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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Promise and Peril: Migration Management Technologies in West Africa and Central America

In a series of panels focused on North Africa and the Northern Triangle, experts will discuss the threats posed by the misuse of migration management technology and the critical need for proper safeguards and human rights due diligence.  

Event by Erol Yayboke , ​Marti Flacks , William Brownfield , Badara Ndiaye , Amal El Ouassif , Caterina Rodelli , Ángela Alarcón , and Oscar Chacón — February 22, 2023

The Private Sector and the 2023 Summit for Democracy: A Preview

Please join the CSIS Human Rights Initiative, senior administration officials, and outside experts for a discussion on the roadmap to the 2023 Summit for Democracy and the role the private sector plays in building more resilient, sustainable democracy at home and abroad.

Event by ​Marti Flacks , Johnny Walsh , Scott Busby , Molly McCoy , Shannon Green , Jason Pielemeier , and Jenny Vaughan — February 8, 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.

Event by Erol Yayboke , ​Marti Flacks , Ambassador Cindy Dyer , Angela Me , Ilias Chatzis , and Desirée Suo Weymont — February 1, 2023

Responding to Egregious Abuses in Xinjiang: Latest State of Play

The CSIS Human Rights Initiative hosted a discussion on the current state of human rights in Xinjiang, featuring keynote remarks by Department of Homeland Security under secretary for strategy, policy, and plans Robert Silvers.

Event by ​Marti Flacks , Robert Silvers , Omer Kanat , Laura Murphy , and Cynthia Whittenberg — December 6, 2022

Dead, Detained or Stateless

Please join the CSIS Human Rights Initiative for the virtual launch of CSIS Senior Associate Diane Webber’s latest book, Human Rights Law and Counter Terrorism Strategies: Dead, Detained or Stateless.  

Event by Diane Webber , ​Marti Flacks , and David Stewart — September 26, 2022

Forced Labor Around the World

Please join the CSIS Human Rights Initiative for a discussion on the International Labour Organization’s (ILO’s) new Global Estimates of Modern Slavery report, produced in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Walk Free.

Event — September 15, 2022

Advancing LGBTQIA+ Rights via U.S. Foreign Policy

CSIS hosts a discussion with senior U.S. government officials and civil society representatives on the protection and promotion of the rights of LGBTQIA+ people around the world.

Event by ​Marti Flacks , Hadeil Ali , Jessica Stern , Jay Gilliam , Dr. Chloe Schwenke , and Stephen Chukwumah — June 30, 2022