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
- Lauren Burke
- Senior Program Manager, Human Rights Initiative
- 202.775.3286
- LBurke@csis.org
Media Queries
- H. Andrew Schwartz
- Chief Communications Officer
- 202.775.3242
- aschwartz@csis.org
- Paige Montfort
- Assistant Director of Communications, External Relations
- 202.775.3173
- pmontfort@csis.org
Featured Analysis

Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images; Collage by Sarah B. Grace, iDeas Lab
Safeguarding the Digital Landscape
While the high level of digital connectedness in Ukraine has spurred new opportunities to aid displaced Ukrainians, it has also put Ukrainians fleeing the conflict face-to-face with new online threats that can translate into very real physical danger.
Digital Report by Abigail Edwards — August 23, 2023

Cyber Scamming as a New Destination for Human Trafficking Victims
Critical Questions by Lauren Burke Liam Hamama and Marti Flacks — August 17, 2023

What Does the ESG Backlash Mean for Human Rights?
Commentary by Marti Flacks and Hannah Norman — August 16, 2023

What’s Next for the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act?
Critical Questions by Marti Flacks — June 21, 2023

Operationalizing the G7 Commitment to End Forced Labor in Global Supply Chains
Commentary by Marti Flacks and Steven Orientale — May 31, 2023
Past Events

The Future of the Care Economy

Rising to the Moment - Launching USAID's new Bureau for Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance

Seafood Alliance for Legality and Traceability Forum- Taking Stock and Next Steps

Reflecting on Rana Plaza: The Evolution of Corporate Engagement on Human Rights in Supply Chains since the 2013 disaster
All Human Rights Initiative Content
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Safeguarding the Digital Landscape
Digital Report by Abigail Edwards — August 23, 2023
Cyber Scamming as a New Destination for Human Trafficking Victims
Critical Questions by Lauren Burke Liam Hamama and Marti Flacks — August 17, 2023
What Does the ESG Backlash Mean for Human Rights?
Commentary by Marti Flacks and Hannah Norman — August 16, 2023
What’s Next for the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act?
Critical Questions by Marti Flacks — June 21, 2023
Operationalizing the G7 Commitment to End Forced Labor in Global Supply Chains
Commentary by Marti Flacks and Steven Orientale — May 31, 2023
Reflecting on Rana Plaza: The Evolution of Corporate Engagement on Human Rights in Supply Chains since the 2013 disaster
Transcript — April 24, 2023
The UDHR at 75: A Conversation with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk
Transcript — April 18, 2023
The Potential Legacy of the Summit for Democracy Process
Commentary by Marti Flacks — March 21, 2023
The ICC Wants Putin. Now What?
Critical Questions by Marti Flacks — March 20, 2023
The Expanding Use of Technology to Manage Migration
Report by Marti Flacks Erol Yayboke Lauren Burke and Anastasia Strouboulis — March 6, 2023