JBI Human Rights

JBI Calls for a More Robust International Response to Russia’s Invasion of and Human Rights Violations in Ukraine

The Jacob Blaustein Institute for the Advancement of Human Rights (JBI) is alarmed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which poses an existential challenge to the rules-based global order and can be seen as an attack on democracy itself.  The high number of reported civilian casualties, the massive exodus of refugees and internal displacement that has been triggered by the brutal Russian military campaign, and reports of serious human rights violations committed by Russian forces in Ukrainian territory they now control are deeply concerning. As detailed in JBI's new statement, the reported violations include but are not limited to abductions and killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, forced displacement, and torture and other ill-treatment of public officials, journalists, aid workers and Ukrainians protesting against Russia's actions. JBI's statement also notes reports that Russian officials have committed serious rights violations against their own citizens in the weeks since the invasion began, including large-scale detention of protesters and censorship aimed at preventing and punishing any criticism of the military campaign.

JBI's statement reviews the actions that governments have taken individually and at international bodies to respond to Russia's invasion and violations and calls for a more robust response. JBI calls on governments to continue their efforts to demand that Russia cease its aggression, withdraw from Ukraine, and respect its human rights obligations. It calls for governments to take measures to ensure that Ukrainian people fleeing the crisis receive the support and protection they require. It calls on governments to ensure that Russia's leaders face meaningful consequences for the violations they have committed, including at the UN and through strengthened sanctions. It calls on governments to support and strengthen the visibility of the work of the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, which has maintained an in-country monitoring mission in Ukraine throughout the recent hostilities. It calls on UN leaders and governments to ensure that concerns for human rights protection and accountability are integrated into every mechanism established to coordinate the global response to this crisis. The full statement is available here.

JBI Statement on the Need for Urgent Human Rights Protection and Monitoring in Afghanistan

The crisis in Afghanistan requires urgent protection of people and their human rights. The Jacob Blaustein Institute for the Advancement of Human Rights (JBI) has released a statement that outlines the human rights dimensions of the situation and advises on what governments, acting individually and through international organizations, can and must do. It also recommends actions and principles to guide the responses of the United Nations system.  We call on the international community to ensure the safety of Afghans, particularly women and girls, who are most at risk under the Taliban, a UN designated terrorist organization.

As a matter of priority, JBI calls on governments to identify ways to evacuate women leaders, human rights defenders, and other at-risk persons, including US and NATO allies. JBI calls on member States at the UN to adopt a resolution both at the upcoming emergency session of the Human Rights Council as well as the UN General Assembly session for an effective monitoring and reporting mechanism. JBI also calls on the UN to state clearly that all UN system actors active in Afghanistan or engaging with the Taliban will adhere to a system-wide approach that prioritizes respect for human rights, which is a core purpose of the United Nations according to its Charter.

Please find our full statement and list of recommendations here.

JBI Applauds Top UN Expert’s Contributions to Advancing Human Rights and Fighting Antisemitism

In a virtual conversation first broadcast on June 9, 2021, Felice Gaer, Director of the Jacob Blaustein Institute for the Advancement of Human Rights (JBI), thanked Dr. Ahmed Shaheed, the UN's Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, for his personal courage and conviction and highlighted several of his many achievements as an effective and courageous advocate for human rights. The conversation touched on several topics. These included Dr. Shaheed's ongoing work to encourage implementation of the recommendations he made in his historic 2019 report to the UN General Assembly recognizing global antisemitism as a serious human rights challenge. Dr. Shaheed also discussed his ongoing concerns about human rights in Iran, reflecting on his previous role as UN Special Rapporteur on human rights situation in that country, and on his efforts to promote an inclusive understanding of the right to freedom of religion or belief and highlight the situation of many individuals facing discrimination and impediments to fully exercising that rights. 

The entire conversation can be viewed below:

JBI Calls for Release of Baha'i Leaders Unjustly Imprisoned in Iran

With the release of a new State Department report on religious freedom around the world, the U.S. government revealed the shocking fact that 116 members of the Baha’i faith are unjustly imprisoned in Iran solely for their beliefs. Among them, sadly, are seven prominent Baha’i leaders unfairly incarcerated since 2008.

Prior to their arrest, the two women and five men ranging in ages from 40 to 80 — Fariba Kamalabadi, Jamaloddin Khanjani, Afif Naeimi, Saeid Rezaie, Mahvash Sabet, Behrouz Tavakkoli and Vahid Tizfahm — worked together to attend to the basic spiritual needs of Baha’is in Iran such as marriages, divorces and Baha’i children’s spiritual education. After five years of confinement, it is time for members of the international community to demand an end to this injustice.

In an effort to call attention to the plight of the Baha’is in Iran, members of the United States Congress introduced legislation on March 12, S.Res.75 and H.Res.109 condemn the state-sponsored persecution of Iran’s 300,000-member Baha’i minority, which contravenes Iran’s international obligations as set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and other international instruments. Additionally, the resolutions call on the president and secretary of State to demand the immediate release of prisoners held solely on account of their religion and to sanction Iranian officials directly responsible for serious human rights abuses, including abuses against the Baha’i community in Iran.

Burma: New Publication Outlines Needed Law Reforms

The Jacob Blaustein Institute for the Advancement of Human Rights (JBI), together with partners Perseus Strategies and New Perimeter, launched a new report presenting an in-depth assessment of rule of law reform needs in Burma.  Key Burma experts, U.S. and other policymakers attended the launch at a meeting in Washington DC on March 5.  As noted in The Irrawaddy and Trust Law, the discussion focused on reforming Burma’s Constitution, and the incorporation of international human rights standards and civil society participation in the rule of law reform process.  In line with these recommendations, on March 20 the Burmese parliament agreed to create a commission to review the controversial 2008 Constitution.

Burma is transitioning from 50 years of military rule marked by rights abuses to a more democratic government.  In the past two years, Burma has released Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest and registered her National League for Democracy political party, which won 43 of 45 available seats in April 2012 parliamentary by-elections.  Other reforms include the release of approximately 800 political prisoners (although many were conditionally released); decreased restrictions on the internet and media; the establishment of a new National Human Rights Commission; and signing of preliminary ceasefire agreements with several ethnic armed groups. 

The Rule of Law Assessment Report (the “Assessment”) identifies needs and responses that would expedite the rule of law reform process required in Burma to ensure that transition continues.  It presents an overview of initial and needed reforms, encouraging integration of universal human rights principles in the rule of law reform process, and providing guidance and recommendations to all those who will engage with local actors in Burma.  This will allow international actors to help move the law reform process from the current state where promises are made by Burma to the international community to one where reforms are implemented in Burma both on paper and in practice.  

JBI on Iran’s Must-See Sites of Oppression and Abuse for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

Despite warnings that attending the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit in Tehran would legitimize the regime’s abusive behavior at home and abroad, UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon has decided to go. He seeks to meet with Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.  Responding to criticisms of Ban’s plans, his spokesman argued that to skip the summit “would be a missed opportunity.”

It will be Ban’s first visit to Iran. On Friday, Iran’s top tourism official, H.M. Ajabi, told local press (IRNA) that the NAM summit offers a great opportunity for “boosting Iran’s tourism industry” and the Tehran Times reports that Ban has been invited to attend a meeting of the Human Rights Committee of the Iranian parliament.  Below are key sightseeing opportunities in Iran that the secretary-general should not miss if he is to be ready for this encounter:

Evin Prison:  This is Iran’s best-known site of cruel and prolonged torture, particularly of political prisoners, and secret executions. Among  the prisoners there were Fariba Kamalabadi and Mahvash Sabet, two of the seven imprisoned leaders of the Baha’i faith, Iran’s largest religious minority. American journalist Roxana Saberi met them while also detained in the notorious jail; she can help Ban identify them, should he seek their long-overdue release.

University of Tehran: On June 14, 2009, after widespread protests against the announced results of Iran’s presidential election, security forces broke open the gates of Tehran University and stormed campus dorms, indiscriminately arresting, beating and shooting students with pellet guns. Five students were reportedly killed and others seriously injured.  Authorities reportedly buried the dead within hours, without notifying their family members.  Student leaders currently imprisoned include Bahareh Hedayat, who called for holding security forces accountable.  Ban might ask for her to be released to offer a guided tour.

JBI support to aid South Sudanese Asylum Seekers and Migrants in Israel

The Jacob Blaustein Institute for the Advancement of Human Rights (JBI) has made an emergency grant to the Refugee Rights Clinic of the Tel Aviv University Faculty of Law to support immediate interventions on behalf of asylum seekers and migrants from South Sudan who are at risk of imminent deportation from Israel. Since 2008, JBI has worked to promote legislative and policy reforms that call upon Israel to develop an asylum system that complies with its international law obligations.

On June 8, 2012, JBI hosted a discussion with HIAS on the dimensions of the current crisis affecting African asylum seekers and migrants in Israel. 

JBI has prepared a background document, updated through June 20, 2012, which summarizes recent events affecting African asylum seekers and migrants in Israel; outlines Israel’s international obligations with regard to asylum seekers and refugees; and cites legal concerns and possible responses to them, including proposals regarding Israel’s development of an effective asylum system, which could enable the government to distinguish between refugees, who have a right to be protected from deportation to their home country, and economic migrants, who are not so entitled.

Updated information on this topic is available in a document prepared by HIAS.

 

JBI Human Rights Papers: Human Rights in Iran

The Jacob Blaustein Institute for the Advancement of Human Rights (JBI) published a new advocacy briefing note on Human Rights in Iran, part of a new series of JBI Human Rights Papers.

Since it seized power in 1979, the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran has been engaged in committing a range of human rights violations against the Iranian people.  During and since the violent crackdown surrounding the June 2009 flawed presidential elections, Iran’s widespread and systematic pattern of human rights violations has intensified and increased.  Iranian authorities admit to arresting more than 4,500 protesters during the crackdown and a death toll of 37.  Many protestors were subjected to violations of due process, arbitrary arrest, detention and torture.  These and other tactics have been used to silence human rights defenders, political opponents, journalists and lawyers, and to discriminate against women, and religious, ethnic and other minorities.

JBI Concerns About Israeli Bill That Would Limit Defense of Human Rights

The Jacob Blaustein Institute for the Advancement of Human Rights (JBI) has sent a letter to Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, urging him to oppose a bill before the Knesset which, if adopted, would undermine such basic freedoms as speech, association, and assembly.  In addition, the bill would hinder the promotion and protection of human rights for all by civil society, a longstanding aim of democratic societies and a principal Jewish value. 

 The bill, made public on November 30, would prohibit donations from foreign state entities to six categories of “restricted associations” and impose a 45% tax on donations from foreign state entities to public institutions that do not receive funding from the State of Israel. As a result of the broad terms used in the bill, it could be interpreted to categorize as "restricted associations" civil society organizations that call for accountability of government officials, including military officials, for human rights violations and for changes to unfair or discriminatory government policies and actions.

Honoring Elena Bonner (1923-2011)

Elena Bonner was a remarkable woman and human rights defender, widely eulogized in the week since she died at 88 following heart surgery in Massachusetts.

Bonner was, since 1972 the wife and after 1989, the widow of famed Soviet Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Andrei D. Sakharov – the moral giant who stood for human rights, peace and telling the truth.

Elena was herself a major public figure, as well as a demanding mother and doting grandmother – and a wonderful interlocutor, and a great role model. Her loss is huge.

She had many years of activism as well as repeated bouts of illness and infirmity. But it was her ability to rise again and again from infirmity to activism, to speak up and demand change, to exhibit courage when others were wilting from the repression that was directed against the tiny dissident/human rights community, for which we will always remember her.

And of course, for the many institutions she created and preserved, so the message and moral views of Andrei Sakharov will live on in Russia and beyond.

I first met Elena Bonner when she came to New York for heart surgery in 1986 – we even took this photo together, standing on Sakharov-Bonner Corner, just down the block from the Soviet Mission to the United Nations. Before and in the years in between, I helped carry out the rapid-fire demands and requests that Mrs. Bonner conveyed when she was able to get through on a rare, closely controlled international phone line out of Russia. Her requests, frankly, were endless. Or so it seemed. When I learned that her eye trouble stemmed from being wounded at the front in World War Two, I thought – how ironic – she could have been a great General! She understood the need to combine strategy with action – to fight on several fronts, and never to give up.

In a New Yorker tribute, David Remnick recalls how Bonner was slandered by Soviet spokesmen as a “sexual brigand” and “predatory Jew” who somehow led Sakharov astray, but he reflects on how she served as Sakharov’s protector, his ‘lion at the gate’ – and that she was “unafraid” and resilient.

Former New York Times reporter Serge Schmemann simply describes her as “formidable,” “imposing”, “peremptory” and a “sergeant –major.”

Let’s be clear: Elena Bonner was not a minor player, not a “sergeant-major”-- she was courageous, demanding, and effective. And that is why she was one of the great human rights defenders of our time.

She was well aware of who she was and, of course, of the worldwide renown which her husband Sakharov had gained since his famous 1968 essay on human rights, “Thoughts on Progress, Peaceful Coexistence, and Intellectual Freedom."

I recall vividly visiting her in Newton, Massachusetts, in 1990 – about 6 months after Sakharov's untimely death, but well before the collapse of the Soviet Union had even been contemplated. It was the day of the Wellesley College graduation, just one town away, and the Soviet 1st Lady Raisa Gorbachev was the commencement speaker alongside U.S. 1st Lady Barbara Bush. There was a media frenzy around this – the first time that Mrs. Gorbachev, who was accompanying her husband, President Mikhail Gorbachev, on a state visit, was given such a platform in the United States.

When I arrived, Elena’s first question was, “What do you think of Raisa’s planned speech?”

I said I thought it was disgraceful, since the only reason Raisa Gorbachev was asked to be the commencement speaker at Wellesley was because she was the wife of a famous man.

Well, Elena responded immediately, “You could say the same thing about me..."

When I recovered my balance, I protested to the contrary – all the things she had done herself, the causes she championed, the organizations like the Moscow Helsinki Group and a fund for the children of political prisoners that she founded, among others. She was no mere reflection of a powerful man.