Additionally, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), in which KARAMAH’s Chair, Dr. Azizah al-Hibri was a Commissioner for the last two years, recently published its 2013 Annual Report. Among other critical analyses, there was significant emphasis placed on Burma and the egregious human rights violations taking place there against Muslim and Christian groups.
Another groundbreaking report was recently issued by the Constitution Project’s Task Force on Detainee Treatment. A bipartisan, non-political watchdog organization, the Constitution Project brings together experts from the policy, academic, legal, and military communities to address an array of challenging constitutional issues.
The Task Force on Detainee Treatment, of which Dr. Azizah al-Hibri is a member, worked tirelessly for two years to produce a thorough 600-page report documenting torture techniques used by American personnel against those held in custody after 9/11. The report, issued on April 16th, 2013, concluded indisputably that the United States engaged in the practice of torture, and that additionally, “cruel, inhumane and degrading” tactics were used by American personnel in direct violation of international treaties and U.S. laws.
Recently, a coalition of faith-based leaders, attorneys, organizers and advocates published a report titled “Mapping Muslims: NYPD Spying and its Impact on American Muslims.” Among the authors of the report were Nermeen Arastu, a volunteer attorney with the Asian American Legal Defense Fund (AALDF) and Diala Shamas, a Liman Fellow at the Creating Law Enforcement [...]
Reading a written statement by Dr. Azizah al-Hibri, KARAMAH’s Executive Director Ms. Aisha Rahman praised Masjid Muhammad’s legacy of leadership in the American Muslim community at the Masjid’s 75th anniversary celebration. Addressing the importance of understanding Islam’s history in America in particular, Ms. Rahman implored the Muslim community to grow in historical understanding, leadership and knowledge about true Islam.
KARAMAH’s believes that quality education can change societies. As a human rights organization led by Muslim women lawyers, KARAMAH’s work is particularly useful to legal professionals and students, who will be in the best position to use the information as future advocates.