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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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

Intersections: Where Human Rights and Democracy Meet

Democratic Dividends: Kenya’s Close Presidential Election

This week’s episode focuses on human rights and democracy news from across Africa: the results of the presidential election in Kenya, the release of the U.S. Strategy Toward Sub-Saharan Africa, and the recent visit by Secretary Blinken to South Africa, Rwanda, and the DRC. 

Podcast Episode by ​Marti Flacks and Mvemba Phezo Dizolele — August 23, 2022

CSIS Inter Sections

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

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

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