Human Rights First

Description

Human Rights First is a nonpartisan human rights organization based in the United States, championing freedom and dignity at home and abroad.

It was founded in 1978 as the Lawyers Committee for International Human Rights, established by the International League for Human Rights and the Council of New York Law Associates. It took the name Human Rights First in 2004. It is based in New York City, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.

Its work centers on refugee and immigrant rights, protection of U.S. democracy, and international human rights. It defends refugees and immigrants through legal representation, litigation, humane asylum policy and accountability efforts, and bolsters democracy by protecting civil liberties and challenging abuses of power. Internationally it works to strengthen accountability, human rights and humanitarian systems, working closely with lawyers, veterans, security experts and technologists.

The organization uses strategic litigation to defend democracy, protect refugees and hold perpetrators accountable, alongside campaigns such as its long-running effort against torture and its program addressing hate crimes. It builds broad-based coalitions and develops new tools meant to help justice and democracy prevail.