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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Building Sustainable and Inclusive Democracy

The HRI analyzes how the United States and other like-minded governments can build a resilient, proactive human rights agenda—one that helps inoculate liberal democratic institutions against contemporary threats, and affirms the strategic value of integrating human rights across U.S. foreign policy priorities

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Technology and Human Rights

The Human Rights Initiative considers both the promise and threat that technology poses for human rights and how it impacts civil society

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Business and Human Rights

The HRI aims to reshape the thinking of governments and businesses on the role of the private sector in strengthening human rights protections around the world, raising expectations of companies to respect international norms, and pressing for accountability by governments when they do not

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Responding to Egregious Human Rights Abuses

The Human Rights Initiative analyzes and draws attention to situations where widespread human rights abuses are occurring or likely, and strives to propose policy solutions and illuminate comparative lessons learned

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Photo: smartboy10/GETTY IMAGES

What Are the U.S. Department of State Human Rights Reports?

The U.S. Department of State is anticipated to release its annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices. As many expect the Trump administration to modify this year’s reports, this CQ unpacks the reports’ relevance, history, and changes from previous administrations.

Critical Questions by Anne Frederick, Lily Kennedy, Andrew Friedman, and Michelle Strucke — April 25, 2025

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