Lauren Burke

Senior Program Manager, Human Rights Initiative
Lauren Burke

Lauren Burke is the senior program manager for the Human Rights Initiative at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Prior to joining CSIS, she spent four years as the senior program coordinator for the German Marshall Fund (GMF) Cities program, where she played a critical role in managing the Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative (YTILI) and launching the Cities Fortifying Democracy project. Before joining the GMF, Ms. Burke worked as a program assistant on the Middle East and North Africa team at the Center for International Private Enterprise, where her portfolio included business association development in Jordan and Palestine, business advocacy in Lebanon, and promoting enterprise ecosystems in Syria. She also interned at Management Systems International, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, and the Irish parliament. Ms. Burke holds a master of arts in democracy and governance from Georgetown University and a bachelor of arts in political science from Illinois Wesleyan University.

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Cyber Scamming as a New Destination for Human Trafficking Victims

Over 100,000 people have been trafficked to compounds in Southeast Asia where they are forced to conduct cyber scams. Preventing victim recruitment and combating the corruption that enables this crime to thrive will require collaboration from governments, NGOs, and the private sector.

Critical Questions by Lauren Burke Liam Hamama and ​Marti Flacks — August 17, 2023

The Expanding Use of Technology to Manage Migration

Through two case studies of migration, this report analyzes the use of migration management technologies by origin countries, the growing influence of destination countries over their decisionmaking, and the human rights risks associated with these uses.

Report by ​Marti Flacks Erol Yayboke Lauren Burke and Anastasia Strouboulis — March 6, 2023

Addressing Fragility in Libya Means Protecting Migrant Rights

Migration management and state fragility are intricately related in Libya, and those interested in stabilization should learn from the shortcomings of past efforts. Doing so will require more than just focusing on stopping flows via the securitization of migration.

Commentary by Lauren Burke and Erol Yayboke — February 27, 2023

The Taliban’s Increasing Restrictions on Civil Society and Aid Organizations

New Taliban restrictions on girls' education and female humanitarian workers echo the same playbook the Taliban used in the 1990s. These restrictions challenge the United States and other stakeholders to implement new strategies.

Critical Questions by ​Marti Flacks Lauren Burke and Nicolas Jude Larnerd — February 16, 2023

New Century, Old Taliban

History demonstrates that U.S. attempts to change the Taliban’s approach to human rights will be unsuccessful, especially for women and girls. Instead, policymakers should treat them like they do other ideologically driven repressive regimes—working around, not with them.

Commentary by ​Marti Flacks and Lauren Burke — August 18, 2022

Ukrainian Refugees: Forced Displacement Response Goes Fully Digital

Digital tools are being used at historic levels for refugee assistance and protection services to Ukrainian refugees. What are the benefits and risks of deploying digital technologies at each stage of a refugee’s journey?

Report by Lauren Burke Catherine Nzuki Erol Yayboke and Anastasia Strouboulis — June 23, 2022