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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Just and Equitable Policing: Human Rights and Security Services Reform
Podcast Episode by Marti Flacks — April 19, 2022

Justice in Ukraine May Be Slow, but Must Be Steady
Commentary by Marti Flacks — April 8, 2022
Clear Evidence of War Crimes
Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz and Marti Flacks — April 5, 2022

Free, Prior, and Informed Consent: Navigating Indigenous Land Rights and the Clean Energy Sector
Podcast Episode by Marti Flacks — April 5, 2022

Russia’s Crackdown on Independent Media and Access to Information Online
Event by Marti Flacks , Vera Zakem , Jamie Fly , Daniel Baer , Maria Snegovaya , and Andrew Lohsen — March 29, 2022
A Well-Founded Fear: Protecting the Rights of Refugees in Times of Crisis
Podcast Episode by Marti Flacks — March 22, 2022

Ukraine’s Need for Fighter Jets under the UN Charter and the Responsibility to Protect
Commentary by Mark L. Schneider and Wesley K. Clark — March 22, 2022
Spotlight on Civilian Harm in the Mariupol Theater Airstrike
Commentary by Jacob Kurtzer , Marti Flacks , Matthew P. Funaiole , and Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. — March 21, 2022
Intersections Trailer
Podcast Episode by Marti Flacks — March 16, 2022

European Union Releases Draft Mandatory Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence Directive
Critical Questions by Marti Flacks and Madeleine Songy — March 11, 2022