Lana Baydas

Senior Associate (Non-resident), Human Rights Initiative
Lana Baydas

Lana Baydas is senior associate (non-resident) with the Human Rights Initiative at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). She was formerly a senior fellow with the Human Rights Initiative at CSIS, where she led research and policy efforts related to closing civic space. With intensive experience working in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, Dr. Baydas has led policy dialogue and capacity building initiatives and established strategic partnerships that addressed human rights and gender equality, holding posts at headquarters and in field operations with the United Nations, Crisis Action, and the International Committee of the Red Cross. Additionally, she has served in academic roles, teaching graduate courses in international human rights law and international humanitarian law at the American University in Cairo (AUC). She has authored and coauthored multiple publications on human rights, closing civic space, and gender equality. Dr. Baydas holds a Ph.D. and LL.M. in public international law from the University of Glasgow in Scotland and a B.A. in political science from the American University of Beirut in Lebanon.

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Cambodian Civil Society at a Critical Juncture

The international community, donors, and civil society must take action in order to halt further precipitation into a one-party autocracy and to preserve the remnants of Cambodian democratic framework that still remain.

Report by Lana Baydas and Lauren Mooney — June 19, 2018

The Global Peace Index 2018 Launch

Produced annually by the Institute for Economics and Peace, the GPI helps identify and measure the attitudes, institutions, and structures that build a more peaceful society.

Event — June 6, 2018

Counterterrorism Measures and Civil Society

This report analyzes the impact of counterterrorism efforts on civic space, examines its manifestations in various socioeconomic and political contexts, and explores various approaches to disentangle and reconcile security and civil society.

Report by Lana Baydas and Shannon N. Green — March 22, 2018

A Panoramic Gender Lens to Fight Terrorism and Counter Violent Extremism

This International Women’s Day should mark the year in which gender is placed as a focus and lens to counter terrorism. Recognizing the various roles of women and girls will result in a more effective and comprehensive counterterrorism strategy.

Commentary by Lana Baydas, Lauren Mooney, and Paul Nguyen-Cong-Duc — March 8, 2018

Rethinking Civil Society Sustainability

The current phenomenon of closing civic space prompts civil society actors to explore alternative programmatic and funding models and approaches to sustain their work. It also urges donors to find ways that mutually respond to the challenges confronted by civil society organizations and to their funding priorities. During this event, experts will discuss adaptability challenges both donors and civil society organizations face within restrictive environments, and how best to address them. Panelists will also present on recent reports published through the International Consortium on Closing Civic Space.

Event — February 20, 2018

Freedom of the Press Under Attack

Journalists today not only face threats to their safety from state and non-state actors, but also must fight for the very idea of truth and objectivity. During this event, experts will provide their insights on how to ensure a free and independent media in the face of these challenges.

Event — January 10, 2018