Human Rights

On Topic

The basic rights of humans to equality, liberty, dignity and political expression have been debated by philosophers and political figures throughout history. Wars and revolutions have been fought to attain and preserve them. Yet millions of people throughout the world are still unjustly imprisoned, tortured and killed for their beliefs.

Azadi ('Freedom') Tower in Tehran. (Credit: Suzanne Maloney)

Blog Post

If Iran's Supreme Leader Wants "Heroic Flexibility," He Should Meet Iran's Real Heroes

September 20, 2013, Suzanne Maloney

In recent days, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has sparked an intense conversation surrounding the significance of the phrase "heroic flexibility," which he used to endorse the efforts of Iran's newly-installed president, Hassan Rouhani, to alter Iran's approach to the world. It is heartening to see the early signs of a thaw between Washington and Tehran, and I hope that the Supreme Leader's words about "heroic flexibility" indeed prove true, particularly on the policy issues of greatest concern to Iranians and to the international community. But no one should ever lose sight of Iran's real heroes: the journalists, advocates, and dissidents who have fought for justice and a better life for Iranians. Iran @ Saban profiles one such hero, renowned human rights lawyer Mehrangiz Kar.

Recent Activity

Refine by: Internal Displacement | Sub-Saharan Africa | United Nations | Immigration

In the News

An accounting of the fate and whereabouts of all of North Korea’s political prisoners, including those missing and those who have died in detention should be of highest priority to the UN commission of inquiry and the entire international community.
August 27, 2013, Roberta Cohen, Democracy Digest
In the News

Internationally it's highly embarrassing for a country like Australia to have the UN Human Rights Committee say something like this (on Australia's refugee detention policy).
August 23, 2013, Jane McAdam, ABC News Australia
Interview | The Take Away

Number of Displaced Surge as Conflict in Syria Continues

June 20, 2013, Megan Bradley
Expert Q & A

The Kampala Convention: Entry Into Force

May 13, 2013, Chaloka Beyani
In the News

Perhaps three million people, 10 percent of Iraq's population, remain displaced - and forgotten.
April 23, 2013, Elizabeth Ferris, IRIN
In the News

There are unclear mandates for [aid] agencies to respond to cross-border displacement, since no NGO or agency has responsibility for overseeing people displaced by natural disasters.
April 17, 2013, Walter Kälin, IRIN
Interview | NPR

The Fear That Drives Russia's Support For Syria's Assad

March 27, 2013, Fiona Hill
In the News

The establishment of the [UN] commission [to look into North Korea's human rights abuses] reflects long overdue recognition that a human rights ‘emergency’ exists in North Korea. The commission of inquiry should not be seen as an end in itself but rather as part of a larger strategy to promote human rights in North Korea.
March 23, 2013, Roberta Cohen, Yonhap News Agency
In the News

It’s never easy to predict change in a society. Just remember the fall of the Berlin Wall, the end of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the changes in Arab countries ― they were hardly foreseen. Continuing to chip away at the Kim regime and working to penetrate the information wall around North Korea could in time lead to change.
February 26, 2013, Roberta Cohen, The Korea Herald
In the News

[U.S. support for a U.N. inquiry into human rights abuses in North Korea could prompt other nations] especially those on the fence, to come forward in support of the initiative.
February 20, 2013, Roberta Cohen, Washington Post