Torture is the intentional infliction of severe mental or physical pain or suffering, by or with the approval of state agents. Torture breaks people’s bodies and minds, rips apart communities, and destroys democratic institutions and the rule of law. Since our founding in 1986, PHR’s core mission has included investigating, documenting, and reporting the devastating […]

Despite the ongoing conflicts and crises in the Middle East, the international community should not shift its attention away from confronting ISIS crimes.

PHR leadership and staff recently presented key findings and evidence at the 61st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva. The team delivered several statements before the Council, partnered with other NGOs to amplify findings about the impact of attacks on health, and met with states and other partners about ongoing […]

The 55th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva concluded last week. Headed by PHR’s Executive Director Sam Zarifi, JD, LLM, the PHR delegation included Christian De Vos, JD, PhD, director of research and investigations, and Uliana Poltavets, Ukraine emergency response coordinator. The team presented several interventions before the Council, partnered […]

As we mark International Human Rights Day and the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we spoke with PHR Executive Director Sam Zarifi. In this Q&A, he reflects on the state of the human rights movement today, and provides a look ahead to how PHR is preparing for the next era of […]

Targeted and indiscriminate attacks on hospitals, with devastating impact on civilians, are a defining element of the ongoing conflicts in the Gaza Strip, Syria, and Ukraine.

UN Human Rights Council 53rd Session, Oral Statement on Ukraine (res. 47/22) and interim report of the Secretary General on human rights in Crimea (GA res. 77/229), 12 July 2023 Speaker: Saman Zia-Zarifi, Executive Director Oral Statement as Delivered: Physicians for Human Rights wishes to echo the High Commissioner’s concerns about Russian attacks on civilian […]