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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Marti Flacks

Marti Flacks

Marti Flacks

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The Potential Legacy of the Summit for Democracy Process

The inclusion of civil society leaders in the second Summit for Democracy sends a vitally important message about how democracies are built and sustained and provides an opportunity to meaningfully support those on the front lines.

Commentary by ​Marti Flacks — March 21, 2023

The ICC Wants Putin. Now What?

What does the March 17 International Criminal Court arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin mean for justice in Ukraine?

Critical Questions by ​Marti Flacks — March 20, 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

Priorities for the U.S. National Action Plan on Responsible Business Conduct

The U.S. National Action Plan on Responsible Business Conduct is an opportunity to lay out a comprehensive strategy for engagement with business to improve respect for human rights, build democratic resilience, and advance equitable economic growth around the world.

Report by ​Marti Flacks — February 21, 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

Discussion on UNODC's Global Report on Trafficking in Persons 2022

With 2023 marking 20 years of the UN Trafficking Protocol and the half-way mark for the 2030 agenda, leading voices in the international community will discuss this opportunity to refocus efforts on fighting global trafficking and related impunity.

Transcript — February 1, 2023