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 HRI 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

Photo: SAJJAD HUSSAIN/AFP via Getty Images

Responding to Egregious Human Rights Abuses

The HRI 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

Photo: Eduardo Soteras/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Photo: Eduardo Soteras/Bloomberg via Getty Images

New Approaches to Address the Role of Gold in Sudan’s Civil War

Revenues from gold are a key driver of the conflict in Sudan. Recent EU sanctions are a start, but much more needs to be done to ensure the gold trade no longer finances bloodshed in the world’s most abandoned humanitarian crisis.

Commentary by Andrew Friedman and Brad Brooks-Rubin — August 11, 2026

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New Approaches to Address the Role of Gold in Sudan’s Civil War

Revenues from gold are a key driver of the conflict in Sudan. Recent EU sanctions are a start, but much more needs to be done to ensure the gold trade no longer finances bloodshed in the world’s most abandoned humanitarian crisis.

Commentary by Andrew Friedman and Brad Brooks-Rubin — August 11, 2026

Bridging the Gap: LEO Satellite Internet and Human Rights

Low Earth orbit satellite internet holds tremendous promise for keeping government functioning and civil society connected in the direst of circumstances, but it must be harnessed for the public good and evade continued authoritarian efforts to fully shut off the internet.

Critical Questions by Andrew Friedman — August 6, 2026

A Global Forced Labor Import Regime Is Emerging—Can It Work?

USTR announced sweeping tariffs across 60 economies to address unfair trade practices related to the importation of forced labor-made goods. This presents significant opportunities for promoting workers' rights as well as potentially dire risks to those same rights.

Critical Questions by Laura T. Murphy — July 31, 2026

Ending Forced Labor: Comparing EU and U.S. Approaches

The European Union’s new Forced Labor Regulation joins U.S. import bans in targeting goods made with forced labor. The effectiveness of both approaches will depend on credible enforcement, strong due diligence and reporting mechanisms, and meaningful worker engagement.   

Commentary by Samira Rafaela and Kelly Fay Rodríguez — July 20, 2026

Protecting Human Rights at the World Cup: Progress on Paper, Gaps on the Ground

As the 2026 World Cup draws to a close, this article examines FIFA’s evolving commitments to human rights, its record at recent tournaments, and factors that will determine whether protections for workers, fans, and players improve, stall, or decline at future tournaments.  

Critical Questions by Gretchen Scott and Andrew Friedman — July 15, 2026

Human Rights Initiative Director's Note: July 2026 Edition

The July 2026 edition of the Human Rights Initiative Director's Note where Andrew Friedman shares his reflections on human rights and democracy issues occupying significant space in his mind, highlights key HRI ongoings, and spotlights notable articles and videos he's come across.

Newsletter by Andrew Friedman — July 1, 2026

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

Human Rights Initiative Director's Note: June 2026 Edition

The June 2026 edition of the Human Rights Initiative Director's Note where Andrew Friedman shares his reflections on human rights and democracy issues occupying significant space in his mind, highlights key HRI ongoings, and spotlights notable articles and videos he's come across.

Newsletter by Andrew Friedman — June 1, 2026