison that is Cuba. Yet I’m very happy and very thankful to God, because after so many years, I go back to my wife here at home,” said Biscet during a telephone call with HRF on March 13. [more]

HRF Files Amicus Brief with the Inter-American Court of Human Rights; Court’s Decision Could Set Precedent for Protecting Political Rights

March 1, 2011

San Jose, Costa Rica – The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) filed an amicus curiae brief with the Inter-American Court of Human Rights in the case of Leopoldo López Mendoza v. the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. According to HRF, which is attending the public hearings beginning today in Costa Rica, the decision of the Court could make this a landmark case against the arbitrary deprivation of political rights. [more]

• Read the amicus curiae brief filed by HRF with the Inter-American Court of Human Rights here.

• To learn more about this case, watch Leopoldo López’s presentation at the Oslo Freedom Forum 2010 here.

HRF Partners with the Lech Walesa Institute and NYU Wagner to Present “Eye on Sudan”

February 16, 2011

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) co-sponsored a panel discussion on the recent referendum in Sudan with the Lech Walesa Institute and NYU Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service. “Eye on Sudan: Challenges After Referendum” featured a panel including Laura Heaton, writer-editor for the Enough Project; Maciej Kuziemski, electoral observer in Sudan for the Lech Walesa Institute; and Jimmy Mulla, president of Voices For Sudan. David L. Phillips, director of the Darfur Initiative at Columbia University’s Institute for the Study of Human Rights, moderated the discussion.

The panel and open question and answer session covered the implications of the referendum on human rights and development and humanitarian aid, as well as immediate challenges that Sudan will face in a region where recent protests in Egypt and Tunisia have changed the political atmosphere. The event also featured an exhibition of exclusive photographs and reporting from the Lech Walesa Institute’s electoral observers in southern Sudan.

• Listen to a podcast recording of the event here.
• Read Laura Heaton's summary of the discussion in the Christian Science Monitor here.

HRF Asks Spain to Recognize the Existence of Prisoners of Conscience in Venezuela

January 28, 2011

Yesterday, the Human Rights Foundation (HRF) sent a letter to Trinidad Jiménez, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Spain. The letter expresses HRF's deepest concern regarding her comments on November 2 and November 16, 2010, about the nonexistence of political prisoners in Venezuela. HRF writes to inform her about the case of Rubén González, a labor leader and prisoner of conscience of the Venezuelan government, as well as to give her a brief overview of the human rights situation in Venezuela.

• See the full text of the letter here.
• Read an article in English by El Universal about the letter here.

HRF Declares Venezuelan Union Leader Rubén González a Prisoner of Conscience; Labor Organizations Join HRF in Demanding His Immediate Release

January 21, 2011

On the one-year anniversary of his imprisonment, the Human Rights Foundation (HRF) declares Rubén González a prisoner of conscience and demands his immediate release. HRF’s declaration was accompanied by the publication of a legal report. “The Chávez government claims to be in favor of workers’ rights, but these do not include the rights of the tens of thousands of Venezuelans working in state-owned corporations,” said Thor Halvorssen, president of HRF. “In his position as Ferrominera’s main union leader, González led thousands of workers on a peaceful strike. The government’s response was to send him to prison and begin his prosecution,” said Halvorssen. [more]

• Read the full release here.
• Read a statement by Thomas R. Donahue, President Emeritus of AFL-CIO and Chairman of the Committee for Free Trade Unionism here.
• Read the case summary on Rubén González's case here.
• Read the full report on his case here.
• Read the AP note published on the case here.

Democrat and Republican Reps Agree: Hold President Hu Accountable for Human Rights

January 19, 2011

China, human rights, and Hu Jintao's visit to Washington: an HRF interview with Congressmen Chris Smith (Republican-NJ) and David Wu (Democrat-OR) at The Huffington Post.

Fire in Oslo Over Liu's Nobel Peace Prize

December 10, 2010

The Huffington Post published a piece by HRF President Thor Halvorssen on the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony, held today in Oslo, Norway. Afghanistan, Algeria, Egypt, China, Cuba, Iraq, Iran, Kazakhstan, Morocco, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tunisia, Venezuela, and Vietnam declared their rejection of the Nobel Peace Prize choice: the heroic Chinese human rights defender Liu Xiaobo. [more]

• Read "Fire in Oslo Over Liu's Nobel Peace Prize" here.
• Read the speech by Liu Xiaobo that was read at the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony here.

United Nations: It's Okay to Kill the Gay

November 23, 2010

Today The Huffington Post published an article by HRF President Thor Halvorssen on the vote of the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly on a special resolution addressing extrajudicial, arbitrary and summary executions. The resolution affirms the duties of member countries to protect the right to life of all people with a special emphasis on a call to investigate killings based on discriminatory grounds. For the past 10 years, the resolution has included sexual orientation as a basis on which some individuals are targeted for death. The West African nation of Benin (on behalf of the UN's African Group) proposed an amendment to strike sexual minorities from the resolution. The amendment was adopted with 79 votes in favor, 70 against, 17 abstentions and 26 absent.

• Read "United Nations: It's Okay to Kill the Gay" here.
• Read this article in Portuguese, published in O Globo in Brazil.

Yoani Sánchez Wins CEPOS Freedom Award

November 16, 2010

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) is pleased to announce that 2010 Oslo Freedom Forum speaker and Cuban blogger Yoani Sánchez was awarded the inaugural CEPOS Freedom Award, in the amount of $50,000, by the independent Danish think tank, CEPOS. Sánchez, author of the world-renowned blog Generación Y, was nominated for the award by HRF President Thor Halvorssen. [more]

Video: “Ladies in White” Continue Peaceful Protest as Cuban Government Breaks Promise to Release Prisoners

November 11, 2010

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) released an exclusive video interview with Laura Pollan, leader of the “Ladies in White,” a civil society group inside Cuba that organizes peaceful Sunday marches for freedom and human rights. The world-renowned group is formed by the families and supporters of political prisoners who were arrested during the “Black Spring” government crackdown on Cuban dissidents. In the video, Pollan asks for the international community to maintain pressure on the Cuban government after it failed to honor its commitment to release all the prisoners by November 7, including 12 who have refused exile into Spain. [more]

Human Rights is Big Winner in Today's Nobel Peace Prize Selection

October 8, 2010

This morning Chinese prisoner of conscience Liu Xiaobo was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Liu is a writer and human rights defender who was chosen by the Nobel Committee for "his long and non-violent struggle for fundamental human rights in China." [more]

Read Thor Halvorssen's article on Liu Xiaobo, at The Huffington Post.

HRF in The Huffington Post: The Meaning of the Venezuelan Election Results

October 1, 2010

Today The Huffington Post published a piece by HRF President Thor Halvorssen on the results of the recent Venezuelan elections. On Monday, Venezuela's electoral council announced that political opposition groups had won the majority of the votes in the election for the national assembly, Venezuela's legislature, while simultaneously announcing that Chavez's party would retain most of the seats.

• Read "The Meaning of the Venezuelan Election Results" here.

HRF in The Huffington Post: Renovating the Rules of UN Backroom Diplomacy

September 24, 2010

Today The Huffington Post published a piece by HRF President Thor Halvorssen and HRF Program Director S.E. Parker on the need to reform the internal structure of the United Nations and enable greater access for NGOs to government representatives.

• Read "Renovating the Rules of UN Backroom Diplomacy" here.

Cuba Video: The “Ladies in White” Steadfast Until Every Political Prisoner is Free

September 1, 2010

In order to provide an accurate backdrop with regard to the announcement of the Cuban government’s release and forced exile of 52 political prisoners, the Human Rights Foundation (HRF) releases an exclusive video documentary short of the “Ladies in White,” a civil society group inside Cuba that organizes peaceful Sunday marches for freedom and human rights. [more]

• See the full video here.

HRF in The Huffington Post: Taiwan Fails to Learn From Its Own History

August 17, 2010

Today The Huffington Post published a piece by HRF President Thor Halvorssen and HRF Director of Institutional Affairs Alex Gladstein on Taiwan's Kuomintang (KMT) government and human rights. Halvorssen and Gladstein visited Taiwan in June at the behest of the country's KMT-led government. A month later, the KMT banned Rebiya Kadeer, the leader of China's Uyghur minority, from entering the country for three years. Kadeer, a human rights advocate and spokesperson for millions of China's repressed Uyghurs, was the keynote speaker at HRF's 2010 Oslo Freedom Forum.

• Read "Taiwan Fails to Learn From Its Own History" here.

HRF in The Washington Post: Behind exhumation of Simón Bolívar is Hugo Chávez’s warped obsession

July 25, 2010

Today The Washington Post published a piece by HRF President Thor Halvorssen on the exhumation of Simón Bolívar carried out on July 16, under Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez's orders.

Read the full article here.

HRF in The Huffington Post: Malaysia's Bridge is Falling Down

July 20, 2010

Today The Huffington Post published a piece by HRF President Thor Halvorssen on the trial of Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim. Ibrahim is the former deputy prime minister of Malaysia and was a speaker at HRF's 2010 Oslo Freedom Forum.

• Read "Malaysia's Bridge is Falling Down" here.

HRF in The Washington Times: Venezuelans charged for statements on Twitter

July 16, 2010

Human Rights Foundation (HRF) president Thor Halvorssen is quoted extensively in an article, published in today’s Washington Times, about the case of two Venezuelan citizens charged with using Twitter to “destabilize the banking system.” Luis Enrique Acosta Oxford and Carmen Cecilia Nares Castro were both charged this week with “disseminating false rumors” on Twitter to allegedly incite a run on Venezuelan banks. Both could face up to 11 years of imprisonment, pending trial. [more]

• Read the full article here.

Ecuador: Video Presentation of Former Political Prisoner Guadalupe Llori

July 8, 2010

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) released a video presentation of Guadalupe Llori, former prisoner of conscience and current governor of the province of Orellana in Ecuador, in which she recounts the human rights violations she endured at the hands of the Ecuadorean government. Llori’s presentation took place this April at the 2010 Oslo Freedom Forum. [more]

• See Guadalupe Llori’s full presentation here.
• Read the letter on Llori's case sent by HRF to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention here. (Spanish only)
• See more Oslo Freedom Forum videos here.

HRF in The Huffington Post

July 6, 2010

Today The Huffington Post published a piece by HRF President Thor Halvorssen on the seizure of Diego Arria's farm in Venezuela. Arria is the former Assistant Secretary General to the United Nations and was a speaker at HRF's 2010 Oslo Freedom Forum.

Read "Venezuela's 'Animal Farm'" here.

HRF and Activist María Conchita Alonso to Discuss Oliver Stone's Documentary on Fox Business News Tonight

July 6, 2010

Human Rights Foundation (HRF) President Thor Halvorssen will appear tonight on Fox Business News with David Asman to discuss Oliver Stone’s new film about Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez, as well as Stone’s failure to acknowledge the appalling human rights record under that leader’s regime. Halvorssen will appear alongside María Conchita Alonso, a Cuban-Venezuelan actress and activist who has already expressed strong criticism over the film’s factual inaccuracies. The show airs tonight at 7:00 PM EDT, with the segment running toward the end of the show. [more]

Video on Venezuela: HRF Marks Third Anniversary of RCTV Shutdown

May 27, 2010

On the third anniversary of the shutdown of Radio Caracas Television (RCTV), the Human Rights Foundation (HRF) released a video of Marcel Granier, RCTV’s general manager, speaking about attacks endured by the independent media in Venezuela under President Hugo Chávez. Granier’s presentation took place this past April at the 2010 Oslo Freedom Forum. [more]

See Marcel Granier’s full presentation here.

Visit FreeRCTV here.

See more Oslo Freedom Forum videos here.

HRF Honors Global Cuba Solidarity Day

May 21, 2010

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) released videos of former prisoner of conscience Armando Valladares and world-renowned blogger Yoani Sánchez in honor of Global Cuba Solidarity Day. The videos were filmed exclusively for the 2010 Oslo Freedom Forum and are now available on YouTube. [more]

See Armando Valladares’s video, please visit here.

See Yoani Sánchez’s video, please visit here.

For more information on Global Cuba Solidarity Day, please click here.

HRF's Oslo Freedom Forum Interview with Imprisoned Monk Thich Quang Do to Screen in California’s Vesak Festival

May 20, 2010

The Human Rights Foundation’s Oslo Freedom Forum will screen its recently-filmed interview with The Most Venerable Thich Quang Do at the Vesak Festival in Westminster, California. The screening will be held on Sunday, May 23, at 11:00 a.m. PDT at the Dieu Ngu Pagoda at 14472 Chesnut Street in Westminster. The Vesak Festival is an event celebrated by Buddhists around the world, commemorating the 2554th celebration of Buddha’s birth. Thich Quang Do is the 81-year-old patriarch of the Unified Buddhist Church of Vietnam and an outspoken advocate for human rights and democracy in Vietnam. Currently under house arrest in Ho Chi Minh City, Thich Quang Do has been a prisoner of conscience of the Vietnamese government for more than 28 years. [more]

Venezuela: Political Prisoner Oswaldo Álvarez Paz Conditionally Released, HRF Calls for Dismissal of Case

May 18, 2010

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) called today for a definitive stay of the proceedings against Social Christian politician Oswaldo Álvarez Paz. After spending almost two months detained in the headquarters of Venezuela’s secret police Álvarez Paz was conditionally released from custody last week, pending a criminal trial for criticizing President Chavez and his government. [more]

Read the report written about Oswaldo Álvarez Paz's case here.

HRF in The Huffington Post

May 13, 2010

Today's The Huffington Post published a piece by HRF President Thor Halvorssen on “On Own Feet: The Centipede Children,” a children’s organization that provides humanitarian assistance to children in countries torn by violence and instability.

Read "A Different Kind of Army" here.

HRF's Oslo Freedom Forum Screens Rare Interview with Imprisoned Monk for Vietnam Human Rights Day on Capitol Hill

May 11, 2010

The Human Rights Foundation's Oslo Freedom Forum will present its recently-filmed interview with The Most Venerable Thich Quang Do at a congressional ceremony on Capitol Hill this afternoon. Thich Quang Do, the 81-year-old patriarch of the Unified Buddhist Church of Vietnam and outspoken advocate for democracy and human rights in Vietnam, has been a prisoner of conscience of the Vietnamese government for more than 28 years. [more]

Presidential Medal to Oslo Freedom Forum; Romania’s First Democratic Leader Celebrates Human Rights Conference

April 29, 2010

Romanian leader Emil Constantinescu presented the Oslo Freedom Forum with a presidential silver medal he issued in order to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the Romanian Revolution that led to the downfall of dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. [more]

Venezuela: HRF declares Oswaldo Álvarez Paz a prisoner of conscience of the Chávez government; Warns about the “chilling effect” of his imprisonment

April 5, 2010

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) joins numerous prominent individuals and international organizations calling for the immediate release of Oswaldo Álvarez Paz. In a letter sent to President Hugo Chávez, HRF declared Álvarez Paz a prisoner of conscience of his government. Last week, HRF’s chairman, Václav Havel, called for Alvarez Paz’s immediate release. HRF released a legal report on the Álvarez Paz case today, and warned that both the imprisonment of Álvarez Paz and the arrest of Guillermo Zuloaga could have a devastating “chilling effect” on what is left of freedom of expression in that country. [more]

Read the letter HRF sent to President Chavez here.

Read the report written about Oswaldo Álvarez Paz's case here.

Insulza Dot No!

March 24, 2010

HRF Opinion

Today, the most powerful inter-governmental body of the Americas, the Organization of American States, will reelect Chilean politician Jose Miguel Insulza as its Secretary General. After five years of inefficacy and inconsistency in applying the Inter-American Democratic Charter, Secretary General Insulza’s reelection will irreparably damage the most significant regional initiative of the last decade. [more]

HRF to Appear on CNN en Español Tonight with Patricia Janiot

March 23, 2010

Human Rights Foundation General Counsel Javier El-Hage will appear tonight on CNN en Español’s Panorama Mundial with Patricia Janiot. They will discuss the reasons behind HRF’s launch of www.Insulza.no – focusing specifically on how Jose Miguel Insulza has failed to protect human rights and democracy in the American continent during his tenure as secretary general of the Organization of American States. HRF has called for Insulza’s resignation and opposes his re-election as secretary general. The show airs tonight at 9:00 PM EDT. [more]

Watch the video here.

HRF on the Anniversary of “Black Spring:” Cuban Regime Must Release all Political Prisoners

March 18, 2010

Seven years after Cuba’s “Black Spring,” when the Castro regime imprisoned 75 independent journalists, underground librarians, and democracy activists, the Human Rights Foundation (HRF) urges the Cuban regime to release all political prisoners.

“The ‘Black Spring’ anniversary is a sad reminder that nothing has changed now that the younger Castro brother is the dictator,” said Thor Halvorssen, president of HRF. “In the wake of Orlando Zapata Tamayo’s death, the Cuban government has increased its harassment, arresting many advocates arbitrarily. What it should do instead is release its more than 200 political prisoners,” declared Halvorssen. [more]

OAS: HRF Launches www.Insulza.no, Urges Action

March 17, 2010

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) launches www.Insulza.no, an interactive website that denounces the terrible role played by José Miguel Insulza, secretary general of the Organization of American States (OAS), in the promotion and protection of democracy in the Americas.

“We hope that Insulza.no can be a place where millions of Latin Americans, tired of watching helplessly as authoritarian governments dismantle democracy in their countries, can express their frustrations about the silence – and sometimes even complicity – of the OAS secretary general,” said Thor Halvorssen, president of HRF. “We invite everyone who opposes authoritarianism and endorses accountability to visit Insulza.no and send an e-mail to the OAS representatives asking that they vote against Insulza’s reelection next week,” continued Halvorssen. [more]

OAS: HRF Calls on Insulza to Resign as Secretary General; Report Reveals Mishandling of Honduran Crisis

March 9, 2010

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) calls for the resignation of the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza. Today, HRF published a 300-page legal report exposing numerous errors in judgment, gross negligence of duty, and willful complicity in the undermining of the Inter-American Democratic Charter by the OAS secretary general. HRF contends that the actions of the OAS escalated the Honduran crisis, when its duty was to resolve it. These actions included: making deceptive statements to U.S. congressmen about the OAS’s participation in Honduras; misleading both the public and member states; and disregarding information sent by the Honduran Congress before the June 28 coup d’état that deposed President Manuel Zelaya. [more]

Read “The Facts and the Law behind the Democratic Crisis of Honduras, 2009” here.

Venezuela: HRF condemns media crackdown and relaunches its campaign for press freedom in Venezuela

February 2, 2010

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) condemns the recent media crackdown in Venezuela that sent RCTV International (RCTV-I), along with other five cable and satellite TV channels (TV Chile, Ritmo Son, Momentum, America TV, and American Network), off the air last Sunday after they failed to broadcast a speech by President Hugo Chávez. In view of this new attack on freedom of expression, HRF has relaunched its Free RCTV campaign (www.FreeRCTV.com), which aims to raise international awareness about the grave situation of freedom of expression in Venezuela. [more]

Angie Harmon, Patricia Heaton, David Hunt, Jason Sehorn, and Gary Sinise join HRF’s Haiti Relief Program 

January 27, 2010

Actors Angie Harmon, Patricia Heaton, David Hunt, and Gary Sinise, along with NFL great Jason Sehorn, have joined Kelsey Grammer in contributing to the Human Rights Foundation’s (HRF) emergency relief program for Haiti. 100% of donations received by the fund will go directly to a fully-operational anti-hunger initiative in the St. Clare’s community of Port-au-Prince. [more]

HRF Invites You to Join Haiti Relief for Children; Kelsey Grammer Provides Matching Grant

January 21, 2010

With a generous matching grant from actor Kelsey Grammer, the Human Rights Foundation has begun an emergency aid program that will provide donations directly to the St. Clare’s community of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, through an anti-hunger initiative that is fully operational and has not been affected by the recent earthquake disaster. [more]

Make your donation here.

From a TV Set to Prison: Gustavo Azócar is “Caracas Nine” Dissident #6

January 13, 2010

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) published a report today detailing the case of Gustavo Azócar, a journalist and university professor in the state of Táchira who, since 2000, has been the target of a criminal investigation fraught with violations of his fundamental rights. His is the sixth case in HRF’s “Caracas Nine” campaign. [more]

Trustee Tries to Cancel The Sugar Babies Screening at the University of Miami 

November 12, 2009

Tonight’s screening of The Sugar Babies at the University of Miami will proceed as scheduled despite enormous pressure from a member of the university’s Board of Trustees. One of the board's senior trustees is Alfonso Fanjul, who is also the Chairman and CEO of Flo-Sun, Inc., a sugar company featured in the film for its inhumane labor practices, which include employing children to work sugar cane fields in conditions that can best be described as modern-day slavery. [more]

Cuban Bloggers Kidnapped, Assaulted by State Security on their Way to Peace March
November 10, 2009

Cuban bloggers Yoani Sánchez and Orlando Luís Pardo were abducted and battered by plainclothes state security agents on Friday, November 6. At the time, they were en route to an anti-violence march in downtown Havana with fellow blogger Claudia Cadelo and a female friend. Cadelo and their friend were taken to a police station while Sánchez and Pardo were forced into a different car and beaten. [more]

HRF's The Sugar Babies at the University of Miami
November 06, 2009

The Center for Latin American Studies at the University of Miami will screen The Sugar Babies on Thursday, November 12, as part of its Latin American Film Series. The screening will be followed by a question-and-answer session with filmmaker Amy Serrano. On November 13, Serrano will also lead a round table discussion about the film and the current situation of Haitian laborers in the Dominican Republic. [more]

HRF to Appear Tonight with Robert Morgenthau on Fox Business News with David Asman
September 9, 2009

Human Rights Foundation President Thor Halvorssen will appear tonight on Fox Business News with David Asman alongside fellow guest Robert M. Morgenthau, New York County District Attorney. They will discuss the alarming and growing relationship between the governments of Venezuela and Iran – governments that routinely and systematically violate human rights. The show airs tonight at 7:00 PM EST. [more]

HRF Mourns the Loss of Eduardo Mendoza

August 26, 2009

Eduardo Mendoza-Goiticoa, founding director of the Human Rights Foundation (HRF), former Venezuelan Secretary of Agriculture, scientific researcher and head of the Venezuelan Institute for Immigration, died yesterday afternoon at the age of 92. Mendoza began his public service at the age of 28, when he became the youngest cabinet minister in Venezuelan history during the government of Romulo Betancourt. Mendoza’s tenure in government oversaw all work with the International Refugee Organization (which would become the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) and handled the protection and resettlement of tens of thousands of refugees coming from war-torn Europe. Mendoza’s refugee program was widely considered the most successful in the post-war period. [more]

Norway Tells Cuba to Stop Attacking Human Rights Defender; Foreign Ministry Reprimands Cuban Ambassador

July 30, 2009

Norwegian dailynewspaper Aftenposten reported on July 16 that Cuba’s ambassador to Norway, Rogerio Santana, was to be reprimanded by Norway’s Foreign Minister for the third time for attacking a Norwegian government official. Ambassador Santana referred to Jan Tore Sanner, a member of Norway’s parliament, as an “insect” and as a “banana republic politician” with links to “terrorists.” Sanner had written to the Cuban Embassy expressing concern about the conditions of political prisoners and imprisoned journalists. [more]

HRF calls on the OAS to suspend Honduras' antidemocratic government

June 30, 2009

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) has called on OAS Member States to apply the democratic clause and suspend the government of Honduras that forcibly overthrew President Zelaya. Pursuant to the Charter of the OAS and the Inter-American Democratic Charter, the situation in Honduras amounts to a grave alteration or interruption of the democratic order, and it is the duty of the OAS to act, said HRF. [more]

HRF: OAS Perpetuates Injustice with Resolution in Favor of Cuban Government

June 5, 2009

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) is profoundly concerned about a resolution passed in Honduras on June 3rd by the General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS), repealing the 1962 resolution barring Cuba from the OAS and opening the possibility of Cuban government participation in all the OAS’s governing bodies. This decision sets an appalling precedent for the defense of democracy and human rights in the Americas. [more]

WSJ on HRF's Oslo Freedom Forum: "Human Rights Beyond Ideology

June 5, 2009

Twenty years ago, as Soviet communism was collapsing and new democracies were springing up everywhere, there were bright hopes for the spread of human rights. But while this year marks the anniversary of the Berlin Wall falling, yesterday was also the 20th anniversary of the Tiananmen massacre in China, a reminder of just how unyielding authoritarian governments can be. [more]

HRF asks OAS head to cease promoting violations of the Democratic Charter

April 22, 2009

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) sent a legal opinion and letter to José Miguel Insulza, Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), asking that he stop promoting the violation of the Inter-American Democratic Charter. His recent declarations that he “will request” that member states of the OAS “eliminate” the “obsolete” 1962 resolution that excluded Cuba from participation in the OAS show not only negligence in the fulfillment of his duties but also a blatant disregard for the democratic commitment of the OAS. [more]

• Read the April 21, 2009 letter sent by HRF to Secretary General Insulza here.

HRF Co-Sponsors Venezuelan Liberty Film Festival

March 17, 2009

The first ever Venezuelan Liberty Film Festival premieres tonight in Caracas, Venezuela. The three day event is a joint collaboration among the Chacao Cultural Center, UNA — Asociación Civil Unidad Nacional (National Unity Civic Association) — and the Human Rights Foundation (HRF), and aims to inspire, educate, and encourage discussion about human freedom. The festival, which has garnered significant publicity and is oversubscribed, will consist of films about the impact of non-violent struggles in world history: Freedom’s Fury, The Singing Revolution, and A Force More Powerful. [more]

Oslo Freedom Forum: Three-day summit will bring together world leaders to honor human rights heroes

March 13, 2009

The Oslo Freedom Forum, taking place May 18-20 in Norway, will gather some of the world’s leading minds to celebrate heroic survivors of political oppression and persecution. The conference, hosted by the New York-based non-profit Human Rights Foundation (HRF), will showcase leading authors from the pantheon of literature of survival. [more]

HRF Urges OAS Action on Violations of Legislative Independence in Bolivia, Ecuador and Venezuela

February 26, 2009

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) published today its fourth letter to Jose Miguel Insulza, Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS). Entitled “Closing Congress: Submission of the Legislative Power to the Executive in Bolivia, Ecuador, and Venezuela,” the letter and its legal analysis enumerate attacks that have severely eroded the independence of national legislatures, and denounces Insulza’s inaction to these assaults on democracy. [more]

• Read the February 26, 2009 letter sent by HRF to Secretary General Insulza here.

Washington Times Front Page: The new Che movie, HRF, and the Historical Record

January 27, 2009

Human Rights Foundation (HRF) chairman Armando Valladares is extensively quoted in a review of the film Che, published in today’s Washington Times by reporter Sonny Bunch. Che, directed by Steven Soderbergh and released on January 24, depicts the life of Ernesto “Che” Guevara, the Argentine-born Marxist revolutionary best known for his friendship with Fidel Castro. What the film does not depict, however, are the violent tactics Guevara used to crush opposition and dissent to Fidel Castro’s revolution—leaving behind a bloody legacy in Cuba. [more]

Tortured and Convicted in a Kangaroo Court for Capturing a Terrorist Leader: Humberto Quintero is “Caracas Nine” Dissident #5

January 16, 2009

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) published a report today detailing the arrest and torture of Jose Humberto Quintero, a lieutenant colonel of the Venezuelan National Guard. Quintero was detained in January 2005, by the Venezuelan government for allegedly capturing terrorist leader Ricardo Gonzalez, popularly known as Rodrigo Granda, of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). [more]

Cuba: Rights Activists Assaulted, Beaten, and Detained by Castro Government

December 11, 2008

At least 20 activists were detained in Cuba this week for planning to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). According to independent and verifiable sources inside Cuba, detainees, some of who were taken by force and beaten, include former political prisoners, human rights activists, opposition political leaders, and independent journalists. Human rights activist and former political prisoner Lazaro Alonso (pictured), was detained this Tuesday while walking home with his wife Belinda Salas, president of FLAMUR. [more]

HRF Denounces Violations of Freedom of the Press and Asks OAS Secretary General--for the Third Time—to Activate the Democratic Clause

November 26, 2008

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) published its most recent letter to Jose Miguel Insulza, Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS). The letter denounces Insulza’s inaction with regard to flagrant violations of freedom of the press in the Americas, including the shutdown of television and radio stations and government-encouraged attacks on journalists. [more]

• Read the November 18, 2008 letter sent by HRF to Secretary General Insulza here.

HRF to Colombian President Alvaro Uribe: Respect the Work of Human Rights Defenders

November 7, 2008

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) sent a letter today to President Alvaro Uribe of Colombia expressing its profound concern regarding his comments linking Jose Miguel Vivanco, Americas Director of Human Rights Watch (HRW), with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). HRF also expressed its solidarity with the Colombian people for the decades of violent conflict they have endured at the hands of the FARC. [more]

• Read the November 7, 2008 letter sent by HRF to President Uribe here. (Spanish only)

Bolivia: HRF Will Investigate Arbitrary Detentions and Rights Violations

October 24, 2008

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) sent a letter today to Bolivian President Evo Morales informing him of its intention to dispatch  a team of research professionals to Bolivia to investigate the arbitrary detention of at least 20 people, including opposition members and at least one journalist. [more]

• Read the October 24, 2008 letter sent by HRF to President Morales here.

HRF Urges the OAS to Activate the Democratic Clause: Second Letter in “The Inter-American Democratic Charter and Mr. Insulza” Project

October 15, 2008

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) published a letter sent to Jose Miguel Insulza, Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), denouncing his inaction and unwillingness to fulfill the mandate of the Inter-American Democratic Charter. The letter highlights the most flagrant violations of human rights in Bolivia, Ecuador and Venezuela, and insists that Insulza activate the charter’s Democratic Clause. [more]

• Read the October 15, 2008 letter sent by HRF to Secretary General
  Insulza here.

Bolivia: HRF Releases Report On Political Violence

October 8, 2008

The Human Rights Foundation released a 14-page report detailing the crisis that claimed 21 lives in the month of September of 2008, and left hundreds of people injured throughout Bolivia. The report was sent to Bolivian President Evo Morales with a letter outlining HRF’s concerns regarding the political violence and the repeated statements by the Bolivian head of state defending racial hatred, threatening the freedom of the press and inciting conflict. [more]

• Read the full report here (Spanish Only).
  
• Read the October 7, 2008 letter sent by HRF to President Morales here.
  

• Read media coverage of HRF's report:

Yahoo Noticias: HRF acusa a Morales de promover la "guerra" en informe sobre Bolivia (Spanish only)

Ultimas Noticias (Bolivia): Organización no gubernamental de EE.UU. acusa a Evo Morales de promover "la guerra" y el "odio racial" (Spanish only)

La Nación (Paraguay):Acusan a Morales de promover la “guerra” (Spanish only)

Ecuador: Guadalupe Llori Freed from Prison

September 24, 2008

Guadalupe Llori, ex governor of the province of Orellana and a political prisoner of the government of Ecuador, was released from jail yesterday after nine months and 16 days of arbitrary and illegal imprisonment. Her release follows a September 17 ruling by the Superior Court of Justice of Nueva Loja which established Llori’s innocence. [more]

• Read the letters HRF has sent to President Correa here (Spanish only).
• Read the letters the Ecuadorean government has sent HRF here (Spanish only).
• Read HRF's communication to the Working Group of Arbitrary Detention regarding Guadalupe Llori's case here (Spanish only).

• Read HRF's resolution request to the Working Group of Arbitrary Detention here (Spanish only).

HRW Director José Miguel Vivanco Detained and Expelled for Denouncing Violations in Venezuela

September 19, 2008

The Venezuelan government’s expulsion yesterday evening of Human Rights Watch Americas Director José Miguel Vivanco and his colleague Daniel Wilkinson indicates the Chávez administration’s growing intolerance of the increased public exposure and scrutiny of human rights violations occurring within that country.  [more]

HRF Opens Chapter in Ecuador

September 17, 2008

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) celebrates the launch of a new chapter: Human Rights Foundation-Ecuador (HRF-Ecuador). Headquartered in Quito, the country’s capital, HRF-Ecuador will defend the civil and political rights of Ecuadorean citizens, research and publish its findings, and raise awareness about human rights abuses occurring in the country. [more]

HRF Presents Guadalupe Llori's Case to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention

September 4, 2008

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) filed a communication earlier this week with the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, pleading that it activate its urgent action procedure and send an appeal to the government of Ecuador for the immediate release of political prisoner Guadalupe Llori. [more]

Venezuelan Journalist a Target of Violence and Threats: Marta Colomina is “Caracas Nine” Dissident #4

August 26, 2008

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) released a report today detailing the case of Marta Colomina, a Venezuelan journalist and academic who has faced death threats and several attempts on her life over the past five years. Her case exposes the Venezuelan government’s persecution of independent journalists and continued assault on freedom of expression. Colomina is the fourth case in HRF’s Caracas Nine campaign. [more]

• Read the report about Marta Colomina's case here (Spanish only).
• Read about the Caracas Nine here.

OAS Head Faulted for Inaction

August 20, 2008

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) launches the “Inter-American Democratic Charter and Mr. Insulza” program today with an open letter to José Miguel Insulza, secretary general of the Organization of American States (OAS), decrying his unwillingness to enforce the Charter’s mandate to protect democracy in the Americas. HRF will send monthly digests to Insulza detailing violations of human rights and democracy in the continent, with the hope that the secretary general will take note and do his job.

The letter, cosigned by HRF President Thor Halvorssen and Chairman Armando Valladares, observes that under Insulza’s watch at the OAS, the governments of Bolivia, Ecuador, and Venezuela have acted in clear violation of the democratic principles set forth in the Charter. [more]

• Read the August 20, 2008 letter sent by HRF to Secretary General
  Insulza here
  
  
• Read media coverage of HRF's letter:
  
  El Mercurio (Chile): Fundación de DD.HH. manda carta a Insulza haciéndole ver su incapacidad en la OEA (Spanish only)
  
  La Nación (Paraguay): ONG acusa al secretario general de la OEA de incumplir su mandato (Spanish only)
  
  La Hora (Ecuador): Derechos humanos acusan a Presidente ante OEA (Spanish only)
  
  Terra (España): Una ONG acusa al secretario general de la OEA de incumplir su mandato (Spanish only)
  
  

HRF Sends Letter Denouncing Ecuador's Treatment of Prisoner of Conscience Guadalupe Llori; Correa's Government Responds

August 7, 2008

Reports from Ecuador confirm that Guadalupe Llori is being mistreated and humiliated by prison custodians. Llori, who is incarcerated on unsubstantiated charges, has recently been subjected to beatings, forced labor, and exile from her family. HRF denounced the abuse of Llori and warned of potential consequences to the Ecuadorian state, in a letter sent earlier this week to President Rafael Correa Delgado. Ecuador's Minister of Justice responded to HRF's accusations by saying that Llori's human rights are being guaranteed. HRF maintains that the government is depriving Llori of her most fundamental human rights, and will continue investigating Llori's case. [more] 

• Letter to President Correa here (Spanish only)
• Ad about Llori which HRF published in the Washington Examiner here

Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn: 1918-2008

August 4, 2008

The 20th century gave rise to a new literary genre: the narrative of political oppression and the testimonies of its survivors. This literature has been and continues to be instrumental in shaping humanity’s cultural understanding of history, and has enabled the world to recognize and censure the monsters and butchers in its midst.

Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, pioneer of this genre, died in Moscow yesterday at the age of 89. The Human Rights Foundation’s staff and directors mourn his death.

A prolific novelist, dramatist, and historian, Mr. Solzhenitsyn won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1970, for bringing the Soviet system of prison labor to the attention of the world. His masterpiece, The Gulag Archipelago, is the most influential book about the existence and horrors of Soviet political repression.

The Human Rights Foundation depends on the moral witness and on the heroism recorded in literature like that of Mr. Solzhenitsyn’s to affirm the existence of the courageous human spirit and of the redemption that is possible, even in the midst of unthinkable suffering. The world has lost one of the greatest champions of human rights. His memory will endure as an inspiration to those struggling against tyranny everywhere.

HRF Launches “Tell Chávez” Campaign for Venezuela’s Political Prisoners

July 18, 2008

HRF launched its “Tell Chávez” campaign today—www.TellChavez.com—to raise global awareness of the existence and suffering of political prisoners in Venezuela. Venezuelans are continually subjected to political persecution, imprisonment, torture and other cruel and degrading treatment for disagreeing with or opposing the government. Many of these prisoners are being held in inhumane conditions without access to medical care. Outside of Venezuela's prisons, "political inhabilitation" has been used by the government to disqualify 400 potential candidates for office including many who appear as the favorites in the upcoming November elections. [more]

HRF Mourns the Loss of Sir John Templeton

July 8, 2008

Sir John M. Templeton, renowned investor and philanthropist, died this morning at the age of 95. Sir John’s phenomenal generosity and philosophical vision have driven and continue to drive incredible human progress in the advancement of science, spirituality, and freedom.

Thanks to generous funding from the John Templeton Foundation, the Human Rights Foundation is currently organizing a conference on “The Nobility of the Human Spirit and the Power of Freedom: Testimonies to Human Dignity and Character” honoring and discussing the human rights contributions and literary works of political prisoners. HRF is privileged and honored by its association with the Templeton Foundation.

HRF, its staff, and all who benefit from its work are profoundly grateful to Sir John for his life and legacy. We mourn the loss of one of the greatest minds and most benevolent spirits of our time.

International Society for Human Rights Joins HRF in Petitioning President Correa for the Release of Guadalupe Llori
July 3, 2008

The International Society for Human Rights (ISHR), based in Frankfurt, Germany, sent a letter today to Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa reiterating HRF's appeal regarding the imprisonment of Guadalupe Llori, governor of the province of Orellana.

Read the letter here (Spanish only).

Hostages Rescued in Colombia; Colombian Government Offers the FARC a “Dignified Peace”

July 2, 2008

The Colombian government announced today the release of several hostages held by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia, FARC). The FARC is responsible for numerous war crimes and crimes against humanity.

HRF urges all parties to enter into negotiations. HRF hopes the FARC leadership will accept the offer made by the government of Colombia today, for a demobilization effort that the Colombian defense minister calls a “dignified peace.” [more]

Human Rights Foundation responds to President Correa’s accusations and declares Guadalupe Llori a political prisoner of Ecuador’s government

June 18, 2008

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) released a letter yesterday in response to the accusations made by Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa regarding a May 12 letter from HRF denouncing human rights violations. At that time, HRF condemned violations resulting from the Tax Equity Reform Law enacted by Ecuador’s Constituent Assembly, namely: restrictions of the right of citizens to take part in public affairs and restrictions of their rights to due process and access to justice.

In his response of May 20, President Correa accused HRF of defending the “interests of Ecuador’s oligarchies and political elites.” President Correa added that HRF’s work is an act of “insolence” since it “dares” to “revise” the current Ecuadorian constitutional reform system with a “clear ideological bias.” President Correa’s letter suggests that HRF dedicate its resources to “more legitimate causes, instead of defending particular interests.” [more]

• Read media coverage of HRF's response to President Correa:

Ecuador Inmediato: Human Rights Foundation Lamenta “Ignorancia” de Alexis Ponce (Spanish only)

Ecuador Inmediato: Alexis Ponce: Existe Parcialización Estadounidense en Human Rights Foundation (Spanish only)

La Hora: Régimen atenta a los derechos humanos (Spanish only)

El Comercio: Human Rights Foundation rechaza críticas de Rafael Correa (Spanish only)

Chronicle en Español: Correa: Human Rights Pertenece a “derecha retrógrada” (Spanish only)

Yahoo Noticias España: Presidente de Ecuador Critica carta de Human Rights Foundation (Spanish only)

El Nuevo Herald: Human Rights polemiza con Rafael Correa (Spanish only)

El Universo: La Fundación Human Rights Refuta a Correa (Spanish only)

• Read the June 17, 2008 letter sent by HRF to President Correa here (Spanish only).
• Read the May 20, 2008 letter sent by President Correa to HRF here (Spanish only).
• Read the May 12, 2008 letter sent by HRF to President Correa here (Spanish only).
• Read the March 18, 2008 letter sent by HRF to President Correa here (Spanish only).
• Read the February 20, 2008 letter sent by HRF to President Correa here (Spanish only).
  

The Sugar Babies to be screened at Cine Paradiso
May 28, 2008

In affiliation with the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (www.fliff.com), The Sugar Babies will be screened at their Cinema Paradiso venue from May 28-June 1, and July 5-6, 2008.  "We are thrilled to present this important film,” stated Gregory Von Hausch, President and C.E.O. of the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival,” our lasting desire is for this film to spur positive change for those laboring in the sugar industry as well as towards the ecological impact big sugar unleashes on our State.”

Venezuela: HRF Commemorates Freedom of Expression on the Anniversary of the Shutdown of RCTV

May 27, 2008

“Today marks the first anniversary of President Chávez’s most overt act of intolerance. The constant attacks on the media, the bullying, and the criminally violent acts of his supporters continue to stain Venezuela where journalism is one of the most dangerous professions,” said Armando Valladares, Chairman of the Human Rights Foundation (HRF). The Report of the Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression of the Organization of American States (OAS) says that “at midnight on May 27, 2007, TV channel Radio Caracas Televisión (RCTV) ceased its transmission, when the decision of the government of Hugo Chávez not to renew its concession became effective. […] On December 28, 2006, the president of Venezuela had declared his intention of not renewing RCTV’s concession.” After the shutdown, RCTV began broadcasting its programming via YouTube and ultimately became a cable TV station. [more]

• Read HRF's press release here.

The Sugar Babies Wins “Best Documentary” at the Delray Beach Film Festival
May 13, 2008

Following its May 10, 2008 screening at the Delray Beach Film Festival, The Sugar Babies won the jury award for "Best Documentary."  The film has been screened in numerous film festivals, including the Montreal International Haitian Film Festival in September 2007, where it was featured in opening night.

Ecuador: Constituent Assembly Laws Violate Numerous Human Rights Treaties

May 12, 2008

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) sent a letter today to the President of the Republic of Ecuador, Mr. Rafael Correa, bringing to his attention human rights violations contained in the Tax Equity Reform Law (Ley Reformatoria para la Equidad Tributaria en el Ecuador) that was passed by the Constituent Assembly. [more]

• Read HRF's press release here.
• Read the May 12, 2008 letter sent by HRF to President Correa here (Spanish only).

Bolivia: HRF Announces Preliminary Findings as Election Observers

May 5, 2008

In advance of a full report about the referendum for autonomy in the Province of Santa Cruz, Bolivia, the Human Rights Foundation announces its preliminary findings.

HRF’s delegation, led by its Chairman Armando Valladares and by its President Thor Halvorssen, joined a group of international observers from Argentina, Paraguay, and two other non-governmental organizations from the United States. HRF’s delegation included technical assistance from HRF staff arriving from Spain and local HRF-Bolivia staff and directors. [more]

• Read HRF's press release here.
• Read media coverage of HRF's role in the referendum:
  El Deber: Observadores destacan el trabajo de la Corte
  El Mundo: Veedores calificaron el proceso autonómico como legal, calmado y transparente
  El Nuevo Día: Santa Cruz hace historia
  La Crónica de Hoy: Un muerto, 22 heridos y cinco detenidos deja jornada en Bolivia
  United Press International: Referéndum autonómico logra observadores nacionales e internacionales
  ERBOL: Referéndum: Representante de una ONG de EE.UU. dice que será uno de los veedores
  Opinión.com.bo: Observadores destacan la transparencia del proceso

Dissident from Caracas Nine Awarded Cato Liberty Prize

April 30, 2008

Embattled Venezuelan student leader Yon Goicoechea is the fourth recipient of the Cato Institute’s Milton Friedman Prize for Advancing Liberty. Last November, Mr. Goicoechea was chosen by the Human Rights Foundation as one of nine illustrative cases of human rights violations occurring in Venezuela. He became Number Two of the Caracas Nine (www.CaracasNine.com).

“This is a magnificent gift from the Cato Institute to the cause of human dignity and freedom in Latin America,” said Thor Halvorssen, HRF’s president. “Yon Goicoechea is a symbol of hope and courage and this honor is the freedom equivalent of the Nobel Peace Prize,” he added. [more]

HRF on Cuba in today's Wall Street Journal

April 18, 2008

Pope Benedict XVI is in the midst of the first journey to America of his pontificate, and he met with President George W. Bush this week. Hopefully this visit will reinforce the need for a joint commitment to freedom in Cuba.

The Catholic Church has taken a hardline position against right-wing dictatorships. But in Cuba, the Church has been silent – or worse – ever since 1960, when Fidel Castro expelled hundreds of Catholic priests because they alerted their parishioners of the communist danger surfacing in government circles. [more]

Ecuador Denies Opposition Politician Her Freedom; Government Dealings with FARC Reveal Double Standard
March 17, 2008

Despite three court rulings ordering the release of Guadalupe Llori, opposition governor of the Ecuadorian province of Orellana, the government of President Rafael Correa continues to deny her freedom, accusing her of “terrorism.” Meanwhile, President Correa’s officials admit to having met with representatives of a terrorist organization.

“Ecuador has become a topsy-turvy land where a state governor is incarcerated on trumped-up charges of terrorism and held without evidence, while the government’s top national security official meets with the deadliest terrorist organization in the hemisphere, purportedly to establish formal relations,” said Thor Halvorssen, president of the New York-based Human Rights Foundation (HRF). [more]

• Read HRF's most recent letter to President Correa, sent on March 18, 2008, here (Spanish only).
• Read HRF's letter to President Correa sent on February 20, 2008, here (Spanish only).

The Sugar Babies on Maria Elvira Salazar’s “Polos Opuestos”
March 5, 2008

Maria Elvira Salazar’s “Polos Opuestos” show this week will feature The Sugar Babies, a documentary co-produced by the Human Rights Foundation that explores the human costs of sugar production in the Dominican Republic. The show will delve into these issues and why the Miami International Film Festival pulled the film from its programming at the very last minute.

• Read media coverage on The Sugar Babies:
  Miami Herald: Filmmaker: Sugar family may have blocked documentary about them

Lynching, Communal Justice, and Bolivia’s New Constitution

March 5, 2008

On January 15, 2008, Human Rights Foundation (HRF) published a report about Bolivia’s proposed new constitution. HRF sent copies of the report to President Evo Morales and other Bolivian authorities, prompting a reply from Vice Minister of Coordination with Social Movements and Civil Society, Sacha Sergio Llorenti Solis.

In Vice Minister Llorenti’s opinion, HRF misinterpreted the spirit of articles introduced in the new constitution, further expressing HRF had confused, in a “reductionist and discriminatory fashion,” communal justice and lynching. On January 30, 2008, HRF sent a reply to Vice Minister Llorenti, which has gone unanswered. Critics of HRF’s report have sided with Bolivia’s official stance. Hence HRF believes that a clarification about issues raised by Vice Minister Llorenti, Bolivian citizens, and interested parties is in order. [more]

• Read the press release here.
• Read HRF’s report on communal justice in Bolivia here.
• Read HRF's response to Rutgers Professor Daniel M. Goldstein here.

Ecuadorian Broadcasting Association alerts HRF to possible freedom of expression violations in Ecuador
February 29, 2008

In a letter dated February 28, the Ecuadorian Broadcasting Association informed the Human Rights Foundation of a proposal by President Correa’s party that would allow the government to indiscriminately revoke radio and television licenses in an attempt to control the Ecuadorian media. The government would then have the power to reissue the media concessions according to undetermined criteria. Such a proposal, if adopted, would be a clear blow to freedom of expression in Ecuador and would violate due process. The letter concludes with an invitation to HRF and other human rights organizations to help prevent such flagrant violations of human rights from occurring in Ecuador.

• Read the letter from the Ecuadorian Broadcasting Association to HRF here (Spanish only).
• Read media coverage on the Ecuadorian Broadcasting Association’s letter and its proposal to the Constituent Assembly:
  CRE: AER pone en conocimiento de Human Rights Foundation intención de revertir frecuencias
  Ciudadanía Informada: AER protesta en Montecristi por la propuesta de transparentar el uso de frecuencias en el país
  Confirmado.net: AER realizó denuncia a Human Rights, en relación a la reversión de frecuencias de radio y televisión
  

HRF calls upon Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa to uphold human rights in the detention of Guadalupe Llori

February 22, 2008

Guadalupe Llori

In November 2007, Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa declared a state of emergency and militarized the province of Orellana after local protests erupted over the government’s failure to complete promised infrastructure construction in the region. In response to the protests, the army raided homes in the Amazon town of Dayuma, arresting 23 protesters on charges of terrorism.

Guadalupe Llori, the prefect of Orellana, is among those still imprisoned. The government’s treatment of Llori’s case has thus far violated due process and other guarantees enshrined in Ecuador’s constitution.

In a letter sent February 20, the Human Rights Foundation reminded President Correa of the importance of upholding human rights regardless of political circumstances.

• Read the letter here (Spanish only).
• Read media coverage of HRF's letter:
  Radioequinoccio.com: Human rights denuncia violación del debido proceso. Caso Llori
  INREDH: Caso Dayuma Human Rights Foundation
  Ciudadana Informada: La Human Rights Foundation envió una carta a Correa por los sucesos de Dayuma
  Elcomercio.com: Una carta de DD.HH. a Correa
  

HRF in today's Washington Times: Colombia's FARC and Venezuela

February 7, 2008

The Washington Times published an editorial today by HRF President Thor Halvorssen in which Mr. Halvorssen writes about Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez’s active support of the FARC, a rebel army in Colombia which the United States and every European government have designated as a foreign terrorist organization. [more]

• Read Thor Halvorssen’s editorial here.

Bolivian Government Responds to HRF
February 4, 2008

In a letter dated January 28, 2008, the Bolivian government formally replied to HRF’s letter to Bolivian President Evo Morales regarding the negative repercussions that his proposed constitutional amendments would have on human rights. HRF’s first letter was widely circulated in Bolivia and was a frequent topic on television and in print media. Bolivian Vice-Minister Sacha Llorenti signed the response from the Bolivian government. In a television appearance, Vice-Minister Llorenti mocked HRF and its concerns. HRF’s response is included below.

The most recent development in this ongoing correspondence between HRF and the Bolivian government is HRF’s response sent on January 31, 2008.

• Read HRF's original letter of January 24, 2008 here.
• Read the government's January 28 response here (Spanish only).
• Read HRF's response (January 31) here (Spanish only).
• Read media coverage of HRF's campaign for human rights in Bolivia:
  Hoy Bolivia: DDHH: nueva CPE no cumple obligaciones internacionales
  La Estrella del Oriente: Human Rights teme violación de Derechos Humanos en Bolivia por CPE del MAS
  Terra: HRF dice que reforma pone en peligro derechos fundamentales de los bolivianos
  ABI: Gobierno acusa a ONG estadounidense de manejar mal la información de nueva CPE
  Los Tiempos: Gobierno descalifica carta de Human Rights sobre nuevo texto
  Bol Press: Carta de HRF al Viceministro Sacha Llorenti
  Los Tiempos: Human Rights niega partidismo derechista
  Hoy Bolivia: Derechos Humanos refuta carta del gobierno

HRF President Thor Halvorssen writes editorial on the shooting of human rights advocate Monica Fernandez

January 21, 2008

On January 21, 2008, an editorial by HRF President Thor Halvorssen on the shooting of Monica Fernandez, a Venezuelan human rights advocate, was published by Pajamas Media, a news website that provides exclusive news and opinion 24/7 in text, video and podcast from correspondents in over forty countries.

• Read the editorial here.
• Read the HRF press release on Monica Fernandez here.

Venezuelan government continues attack on independent media; Alberto Federico Ravell is “Caracas Nine” dissident #3

January 17, 2008

Employees and directors of Globovisión, Venezuela’s only remaining independent 24-hour news and information channel, have survived more than five years of attacks and death threats for exercising their free speech. The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) released a report this week detailing human rights violations against the people who work for the TV station.

Globovisión general manager Alberto Federico Ravell and his 430 colleagues are the third case in HRF’s Caracas Nine project (www.CaracasNine.com). [more]

• Read the report about Alberto Federico Ravell's case here.
• Read about the Caracas Nine here.

Enshrining Mob Rule in Bolivia: Communal Justice and the New Constitution

January 15, 2008

Communal justice Open Assembly held in the town of Ayo Ayo (July 3, 2004).

Lashing, crucifixion and other forms of corporal punishment would be legal in a new constitution proposed by the government of Bolivian President Evo Morales. Since 2005, Bolivia has seen a dramatic increase in such disturbing practices, including lynchings and torture, meted out under an informal system known as “communal justice.” Cases include death sentences for women accused of adultery and the beating, stoning, hanging, and burning of an elected official accused of corruption.

“Communal justice entirely disregards due process. In theory, it enables indigenous communities to address their needs in a fair and disinterested manner. In practice, it is judicial terror. It is breathtaking that the Morales government wishes to enshrine such arbitrary and barbaric practices and make them legally unappealable,” said Thor Halvorssen, president of the Human Rights Foundation (HRF). Today, HRF published a report on Bolivia’s communal justice system. [more]

• Read the press release
• Read HRF's report on communal justice in Bolivia here
• Video of communal justice practices in Bolivia (violent images—not suitable for children)

HRF Researcher Shot in Venezuela

January 7, 2008

Monica Fernandez, former judge and one of the leaders of the Foro Penal Venezolano, was shot Saturday afternoon in circumstances that, prior to a full investigation, the government of Venezuela has declared a “car robbery.” Ms. Fernandez directs the Venezuelan research division of the Human Rights Foundation (HRF).

Ms. Fernandez was kidnapped and shot at point-blank range while loading her car with plants she had bought with her fiancé, Javier Herrera. Mr. Herrera, a police officer, was shot five times while trying to prevent the attack. Mr. Herrera killed one of the aggressors; the other drove off with Ms. Fernandez. He later released her and left the car parked nearby. Both Ms. Fernandez and Mr. Herrera are hospitalized in Caracas. [more]

Francisco Usón is Free; HRF's First Prisoner of Conscience Conditionally Released

December 25, 2007

At 7:30 p.m. on December 24, 2007 in Caracas, Venezuela, the Human Rights Foundation's first political prisoner and prisoner of conscience, Franciso Usón, was freed by the judge presiding over appeals in his case.

Usón, a retired army general and former cabinet minister in the government of Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez, was sentenced to five-and-a-half years of prison in a maximum security jail for having uttered a statement expressing concern for human rights. [more]

• Read the report about Usón's case here.
• Read about the Caracas Nine here.

Pinochet Will Forever be Remembered as a Torturer

December 10, 2007

One year after the death of Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet, the Human Rights Foundation reprints here its contribution made to the NRO online symposium “Pinochet Is History: But how will it remember him?” [more]

Video Highlights Human Rights Violations in Venezuela; Caracas Nine Preview Now Available on YouTube

November 30, 2007

Artists Reunite for Human Rights in Latin America; Concert Tour in New York to Stress the Plight of the Caracas Nine

October 25, 2007

The Human Rights Foundation launched its Caracas Nine campaign today to raise awareness about human rights violations occurring in Venezuela. The program focuses on nine individuals who have survived discrimination, intimidation, censorship, false arrest, imprisonment, and torture. Every few days, HRF will introduce a new member of the Caracas Nine whose case is illustrative of the human rights situation in Venezuela. The first member of the Caracas Nine is Francisco Usón, a political prisoner and prisoner of conscience since May 2004.

The Fenwicks—the legendary Afro-Celtic Yiddish Ska band —begin a concert tour this weekend in support for and solidarity with the Caracas Nine. The tour includes five stops, commencing on October 28 at the Knitting Factory concert venue in New York City and concluding on November 2 at Studio A in Miami, Florida.

• Visit the Caracas Nine campaign website here.
• Read the report on Francisco Usón here.
• Get more information about The Fenwicks’ Caracas Nine tour here.
• Read an article about the Fenwicks from their Warped Tour appearance here.

Dominican Government Calls for Censorship of HRF Film on Human Trafficking

June 29, 2007

Amidst protest and volatile confrontation, HRF screened its documentary film The Sugar Babies: The Plight of the Children of Agricultural Workers in the Sugar Industry, at Florida International University on Wednesday. The documentary about human trafficking in Haiti and the Dominican Republic drew protest from both Dominican government officials and from the Fanjul family, one of the largest beneficiaries of the human trafficking depicted in the film, with a sugar empire that dwarfs the U.S. Sugar Corporation. [more]

• Read the press release

HRF calls for an immediate end to the human rights abuses against peaceful student protesters in Venezuela

June 6, 2007

In light of the recent student protests surrounding the shutdown of RCTV, HRF communicated today with the president of Venezuela in condemnation of the excessive measures taken by Venezuelan security forces against protesters as they demonstrate for freedom of speech in Venezuela. HRF alerted the OAS, the UN, and numerous other organizations of the several human rights violations in this case, including detentions, the use of firearms, and physical violence against peaceful protesters.

• Read HRF’s letter to Chávez (in Spanish)

NEW YORK POST: Hugo & the Media Kings
June 6, 2007

Today’s New York Post publishes an opinion column by HRF President Thor Halvorssen on the struggle for independent media in Venezuela.

• Click here for the full article
• Click here to view a short film on the attacks on Venezuelan media in Venezuela since 2001
• Click here to visit HRF’s freedom of expression site, FreeRCTV.com

Protests in Venezuela; One Hundred High School Students Arrested; Attacks on Media Continue; Bolivian and Ecuadorian Governments Announce Media Crackdown
May 30, 2007

Mass protests shook Venezuela over the last three days as people—many of them high school and university students—took to the streets to protest the this weekend’s shutdown of the Venezuelan television station Radio Caracas Television (RCTV). Severe government crackdowns included the use of live ammunition, tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, and riot gear. More than one hundred minors and eighty adults were in custody of the Venezuelan police as of this afternoon. Their identities and condition are being withheld by the government. [more]

RCTV Blackout in Venezuela
May 28, 2007

Despite worldwide criticism, mass protests on the streets of Caracas, condemnation by world bodies including the European Parliament, the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, and the Chilean Senate, as well as condemnation from all major human rights and press groups, the Venezuelan government today pulled the plug on RCTV, Venezuela’s last independent TV network.

Human Rights Foundation marks the sad day with its website www.FreeRCTV.com converted to a solid black screen.

RCTV Shutdown Condemned By Europeans; Chileans; and Senators Clinton, Obama, and Kennedy
May 25, 2007

Two days away from the shutdown of Venezuela’s leading independent television stations, a growing coalition of condemnation has emerged. It includes the European Parliament; U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations (including Senators Lugar, Dodd, Clinton, Obama, Kennedy, and McCain) and organizations as diverse as Reporters Without Borders, the Committee to Protect Journalists, Human Rights Watch, and Amnesty International. [more]

HRF to OAS’s Insulza: “Do Your Job”
May 23, 2007

HRF issued a plea today in the form of a letter addressed to José Miguel Insulza, Secretary General of the Organization of American States, to do his job. Insulza dismissed concern about RCTV and said the matter was in the hands of the Venezuelan courts. Venezuela’s highest court ruled today that no appeals from RCTV will be accepted. RCTV will cease transmission on May 27 at midnight. [more]

• Read the press release
• Read the letter to Insulza (in Spanish)

Cuban-Venezuelan Actress and Singer María Conchita Alonso Defends RCTV's Right to Dissent; Joins HRF Campaign for Prisoners of Conscience
May 16, 2007

María Conchita Alonso has joined the Human Rights Foundation's campaign in support of political prisoners in Venezuela. She declared today: “I am devoted to the liberation of those wrongfully imprisoned for doing nothing more than expressing themselves and those who are guilty of nothing more than fighting corruption or doing their jobs. These include Francisco Uson, a former cabinet minister and democracy activist; Humberto Quintero, a former national guardsman who captured an important leader of a Colombian terrorist organization; whistleblower Eligio Cedeño, a former banker held for his detailed knowledge of government corruption; and former captain Otto Gebauer, who was sentenced for twelve years for peaceful civil disobedience.” [more]

HRF Condemns Venezuelan Government Shut Down of TV Station, Launches FreeRCTV Website, and Brings Case to the Attention of U.N Secretary General Ban Ki-moon
May 7, 2007

In a meeting today held in honor of Ban Ki-moon at the UN Association, Human Rights Foundation President Thor Halvorssen brought the escalating crisis over the impending shutdown of Venezuelan TV channel RCTV to the Secretary General’s attention, giving him a copy of a letter to Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez, co-authored by former U.N. Ambassador Armando Valladares. [more]

• Read HRF’s letter to the Venezuelan President
• Visit HRF’s new website: FreeRCTV.com
• Sign the petition in favor of freedom of expression and of the press

HRF Chairman Writes About Castro's Gulag in the Wall Street Journal
March 5, 2007

The Wall Street Journal published an editorial today written by HRF Chairman Armando Valladares in which Ambassador Valladares reflects on his experience as a prisoner of conscience in Castro's gulag, Castro's legacy, and the relevance of that legacy for the American hemisphere today. [more]

• Read Ambassador Armando Valladares's editorial
  
  

Norway Grants Asylum to Former HRF Prisoner of Conscience
February 28, 2007

Amauris Samartino, a political dissident illegally expelled from Bolivia for criticizing President Evo Morales and Fidel Castro, has been granted asylum in Norway. Samartino, a medical doctor, was detained at gunpoint in eastern Bolivia last December for remarks he had made in the local media. Prior to his expulsion, the Human Rights Foundation (HRF) adopted him as a prisoner of conscience of the Bolivian government. "Although my home is Bolivia, I am overjoyed that Norway is willing to be a safe harbor for those with the temerity to express themselves freely. Bolivia is no longer a safe place for those who disagree, no matter how peacefully, with the government of Evo Morales," said Samartino. [more]

• Read HRF's press release
  
  

HRF Victory: Expelling Dissident from Bolivia Ruled Unconstitutional

Bolivian Court Admits Human Rights Foundation Brief and Decides for Freedom

February 2, 2007

On Friday February 2, 2007, the Constitutional Tribunal of Bolivia announced that it ruled against the government of Evo Morales and in favor of a man falsely detained and expelled from Bolivia for publicly criticizing Fidel Castro and Evo Morales. The government’s actions were outside of the law, arbitrary, and violated equality before the law, freedom of speech, and due process. HRF adopted Samartino as a Prisoner of Conscience three days after his arrest and filed a friend-of-the-court brief delineating the illegal nature of the government’s activities as well as the four international treaties violated in this case. HRF celebrates that the court decided in favor of freedom. [more]

• Read HRF's press release
• Read the press release from the highest court in Bolivia

Dissident Expelled from Bolivia for Criticizing Fidel Castro and Evo Morales

Amauris Samartino was new Government’s First Prisoner of Conscience

January 10, 2007

Amauris Samartino, a Cuban refugee who has lived in Bolivia since 2000, was expelled yesterday after having been detained for seventeen days for criticizing the Bolivian and Cuban governments. The Bolivian government’s justification for the expulsion of Samartino rested on an immigration law that was voided and deemed unconstitutional in 2001. Violations of human rights in this case include wrongful imprisonment, arbitrary detainment, forced exile, due process abuse, and undue restriction of free speech.  

Beyond publishing an exhaustive report, HRF will present Samartino’s case at the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights of the Organization of American States. HRF will also file amicus curiae briefs with the Bolivian Constitutional Tribunal regarding the human rights violations against Mr. Samartino and his petition to re-enter Bolivia as a permanent resident. [more]

Bolivia to Deport Cuban National for Criticism of Cuban Dictatorship and Bolivian President
December 29, 2006

Since December 27, 2006 HRF has begun investigating the planned deportation of Amauris Samartino, a Cuban refugee living in Bolivia since 2000, who has criticized what he sees as Bolivia’s slide into authoritarianism.  Mr. Samartino was arrested on December 23 and is currently in the custody of the Bolivian government and a legal process seems to be underway.  HRF has documented numerous human rights violations by the Bolivian government in this case including kidnapping, false arrest, violations of freedom of expression and freedom of speech.  A full report and campaign will begin next week. Stay tuned.

HRF Letter to President Chavez Urges The Liberation of Francisco Usón
December 12, 2006

Former U.N. Human Rights Ambassador Armando Valladares, who spent 22 years in Cuban prisons, and Human Rights Foundation president Thor Halvorssen released a letter to Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez declaring Francisco Usón a political prisoner and prisoner of conscience. The letter documented the violations of due process and freedom of speech rights in the case of Mr. Usón, a retired Venezuelan General sentenced to five and a half years in prison for voicing an opinion on a television talk-show.

The letter to Mr. Chavez urges the immediate liberation and exoneration of Mr. Uson and puts the government on notice about a widespread campaign of awareness including the publicizing of two attempts on Mr. Uson’s life since his conviction. [more]

• Read HRF’s letter to President Chavez here (.pdf). and here (text)
• Read HRF’s executive summary and full report (.pdf)
• Read HRF's press release
• Click here to get involved in the campaign for Usón’s freedom

HRF Begins Advocacy Campaign for Francisco Usón

Former Cabinet Minister Imprisoned for Stating an Opinion
December 12, 2006

On Friday, December 1, the Human Rights Foundation (HRF) began an advocacy campaign for the liberation of a man held in prison in Venezuela for voicing an opinion on a television talk-show. Francisco Usón is the first political prisoner and prisoner of conscience adopted by HRF. An executive summary and full report (.pdf, 164kb) about the case are available to the public.

Click here to get involved in the campaign for Usón’s freedom.

Our Programs

HRF’s programs are designed to further global understanding of recurring threats to freedom in the Americas.  Our programs provide education about what constitutes a free society, why freedom matters, and how freedom is nurtured, developed, and sustained. [more]

Our Reports

HRF will research and report on human rights abuses with a particular focus on prisoners of conscience and political prisoners. [more]

Our Vision
The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) centers its work on the twin concepts of freedom of self-determination and freedom from tyranny. These ideals find their purest expression in the belief that all human beings have the rights to speak freely, to worship in the manner of their choice, to associate with those of like mind, to acquire and dispose of property, and to leave and enter their countries.

Individuals in a free society must be accorded equal treatment and due process under law, and must have the opportunity to participate in the government of their countries; HRF’s ideals likewise find expression in the conviction that all human beings have the right to be free from arbitrary detainment or exile, from slavery and torture, and from interference and coercion in matters of conscience. [more]

Human Rights Foundation | 350 Fifth Avenue, #4515 | New York, NY 10118
Phone: (212) 246-8486 | Fax: (212) 643-4278 | info@thehrf.org