News & Commentary about Human Rights

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The ACLU Human Rights Program (HRP) is dedicated to holding the United States accountable to international human rights laws and standards as well as the rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.
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Sep 26, 2022

50 Years of Fighting for the Rights of Incarcerated People

With helmets, gas masks and armed with shotguns, state police overlook the Attica prison yard which is filled with prisoners, face down in mud with their hands behind their heads. Other policemen are in orange ponchos are walking and searching the prisoners in Sept. 1971.
50 Years of Fighting for the Rights of Incarcerated People

Sep 12, 2022

Despite Backlash, Voters and Lawmakers Continue to Choose Criminal Justice Reform

Shelby County Court
Despite Backlash, Voters and Lawmakers Continue to Choose Criminal Justice Reform

Aug 31, 2022

UN Racial Justice Experts Call on Biden to End the 287(g) Program

Delegates converse while in attendace at the United Nations General Assembly on October 26, 2022 in New York City.
UN Racial Justice Experts Call on Biden to End the 287(g) Program

Aug 12, 2022

UN Racial Justice Review Gives Biden Opportunity to Center International Human Rights

Delegates, arrayed in an expanding circle of desks, attend the 50th session of the Human Rights Council, at the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.
UN Racial Justice Review Gives Biden Opportunity to Center International Human Rights

Aug 11, 2022

Trans Health Care in Florida: What You Need to Know

Protest at Brooklyn for trans youth rights.
Trans Health Care in Florida: What You Need to Know

Aug 4, 2022

Despite SCOTUS Ruling, the Biden Administration Can Prevent a Reversion to Trump's Deportation Machine

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, second from right, looks up along with U.S Border Patrol agents as a drone flies overhead as he tours a section of the border wall Tuesday, May 17, 2022, in Hidalgo, Texas.
Despite SCOTUS Ruling, the Biden Administration Can Prevent a Reversion to Trump's Deportation Machine

Jul 26, 2022

Police Are Using Newborn Genetic Screening to Search for Suspects, Threatening Privacy and Public Health

A newborn heel prick being performed.
Police Are Using Newborn Genetic Screening to Search for Suspects, Threatening Privacy and Public Health

Jun 22, 2022

Without Access to Counsel, Detained Immigrants Face Increased Risks of Prolonged Detention and Unlawful Deportation

Two detainees seen waiting through a window behind closed doors.
Without Access to Counsel, Detained Immigrants Face Increased Risks of Prolonged Detention and Unlawful Deportation

Jun 19, 2022

Why Fathers Should Join the Fight for Universal Paid Leave

A man holding a baby while on a computer.
Why Fathers Should Join the Fight for Universal Paid Leave

Jun 17, 2022

The Liberating Truth About Juneteenth

Marchers commemorating Juneteenth walking with fists raised in front of the Old Courthouse in St. Louis.
The Liberating Truth About Juneteenth