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.

Meet Our Experts

Meet our network of experts, staff, and non-resident affiliates who contribute to our analysis.

Marti Flacks

Marti Flacks

Marti Flacks

Contact

Media Queries

Focus Areas

Featured Analysis

Two Ukrainian refugees use their phones against a digital landscape with a Slovakian church in the background.

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

See all analysis by the Human Rights Initiative

Past Events

See all events by the Human Rights Initiative

All Human Rights Initiative Content

Filter by

1 - 10 of 95 results

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

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

What Does the ESG Backlash Mean for Human Rights?

The use of ESG considerations by companies and investors has recently faced backlash at the state and federal level in the United States. The CSIS Human Rights Initiative examines the potential impact of these responses on the global ESG landscape and human rights.

Commentary by ​Marti Flacks and Hannah Norman — August 16, 2023

What’s Next for the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act?

One year into enforcement of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, the CSIS Human Rights Initiative assesses implementation to date, forthcoming changes in enforcement, and what other steps Congress and the administration may take to address forced labor in the region.

Critical Questions by ​Marti Flacks — June 21, 2023

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