Physicians for Human Rights
Using science and medicine to stop human rights violationsBlog
Balancing National Security Concerns with the Right to Seek Asylum
A June 16 decision filed by the US Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit (comprised of DE, NJ, and PA) offered a ray of hope to asylum seekers facing the daunting and ambiguous “national security bar.” The decision prevented the deportation of two Uzbek men and likely saved their lives. On a larger scale, the decision is a step forward for all those seeking asylum from torture who would otherwise be barred because of tenuous national security concerns.
Secure Communities Goes Yet Another Step Too Far
In June, PHR blogged about its concerns that the Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s (ICE) “enhancements” to its controversial Secure Communities (S-Comm) program were merely cosmetic and would do nothing to protect people who are unfairly swept up in its overly broad net. Now, it seems that those concerns are well-founded.
LGBT Detainees at Increased Risk for Abuse and Mistreatment
Several egregious examples of abuse of LGBT detainees, including sexual and physical assault, prolonged isolation, and withholding of medical care, have been documented in two reports this year.
“Keep Our Communities Safe Act” is Dangerous and Unconstitutional
H.R. 1932, the deceptively-titled “Keep Our Communities Safe Act”, passed out of the House Judiciary Committee two weeks ago despite strident criticism of its sweeping provisions. The Act is a threat to the fundamental tenet of due process, to the human rights of asylum seekers, and to fiscal responsibility.
Strauss-Kahn's Accuser Deserves Her Day in Court
The French press calls it a soap opera and the US public is similarly enthralled – former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn and the hotel housekeeper accusing him of sexual assault have each been painted alternately as villain or victim.
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