Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights

We are delighted that @AliKarimli Karimli has received the Magnitsky Award for Outstanding Opposition Politician. As leader of #Azerbaijan 's democratic opposition, he has spent decades campaigning for democracy, freedom of speech, and political reform. This well-deserved recognition will help amplify Ali Karimli's extraordinary work while drawing much-needed attention to his politically motivated prosecution and escalating repression in Azerbaijan. Ali Karimli helped establish the Popular Front movement in 1989, which challenged communist rule, and later served as Azerbaijan’s Secretary of State in 1993. He was elected to parliament in 1995 and 2000 and became chairman of the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party in 2001. Since then, he has continued to campaign for democratic elections, human rights, and government accountability. teapawt.net/GMJCampaign/status/211…

Nous sommes ravis qu’@AliKarimli ait reçu le Prix Magnitsky de l’homme politique d’opposition exceptionnel. En tant que leader de l’opposition démocratique en #Azerbaïdjan, il consacre depuis des décennies ses efforts à la promotion de la démocratie, de la liberté d’expression et des réformes politiques. Cette reconnaissance pleinement méritée contribuera à mettre davantage en lumière le travail remarquable d’Ali Karimli tout en attirant l’attention indispensable sur les poursuites à caractère politique dont il fait l’objet et sur l’intensification de la répression en Azerbaïdjan. Ali Karimli a contribué à la création du mouvement du Front populaire en 1989, qui a défié le régime communiste, avant d’occuper le poste de secrétaire d’État de l’Azerbaïdjan en 1993. Il a été élu au Parlement en 1995 puis en 2000, avant de devenir président du Parti du Front populaire d’Azerbaïdjan en 2001. Depuis lors, il continue de militer en faveur d’élections démocratiques, du respect des droits humains et de la responsabilisation des autorités publiques. teapawt.net/azadliq_news/status/21…

Today, Hong Kong prodemocracy advocate @joshuawongcf was condemned to a 10-year sentence by the Hong Kong High Court. The RWCHR stands with our partners in Canada, the United States, and around the world in condemning this grave injustice. Joshua has already spent the past six years - over 2100 days - behind bars. Read and share our statement 👉🏽 freedomhouse.org/article/hon… #FreeJoshuaWong @freedomhouse @4freerussia_org @FREETHEM1by1 @HRF @LantosFndn @WLCongress @RTW_Foundation @GenocideNo @thecfhk @GeorgetownCAL @UyghurNetworkHQ @dialogue_china @tibetaction @TADCtoronto @VSSDM1 @CIVICUSalliance @SafeguardDefend @chkl2047 @luke_alliance @dc4_hk @hkdc_us @freetibetorg @TheTibetNetwork @RightsPractice @FortifyRights @article19org @hrichina @HChina89 @hk_watch @FreeHkmtl @VoCommunism @SaveTibetOrg @hkfla @jrf_org_tw @UyghurCongress @ISHRglobal

We call on the international community to ensure independent international observation of the trial of @AliKarimli, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party, currently facing criminal proceedings before the Baku Court of Grave Crimes. The trial of the pro-democratic opposition leader began behind closed doors on Tuesday, with journalists, supporters, family, and other members of the public barred from the proceedings. Read the full statement here: raoulwallenbergcentre.org/en…

Nous appelons la communauté internationale à assurer une observation internationale indépendante du procès de @AliKarimli, président du Parti du Front populaire d’Azerbaïdjan, actuellement poursuivi devant la Cour des crimes graves de Bakou. Le procès du chef de l’opposition pro-démocratie s’est ouvert à huis clos mardi, les journalistes, les partisans, les membres de sa famille et le public étant exclus des audiences. Lire la déclaration complète ici :raoulwallenbergcentre.org/fr…

Three human rights defenders based outside Vietnam were detained in Cambodia and forcibly transferred to Vietnam. Program and Policy Officer @lenz_kimberly joined Vietnamese journalist Châu Đoàn to discuss the detention of Nguyễn Đức Thuận, Trần Hiệp, and Thái Công Trường Sơn, and the growing threat of transnational repression. Calling it a “brazen act of cross-border repression,” Kimberly warned that these cases reflect an escalating pattern of efforts to target and silence critics beyond Vietnam’s borders. Watch the interview, share, and help raise awareness. 👉 raoulwallenbergcentre.org/en… #BringThuanHiepHome

Trois défenseurs des droits humains basés à l’extérieur du Vietnam ont été détenus au Cambodge puis transférés de force au Vietnam. La responsable des programmes et des politiques, @lenz_kimberly, s’est entretenue avec le journaliste vietnamien Châu Đoàn au sujet de la détention de Nguyễn Đức Thuận, Trần Hiệp et Thái Công Trường Sơn, ainsi que de la menace croissante que représente la répression transnationale. Qualifiant cette affaire d’« acte flagrant de répression transfrontalière », Kimberly a averti que ces cas reflètent une tendance inquiétante et croissante visant à poursuivre et à réduire au silence les voix critiques au-delà des frontières du Vietnam. Regardez l’entrevue, partagez-la et contribuez à sensibiliser le public. 👉 raoulwallenbergcentre.org/fr… #BringThuanHiepHome

This personal update from RWCHR Senior Fellow Rayhan Asat hits especially hard. Since her brother, Ekpar Ahsat, a #Uyghur tech entrepreneur, disappeared over a decade ago into the network of detention camps that Beijing has built across the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, she has been a relentless advocate for his release. She's just learned that she's a prime subject of 🇨🇳 transnational surveillance in her home in the US. We stand with you, @RayhanAsat, in your efforts to see your brother free and to advance a more just world for us all. We know you won't stop your work. Neither will we.

Twenty years on, supporters of jailed Canadian Huseyin Celil haven’t given up hope of freeing him from China /via @globeandmail theglobeandmail.com/world/ar… Thank you to MP @GarnettGenuis for your ongoing efforts to seek transparency from 🇨🇦 regarding this case of 🇨🇳 transnational abduction, prolonged and unjust detention, and utter diplomatic failure.

Tonight was special. We gathered at the Lincoln Memorial to mark the International Day of Political Prisoners, where we read the names of #politicalprisoners from around the world, including Ahmedreza Djalali and @AliKarimli, among many others wrongfully imprisoned for standing up and speaking out for freedom, democracy, justice, peace, and human rights. United with a powerful coaltion of advocates and, most importantly, family members, we paid tribute to all those still behind bars who could not be with us in person, recognized the brave defenders keeping hope alive, and called on the international community to take action. #FreedomStartsWithAName

Today's meaningful program was filled with hope, positivity, and community. Led by @ekaramurza, @bertavalle, @liliantintori, and other remarkable advocates. Thank you for building connections between former political prisoners, the families of current political prisoners, and frontline defenders. @VMehrannia had the opportunity to share her story as the leading voice for her husband, Ahmedreza Djalali. #FreedomStartsWithAName

On this International Day of #PoliticalPrisoners, we join call for the immediate and unconditional release of all individuals imprisoned for exercising their fundamental freedoms. Political prisoners are not forgotten. Their names, stories, and courage continue to inspire the global struggle for justice and human dignity. As we gather at the Lincoln Memorial and in commemorations around the world, we reaffirm a simple truth: no one should be imprisoned for speaking freely, defending their beliefs, or demanding justice. Say their names. Stand with their families. Keep pressing for their freedom. Read more here: raoulwallenbergcentre.org/en… #FreedomStartsWithAName

À l’occasion de cette Journée internationale des prisonniers politiques #PrisonniersPolitiques, nous nous joignons à l’appel en faveur de la libération immédiate et inconditionnelle de toutes les personnes emprisonnées pour avoir exercé leurs libertés fondamentales. Les prisonniers politiques ne sont pas oubliés. Leurs noms, leurs histoires et leur courage continuent d’inspirer la lutte mondiale pour la justice et la dignité humaine. Alors que nous nous rassemblons au Lincoln Memorial et lors de commémorations organisées à travers le monde, nous réaffirmons une vérité simple : personne ne devrait être emprisonné pour avoir exprimé librement ses opinions, défendu ses convictions ou revendiqué la justice. Dites leurs noms. Soutenez leurs familles. Continuez à défendre leur liberté. Pour en savoir plus : raoulwallenbergcentre.org/fr… #FreedomStartsWithAName

Powerful evening of solidarity hosted by @NEDemocracy where we had the privilege of paying tribute to some of the world's premier human rights defenders. Joined the courageous @VMehrannia for this meaningful program and to advocate on behalf of her husband, Swedish-Iranian citizen and internationally-recognized scholar, Ahmadreza Djalali, arbitrarily and unjustly detained by the Iranian regime more than a decade ago. Inspired by Vida and all the families of political prisoners in attendance. They are our driving force. We will not relent until their loved ones are free. #FreeDjalali #FreePoliticalPrisoners #FreedomStartsWithAName

The RWCHR's @yonahdiamond on Channel 4 News: Was he was "satisfied" with @Lana_Nusseibeh's response to his question on her suitability yesterday at UNHQ? New UAE candidate for UN leader sparks controversy channel4.com/news/new-uae-ca… via @lindseyhilsum

Thank you for your voice of leadership on this critical file, @HMcPhersonNDP “On October 27, 2026, Ms. Nusseibeh was asked by Yonah Diamond of the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights about the UAE’s complicity in Sudan. Nusseibeh’s non-answer was inexcusable.” @yonahdiamond

The RWCHR is in Washington, DC to honour #politicalprisoners from around the world fighting for justice, human rights, and democracy. Standing alongside their families and a coalition of leading NGOs, we will be at the Lincoln Memorial tomorrow to read the names and hear the stories of those unjustly behind bars. We invite you to join us as we shine a spotlight on these brave heroes of humanity. "It is our responsibility to speak on behalf of those who cannot be heard, to bear witness on behalf of those who cannot testify, to act on behalf of those who are putting not simply their livelihood but their lives on the line." - @IrwinCotler @NEDemocracy @McCainInstitute @4freerussia_org @HRF @VMehrannia @KarimliTurkel @AliKarimli @vkaramurza @ekaramurza @freedomhouse @WLCongress @LantosFndn #FreedomStartsWithAName ned.org/events/roll-call-for…

What does it mean to be Canadian? 🇨🇦 RWCHR founder and International Chair @IrwinCotler, former Minister of Justice and longtime parliamentarian, reflects in Policy Magazine on the lessons from his parents, history, and other powerful teachers. His essay offers a challenge: the promise of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is not fulfilled simply because it exists. "It allows us to aspire to a society that celebrates both equality and human dignity, a society that defines us, not only in terms of who we are but in terms of what we can aspire to be." We all have a role to play in this “revolutionary act” of bringing the Charter to life and making its promise a reality. What kind of Canada can we build together? Read his reflections in Policy Magazine: policymagazine.ca/on-being-c…