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

Photo: WOLFGANG RATTAY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Operationalizing the G7 Commitment to End Forced Labor in Global Supply Chains
G7 member states should seize the opportunity to leverage their market influence in a coordinated way to address egregious forced labor abuses.
Commentary by Marti Flacks and Steven Orientale — May 31, 2023

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

The 2023 Forum on Business and Democracy

Promise and Peril: Migration Management Technologies in West Africa and Central America
All content by Human Rights Initiative
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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
Dead, Detained or Stateless
Event by Diane Webber , Marti Flacks , and David Stewart — September 26, 2022
Forced Labor Around the World
Event — September 15, 2022
Democratic Dividends: Kenya’s Close Presidential Election
Podcast Episode by Marti Flacks and Mvemba Phezo Dizolele — August 23, 2022

Addressing the Continuing Phenomenon of Enforced Disappearances
Report by Diane Webber and Khaola Sherani — August 18, 2022
New Century, Old Taliban
Commentary by Marti Flacks and Lauren Burke — August 18, 2022
Intensifying Repression: Pro-Democracy Activists Executed in Myanmar
Podcast Episode by Marti Flacks and Erin L. Murphy — August 9, 2022

Litigating Internet Freedoms: Governments and Social Media Companies Go to Court
Podcast Episode by Marti Flacks — July 26, 2022

A Privilege, Not A Right: U.S. Reengagement with the UN Human Rights Council
Podcast Episode by Marti Flacks — July 12, 2022
