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

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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

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

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

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