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.

Meet Our Experts

Meet our network of experts, staff, and non-resident affiliates who contribute to our analysis.

Marti Flacks

Marti Flacks

Marti Flacks

Contact

Media Queries

Focus Areas

Featured Analysis

See all analysis by the Human Rights Initiative

Past Events

See all events by the Human Rights Initiative

All content by Human Rights Initiative

Filter by

61 - 70 of 260 results
The Truth of the Matter

The Haitian Migrant Crisis and the Bigger Picture

CSIS’s Project on Fragility and Mobility Director Erol Yayboke and Human Rights Initiative Director Marti Flacks join the podcast to discuss the Haitian migrant crisis as a microcosm of how climate change, human rights, and national security are increasingly intertwined.  

Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz , ​Marti Flacks , and Erol Yayboke — October 18, 2021

CSIS the truth of the matter

The Future of Women and Girls in Afghanistan

Please join the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) on Thursday, September 30 from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EDT for a discussion on the future of women and girls in Afghanistan in the wake of the Taliban’s ascendance in Kabul.

Event by John J. Hamre , ​Marti Flacks , J. Stephen Morrison , Ilze Brands-Kehris , Lauren Rumble , Shaharzad Akbar , and Uzra Zeya — September 30, 2021

Tunisia – What Now?

Join the CSIS Project on Prosperity and Development, Middle East Program, and Human Rights Initiative for a conversation on the surprising developments in Tunisia over the past month and a look at what the future holds for the country.

Event by Jon B. Alterman , ​Marti Flacks , Rep. David Price (D-NC) , Mohamed Malouche , Shawna Bader-Blau , and Arbia Jebali — September 2, 2021

The Truth of the Matter

Digital Taliban

CSIS Human Rights Initiative Director Marti Flacks discusses the new “digital Taliban,” and how it is poised to utilize biometric technology and electronic surveillance in order to rule Afghanistan.

Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz and ​Marti Flacks — September 2, 2021

CSIS the truth of the matter

Facing the Risk

This report examines current trends in facial recognition development and deployment around the world to understand how the technology is being produced and used, and what can be done to ensure deployments respect fundamental human rights and freedoms.

Report by Amy K. Lehr and William Crumpler — July 27, 2021

Diversity and Inclusion in Diplomacy

Please join CSIS’s Human Rights Initiative, in partnership with the U.S. Department of State and the British Embassy, for a discussion on the challenges and advances for the LGBTQ+ community in diplomacy.

Event by ​Marti Flacks , Ambassador Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley , and Ambassador Dame Karen Pierce — June 30, 2021

Updating U.S. National Action Plan on Responsible Business Conduct

CSIS's Marti Flacks discusses how a new National Action Plan early in the administration will provide a critical opportunity for the United States to lay out a comprehensive vision for engagement with companies and accountability for business impacts on human rights.

Critical Questions by ​Marti Flacks — June 18, 2021

Judicial Independence in Central America

Mark L. Schneider, senior adviser (non-resident), Americas Program and Human Rights Initiative, testifies before the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission on “Judicial Independence in Central America.”

Congressional Testimony by Mark L. Schneider — June 10, 2021