News

Newsletters

Happy Hanukkak, lighting the candle for human rights – newsletter 21 December 2022

As we celebrate Hanukkah with messages of light and hope, our thoughts are also with those seeking sanctuary on our shores

Rwanda, Refugees, and Our Rights under threat – newsletter 13 July 2022

Responding to the Bill of Rights Bill – which, if passed, will repeal the Human Rights Act

Speaking out against tyrants in Russia and China – newsletter 10 March 2022

The horrors unfolding in Ukraine are dominating the headlines – and the thoughts of everyone with an ounce of humanity, let alone an interest in ‘human rights’

Review of 2021, women’s rights festival, and all the latest campaign news – newsletter 21 December 2021

Lots done in ’21 – lots more to do in ’22. We look back at a busy year and bring you all our latest campigning news.

Refugees welcome rally, lots of events, join our Ambassadors’ Programme – newsletter 15 October 2021

Actions, events, and an eductional programme – all on the menu in this newsletter

‘Genocide Games’, women’s rights, right to food, Refugee Week, Human Rights Act – newsletter 24 June 2021

It’s been a busy Spring for René Cassin – read all about our new campaigns on Uyghurs, women’s rights, and socio-economic justice

Events, International Women’s Day & the Human Rights Act – newsletter 17 March 2021

Spring events … a focus on women’s rights, and links with slavery & immigration detention … the Human Rights Act ain’t broke, so don’t fix it … and a preview of Pesach actions on Uyghur genocide

Happy Human Rights Day – newsletter 10 December 2020

Celebrating the UDHR … Jewish Human Rights Superheroes … essay competition … solidarity with Uyghur Muslims

Essay competition, events & recruitment for growth – newsletter 3 November 2020

We’re growing! So we’re recruiting Campaigns Officers … our essay competition tackles the urgent issue of genocide … and our Human Rights Act film features in the Jewish Film Festival

Time for action to halt Uyghur genocide – newsletter 14 August 2020

Human rights as an optimist’s creed … action to support Uyghur Muslims in China … remembering Srebenica … become a René Cassin Human Rights Ambassador

Coronavirus lockdown: stay Hopeful, stay Helpful, stay Human – newsletter 27 March 2020

Response to Coronavirus – stay Hopeful, stay Helpful, stay Human … a Women’s Seder … supporting GRT communities … a virtual René Cassin during lockdown

Vote for Human Rights! – newsletter 4 December 2019

Asking candidates about human rights … launch of our hate speech campaign … A Lizard’s Tale … China’s repression of Muslim Uyghurs … modern slavery workshops

Past tragedy, present trouble & future hope – holding on to human rights – newsletter 29 August 2019

Remembering the Roma GenocideRefugee Week … China’s repression of Muslim minoritiesSocio-economic justice … RC Fellows in Budapest … and the latest on our events

Making the Jewish case for Human Rights, in ‘small places, close to home’ – newsletter 13 March 2019

Updates on our Jewish Human Rights Heroes event … our ‘Making the Jewish case for Human Rights’ publication … latest campaigning news … profiling activist Debora Singer … and notice of new events in May and September

Celebrating Nelson Mandela’s “sudden ray of hope” – newsletter 14 November 2018

Events to mark 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights … ‘Sunrise, not Sunset’ film shows how the Human Rights Act helps ordinary people in everyday situationsremembering the Roma Holocaust … latest campaigning on modern slavery and indefinite immigration detention

Meet the 70 year old safeguarding human dignity around the world – newsletter 27 July 2018

Celebrating ‘the Magna Carta for all humanity’ … on the front line of human rights defence – René Cassin in Budapest … remembering the Roma victims of the Holocaust … demanding an end to indefinite immigration detention

A Human Rights milestone – newsletter 7 March 2018

Celebrating & Remembering – the Universal Declaration of Human Rights at 70, progress on modern slavery, latest human rights readings and … introducing Hannah Swirsky, our new Campaigns Manager

Will the Government keep its Brexit promise on human rights? – newsletter 29 November 2017

The EU Withdrawal Bill was supposed to be a ‘copy & paste’ job. But human rights were very nearly ‘cut & trashed’. Hear how we put the Shadow Brexit Secretary ‘through his paces’. And when Kevin met Ephraim – how René Cassin brought the Slavery Commissioner and the Chief Rabbi together to discuss the scourge of modern day slavery.

Where now for human rights? – newsletter 20 July 2017

Our future-gazing roundtable with Times columnist David Aaronovitch, Keir Starmer in Conversation, the Fellowship Programme visits Budapest – plus a round-up of all the latest news

So, we wrote to the Prime Minister … newsletter 23 March 2017

We ask Theresa May to reconsider her desire to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights – plus a round-up of all our latest campaigns

It’s not all gloom and doom – newsletter 22 December 2016

2016 has been an unsettling year for human rights – but there are many reasons to be cautiously optimistic – and many ways you can help us keep the flame of human rights alight.

Latest news from René Cassin – newsletter 29 September 2016

Defending the Human RIghts Act after the Brexit vote; Free asylum workshops; Speaking out against Hate Crime – and Jewish New Year greetings from Director, Mia Hasenson-Gross

Latest news from René Cassin – newsletter 2 June 2016

Good news on asylum, the fight to save the Human Rights Act and much more – read the latest round-up of René Cassin’s work in our supporters’ newsletter, 2 June 2016

Latest news from René Cassin – newsletter 24 February 2016

The lethal policy of immigration detention, defending the Human Rights Act … and much more – read the latest news from René Cassin – in our supporters’ newsletter, 24 February 2016

Press releases and statements

Justice for Ukraine – We Owe it to the Brave Jewish Pioneers of Human Rights

René Cassin statement on the first anniversary of the invasion  One year on from Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine, we seem to have slipped back 80 years. Russia’s actions have […]

René Cassin submits evidence on the state of the asylum system

We have submitted evidence to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights, reasserting our “grave concerns about the state of asylum seekers rights today.” Read it in full HERE. Our […]

Jewish Bloc attends Shut Down Manston Protest

YESTERDAY: On Sunday 6th November, dozens of British Jews formed the Jewish Bloc of the Shut Manston Protest outside the Manston Migration Centre in Kent. The protest, organised by SOAS […]

Enough to Live: René Cassin Signs Letter to the Prime Minister on Cost of Living Crisis

On 21 September 2022, over 50 faith, charity and organisational leaders signed an open letter to the Prime Minister, calling for direct support for the poorest households in response to […]

Our Response to Government Food Strategy 22

We are in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, hitting poor families the hardest and affecting all our lives. The Government Food Strategy was released as tens of thousands of […]

Our statement on the government’s plan to process asylum seekers in Rwanda

These measures are inhumane, dangerous, and ineffective

Call to action: stop the Anti-Refugee Bill

CLICK HERE to use our template letter for Jewish constituents to write to your MP. (You can find your MP by typing your address here.) The Anti-Refugee Bill (Nationality and […]

René Cassin Statement on National Hate Crime Awareness Week

This week is National Hate Crime Awareness week. We reflect and stand in solidarity with all those affected by hate crime, and we continue to campaign for humanity and equal […]

Refugee Week 2021

Celebrating the contribution, creativity and resilience of people seeking sanctuary

René Cassin statement on antisemitism, Thursday 20th May

As a Jewish human rights organisation, René Cassin draws on Jewish experience and values to speak out for dignity, equality and solidarity with vulnerable and marginalised people. Carrying in our […]

Uyghur Week of Action

René Cassin joins in a worldwide call for action on Uyghur genocide

Evil will not triumph

René Cassin statement on government’s blocking of ‘Genocide Amendment’

Remember Edmund Burke – do something about Uyghur genocide

Mia’s plea to MPs: “Support ‘Genocide Amendment'”

Being a light in the darkness

René Cassin’s Holocaust Memorial Day 2021 statement

Food, clothing and a home are human rights too

René Cassin statement on Human Rights Day 2020

Genocide Prevention Day

“The Uyghurs need us look at what is happening to them, condemn it, and act to stop it.

The Human Rights Act – 20 years of our Key to Fairness!

Today marks twenty years since the Human Rights Act came into force in the UK.  For two decades fundamental rights and freedoms have been preserved and promoted in British law.  […]

We will not forget Roma genocide, says Jewish human rights charity

Sunday 2 August is Roma Genocide Remembrance Day. It marks the 76th anniversary of the murder of 2,897 Roma men women and children in the gas chambers of Auschwitz in […]

We choose to speak out and stand up in solidarity with black people. Black lives matter.

René Cassin strongly condemns the unjust acts of state violence over the killing of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and the countless others, and violence against protestors in the USA, especially […]

stay Hopeful, stay Helpful, stay Human

Coronavirus statement from Mia, René Cassin’s Executive Director

René Cassin honours the legacy of ‘Righteous Women’ on International Women’s Day 2020

René Cassin, the Jewish voice for human rights, strongly believes in the importance of learning from experience; we draw on our shared Jewish values and experience to advocate for human […]

Vote for Human Rights!

Key questions to put to anyone asking for your vote on 12 December

Today, on Anti-Slavery Day we are focussing on those small, often unnoticed, places, close to home, where human rights begin

Slavery is not history. It would be comforting to think that it ended with William Wilberforce’s Abolition Act in 1833. But it didn’t. It is here and it is now. […]

René Cassin and the Traveller Movement launch a new anti-hate speech campaign calling for more respectful language in politics

On Wednesday the 16 of October, René Cassin and the Traveller Movement will launch a new anti-hate speech campaign. The #Cut It Out campaign aims to tackle hate speech and […]

European Elections Statement

It’s election time! The right to vote, set out in Protocol 1, Article 3 of the Human Rights Act, is a vital prerequisite for a democratic society. We therefore urge […]

International Women’s Day 2019

Today is International Women’s Day, a day for celebrating how far we have come in securing women’s rights, but also for thinking about all those who have been left behind. […]

Human rights begin at home

René Cassin statement on Holocaust Memorial Day

Roma Genocide Remembrance Day

On 2nd of August, representatives of the Jewish community joined with the Roma community to mark Roma Genocide Remembrance day. Standing at the Holocaust Memorial in Hyde Park, Grattan Puxon, Roma rights […]

US withdrawal from UN Human Rights Council – we need politicians to keep talking

Responding to the United States’ decision to withdraw from the UN Human Rights Council, Mia Hasenson-Gross, Director of René Cassin, said today: Lasting solutions to the many serious abuses of […]

“I cried from joy” – RSY-Netzer raises £350 to support survivors of human trafficking

Lack of support puts slavery and trafficking survivors at risk

Keir Starmer ‘put through his paces’ at René Cassin event

Click here to view full video recording of Keir’s conversation with Jo Coburn

Simone Veil Obituary

Jewish experience tells us that unity must mean ensuring rights for the vulnerable

Let’s Remake the Case for Human Rights Together

The election results are in … now our real work starts

What do the Manifestos say about Human Rights?

The key questions to ask your candidates

Five key questions to ask your local candidates

Human Rights and the General Election

Brexit – human rights are vital to a successful transition

Human rights allow prosperity, peace and freedom to flourish

Preserve Churchill’s vision of human rights, René Cassin tells Prime Minister

European Convention on Human Rights is essential to a ‘Global Britain’

‘Cruel and Disproportionate’

In response to Donald Trump’s ban on refugees from seven Muslim countries, Mia Hasenson-Gross, Director of René Cassin, commented: “Donald Trump’s ‘refugee ban’ is cruel, disproportionate and runs counter to […]

Government backtracks on 500% fee increases in Immigration Tribunals

René Cassin is pleased that the Government has reversed the 500% court fees increase in the immigration tribunal. Mia Hasenson-Gross, Director of René Cassin, previously said that the massive hike […]

National Hate Crime Awareness Week, 8 to 15 October

We are highlighting the problem of hate crime against Gypsy, Roma & Traveller communities

Could the UK be doing more on human rights?

René Cassin have submitted evidence to the UK’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process. The UPR is a UN process that all 193 member countries go through every four and a half years […]

Slavery Chief Warns of Modern Day Slavery Exploitation of Asylum Seekers

Kevin Hyland, the UK’s anti-slavery commissioner has written a letter to Theresa May highlighting that delayed efforts to provide asylum to unaccompanied child refugees in Calais exposes these children to the risk of […]

500% court fee increase to go ahead despite opposition

The Government has announced that plans to implement increases of up to 500% in court fees for immigration and asylum cases will go ahead, despite all but five of 147 […]

René Cassin submits evidence to Hate Crime Inquiry

“There is no place for hate” René Cassin’s director tells Home Affairs Select Committee’s inquiry.

Concern over plans to repeal the Human Rights Act

Today, forty Rabbis – coordinated by René Cassin – have written to new Justice Secretary, Liz Truss, urging her to keep the UK’s Human Rights Act

Response to Theresa May’s speech to the Conservative Party Conference

René Cassin was deeply concerned by the rhetoric and proposed plans set forward in the Home Secretary’s speech.

Statement on attacks in Paris – 7 January 2015

René Cassin is shocked by the murders that took place last week. We have a particular connection to these dreadful events. We hope and believe that the human virtues of tolerance and respect will triumph over hatred and suspicion …

Blogs

From the Kindertransport to the Illegal Migration Bill – a plea for kinder treatment of asylum seekers

“We must advocate for a kinder treatment of asylum seekers within our country, and actively seek to redirect the narrative away from hostility and towards compassion.” writes Alfie Futerman  

A Hidden Gem: Britain’s First Female Jewish MP

By Abi Levy, René Cassin intern As a feminist with an interest in politics I was somewhat shocked – yet intrigued – to hear about Marion Phillips for the first […]

Hands Off our Human Rights Act!

By Debora Singer MBE, René Cassin When Sarah* had to move to a care home, she and her husband Benjamin* were shocked when they were told that he was not […]

“Not a single safe space”

By Melanie Goldberg, René Cassin intern “There was not a single safe place in Ukraine…Everyone was afraid and panicked, explosions were heard…We ran in a panic…” (Katerina, May 2022, Poland) […]

‘Enemy Aliens’ – Really?

By Izzy Arkus, age 17, René Cassin Ambassador Programme 2022 Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy […]

Refugee Week Guest Blog: The Latin American Women’s Rights Service

This guest blog was written by The Latin American Women’s Rights Service for Refugee Week 2022. This year Refugee Week’s theme is healing. As a migrant women’s community organisation, healing […]

From rescue to resilience: It’s time to reimagine anti-slavery work

Jess Templeman, Director of Programmes at Arise For most people ‘slavery’ is a historic problem, or something limited to the realms of horrific news stories and Hollywood movies. It does […]

The importance of the Mizrahi Jewish experience of persecution and asylum

By Jack Walton, René Cassin intern “Telling the history of the Jewish populations from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is therefore crucial…so we can truly appreciate the breadth […]

The EU must accept responsibility for the use of violence towards refugees and asylum seekers at Europe’s borders

Recent reporting from numerous NGOs and activist groups has revealed the systematic use of violence against migrants at Europe’s borders. Whilst the EU has tried to distance itself from these […]

Active Remembering: Urgent Significance of Offshore Detention of Jewish Refugees

By Stav Salpeter, Ambassador, René Cassin The Home Office caused an uproar when it announced its plans to reinstate a system of offshore detention last fall. The concern of adopting […]

The New Plan for Immigration: what is it and why is it so harmful?

By Michael Goldin, immigration lawyer and René Cassin detention volunteers group coordinator Earlier this year the Home Secretary published the government’s New Plan for Immigration, which sets out proposed changes […]

Life in Wire: Jewish Women and the British Detention System

By Edie Martin, Intern, René Cassin The view of Port Erin, drawn by a male internee on the Isle of Man for the Onchan Pioneer When the events of the […]

What Uyghur Women face and what you can do to help stop it

By Evie Cawte, René Cassin Ambassador Since the beginning of time, the female experience has always been different; this does not exclude the female experience in acts of Genocide. However, […]

The Jewish case against immigration detention is a Jewish voice for women’s liberation

By Esther Raffell, René Cassin’ Campaigns Officer International Women’s Day is a day of joy, affirmation, and resistance. For women and for people of marginalised genders, it can be tough […]

URGENT ACTION: Is Genocide acceptable to you?

By Ruth Barnett “If you find genocide inflicted on peoples far away from here does not matter  – then don’t continue reading. BUT, if you find genocide inflicted on any […]

Women’s Rights are Human Rights

Women have the right to live free from violence and discrimination; to enjoy the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health; to be educated; to own property; to vote; and to earn an equal wage.

“The loss of the Charter will be felt in the years to come”– Our human rights protections after Brexit

Let’s work to hold on to the benefits of Human Rights Act and European Convention

Immigration detention is putting asylum seekers in the UK at risk of suicide and self-harm

By Reanna Smith Immigration detention is putting asylum seekers in the UK at risk of suicide and self-harm. Two years ago, the Guardian revealed that there was an average of […]

MARVEL(lous) Jewish Human Rights Heroes

By Mia Hasenson-Gross, Executive Director, René Cassin According to the Cambridge Dictionary, the definition of a superhero is ‘a character in a film or story who has special strengths and […]

Human rights at risk in the UK government’s planned overhaul of the asylum system

by Reanna Smith The UK government has recently promised to make big changes to the UK’s asylum and immigration system, following an increasing number of refugee arrivals via small boat […]

The Disability Crisis – waiting on the next big fix in social care

By Mitchell Woolf NOTE: this article is a summary of a webinar Mitchell gave on 7 October 2020 as part of the René Cassin Hummus and Human Rights Speakers Series […]

“Home Office Policy For Deporting Migrants Ruled Unlawful”

By Miranda Zeffman On October 20th, the Court of Appeal ruled that a Home Office policy giving migrants just 72 hours’ notice of deportation was unlawful. The ‘Removal Notice Window’ […]

The Modern Day Babel Fable

By Dr. Sheldon Stone, René Cassin Fellow and Campaign Associate, Advisory Group to STOPUYGHURGENOCIDE, World Uyghur Congress, London Office “Have you reserved?” “No!”  I was prepared to do anything.  Take […]

Standing Together Against the Pandemic of Hate

By Minnie Wiggins, René Cassin intern This year’s National Hate Crime Awareness Week (10-17 October) seeks to bring people together to stand in solidarity against all forms of hate. As […]

Chained Women: Human Trafficking and Sex Slavery of Jewish Women in the 20th Century

By Lesley Urbach, René Cassin Fellow At the end of the nineteenth century and early twentieth century Jewish European women were trafficked across international borders to be sold into sex […]

Forced labour in Channel Islands during WWII – it happened then, and it is happening now

By Claudia Hyde, René Cassin alumni “Remember that you were once slaves in the land of Egypt” Deuteronomy 15:15 Slavery is central to the Jewish experience. We speak on Pesach […]

Women’s Environmental Leadership – how a human rights approach can help people and the planet

By Eva Rehse and Sandy McClure, Global Greengrants Fund UK We need to act now to protect our planet, which is facing mass biodiversity extinction and the threat of a […]

Virus crisis – yet another reason to close immigration removal centres

“… an unnecessary evil and a totally avoidable catastrophe”

‘Reimagine our society as a diverse and knitted-together mass of communities’

By Rabbi David Mason, Muswell Hill Synagogue I was asked recently, by the Jewish human rights organisation René Cassin to give a contribution as part of an evening looking at […]

Imagine – an end to immigration detention

Coronavirus has shown us that radical change is possible

The kindness of strangers

A Refugee Week poem by Debora Singer

“They miss the drop-in and the things that made their lives more bearable”

COVID-19 and the Alyth Refugee Drop-in Response The Alyth drop-in for refugees is a small charitable organisation run by volunteers. We provide social Sundays, outings and a choir. Our aim […]

Windrush: Lessons Learned

“I can’t believe I have been treated like this by my beloved England”

Lock-down focuses our human rights glasses

By Student Rabbi Gabriel Kanter-Webber The glasses we usually associate with Pesach contain wine. But I think glasses have another connection with it as well. “During the emergency period, no […]

Righteous Women – René Cassin’s Women’s Seder

What is your Seder night like? Does your father or grandfather sit at the head of the table and lead the telling of the exodus? Do you remember our forefathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob? Do you discuss what the four sons have to say?

What about the righteous women?

Remembering Amir Siman-Tov and the cost of the UK’s immigration system

by Michael Goldin, Coordinator of the Detention Jewish Visitors Group On Sunday 1st March I attended an event to mark the yatrzheit of a friend of mine, Amir Siman-Tov, who […]

Purim, the Book of Esther and Human Rights

by Moses Seitler, Education and Community Engagement Officer at René Cassin A summary of most Jewish holidays is they tried to kill us, we won, let’s eat! Purim follows this […]

Huawei and the internment of three million Muslim Uyghurs

by Sheldon Stone The UK government’s decision (28 January 2020) on future of Huawei, as a leading telecommunications provider in the country, undermines the UK’s long and celebrated tradition of […]

‘Standing together’ or ‘a race apart’?

Written by Shamus McPhee, Chairperson of RAJPOT (www.rajpot.org.uk) The theme of Holocaust Memorial Day 2020 is: ‘Stand Together’. While not a panacea in itself, there is a definite case for […]

Intern-al Reflections

Alice Akca reflects on her internship at René Cassin at th end of 2019, and looks outlines her hopes for the organisation in 2020

Marking the anniversary of the UN Convention Against Genocide – 9 December 2019

Today marks 71st anniversary of the signing of the UN Convention against Genocide and World Genocide Day, established by the UN, to commemorate and honour the victims of genocides and […]

Make Your Vote a Vote for Human Rights

With just over a week left until polling day, we have been thinking about what the future holds for human rights in the UK. We have read through the manifestos […]

Modern slavery and homelessness: René Cassin workshop

by Alice Akca, René Cassin Intern  “The majority of modern slavery victims in the UK are from the UK.” This statement, presented to us by Caroline Barnard, Communications Officer, from […]

Where human rights begin – training youth group leaders

On 25 September, René Cassin hosted 30 JLGB volunteers for training on leading human rights education for their groups.

Standing together against hate: the launch of #CutItOut campaign in Parliament

Kate Green MP: “Hatred of one group is hatred of us all.”

Gender equality and modern day slavery: is girl power the answer?

Intern Alice reports on the gendered aspect of modern slavery and suggests possible solutions.

Why is the Human Rights Act important for disabled people?

By Simone Aspis Increasingly, the government is enacting legislation and policies that have the potential to treat disabled people less favourably than their non-disabled peers.  Whilst law and policy is […]

Misogyny as a hate crime: not so fast

Work experience student Mollie writes on the campaign to have misogyny classified as a hate crime

The Rule of Law and Socio-Economic Justice

Professor Geraldine van Bueren argues for a new approach

Climate Change: The Next Great Human Rights Challenge

By Sam Alston In an unprecedented high court case in October 2018, the Dutch government was forced to abandon plans to weaken its carbon reduction targets. The case, first of […]

That’s Not a Good Look: Fast Fashion and Modern Slavery

Lauren Chaplin explores whether, six years on from Rana Plaza tragedy, anything has changed.

Immigration Regulations Undermine NRM Despite Reforms

By Jane Kilpatrick Trafficking victim Peter came in contact with @ECPATUK after he ran away from his traffickers, in desperate need of support. In the #UK, the National Referral Mechanism […]

Renewed Uncertainty on Future of Human Rights Act

Sidney and Edith’s story Sidney and Edith have been married for 60 years.  When Edith is allocated to a different care home to Sidney, she is distraught that she could […]

As Modern Slavery Starts to Emerge from the Shadows, are we Ready for it?

Will Bordell March was a month of modern slavery data-points – and they’re not as dull as they might sound. Across the board, statistic after statistic shows a steep increase: […]

South Africa’s Human Rights Day

Josh Alston looks at the role that South African Jews played in the fight against apartheid, and remembers Ruth First’s struggle and sacrifice.

To Advance Women’s Rights, We Must Promote Human Rights

By Mia Hasenson-Gross, Executive Director of René Cassin When Minerva Bernardino from the Dominican Republic, Hansa Mehta from India and Shaista Ikramullah from Pakistan, joined Eleanor Roosevelt to ensure that […]

The Promise of the UDHR 70 Years on

By Rebecca Hilsenrath, Chief Executive of the Equality and Human Rights Commission My father-in-law was 28 when the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted; living in New York […]

“A thoroughly enjoyable, educational and fulfilling experience”

Yoram Goodman reflects on his internship at René Cassin

The 2nd August – Roma Genocide Remembrance Day

74 years ago today, the Nazis killed 2,897 Roma men, women and children at Auschwitz

Trafficked children in UK “continue to be exploited”

On World Day against Trafficking, Ben Lewis considers children “trapped in their exploitation”.

Shaw Review 2: “The time that many people spend in detention remains deeply troubling”

Stephen Shaw has published his long-awaited second review into UK immigration detention.

2018 Has Seen Our System of Immigration Detention Go from Bad to Worse

Michael Goldin calls for government reforms to an “appalling” system of immigration control.

Modern Slavery Victims and Legal Aid

Ben Cartwright discusses the importance of legal aid for victims of modern slavery.

The Forgotten Human Price of Immigration Detention

Javid wants policy to be fair, respectful and decent. UK policy is none of these.

Modern slavery numbers are increasing – is that to be welcomed?

Aidan Shipman on the latest National Crime Agency figures

Ruling on religious burials recognises our individuality, our freedom and our humanity

High Court upholds principles laid down 70 years ago in Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Protesting at Yarl’s Wood: How Judaism Informs My Activism

By Jess Baker

Women in Hunger Strike at Yarl’s Wood Immigration Removal Centre

Government criticised over treatment of detainees

The Human Rights Act – protecting the victims of crime

The Supreme Court has put down a very clear marker for victims’ rights

Rights, Recovery and Reform – The Modern Slavery (Victim Support) Bill

Lord McColl’s Bill will both help victims and ensure more offenders are prosecuted

‘A Matter of Routine’ – the cruelty and absurdity of indefinite immigration detention

28 day limit and community-based schemes offer more humane alternatives

2018 – Time for a real modern slavery strategy?

Victims of modern slavery deserve a strategy that is more than just a slogan

Diplomats and the Abuse of Domestic Workers

Modern slaves – made to work exploitative hours, but totally dependent on employers

The Fight Against Modern Slavery…

Domestic progress is being undermined by international failures

What have Human Rights got to do with us?

Debora Singer writes movingly about her own family history…

Modern slavery and the media: What we don’t know can hurt us

Lack of support puts slavery and trafficking survivors at risk

Europol and Eurojust – two vital EU agencies in the fight against modern slavery

Lack of support puts slavery and trafficking survivors at risk

Expect more stories of slavery – and demand more victim support

Lack of support puts slavery and trafficking survivors at risk

More must be done to combat human trafficking in hotels

Lack of support puts slavery and trafficking survivors at risk

A Tale of Two Countries

Have a read and find out what our brilliant work experience students Soroh, Jessica and Julia, have been doing with us this Summer…

All hate crimes are equal, but some …

It’s time to end ‘hierarchy of hate’ – by equalising sentences for all hate crimes

Freedom – or Freefall?

Lack of support puts slavery and trafficking survivors at risk

What a human rights hero!

Ruby is generously raising money and awareness on the issue of modern day slavery

Minorities amongst Minorities

Minorities amongst Minorities: The LGBT experience in UK Detention Centres  René Cassin Personal Project Emma Falley July 2017 René Cassin works towards a world where everyone can fully enjoy their […]

Simone Veil Obituary

Jewish experience tells us that unity must mean ensuring rights for the vulnerable

‘Inexcusable’ failures in UK’s response to modern slavery

System puts survivors at risk and plays into the hands of abusers

Who is at the centre of Britain’s Modern Slavery Act?

Read our latest blog on modern day slavery

Theresa May says this snap election is about unity

Jewish experience tells us that unity must mean ensuring rights for the vulnerable

Modern Slavery – ‘Human Writes’ essay competition winners

Read the winning entries and what our judge, Joshua Rozenberg, says about them

Reflections on my internship with René Cassin

‘I became enthralled by the topic, as slavery affects so many millions of people around the world, and I know that it is something I will continue to work on […]

Anti-Slavery Laws – and why they do not work

Why don’t anti-slavery laws prevent slavery?

Oppressing the stranger – another death in UK detention

There are community-based alternatives to the fatal inhumanity of immigration detention

‘Lost humanity? Vulnerable Women in Detention’

How immigration detention affects women – and what Jewish teaching can tell us

‘A prison in all but name’

This article is published as part of ‘Unlocking Detention’ – an annual ‘virtual’ tour of the UK’s detention estate, which aims to shine a spotlight on one of the gravest […]

“If they are not counted, they don’t count”

Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) children are significantly overrepresented in the youth criminal justice system. However, the failure to record GRT children in ethnic monitoring processes means that there is […]

“I hate injustice” – Ruby

Ruby is generously raising money and awareness on the issue of modern day slavery

“If we’re cut, we all bleed the same.” – the 80th anniversary of Cable Street.

“If we’re cut, we all bleed the same.” – James Masters writes about the 80th anniversary of Cable Street. For many the date of October 4 1936 is one that […]

The Story of the ‘Refugee People’ is not over yet…

Kezia Niman writes about the indelible link between Jewish history and the refugee crisis

A light has gone out of this world

Alex Goldberg, René Cassin Trustee remembers a personal encounter with Elie Wiesel, Holocaust survivor and Nobel Laureate, who died on 2 July

Disbelief, Confusion and Apprehension

“In these turbulent and uncertain times, we need to hold firm to the values that bind us together as a society. Human rights laws developed in response to tyranny and genocide.Let’s not allow them to become the victims of political agendas” René Cassin Director, Mia Hasenson-Gross, responds to Brexit with a heartfelt personal plea

Latest statistics out on global modern day slavery

How many slaves are there in the UK? Is the UK better or worse than other countries at dealing with trafficking? What type of slavery is most prevalent in the […]

Reflections on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

On 4 May 2016, René Cassin Trustee Alexander Goldberg spoke at the memorial seminar in honour of Clemens Nathan. Clemens was a long time friend and colleague of Monsieur René Cassin. Alex said: “Borne out of the ashes of the Shoah, Clemens … believed that the Declaration was a global attempt to proclaim the imperative ‘never again’. Never again would there be such inhumanity. Never again would a sovereign state be able to claim that it could deprive a minority of life, liberty and fundamental freedoms on the basis of their religion, ethnicity and other characteristics or be able to claim it had done this under law of the land”

From headlines to homes: media coverage and public perception of Europe’s refugee crisis

The lethal policy of immigration detention, defending the Human Rights Act … and much more – read the latest news from René Cassin – in our supporters’ newsletter, 24 February 2016

Just ‘Banter’…

‘Every instance of an ethnic slur, or a stereotype or any other attempt to discriminate against us and push us ‘back to our caravans’ should be vigorously confronted.’ Rachel Bailey […]

40th anniversary since the death of Monsieur René Cassin

40 years ago this Saturday (20th February) the man our organisation is named after, Monsieur René Cassin passed away. Read Catherine O’Neill’s thoughts on his legacy and what her time […]

APPG on Refugees meeting

On February 2, the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Refugees held a meeting to discuss the UK’s response to the refugee crisis. The meeting, titled “From Damascus to Dunkirk: Responding humanely […]

Mental health and the Human Rights Act

‘For people who suffer from mental health issues, human rights legislation in the UK has proved a critical tool in securing justice and developing safeguards for their protection’ We looked […]

Happy Human Rights Day!

On this day in 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Read our latest blog piece on why, 67 years on, it is as […]

Human Rights and Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Communities

We consider the ways in which human rights legislation affects Gypsy and Traveller Communities living in England and Wales. It is written in the context of government plans to repeal the […]

Hope and Despair for Gypsy, Roma and Travellers

Read our latest update on policy and research developments regarding our Gypsy, Roma and Traveller campaign area Download the article here:Hope and Despair for Gypsy, Roma and Travellers

Detention Debate in Parliament

Today, 10th September 2015, Parliament sat down to debate detention for asylum seekers and refugees. Impassioned pleas were made by over 25 MPs, from the Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats and […]

#UnlockTheDebate – Alternative debate on detention

In Britain, asylum seekers can be held indefinitely in detention centres. This means that people, who have often escaped unthinkable situations to seek refuge in the UK, will not know […]

New Article: Creeping conservatism of UK courts in Article 8 cases

The Human Rights Act is often criticized for affording too many people the right to stay in the UK due to their right to a family life, even if they […]

Religious Leaders on Immigration Detention: A Force to be Reckoned With

Leaders from René Cassin and Tzelem attended the London Church Refugee Network meeting to discuss interfaith campaigning on indefinite detention. Read more here.

From Magna Carta to Harmondsworth

From Magna Carta to Harmondsworth Article on the contradiction of celebrating the 800th Anniversary of Magna Carta in an era where the UK is the only country in Europe not […]

Fear and prejudice here and abroad

Fear and prejudice here and abroad Gay, lesbian and bisexual asylum seekers face discrimination at every step of the process. The already harrowing experience of indefinite detention is worsened when […]

Expert panel: How to break the chains of modern slavery?

Breaking the Chains On the 22nd of April, René Cassin was pleased to hear from renowned experts Parosha Chandran and Dr Aidan McQuade to discuss the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and […]

There’s No Such Thing as Trivial Rights

There’s No Such Thing as Trivial Rights The Conservative Party’s proposal to repeal the Human Rights Act 1998 (HRA), argues that one of the HRAs shortcomings is its failure to […]

Protecting Parliamentary Sovereignty: A Justification for Repealing the HRA?

The legislative framework for safeguarding human rights came about because of the need to protect people from the overweening power of the state – as witnessed by Nazi and Soviet […]

Hidden Detainees: the Secret Struggle

Hidden Detainees: the Secret Struggle There is a significant discord between the number of immigrants detained in the UK and that reflected by the official Home Office figure. This is […]

Other posts

Human rights under attack: a Rosh Hashanah briefing for the Jewish community

The Human Rights Act is the cornerstone of universal rights in the UK

Remembering Louis Bloch

We are sad to hear of the recent death of Louis Bloch, who represented René Cassin at the Council of Europe

Call to action: challenge the PCSC Bill

Ask your MP to challenge the Police, Crime, Courts and Sentencing Bill (AKA the Policing Bill), which seeks to restrict protest and criminalise Gypsy and Traveller people, using the template […]

Verdict: Genocide!

On 9 December, the International Day for the Prevention of Genocide, the Independent People’s Uyghur Tribunal panel found ‘proof beyond reasonable doubt for 9 out of 11 Crimes Against Humanity, […]

The Nationality & Borders Bill, what can you do?

The Anti-Refugee Bill (Nationality and Borders Bill) is soon returning to the House of Commons, which means it is time for us to use our voices and contact our local […]

What’s happening to our human rights?

A week of action against the Policing Bill, the Nationality and Borders Bill and the review of the Human Rights Act What’s going on? The Government are pushing through a […]

Why is this Seder different?

Call to Action – #MakeThisSederDifferent

CST Report Finds Shocking Increase in Antisemitism

New report finds that antisemitism is still on the rise, breaking record numbers this year.

Jewish Community urges Govt to protect right to home for Gypsy, Roma and Travellers

A cross denomination of Rabbis and community organisations have signed our letter to @ukhomeoffice to express our concern over discrimination and racism targeted towards Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities in […]

Making the Jewish Case for Human Rights in the UK

René Cassin booklet – Jews must be at the forefront of promoting universal rights

“We need to make the case for human rights values” – René Cassin Director

Mia Hasenson-Gross marks the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

“We cannot be complacent” – Board of Deputies

BoD President marks the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Passionate about human rights? Fundraising experience? – join us as a Trustee

As we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, there has never been a more important time to get involved in our work.

Over 30 Rabbis and other leaders of the Jewish community sign our letter to David Davis MP

René Cassin urges the govt to use Brexit to protect and strengthen human rights.

Solidarity as a Jewish Value: Why René Cassin is Setting up a Jewish Visitors Group

Interested in supporting someone in immigration detention? We want to hear from you!

EU Withdrawal Bill Update

Find out the latest updates as the bill goes through the House of Lords

‘The Windrush Generation’ – statement by René Cassin

The Government must provide adequate resources to confirm the secure immigration status of all affected

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights at 70 – a cause for celebration, a time to remember

The UDHR was the civilised world’s response to the horrors of the Holocaust

René Cassin Goes Live – Immigration Detention Discussion

Our Campaigns Manager, Sam Grant, took 30 minutes to discuss the issue of Immigration Detention with Jeneration Students. Have a listen to Sam discussing what René Cassin do, what Immigration […]

‘Why We Must All Fight Slavery’ – Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis

‘It is likely that every one of us has unwittingly encountered and perhaps even benefited from modern-day slavery.’ – Chief Rabbi Mirvis On the 10th December 1948, 69 years ago, […]

Human Rights Shabbat 5778 Resources

On International Human Rights Day – René Cassin shines a light on modern slavery

Leaving the EU should not cost us important rights

René Cassin joins 30 other organisations to express concerns about impact of the EU Withdrawal Bill

Human Rights Thought for the Week

Connecting each portion of the Torah to human rights

Happy birthday to ‘the Father of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights’

René Cassin was born 130 years ago today

Sign up for Human Rights Shabbat 5778!

All the basics you need to know about modern day slavery

Abuse in Detention is a Symptom of a Wider Problem

In response to an upcoming BBC Panorama undercover documentary examining immigration detention, G4S have suspended nine members of staff pending abuse allegations. You can read their statement here. The mistreatment […]

Where now for Human Rights?

Times columnist David Aaronovitch leads expert discussion of challenges and opportunities ahead

Hate Crime – Jewish and Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities unite

Landmark meeting on International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Professor Sir Nigel Rodley – 1 December 1941 to 25 January 2017

We mourn the death of a friend who was a towering figure of human rights

René Cassin @Limmud #RefugeeDay

Find out about René Cassin’s refugee-themed day at Limmud Conference 2016

Our Biggest Human Rights Shabbat to Date!

All the basics you need to know about modern day slavery

Human Rights Shabbat 5777 Resource Pack

All the basics you need to know about modern day slavery

Today (18th October) is UK Anti-Slavery Day

‘No one shall be held in slavery or servitude’ – Universal Declaration of Human Rights

René Cassin submits evidence on Brexit and the Implications for Human Rights

Read our submission to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights’ inquiry: This is a time to be vigilant and ensure that none of our hard earned human rights protections and mechanisms are weakened”.

How will your community mark Human Rights Shabbat on 10th December?

René Cassin have run the ‘Human Rights Shabbat’ programme for the past eight years. Human Rights Shabbat falls on the nearest Shabbat to World Human Rights Day. This year that […]

Asylum Workshops – November 8th & 15th

Want to help people through the asylum system? Find out how at these free workshops