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Human Rights Press Releases

Read the latest news below about the Carter Center's work around the world.

Carter Center Mourns the Passing of Human Rights Program Founder Thomas Buergenthal

The Carter Center offers its condolences to the family of Judge Thomas Buergenthal, a leading international human rights lawyer and the founder of the Center’s Human Rights Program. Learn more »

Peacebuilders and Leaders to Mark 25 Years of Northern Ireland’s Good Friday Agreement, Pay Tribute to President Carter at Atlanta Event

This spring marks the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, which ended decades of violence and established inclusive, democratic power-sharing institutions in Northern Ireland. On May 4, the Consulate General of Ireland in Atlanta and The Carter Center will co-host a commemorative event and reception with special guests representing diplomats, peacebuilders, and leaders from Northern Ireland and the United States. Learn more »

Carter Center Statement on Secretary Blinken’s Middle East Diplomacy

The Carter Center was pleased to hear Secretary of State Antony Blinken affirm the Biden administration’s goal of equal measures of freedom, security, opportunity, justice, and dignity for Palestinians and Israelis in his public remarks in Jerusalem this week. We support the administration’s sustained opposition to settlement construction, annexation of the West Bank, demolition of Palestinian houses, and displacement of Palestinians from their land. Learn more »

Carter Center Statement on Recent Violence in Atlanta

The Carter Center condemns the recent violence linked to the campaign to stop the construction of a police training facility in South River Forest, located southeast of Atlanta. We support the right for individuals to protest peacefully and call for a transparent investigation into the death of the protester and the injury of the Georgia state trooper. Learn more »

Carter Center Condemns Excessive Force against Protesters in Iran

The Carter Center expresses solidarity with the people of Iran who are calling for the end to severe restrictions on women in the wake of the death of Mahsa Amini, who was arrested for a slight violation of Iran’s strict dress code and died while in custody. Learn more »

Carter Center Calls on Democracy Summit Participants to Protect Human Rights Defenders

The Carter Center calls on participants in the Summit for Democracy to prioritize the protection of human rights defenders and voices of dissent as they face increased attacks throughout the world. Learn more »

Carter Center Forum to Host Roundtable Discussion on 'Moral Imagination in Crisis'

Please join us on Wednesday, May 20, from 1:30-2:30 p.m. EDT (UTC -4), Carter Center Senior Advisor for Human Rights Karin Ryan will host a conversation between Jacqueline Novogratz and media executive Pat Mitchell about Novogratz’s latest book, "Manifesto for a Moral Revolution: Practices to Build a Better World." Learn more »

TUNE IN April 16: Carter Center Forum to Host Roundtable Discussion on Protecting Human Rights During COVID-19

Center Forum to Host Roundtable Discussion on Protecting Human Rights During COVID-19 April 16 at 12 p.m. EDT Learn more »

Carter Center Statement from the 2019 Human Rights Defenders Forum

The Carter Center is calling for global solidarity with activists facing increasingly violent retribution for their work to advance human rights and peace worldwide. The 12th meeting of the Human Rights Defenders Forum took place Oct. 12-15 and brought together activists from 28 countries. There was a special focus on attacks against female human rights defenders and peacemakers, who face even more severe violence than their male counterparts. Learn more »

Carter Center to Hold Forum on Defending Human Rights

Dozens of activists, peacemakers, and community leaders from 28 countries will come together Oct. 12-15 for the Carter Center’s 12th Human Rights Defenders Forum, which this year focuses on “Building Solidarity toward Equality for All.” Learn more »

Joint Letter in Support of the Report by OHCHR Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women, its Causes and Consequences

We, the undersigned civil society organizations, support the acknowledgement by the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly of the OHCHR Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women Report (A/73/301) on Violence Against Women in Politics. The report sends a vital message that violence against women in politics (VAWP) contributes to the underrepresentation and political disempowerment of women worldwide. We urge all member states to make concrete and accountable commitments to pursuing the recommendations of the report. Learn more »

Final Statement of the Human Rights Defenders Forum

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter joined human rights defenders from 36 countries gathered at The Carter Center in calling for citizens and governments to work urgently to address the unequal treatment of people worldwide based on their race, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, or social and economic status. Learn more »

Carter Center Plans Forum Focused on Protecting Human Rights

More than 60 activists, peacemakers, and community leaders from 36 countries will come together July 21-24 for the Carter Center’s annual Human Rights Defenders Forum to discuss “Restoring Faith in Freedom.” Learn more »

Carter Center Releases Comprehensive Report on the DRC’s State-Owned Mining Company and Investment Partners

The Carter Center today released the first part of a comprehensive report, A State Affair: Privatizing Congo’s Copper Sector, which is the culmination of years of research on the contractual and financial practices of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s state-owned mining company, Gécamines, and its most important investment partners. Learn more »

Congo Mines Website Unveils Interactive Mapping of Mining Sector Development Plans

The Carter Center announced today that it is unveiling innovative modifications to the Congo Mines website (www.congomines.org) to make the mapping portal interactive and to provide previously inaccessible information on local development planning related to mining projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Learn more »

Carter Center Plans Forum Focused on Protecting Human Rights

More than 70 activists, peacemakers, and community leaders from 31 countries will come together May 8-9 for the Carter Center’s annual Human Rights Defenders Forum to discuss strategies for protecting human rights in the wake of rising authoritarianism. Learn more »

The Carter Center and Partners to Present Key Findings from DRC Mining Sector Fiscal Analyses

The Carter Center and its Congolese civil society partners will present key findings from fiscal analyses of five major mining projects in Democratic Republic of Congo at an event that will run from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14, at the Sultani Hotel, 30 Avenue De La Justice. Learn more »

Carter Center Urges DRC, Freeport, and Lundin to Publish Revised TFM Contract and Disclose Payments to DRC State-owned Miner Gécamines

The Carter Center urges the government of Democratic Republic of the Congo to release the contract for the transfer of Congo’s most productive copper mining joint venture, Tenke Fungurume Mining (TFM), to new investors. Learn more »

Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter Statement on California Referendum on Death Penalty

We strongly support the "Justice That Works Act" that will appear on the November ballot in the state of California. Learn more »

Musical Performances among Highlights of Human Rights Defenders Forum

The 2016 Human Rights Defenders Forum will include the debuts of a musical composition and a music video, both designed to promote peace and understanding. Learn more »

Carter Center Plans Human Rights Defenders Forum Focused on Peace

More than 60 activists, scholars and community leaders will come together June 18-21 to discuss ways to end violence in all its forms during the Carter Center's annual Human Rights Defenders Forum, "A Time for Peace: Rejecting Violence to Secure Human Rights." Learn more »

Carter Center Receives Award for Promoting Human Rights in the DRC Mining Sector in Collaboration with Civil Society Partners

The Carter Center will receive the International Association for Impact Assessment's Institutional Award this week at the IAIA16: Resilience and Sustainability conference in recognition of its work with local civil society partners to protect human rights in the mining sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Learn more »

ACCRA DECLARATION: Advancing Human Rights for Women and Girls

The Carter Center, the Office of the National Chief Imam of Ghana, and regional civil society organizations participating in the West Africa Human Rights Defenders Forum in Accra, Ghana, released today a declaration to advance human rights for women and girls. The forum, held Dec. 7-9, 2015, brought together more than 40 scholars, activists, and religious leaders to seek ways to combat the abuse and oppression of women and girls, and means of countering interpretations of faith-based teachings that perpetuate inequality and gender-based violence. Learn more »

Carter Center to Hold Forum in Ghana on Rights of Women and Girls

On Dec. 7-9, The Carter Center will bring together more than 40 scholars, activists, and religious leaders to seek ways to combat the abuse and oppression of women and girls, and means of countering interpretations of faith-based teachings that perpetuate inequality and gender-based violence. Learn more »

Carter Center Calls for Release of Egyptian Human Rights Defenders

The Carter Center and former U.S. President Jimmy Carter urge the Government of Egypt to dismiss all charges against renowned journalist and human rights defender Hossam Bahgat. "Hossam has devoted his life and work to advancing human rights for all Egyptians," said President Carter. Learn more »

Carter Center Endorses 'Better Peace Tool'

The Carter Center and former U.S. President Jimmy Carter encourage all governments and stakeholders to take robust and immediate action to ensure women's participation in all efforts to advance peace and security. "Fifteen years after United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 was adopted," said Carter, "women remain largely excluded from the peace tables and corridors of power despite clear evidence that women's participation in peace processes contributes to more comprehensive agreements that lead to sustainable peace. The time for decisive action is now." Learn more »

Carter Center Urges Disclosure of Terms of Kawama Permit Transfer

The Carter Center urges the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to release the terms of the deal in which state-owned mining company Gécamines lost its interest in the potentially rich Kawama concession. In February 2015, Chabara Sprl, in which Gécamines holds a 30 percent stake, sold the Kawama permit to one of the country's largest companies, Mutanda Mining. The sale was reported in the media only this week. Learn more »

Carter Center Mining Governance Program Launches Updated Website

The Carter Center's mining governance program launched a revamped and improved Congo Mines website (www.congomines.org) on June 24 in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Learn more »

Following are recommendations of The World Summit: End Sexual Exploitation 2025, held May 11-12, 2015, at The Carter Center, Atlanta, Ga.

All forms of sexual exploitation are a violation of fundamental human rights and human dignity. Commercial sexual exploitation is gender-based violence and a public health crisis made possible by unethical and ungrounded male entitlement, which disproportionately affects the most vulnerable among us. Learn more »

Carter Center Joins Rotary as Host of World Summit on Ending Sexual Exploitation

On May 11 and 12, The Carter Center will join with Rotarians Against Child Slavery to convene a summit of advocates, nongovernmental organizations, and senior government officials from nine countries to coordinate action to end the sexual exploitation of women and children. Learn more »

On International Women's Day, Carter Center Issues Recommendations for Gender Equity in Information Access

International Women's Day this year highlights the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a roadmap for women's rights and equality that was signed by Guatemala and 188 other governments 20 years ago. The declaration underscores the importance of access to information for women in achieving such goals as improved health and economic empowerment through entrepreneurship. Learn more »

New Report Assesses Transparency of Congolese Mining Sector

While efforts to ensure transparency in Congo's lucrative mining sector have made some progress in recent years, much more is needed in order to ensure that key information is made available to the public, according to a new report published by three Congolese NGO networks in partnership with the Carter Center. Learn more »

Carter Center Plans Forum on Rights of Women and Girls

On Feb. 9-10, more than 60 scholars, activists, and religious leaders from 20 countries will participate in The Carter Center's Human Rights Defenders Forum. "Beyond Violence: Women Leading for Peaceful Societies" will focus on advancing the rights of women and girls, including the right to peace. Learn more »

Statement from The Carter Center on Conviction of Republic of Korea National Assembly Member

The Carter Center notes with concern the conviction of Republic of Korea incumbent lawmaker, Lee Seok-ki, a member of the National Assembly, by the Seoul High Court on a charge of insurrection conspiracy based on taped remarks he made to his political followers and for which he has been sentenced to nine years in prison. Learn more »

Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter Statement on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders in Colombia

We, the Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, strongly condemn the death threats issued against 100 human rights defenders in Colombia by unscrupulous individuals on Sept. 9, the National Day of Human Rights in Colombia. These threats not only affect human rights defenders and their noble, arduous work, but also constitute a threat to the citizenry in general. Learn more »

Carter Center Commends ISNA for Human Rights Declaration to Promote Respect and Equality of Women

The Carter Center commends the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) for responding to President Jimmy Carter's call to action to advance the rights of women and girls by adopting a declaration promoting respect and equality of women on Aug. 30, 2014, at its 51st Annual Convention in Detroit, Michigan. Learn more »

Carter Center Applauds Democratic Republic of Congo's Recognition as Member of Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative; Calls for Sustained Commitment to Transparency and Accountability

The Carter Center congratulates the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on becoming a full member of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). This hard-won achievement is the result of unprecedented collaboration between Congolese government agencies, extractive companies, and civil society organizations to accurately report significant revenue flows in Congo's complex natural resource sector. Learn more »

President Carter Begins Nationwide Media Tour for his Book "A Call To Action"

Tune in to the media appearances to hear President Carter discuss his new book, "A Call To Action: Women, Religion, Violence, and Power." Learn more »

Carter Center to Host Women's Rights Twitter Chat with Human Rights Activists and The Young Turks Co-Host Ana Kasparian

On March 27, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. EDT, Carter Center Senior Adviser for Human Rights Karin Ryan and The Young Turks Co-Host and Producer Ana Kasparian will host a Twitter chat on women's rights with human rights activists and the general public following the release of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter's new book on these issues, "A Call to Action" (Simon & Schuster). Learn more »

The Carter Center Calls for Transparency and Accountability in the Democratic Republic of Congo's Mining Sector

The Carter Center urges the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to ensure that all transactions and revenue flows of state-owned mining companies, particularly La Générale des Carrières et des Mines (Gécamines), are carried out in a transparent manner that safeguards the public interest. Learn more »

Human Rights and Religious Leaders Call for Action Toward Full Equality and Human Dignity for All

A group of 60 human rights defenders, religious leaders, and scholars representing 15 countries gathered at The Carter Center today and called on all believers to work within their communities to seek positive solutions for violence against women and other gender-based violations of human rights. Learn more »

Carter Center Human Rights Forum to Promote Role of Religion in Advancing Women's Rights

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights are bringing together religious leaders, human rights advocates and practitioners, and academics to further the role of religion in advancing women's rights June 27-29 at The Carter Center. Participants are committed to making concrete gains in women's rights, working within the context of religion and traditional belief structures. Learn more »

Carter Center Expresses Concern Over Palestinian Prisoners

On the occasion of Palestinian Prisoners' Day, April 17, The Carter Center expresses concern for the treatment of 4,750 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, which contravenes international law and human rights norms. Learn more »

Carter Center Supports Calls to Investigate Human Rights Violations

The Carter Center commends the 15 Christian leaders who recently urged Congress to investigate human rights violations by Israelis against Palestinians that are obviously in violation of U.S. law. Learn more »

Carter Center Calls for Accountability After Corrie Verdict

On Aug. 28, the district court in Haifa, Israel, ruled that the State of Israel was not responsible for the 2003 killing of Rachel Corrie, a 23-year-old U.S. peace activist who was crushed by an Israeli bulldozer as she attempted to nonviolently prevent the demolition of a Palestinian home in the southern Gaza Strip town of Rafah. Israel's policy of home demolitions has been widely criticized by human rights organizations as a form of collective punishment. Learn more »

Carter Center Statement on the Death of Oswaldo Payá Sardiñas

The Carter Center shares its profound sadness for the untimely death of Oswaldo Payá Sardiñas, recognized advocate of human rights for all the citizens of his beloved Cuba, whom we met during former U.S. President Jimmy Carter's visits to the island. Learn more »

The Carter Center Calls on Israel to Release Hunger Striker Khader Adnan

The Carter Center calls on the Israeli government to immediately charge or release Palestinian prisoner Khader Adnan, who was arrested on Dec. 17, 2011, based on "secret evidence" and has been held in administrative detention without charge. Learn more »

Carter Center Urges Israel to Release Palestinian Legislators

The Carter Center denounces the recent detention of Speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) Dr. Aziz Dweik, as well as the arrests of three other legislators and one former minister, who are members of the speaker's Hamas-affiliated faction. Learn more »

Carter Center Launches Website Detailing Katanga Mining Sector in DRC

Mining operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) generate huge profits but impoverished local communities receive few of the benefits. A website launched today by The Carter Center (www.congomines.org) aims to close that gap by providing detailed information and maps of industrial mines in Katanga Province, increasing transparency and accountability around mining in the nation's rich Copper Belt. Learn more »

Human Rights and Religious Leaders Call on Religious Leadership to Stand for Equal Rights for Girls and Women

A group of human rights defenders and religious leaders representing more than 20 countries gathered at The Carter Center today called on faith leaders to reassess the role religions play in continuing discrimination against women worldwide. Learn more »

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter to Lead Study Mission to Middle East

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter will lead a study mission to Israel, the West Bank, Egypt, Syria, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan April 13-21, 2008, as part of the Carter Center's ongoing effort to support peace, democracy, and human rights in the region. Learn more »

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter Receives the Catalonia International Prize

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter was announced today as winner of the XXII edition of the Catalonia International Prize for his "heart and courage" in defense of peace and human rights worldwide. Learn more »

Internationally-Renowned Humanitarian Groups Support Challenge to Unconstitutional ''Material Support'' Law

The American Civil Liberties Union today filed a friend-of-the-court brief on behalf of the Carter Center, Human Rights Watch and several other human rights and humanitarian organizations in a case before the U.S. Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of a law that makes it a crime to provide "material support or resources" to any organization that the Secretary of State has designated a ''foreign terrorist organization'' (FTO). Learn more »

The Mining Review in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Missed Opportunities, Failed Expectations, Hopes for the Future

Few benefits resulted for the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) from the government's two-year review of contracts with companies mining billions of dollars of gold, copper, cobalt, diamonds, and other minerals. Learn more »

Carter Center Calls for Release of Zimbabwe Human Rights Activists

The Carter Center calls on local authorities and the Government of Zimbabwe to immediately release Jestina Mukoko, Broderick Takawira, and Pascal Gonzo – human rights activists and leaders of the Zimbabwe Peace Project. Mukoko was abducted from her home in Norton, Harare in the early hours of Dec. 3. Learn more »

Human Rights Leaders Urge President-Elect Obama to Renew U.S. Commitments to Human Rights

An international group of human rights organizations and human rights defenders meeting at The Carter Center today issued an urgent appeal for President-elect Barack Obama to renew U.S. commitments to human rights principles and practices that have been abandoned since the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks against the United States. Learn more »

Carter Center Hosts Human Rights Leaders to Propose New U.S. Human Rights Agenda

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navanethem Pillay will host human rights leaders from around the world on Dec. 2-3 to develop recommendations for President-elect Barack Obama's human rights agenda for the United States. Learn more »

Statement on the First Annual International Day of Democracy

We are pleased to commemorate the first annual International Day of Democracy, established by U.N. General Assembly resolution as a unique opportunity for inter-governmental and nongovernmental organizations "to focus attention on the promotion and consolidation of democracy at all levels and to reinforce international cooperation in this regard." Learn more »

Democratic Republic of the Congo: The Carter Center Expresses New Concerns In Response to Announced Mining Contract Renegotiations

The Carter Center is deeply concerned by the recent announcement that the Democratic Republic of the Congo will begin renegotiating critical mining contracts in mid-July without policy or procedures to guide this process or indication of whether requisite expertise will be secured. Learn more »

Statement From The Carter Center on Upcoming U.N. Human Rights Council Elections

The Carter Center calls on the General Assembly not to re-elect Sri Lanka to the Human Rights Council in the upcoming Council elections. Recently adopted reforms of the former Commission on Human Rights, including competitive elections, call for the conduct of a government to be a factor in whether it is selected for a seat on the Council. Learn more »

Statement From The Carter Center on President Carter's Middle East Trip

President Carter has the greatest respect for Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and believes her to be a truthful person. However, perhaps inadvertently, she is continuing to make a statement that is not true. Learn more »

The Carter Center Welcomes Publication of Congo Mining Report

The Carter Center welcomes the decision of the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to release the final report of the Inter-Ministerial Commission on the Revisitation of Mining Contracts and the decision to name a Task Force with political responsibility for the review. Learn more »

Carter Center Urges International Community to Support Congo Mining Review Efforts

The Carter Center welcomes recent steps taken by the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to advance the review of natural resource contracts negotiated during and immediately following its years of deadly conflict. Learn more »

Two Palestines? What is Risked by a "West Bank first" Policy? Panel Discussion Now Available on Carter Center Web Site

Applications are now being accepted for six one-year journalism fellowships with the Carter Center Mental Health Program. Designed to enhance public understanding of mental health issues and combat stigma and discrimination against people with mental illnesses, the fellowships begin in September 2008. Applicants must be U.S. residents. Learn more »

The Carter Center Urges Restoration of Judiciary in Advance of Pakistani Elections

The Carter Center calls on President Pervez Musharraf to restore immediately the independent judiciary he incapacitated during the recent state of emergency in Pakistan. Learn more »

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter Headlines Panel Discussing Former Soviet Gulag Prison System

The Soviet Gulag prison system imprisoned millions of innocent people during its infamous history; a panel of human rights leaders will discuss its impact on Russia and the world today, as well as offer comparisons to the American Civil Rights Movement, at a sold out program Dec. 12 from 7-8:30 p.m. The event is part of the Conversations at The Carter Center speaker series and will be webcast live on www.cartercenter.org. Learn more »

Pakistan Elections Meaningless without Restoration of Constitution, Rule of Law

The Carter Center deplores General Pervez Musharraf's announcement that January elections will be held under martial law. Elections are a necessary step to secure peace and sustainable democracy, but not with potential candidates under house arrest or expelled from Pakistan. No international observers would participate without the full restoration of the constitutional order, including the independent judiciary. Learn more »

Musharraf Demolishes Democracy Under the Guise of Fighting Terrorism; United States Must Tie Aid to Restoration of Freedoms

The Carter Center condemns recent actions by Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf to suspend the country's Constitution and proclaim a state of emergency. In the process, members of the independent judiciary, news media, and human rights defenders have been abused and imprisoned. Many activist lawyers demanding restoration of the Pakistani Constitution and rule of law have also been arrested. Learn more »

Carter Center Urges Israel To Maintain Energy Supplies in Gaza

The Carter Center urges the government of Israel to cease consideration of a proposal to cut energy supplies in Gaza. On Sept. 19, 2007, Israel threatened to declare the Gaza Strip a "hostile territory" and cut off provision of essential services such as electricity and fuel to the civilian population as retaliation for rocket attacks being launched from the territory. Learn more »

Final Statement: 2007 Human Rights Defenders Policy Forum

On Sept. 5, human rights defenders, including several from faith-based organizations, came from 20 countries to discuss the challenges they face in addressing mass atrocities and to develop recommendations for the international community. Learn more »

Human Rights Defenders Find Allies in Faith Groups

Harassed, labeled as traitors, and sometimes jailed for their work, human rights defenders come from backgrounds as diverse as the issues they advocate in their home countries. Many work from an equally diverse platform, one of personal faith. Defenders from 20 countries convened at The Carter Center in September for the fourth annual Human Rights Defenders Policy Forum, co-sponsored by Human Rights First. Learn more »

New Carter Center Field Office in Ramallah to Support Palestinian Democracy and Human Rights

The Carter Center is reinvigorating its presence in the Palestinian Territories in support of peace for Israel, justice for the Palestinians, and the emergence of a viable, democratic Palestinian state. Learn more »

Statement of Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter to The U.N. Human Rights Council

Since 1993, my colleagues at the Carter Center and I have worked together with governments and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to improve the United Nations' system for protecting human rights throughout the world. Learn more »

Carter Center Event to Examine "The Urgency of Repairing U.S. Human Rights Policies"

U.S. policies established during the war on terror have undermined the human rights principals upon which the country was founded, adversely affecting the country's reputation globally, the rights of its citizens, and the work of human rights activists. Learn more »

Human Rights Leaders Call For Authentic Democracy, Support For Defenders

ATLANTA….Human rights, and the people trying to protect them, are being threatened in more countries around the world than at any other time in recent history, according to the Carter Center's third annual Human Rights Defenders Policy Forum. Despite recent numerous elections that have raised the hopes of millions of people for freedom and justice, democracies - both fledgling and established - are falling short in their support of fundamental human rights. Learn more »

Defenders Gather to Examine Global Human Rights in Age of Democratization

The May 23-24 Human Rights Defenders Policy Forum, sponsored by The Carter Center and Human Rights First, seeks to amplify the voices of those on the front lines of the struggle for human rights and democracy, and initiate action on pressing human rights issues to the international community. Learn more »

Jimmy Carter: New U.N. Human Rights Council Raises Hope Worldwide

The Carter Center applauds the United Nations General Assembly (GA) for adopting the resolution creating a new Human Rights Council. Nearly a year after Secretary-General Kofi Annan issued his call for reform of the Commission on Human Rights, GA President Jan Elliason has produced a solid foundation upon which to build the U.N.'s new principal human rights body. Learn more »

New U.N. Human Rights Council: President Carter, With Other Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, Urge Quick Adoption

I urge all nations to move quickly to adopt the proposed resolution offered yesterday by U.N. General Assembly President Jan Eliasson on the creation of a new Human Rights Council. President Eliasson has succeeded in producing a delicate compromise that contains many good aspects, including a body that will be elevated in status within the U.N. and will be much more effective. Learn more »

Promoting Human Rights and Human Security: Recommendations from The Carter Center and Human Rights First

The Carter Center and Human Rights First hosted the second conference in a series titled "Human Rights Defenders on the Frontlines of Freedom: Advancing Security and the Rule of Law," with former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour as co-chairs, U.N. Special Representative for Human Rights Defenders Hina Jilani, human rights defenders from 14 nations, and representatives from major U.S. human rights organizations. Learn more »

Agenda of the 2005 Human Rights Defenders Conference

Human Rights Defenders on the Frontlines of Freedom: Advancing Security and the Rule of Law A conference in Atlanta, GA, June 6-7, 2005 Co-Sponsored by The Carter Center and Human Rights First Learn more »

Participant Bios for Human Rights Defenders Conference

Brief descriptions of participants in the Human Rights Defenders Conference. Learn more »

Human Rights Activists Conference to Focus on Rule of Law in War on Terrorism

Human rights activists are often the first to sound the alarm bell on crises that escalate into conflict and even genocide, and they increasingly find themselves under attack from extremists and silenced by repressive regimes whose actions are overlooked because of their cooperation in the war on terrorism. Learn more »

Global and National Trends Affecting the Protection of Human Rights: Discussion Document

This represents a summary of major issues discussed by participants in the Human Rights Defender Policy Forum organized by The Carter Center and Human Rights First in Atlanta. It is not an exhaustive review of the discussions, nor does it necessarily represent the views of any of the individual participants in the meeting or the organizations they represent. A full report of the meeting will be issued later this year. Learn more »

Juvenile Death Penalty: Statement by Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter on the U.S. Supreme Court Decision on Roper vs. Simmons

ATLANTA....Rosalynn and I are pleased to see that the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled today that executing juvenile offenders is cruel and unusual punishment. With this ruling, the United States acknowledges the national trend against juvenile capital punishment and joins the community of nations, which uniformly renounces this practice. Learn more »

President Carter to View Hurricane Damage in Grenada

ATLANTA, GA….Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter will visit Grenada Oct. 14-15 to help focus international attention on the catastrophic needs of the island ravaged by Hurricane Ivan last month. Learn more »

Volunteer Attorneys Panel Launched in Jamaica for Freedom of Information Cases

KINGSTON, JAMAICA…The Carter Center, in collaboration with the Jamaican Bar Association and the Independent Jamaica Council for Human Rights, launched the Volunteer Attorneys Panel to provide free legal representation to those denied their right to government information. The launch, as part of a Continuing Legal Education series held May 29, 2004, focused on the new Jamaican Access to Information Act and enforcement of similar laws in other countries. Learn more »

Remembering Rwanda: Carter Center Statement on Tenth Anniversary of Genocide

The Carter Center joins the world community in commemorating the loss of life from the genocide in Rwanda that began on April 7, 1994. Learn more »

Remarks by Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter on the Backsliding of Human Rights

ATLANTA...At a conference co-sponsored by The Carter Center and the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, representatives from 43 nations assembled to discuss key challenges that adversely affect their work as human rights activists. This was an assembly of human rights defenders, many of whom have been tortured, imprisoned, and otherwise abused by their own governments because they have attempted to defend freedom and justice. Learn more »

Human Rights Leaders Advocate Urgent Repeal of Counterterrorism Laws That Infringe Human Rights

ATLANTA….Governments must repeal urgently all counterterrorism and emergency legislation that infringes upon the work of human rights defenders, concluded prominent human rights defenders gathered at The Carter Center today to address the troubling backsliding on human rights since the beginning of the war on terrorism. Learn more »

Where are Human Rights in the War on Terrorism?

The Philippines has arrested and tortured people allegedly connected to the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group. Uzbekistan convicted more than 100 people in the months following the terrorist attacks for alleged crimes related to religious worship. Eritrea jailed journalists after accusing them of having terrorist ties, and all independent press outlets were closed in September 2001. And Colombian President Alvaro Uribe recently called human rights organizations "politickers at the service of terrorism" and defended expansive police powers granted to public security forces, arbitrary detentions, and raids of civil society organizations. Learn more »

Conference to Address Increasing Threats Against Human Rights Activists and the Backsliding of Human Rights Worldwide

ATLANTA….U.N. Acting High Commissioner for Human Rights Bertrand Ramcharan and U.N. Special Representative to the Secretary-General on Human Rights Defenders Hina Jilani will join former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for a conference Nov. 11-12 at The Carter Center on the troubling backsliding on human rights since the beginning of the war on terrorism. Learn more »

Statement by Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter on Cuba

I am deeply concerned about reports of detentions of Cuban citizens known for supporting the Varela Project, promoting human rights, and practicing independent journalism. Learn more »

Georgians Pay Nobel Tribute on 'Ironic Night'

Friends, family, and dignitaries from across Georgia gathered here March 19 for a gala event at Atlanta Symphony Hall to honor former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, and his wife, Rosalynn. The evening, which President Carter described as "an ironic night," began at 8 p.m.--the exact deadline issued for Saddam Hussein's exit from Iraq. Learn more »

Newly Inaugurated Court Advances International Justice

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter has hailed the International Criminal Court, formally inaugurated March 11 in The Hague, as a "watershed in our collective struggle for justice in the world." Learn more »

Mrs. Carter Responds To Supreme Court Ruling

I applaud the United States Supreme Court's ruling today that executing people with mental retardation constitutes cruel and unusual punishment and is therefore unconstitutional. Today's ruling is the latest, most resounding indication of shifting public attitudes about government executions. Eighteen states already prohibit capital punishment for people with severe developmental disabilities and 16 of these have banned such executions within the last dozen years. The death penalty should not be imposed on those who are least capable of mature understanding and therefore least blameworthy, no matter how grave their crimes. Learn more »

Former President Jimmy Carter and Reebok Chairman Paul Fireman Work to Advance Human Rights

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter met today with Reebok Chairman Paul Fireman and the Reebok Board of Directors to discuss the company's continuing efforts to promote human rights worldwide. Learn more »

Former First Lady Issues Statement on Death Penalty, Speaks to ABA Conference

ATLANTA, GA.... Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter today issued the following statement in conjunction with a luncheon speech at The Carter Center before lawyers, judges, and policymakers gathered for the American Bar Association (ABA) conference "Call To Action: A Moratorium on Executions." Learn more »

Former First Lady Calls for Moratorium on Executions

ATLANTA, GA.... Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter today issued the following statement in conjunction with a luncheon speech at The Carter Center before lawyers, judges, and policymakers gathered for the American Bar Association (ABA) conference "Call To Action: A Moratorium on Executions". Learn more »

President Carter Calls on Indonesia to Ensure Safe Return of East Timor's Refugees

Atlanta, GA…Former U. S. President Jimmy Carter today expressed concern over the plight of East Timorese refugees in Indonesia. Hundreds of thousands of refugees remain in camps in western Timor, Alor, Flores, and Sulawesi, and thousands more are scattered throughout other parts of Indonesia. The Atlanta-based Carter Center has had an observation mission in East Timor since early July. Learn more »

Jimmy Carter Calls Tormenting Civilians in the Balkans Senseless, Brutal

Atlanta, GA... Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter has called for an end to the destruction of civilian life in the Balkans caused by the bombing of nonmilitary targets and the use of cluster bombs. Learn more »

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