Human Rights Initiative

The CSIS Human Rights Initiative, launched in 2014, promotes a proactive, resilient global human rights agenda that reinforces democratic values as a central component of a comprehensive foreign policy

It seeks to generate innovative solutions for government, civil society, and the private sector to build respect for human rights and works to integrate human rights priorities across U.S. foreign policy interests. Current focus areas for the Human Rights Initiative include exploring how respect for human rights can help build sustainable and inclusive democracies; analyzing how to align and leverage private sector interests to further human rights priorities; and responding to egregious current human rights abuses.

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Focus Areas

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Building Sustainable and Inclusive Democracy

The HRI analyzes how the U.S. and partners can advance a human rights agenda that strengthens democratic institutions against contemporary threats, supports civil society as a foundation of resilience, and integrates human rights across U.S. foreign policy priorities.

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Technology and Human Rights

The Human Rights Initiative considers both the promise and threat that technology poses for human rights and how it impacts civil society

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Business and Human Rights

The HRI aims to reshape the thinking of governments and businesses on the role of the private sector in strengthening human rights protections around the world, raising expectations of companies to respect international norms, and pressing for accountability by governments when they do not

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Responding to Egregious Human Rights Abuses

The Human Rights Initiative analyzes and draws attention to situations where widespread human rights abuses are occurring or likely, and strives to propose policy solutions and illuminate comparative lessons learned

Featured Video

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Human Rights in 2025: The 75th International Human Rights Day

On the 75th International Human Rights Day, Andrew Friedman and Anne Frederick share the history the day, why we observe it, and the state of human rights in the world today.

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Featured Analysis

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Photo: Prasanth/Adobe Stock

Who Should Shape the Future of Development, and How?

As aid budgets shrink and the development landscape evolves, this commentary outlines key recommendations for civil society, philanthropy, and the private sector to rebalance power dynamics and build a more equitable development ecosystem.

Commentary by Andrew Friedman and Hadeil Ali — June 10, 2026

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Past Events

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Who Should Shape the Future of Development, and How?

As aid budgets shrink and the development landscape evolves, this commentary outlines key recommendations for civil society, philanthropy, and the private sector to rebalance power dynamics and build a more equitable development ecosystem.

Commentary by Andrew Friedman and Hadeil Ali — June 10, 2026

Audio Briefs

Who Should Shape the Future of Development, and How?

An audio version of "⁠Who Should Shape the Future of Development, and How?⁠," a new commentary by CSIS’s Andrew Friedman and Hadeil Ali. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs. 

Podcast Episode by Andrew Friedman and Hadeil Ali — June 10, 2026

Audio Briefs

Ocean Security and Human Rights Forum

Join the CSIS Stephenson Ocean Security Project and Human Rights Initiative for the Ocean Security and Human Rights Forum on Tuesday, June 9, 2026.

Event — June 9, 2026

The Sanctions Switch: Zimbabwe as a Model for a New Approach

Two years ago, the U.S. government took an action it almost never takes and sunset an economic sanctions program that was past its prime. Why? Instead of sticking to the status quo, officials recognized that the program had become unmoored from any clear strategic purpose.

Report by Judd Devermont and Brad Brooks-Rubin — April 28, 2026

Audio Briefs

Hungary After Orbán: The Hard Road Back to Democracy

An audio version of “⁠Hungary After Orbán: The Hard Road Back to Democracy⁠,” a new Commentary by CSIS's Andrew Friedman and Donatienne Ruy. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.

Podcast Episode by Andrew Friedman and Donatienne Ruy — April 27, 2026

Audio Briefs

Hungary After Orbán: The Hard Road Back to Democracy

The road back to democracy from authoritarianism is a difficult one, filled with fits and starts that thwart even the best attempts; Hungary holds some lessons for others trying to walk that path back to democracy.

Commentary by Andrew Friedman and Donatienne Ruy — April 27, 2026

The Sudan War in 10 Charts

Sudan's civil war has entered its fourth year as the world's largest, most underfunded, and most overlooked humanitarian crisis.

Commentary by CSIS Scholars — April 17, 2026