Human Rights Foundation’s Post

In this interview, Professor Michael Davis, Global Fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center, explores the themes of his book "Freedom Undone: The Assault on Liberal Values and Institutions in Hong Kong." Conducted by Alvin Y.H. Cheung, Assistant Professor at Queen’s University, the discussion highlights the significant impacts of China's national security law on human rights and judicial independence in Hong Kong. This insightful conversation is available in open access in English, French, and Spanish. #politicsandrightsreview #HumanRights #HongKong #LiberalValues #NationalSecurity https://lnkd.in/g7854iqE

On June 4, HRIC Executive Director Fengsuo Zhou testified at the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) hearing, commemorating the 35th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre. Zhou shared powerful evidence and personal stories from the tragic events of 1989. During his testimony, Zhou displayed a blood-stained towel and a T-shirt with significant historical value. "I have with me this blood-stained towel. This towel was made in 1983. In the morning when we were leaving Tiananmen Square, someone was shot. This towel was used to wipe the blood of the person who was wounded. This is evidence of the murder. It's also a sign of hope and a life because this was kept for 33 years in China, very carefully against the government's surveillance for two generations and gifted to me last year," he recounted. He also showcased a T-shirt made by the students who created the Goddess of Democracy sculpture, a symbol that inspired millions to protest for democracy and freedom in China. "This T-shirt was made by the students who created the very sculpture of Goddess of Democracy on Tiananmen Square. This was the reason millions of people protested on Tiananmen Square—democracy and freedom for China," Zhou emphasized. As we reflect on the 35 years since Tiananmen, it is clear that the fight for freedom and democracy in China is far from over. The bravery and sacrifices of those who stood up for their rights in 1989 must not be forgotten. Now, more than ever, we need to amplify our voices, advocate for human rights, and support the Chinese people in their quest for democracy. Let us honor their memory by continuing to push for justice and accountability, striving for a future where a democratic China can contribute to global peace and stability.

‚In a world where liberal values seem to be in retreat almost everywhere, Poland is a rare bright spot, a place where voters — especially women and young people — rebelled against a punishing religious nationalism to demand the restoration of their rights.’ A very thorough piece on the state of Poland from the NYT - worth a read! #poland #democracy

📢🆕 New Substack post: The International Human Rights regime is inseparable from the institutions that gave rise to it: the US-led post World War 2 international order. But the reverse is also true: Defending the "rules-based order" while sacrificing human rights will only accelerate the demise of the former. In this post, I look at one of the architects of the post-war order, Dean Acheson, and why double-standards were baked into the system. Also: you get to know the title of my memoirs! 😉

Insights on North Korean Human Rights: Interview with Joanna Zenona Hosaniak, Professor at Yonsei GSIS Joanna Zenona Hosaniak, Deputy Director General of Citizens’ Alliance for North Korean Human Rights and Adjunct Professor at the Yonsei Graduate School of International Studies, shared profound insights into the human rights landscape in North Korea in the last edition of the Yonsei Journal of International Studies (YJIS). Read the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/gTbWvH5y

We remember this because we have to face the reality. China will be free. It is a duty for us all, standing here at this place of power, of policy, and of legislation. We must remind the United States that only a free China can be a partner of the United States. It is self-defeating to engage with Communist China. We were a little bit relieved, the last few years, when there was some action, from the last administration to now, against the CCP’s transnational repression. But what happened in San Francisco a few weeks ago, again seems to be going back to the old norm. That is, the United States is willing to appease Xi Jinping, the dictator, at the expense of human rights. Dozens of protestors of CCP were attacked, more than ten bloodied, more than three sent to the hospital. And guess what? The only person that the San Francisco police arrested is a protestor of Xi Jinping. What kind of message is the United States government sending by doing this? That’s why we appreciate the CECC and the Select Committee for taking a clear stand on this.

In Michael Lucchese's review of David T. Beito's book, "The New Deal’s War on the Bill of Rights: The Untold Story of FDR’s Concentration Camps, Censorship, and Mass Surveillance," Lucchese commends Beito for doing "a real service confronting the [Japanese internment's] sordid realities," as well as the other breaches of Constitutional rights brought about by FDR. "The New Deal has been revolutionizing American society for more than ninety years. It is unlikely the programs Roosevelt imposed on the country will ever be completely rolled back. But for conservatives interested in restoring our constitutional order, David Beito’s latest book is an important reminder that we must not simply come to terms with Roosevelt’s revolution." Read the full review here: https://buff.ly/3ReQSIa

Under the rule of the ayatollahs, Iran holds the notorious distinction of having the most dismal human rights record. The 2023 Global Rights Project report from the University of Rhode Island Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies, which evaluates countries worldwide, places Khamenei's Iran at the very bottom of the rankings. For detailed insights, access the report here: shorturl.at/qMNRT

Human Rights Day, celebrated on 10 December every year, commemorates the day in which the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed, in 1948. Following the conclusion of the Second World War and the creation of the United Nations, this document was made in an attempt to ‘never again…allow atrocities like those to happen again’.[1] It was viewed as a ‘milestone document in the history of human rights’, supposed to be a common note of reference for all peoples and nations.[2] Through 30 articles, the document aimed to provide the foundations of freedom, justice and peace by promoting a common understanding of and universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

"Freedom of expression, assembly, association, movement, property, thought, conscience or religion, and freedom from slavery, torture and arbitrary arrest are not just privileges for a few, but the right of everyone, everywhere, with no exceptions." -Benedict Rogers, Co-Founder and Chief Executive of Hong Kong Watch Marking the 76th birthday of Hong Kong entrepreneur and pro-democracy campaigner Jimmy Lai, and the 75th anniversary of the Genocide Convention and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Benedict Rogers reflects on the meaning and relevance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and how it is, as its name suggests, truly global in scope. He emphasizes the need for international intervention to prevent mass atrocities and offers insight into the opportunities that can arise when individuals turn words into action — reimagining a world where freedom, democracy, and human rights can triumph. Read more here: https://hubs.ly/Q02cRpBf0