Category: WORLD

Trump White House Targets Asylum Seekers with Cruel Memorandum

May 1, 2019

This week the White House issued a presidential memorandum calling on the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice to issue regulations that would impose onerous financial burdens on asylum seekers, undermine credible fear proceedings, and force judges to rush cases through the immigration court system, at the expense of due process. If enacted, … More Trump White House Targets Asylum Seekers with Cruel Memorandum

Sam Equality Deetz Remembered by African HRC

April 3, 2019

African HRC Mourns the Passing of Sam Deetz, by Melanie Nathan, Executive Director, African HRC. African Human Rights Coalition is deeply saddened to report the sudden passing of our Advisory Committee member, Sam Deetz, from Pennsylvania. We extend our deepest sympathy to his family and friends, to Sam’s devoted husband Jim Zeigler, who he had shared … More Sam Equality Deetz Remembered by African HRC

Past President Yahya Jammeh of Gambia Yet to be charged in Theft and Pillage of Country

March 30, 2019

According to OCCRP, and other media outlets, for more than two decades of rule, the past president Yahya Jammeh of Gambia, a tiny West African country known for tropical beaches and tranquility in a region often rocked by conflict, did nothing much but pillage the country, and I add, a whole lot of screaming for … More Past President Yahya Jammeh of Gambia Yet to be charged in Theft and Pillage of Country

U.N Body to Declare Parts of Italian Reproductive Law contrary to International Law

March 29, 2019

LOYOLA’S INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS CENTER PERSUADES U.N. BODY TO DECLARE PARTS OF ITALIAN REPODUCTIVE LAW CONTRARY TO INTERNATIONAL LAW LOS ANGELES – The International Human Rights Center (IHRC) at LMU’s Loyola Law School, Los Angeles has secured a favorable ruling from the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in a challenge to … More U.N Body to Declare Parts of Italian Reproductive Law contrary to International Law

ILGA’s 2019 State Sponsored Homophobia Report Reveals Much Needed For LGBTQ Equality & Human Rights

March 24, 2019

On 20 March, the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) launched the 13th edition of its flagship publication, State-Sponsored Homophobia, authored by Lucas Ramón Mendos. This publication compiles data on laws that affect people on the basis of their sexual orientation – a fundamental resource for researchers, civil society organisations, governments and the general … More ILGA’s 2019 State Sponsored Homophobia Report Reveals Much Needed For LGBTQ Equality & Human Rights

Hostile Host Countries further the persecution of LGBTI Refugees in Africa

March 22, 2019

A Critical frontier for Human Rights Advocacy – Melanie Nathan (2019) – the subject of 2 Articles in global press- Harpers and Mamba-Online – elucidating a critical mess for LGBTQI refugees!  This week two articles have been written by accomplished journalists at two different corners of the world, reflecting on the stories of refugees attempting to avail … More Hostile Host Countries further the persecution of LGBTI Refugees in Africa

Queering BREXIT

March 19, 2019

Gender and Queer Perspectives on Brexit Editors: Dustin, Moira, Ferreira, Nuno, Millns, Susan (Eds.) “On 24 June 2016, many people had the feeling that they woke up in a country prone to isolationism and protectionism, risking hurting its economic and social development for the sake of imperial nostalgia and moral panic about ‘loss of sovereignty’ … More Queering BREXIT

Message: Within Post Massacre Unity we Cannot be Silent while U.S. President still Promotes its Motivation

March 16, 2019

SPEAK OUT NOW!  In the wake of the New Zealand terrorist attack, perpetrated in the name of white nationalism, we are learning that the terrorist, in his 87 page Manifesto, specifically cited U.S. President, Donald Trump, as is his motivator.   The massacre has led to religious denominations unifying in condemnation of the attacks and … More Message: Within Post Massacre Unity we Cannot be Silent while U.S. President still Promotes its Motivation

Asylum Seeker Credibility – Landmark Ruling on Expert Medical Evidence

March 14, 2019

Credibility is often an issue in asylum cases. It can be a tough indictment on nervous victims of persecution and torture, terrified at having to function in a milieu of transparency, after having hidden themselves for so long!  How do you come out openly in your attempt to seek asylum in a safe country, after … More Asylum Seeker Credibility – Landmark Ruling on Expert Medical Evidence

Liberian Immigrants Sue Trump over Humanitarian Protection

March 13, 2019

BOSTON, MA –The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and Lawyers for Civil Rights jointly filed a lawsuit today challenging President Donald Trump’s termination of humanitarian protection and relief for immigrants from Liberia. The lawsuit, the first of its kind in the country, was filed on behalf of African Communities Together (ACT), the UndocuBlack Network, … More Liberian Immigrants Sue Trump over Humanitarian Protection

LGBTQ Asians Defend California’s Sanctuary Laws

March 13, 2019

Amicus brief urges US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit to Block Trump Administration’s Challenge to CA Laws Protecting Undocumented Immigrants Today, March 13, the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit hears oral arguments in U.S. v. California, the Trump Administration’s lawsuit against California’s sanctuary laws that regulate state employers and law enforcement to protect … More LGBTQ Asians Defend California’s Sanctuary Laws

Honoring Lesbian Survivors on International Women’s Day #IWD 2019

March 8, 2019

Today is International Women’s Day #IWD2019: We celebrate and stand in solidarity with all women, noting their tenacity and fortitude, especially those who courageously survive violence and defy patriarchy.  At African HRC with global lesbians and transgender women our family, we continue to fight for the basic human right to autonomy of mind and body. Here … More Honoring Lesbian Survivors on International Women’s Day #IWD 2019

UN, Red Cross Pledge Action on Sexual Violence in Conflict

February 25, 2019

Heads of UN, Red Cross/Red Crescent pledge to step up action on sexual violence in conflict The United Nations and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement today pledged to step up action to prevent, end and respond to sexual and gender-based violence in and around conflict Through their work in conflict zones around … More UN, Red Cross Pledge Action on Sexual Violence in Conflict

Kenyan Court Postpones much anticipated ruling on Criminalization of Homosexuality

February 22, 2019

The much anticipated ruling in the case challenging the Kenyan anti-Homosexuality Clauses of the Penal Code which criminalizes homosexuality has been postponed. Eric Gitari v Attorney General & another (Petition no. 150 of 2016), brought by the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (NGLHRC) challenges Sections 162 a) c) 163, 165, of the Kenyan Penal … More Kenyan Court Postpones much anticipated ruling on Criminalization of Homosexuality

AHRC Implores Media and LGBTQI Community to use Smollett Hoax Positively

February 21, 2019

“Empire” actor Jussie Smollett has been arrested, is appearing in a Chicago Court and faces a felony charge of disorderly conduct for allegedly filing a false report claiming two men attacked him last month. Statement by Melanie Nathan, Executive Director of African Human Rights Coalition (AHRC/ African HRC), first appearing HERE: I am stunned to … More AHRC Implores Media and LGBTQI Community to use Smollett Hoax Positively

LGBTQ Brazilian Congressman Jean Wyllys Flees Brazil After Death Threats

January 24, 2019

Anti-LGBTQ forces allied with President Jair Bolsonaro have long-targeted Wyllys – who has resigned and fled Brazil Brazilian Congressman Jean Wyllys – who became the first openly LGBTQ person to serve in the National Congress of Brazil in 2011 – announced he has left the country and will not return because of increasing death threats … More LGBTQ Brazilian Congressman Jean Wyllys Flees Brazil After Death Threats

Jewish Women Encouraged to proudly express identity and heritage at Women’s March San Francisco

January 17, 2019

I am a Jew, known for my global human rights work and always publicly open about my support for my people’s right to self determination. Since the first Women’s March I have never felt unloved, unwelcome, abandoned or unsafe in my marching or relationship with Women’s March, San Francisco (WMSF)! In fact organizers have reached out to me, … More Jewish Women Encouraged to proudly express identity and heritage at Women’s March San Francisco

UNHCR Calls out the Violent Kenyan Police Attack on LGBT Refugees

December 13, 2018

African HRC and other advocates have been requesting UNHCR plan for the safe protection and humane living conditions for LGBTQ refugees in Kakuma Refugee Camp for several years, with only slight ad hoc and ultimately ineffective results. The harsh conditions and insecurities led to a protest this week and an attack by Kenyan police on … More UNHCR Calls out the Violent Kenyan Police Attack on LGBT Refugees

Tennessee College Expels Muslim Student for Wearing Hijab

December 11, 2018

 Muslim Advocates Demands Changes WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Muslim Advocates and the law firm Beldock Levine & Hoffman LLP sent a demand letter to Georgia Career Institute (“GCI”), a for-profit college operating in several southern states, after GCI staff expelled a college student from its Murfreesboro, Tennessee campus in February 2018 simply for wearing a … More Tennessee College Expels Muslim Student for Wearing Hijab

LGBT Refugee Peaceful Protest Turns Violent at UNHCR Compound in Kenya

December 11, 2018

Kenya is a hostile host to LGBTI refugees:– Thirty LGBTI Refugees in Kakuma Camp, Kenya, mostly Ugandans participating in an approved peaceful demonstration, tried to deliver a document to UNHCR, but after being refused entry into the compound were viciously attacked by police.  I have reached out to UNHCR for comment and will update accordingly. The conditions … More LGBT Refugee Peaceful Protest Turns Violent at UNHCR Compound in Kenya

Botswana’s New President Groundbreaking Support for LGBTI Rights

December 11, 2018

The recently appointed President of Botswana has been applauded for publicly speaking out in support of LGBTI people. Now he should take the step to promote repeal of Botswana’s criminalizing laws In April Botswana’s new President, Mokgweetsi Masisi, took office, heralding hope for the furthering of human and civil rights in the country.  Launching the country’s … More Botswana’s New President Groundbreaking Support for LGBTI Rights

70th UDHR Anniversary and Deplorable Treatment of Asylum Seekers and Refugees in Africa

December 10, 2018

Call Outs on the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights SOUTH AFRICA:  On this the day we celebrate the 70th year of the #UDHR South Africa should take a hard look at its deplorable treatment of African asylum seekers and #refugees from Northern countries. People, including mothers with babies on their backs, are … More 70th UDHR Anniversary and Deplorable Treatment of Asylum Seekers and Refugees in Africa

Passionate Residents call on Marin BOS for County Sanctuary at TRUTH Forum

December 7, 2018

The Truth Act, signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown in September 2016, requires local governing bodies in which local law enforcement has provided ICE access to an individual to hold a community forum to receive and consider public comment. Last night the Marin County Board of Supervisors held such a forum at the Civic … More Passionate Residents call on Marin BOS for County Sanctuary at TRUTH Forum

South African Parliament votes to approve Civil Union Amendment for Full Marriage Equality

December 6, 2018

By Melanie Nathan- Last month we reported a victory for LGBTQI equality and same-sex couples in South Africa, when the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs in Parliament adopted a Civil Union Amendment Bill that could lead to full marriage equality for South Africa’s same-sex community. Now that journey to becoming law is one step closer to … More South African Parliament votes to approve Civil Union Amendment for Full Marriage Equality

Botswana Africa’s Next Hope for Decriminalization of Homosexuality

December 6, 2018

The Botswana High Court has announced that it will finally hear a case on the decriminalization of homosexuality next year:  According to our friends at Mamba Online, the full bench of the court ordered that a hearing challenging the constitutionality of sections 164(a), 164(c) and 167 of the Penal Code, which criminalizes same-sex sexual activities … More Botswana Africa’s Next Hope for Decriminalization of Homosexuality

South Africa’s LGBTQ March Calling Shame on Tanzania and Uganda

November 28, 2018

It is imperative that South Africa lead the movement to decriminalize homosexuality in Africa. And two major events have occurred this past month in South Africa, in what seems to me an historic push for such leadership.  Earlier this month Johannesburg Pride took the bold move of sending an open letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa, … More South Africa’s LGBTQ March Calling Shame on Tanzania and Uganda

Victory for South Africa’s LGBTQ Community as Parliamentary Committee Adopts Critical Amendment

November 28, 2018

In a victory for LGBTIQ equality and same-sex couples in South Africa, the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs in Parliament has adopted a Civil Union Amendment Bill. The Parliamentary Committee’s adoption of the Bill is a major step in the proposed legislation’s journey to becoming law. Our friends at Mamba Online are reporting this fantastic news … More Victory for South Africa’s LGBTQ Community as Parliamentary Committee Adopts Critical Amendment

Transgender Lives Lost and Never Forgotten TDOR 2018

November 20, 2018

First published at African Human rights Coalition:  Lives Lost Transgender Day of Remembrance TDOR – 2018 The Transgender Day of Remembrance is an annual event that started in 1998 after the killing of Rita Hester, a transgender African American woman, in the United Sates.  Today on TDOR we memorialize those who were killed due to anti-transgender hate and prejudice. It … More Transgender Lives Lost and Never Forgotten TDOR 2018