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.
Contact Information
- Andrew Friedman
- Senior Fellow, Human Rights Initiative
- AFriedman@csis.org
Media Queries
- H. Andrew Schwartz
- Chief Communications Officer
- 202.775.3242
- ASchwartz@csis.org
- Sofia Chavez
- Media Relations Manager, External Relations
- 202.775.7317
- SChavez@csis.org
Featured Analysis

Photo: Yousuf Tushar/LightRocket/Getty Images
Ocean Security and Human Rights Forum
Transcript — June 5, 2025

USAID Cuts Weaken U.S. Influence at the United Nations
Commentary by Allison Lombardo — May 19, 2025

Support Civil Society, Counter Autocracy
Commentary by Andrew Friedman — April 28, 2025

What Are the U.S. Department of State Human Rights Reports?
Critical Questions by Anne Frederick, Lily Kennedy, Andrew Friedman, and Michelle Strucke — April 25, 2025

Cementing Junta Rule: A Missed Opportunity for Human Rights and Democracy
Commentary by Andrew Friedman — April 7, 2025
Past Events

Photo: CSIS
Ocean Security and Human Rights Forum

Photo: CSIS
Streamlining Government Coordination for a More Rights Based Approach to Supply Chain Transparency

Photo: CSIS
The Future of Democracy and Human Rights in American Foreign Policy

Photo: CSIS
Defending the Caregivers: The Care Economy and Gender-Based Violence
All Human Rights Initiative Content
Filter by
Ocean Security and Human Rights Forum
Event — June 5, 2025
Ocean Security and Human Rights Forum
Transcript — June 5, 2025
USAID Cuts Weaken U.S. Influence at the United Nations
Commentary by Allison Lombardo — May 19, 2025
USAID Cuts Weaken U.S. Influence at the United Nations
Podcast Episode by Allison Lombardo — May 19, 2025

Support Civil Society, Counter Autocracy
Commentary by Andrew Friedman — April 28, 2025
Support Civil Society, Counter Autocracy
Podcast Episode by Andrew Friedman — April 28, 2025

What Are the U.S. Department of State Human Rights Reports?
Podcast Episode by Anne Frederick, Lily Kennedy, Andrew Friedman, and Michelle Strucke — April 25, 2025

What Are the U.S. Department of State Human Rights Reports?
Critical Questions by Anne Frederick, Lily Kennedy, Andrew Friedman, and Michelle Strucke — April 25, 2025
Cementing Junta Rule: A Missed Opportunity for Human Rights and Democracy
Commentary by Andrew Friedman — April 7, 2025
Cementing Junta Rule: A Missed Opportunity for Human Rights and Democracy
Podcast Episode by Andrew Friedman — April 7, 2025
