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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Intersections: Where Human Rights and Democracy Meet

Intersections Trailer

The battle for democracy will be fought one human rights issue at a time. In this biweekly podcast from the CSIS Human Rights Initiative, host Marti Flacks tackles current events with activists and policymakers at the center of global efforts to promote human rights and build stronger, more sustainable democracies.

Podcast Episode by ​Marti Flacks — March 16, 2022

CSIS Inter Sections
The Truth of the Matter

Humanitarian Crisis

CSIS’s Marti Flacks and Erol Yayboke join the podcast to discuss the refugee and humanitarian crisis in wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. 

Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz , ​Marti Flacks , and Erol Yayboke — March 3, 2022

CSIS the truth of the matter

What’s next for the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan?

This event will discuss the current negotiations for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) mandate, which is up for renewal in March and is more important than ever to address ongoing crises in Afghanistan.

Event by Annie Pforzheimer , Nilofar Sakhi , James B. Cunningham , and Mark Bowden — February 24, 2022

Photo: bennymarty/Adobestock

Reeling In Abuse

IUU fishing creates a market for seafood harvested or processed using forced labor. By leveraging existing transparency requirements and enhancing analysis and enforcement, the U.S. government can deter companies from utilizing forced labor in their seafood supply chains.

Report by ​Marti Flacks , Jacqueline Lewis , and David McKean — February 15, 2022

Photo: Paula Bronstein/ Getty Images

Experts React: The 2021 Summit for Democracy

CSIS experts comment on the impact, challenges faced, and road ahead for the Biden administration’s 2021 Summit for Democracy and its subsequent year of action.

Commentary — December 16, 2021

Photo: NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images

Blockchain Technology: Human Rights Risks & Opportunities

Please join the CSIS Human Rights Initiative and Strategic Technologies Program on Wednesday, December 15 from 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. EST for the launch of a new report: The Human Rights Risks and Opportunities in Blockchain.

Event by ​Marti Flacks , James Andrew Lewis , William Crumpler , Giulio Coppi , Mariam Turashvili , Trent Larson , and Isabel Ebert — December 15, 2021

Photo: MICHELE CATTANI/AFP/Getty Images