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
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The Haitian Migrant Crisis and the Bigger Picture
Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz , Marti Flacks , and Erol Yayboke — October 18, 2021

The Future of Women and Girls in Afghanistan
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?
Event by Jon B. Alterman , Marti Flacks , Rep. David Price (D-NC) , Mohamed Malouche , Shawna Bader-Blau , and Arbia Jebali — September 2, 2021
Digital Taliban
Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz and Marti Flacks — September 2, 2021

What Does the Taliban Takeover Mean for the Biden Administration’s Human Rights Agenda?
Commentary by Marti Flacks — August 24, 2021
Report Launch: Mapping the Human Rights Risks of Facial Recognition Technology
Event by Marti Flacks , Amy K. Lehr , Grecia Macias , and Steve Crown — July 27, 2021
Facing the Risk
Report by Amy K. Lehr and William Crumpler — July 27, 2021
Diversity and Inclusion 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
Critical Questions by Marti Flacks — June 18, 2021
Judicial Independence in Central America
Congressional Testimony by Mark L. Schneider — June 10, 2021