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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Addressing the Continuing Phenomenon of Enforced Disappearances

Enforced disappearances continue as a tool of repressive regimes to silence dissent, including during the ongoing war in Ukraine. The international legal regime prohibiting this behavior could be strengthened to hold states more accountable.

Report by Diane Webber and Khaola Sherani — August 18, 2022

Photo: ULISES RUIZ/AFP/Getty Images

New Century, Old Taliban

History demonstrates that U.S. attempts to change the Taliban’s approach to human rights will be unsuccessful, especially for women and girls. Instead, policymakers should treat them like they do other ideologically driven repressive regimes—working around, not with them.

Commentary by ​Marti Flacks and Lauren Burke — August 18, 2022

Photo: BULENT KILIC/AFP/Getty Images
Intersections: Where Human Rights and Democracy Meet

Litigating Internet Freedoms: Governments and Social Media Companies Go to Court

This week’s episode is focused on two important court cases – in India and West Africa – that will help define the relationship between social media companies and government regulation in efforts to protect fundamental freedoms.

Podcast Episode by ​Marti Flacks — July 26, 2022

CSIS Inter Sections
Intersections: Where Human Rights and Democracy Meet

A Privilege, Not A Right: U.S. Reengagement with the UN Human Rights Council

How do international institutions and fora help defend human rights? This episode discusses the human rights-related outcomes of the G7 Summit in Schloss Elmau, the first arrest warrants to come out of the ICC’s investigation into Russia’s 2008 invasion of Georgia, and the U.S. role in the recently concluded session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC).

Podcast Episode by ​Marti Flacks — July 12, 2022

CSIS Inter Sections

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

Photo: AGUSTIN PAULLIER/AFP/Getty Images
Intersections: Where Human Rights and Democracy Meet

Sportswashing: The Human Rights Implications of Mega Sporting Events

This episode of Intersections reviews the human rights news of the week, including the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act going into effect, and the initiative by the UK government to send asylum seekers to Rwanda. Human Rights Initiative Director Marti Flacks also discusses major developments in the world of sports and the unexpected human rights connections there with Mary Harvey, CEO of the Centre for Sport and Human Rights.

Podcast Episode by ​Marti Flacks — June 28, 2022

CSIS Inter Sections

The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act Goes into Effect

The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act creates a presumption that no goods from Xinjiang can be imported into the United States due to the use of forced labor. Read what this means for U.S. importers and supply chains, and how it could impact human rights in the region.

Critical Questions by ​Marti Flacks and Madeleine Songy — June 27, 2022

Photo: Guang Niu/Getty Images

Ukrainian Refugees: Forced Displacement Response Goes Fully Digital

Digital tools are being used at historic levels for refugee assistance and protection services to Ukrainian refugees. What are the benefits and risks of deploying digital technologies at each stage of a refugee’s journey?

Report by Lauren Burke , Catherine Nzuki , Erol Yayboke , and Anastasia Strouboulis — June 23, 2022

Photo: Hannibal Hanschke/Getty Images