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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Advancing LGBTQIA+ Rights via U.S. Foreign Policy
Event by Marti Flacks , Hadeil Ali , Jessica Stern , Jay Gilliam , Dr. Chloe Schwenke , and Stephen Chukwumah — June 30, 2022
Sportswashing: The Human Rights Implications of Mega Sporting Events
Podcast Episode by Marti Flacks — June 28, 2022

The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act Goes into Effect
Critical Questions by Marti Flacks and Madeleine Songy — June 27, 2022
Ukrainian Refugees: Forced Displacement Response Goes Fully Digital
Report by Lauren Burke , Catherine Nzuki , Erol Yayboke , and Anastasia Strouboulis — June 23, 2022
International Norms under Pressure: State Compliance with International Humanitarian & Human Rights Law
Event by John J. Hamre , J. Stephen Morrison , Marti Flacks , Cordula Droege , Oona Hathaway , and Chanaka Wickremasinghe — May 20, 2022
International Norms Under Pressure: State Compliance with International Humanitarian & Human Rights Law
Transcript — May 20, 2022
Japan’s Human Rights Guidelines for Companies Provide an Opportunity for Global Leadership
Commentary by Marti Flacks and Madeleine Songy — May 19, 2022
U.S. and European Strategies to Tackle Human Rights in Global Supply Chains
Podcast Episode by Marti Flacks — May 17, 2022

U.S. and European Strategies to Tackle Human Rights in Global Supply Chains
Event by Marti Flacks , Heidi Hautala , Thea Lee , Barbara Küppers , David McKean , Michael Anthony , and Sabine Muscat — May 10, 2022
Strategic Solidarity: Worker Organizing in the United States & Mexico
Podcast Episode by Marti Flacks — May 3, 2022
