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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The Truth of the Matter

Clear Evidence of War Crimes

CSIS's Marti Flacks joins the podcast to discuss the latest evidence of war crimes committed against civilians by Russian forces in Bucha, Ukraine, and the U.S. and European response.

Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz and ​Marti Flacks — April 5, 2022

CSIS the truth of the matter
Intersections: Where Human Rights and Democracy Meet

A Well-Founded Fear: Protecting the Rights of Refugees in Times of Crisis

What rights do refugees have, and how can states protect them? The first episode of Intersections discusses Ukraine, Afghanistan, the two-year anniversary of Title 42 and the global health crisis.

Podcast Episode by ​Marti Flacks — March 22, 2022

CSIS Inter Sections

Spotlight on Civilian Harm in the Mariupol Theater Airstrike

A Russian airstrike destroyed the Mariupol Drama Theater on March 16, trapping hundreds of civilians who had taken refuge inside the building. Targeting of the theater is consistent with Russia’s pattern of attacking non-military objects and locations.

Commentary by Jacob Kurtzer , ​Marti Flacks , Matthew P. Funaiole , and Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. — March 21, 2022

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