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
- Program Manager and Research Associate, 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
- Media Relations Manager, External Relations
- 202.775.3173
- pmontfort@csis.org
Featured Analysis

Reflecting on Rana Plaza: The Evolution of Corporate Engagement on Human Rights in Supply Chains since the 2013 disaster
The CSIS hosted an event reflecting on the evolution of corporate engagement on human rights in supply chains since the Rana Plaza disaster in 2013.
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
Past Events

Reflecting on Rana Plaza: The Evolution of Corporate Engagement on Human Rights in Supply Chains since the 2013 disaster

The UDHR at 75: A Conversation with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk

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

The Private Sector and the 2023 Summit for Democracy: A Preview
All content by Human Rights Initiative
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Priorities for the U.S. National Action Plan on Responsible Business Conduct
Report by Marti Flacks — February 21, 2023
The Taliban’s Increasing Restrictions on Civil Society and Aid Organizations
Critical Questions by Marti Flacks , Lauren Burke , and Nicolas Jude Larnerd — February 16, 2023
The Private Sector and the 2023 Summit for Democracy: A Preview
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
Event by Erol Yayboke , Marti Flacks , Ambassador Cindy Dyer , Angela Me , Ilias Chatzis , and Desirée Suo Weymont — February 1, 2023
Discussion on UNODC's Global Report on Trafficking in Persons 2022
Transcript — February 1, 2023
To Build Resilient Global Supply Chains, Incorporate Respect for Human Rights
Commentary by Marti Flacks and Catherine Zou — December 16, 2022
Tracked: Stories at the Intersection of Migration, Technology, and Human Rights
Digital Report by Lauren Burke , Erol Yayboke , Marti Flacks , and Anastasia Strouboulis — December 15, 2022
Responding to Egregious Abuses in Xinjiang: Latest State of Play
Transcript — December 7, 2022
Responding to Egregious Abuses in Xinjiang: Latest State of Play
Event by Marti Flacks , Robert Silvers , Omer Kanat , Laura Murphy , and Cynthia Whittenberg — December 6, 2022
How Supporting Democracy Benefits the U.S.-India Partnership
Commentary by Barbara Smith and Marti Flacks — November 1, 2022