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.

Fallback Banner

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 Human Rights Initiative Content

Filter by

41 - 50 of 297 results

The 2023 Forum on Business and Democracy

As part of the 2023 Summit for Democracy, CSIS will host a half-day Forum spotlighting the critical impact of the private sector on democracy around the world and spotlighting commitments that companies are making to advance democracy. 

Event — March 28, 2023

The Truth of the Matter

Democracy Summit

CSIS’s Marti Flacks joins the podcast to discuss President Biden’s upcoming 2nd Summit for Democracy.

Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz and ​Marti Flacks — March 27, 2023

CSIS the truth of the matter

The Potential Legacy of the Summit for Democracy Process

The inclusion of civil society leaders in the second Summit for Democracy sends a vitally important message about how democracies are built and sustained and provides an opportunity to meaningfully support those on the front lines.

Commentary by ​Marti Flacks — March 21, 2023

The ICC Wants Putin. Now What?

What does the March 17 International Criminal Court arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin mean for justice in Ukraine?

Critical Questions by ​Marti Flacks — March 20, 2023

The Expanding Use of Technology to Manage Migration

Through two case studies of migration, this report analyzes the use of migration management technologies by origin countries, the growing influence of destination countries over their decisionmaking, and the human rights risks associated with these uses.

Report by ​Marti Flacks, Erol Yayboke, Lauren Burke Preputnik, and Anastasia Strouboulis — March 6, 2023

Addressing Fragility in Libya Means Protecting Migrant Rights

Migration management and state fragility are intricately related in Libya, and those interested in stabilization should learn from the shortcomings of past efforts. Doing so will require more than just focusing on stopping flows via the securitization of migration.

Commentary by Lauren Burke Preputnik and Erol Yayboke — February 27, 2023

Priorities for the U.S. National Action Plan on Responsible Business Conduct

The U.S. National Action Plan on Responsible Business Conduct is an opportunity to lay out a comprehensive strategy for engagement with business to improve respect for human rights, build democratic resilience, and advance equitable economic growth around the world.

Report by ​Marti Flacks — February 21, 2023

The Taliban’s Increasing Restrictions on Civil Society and Aid Organizations

New Taliban restrictions on girls' education and female humanitarian workers echo the same playbook the Taliban used in the 1990s. These restrictions challenge the United States and other stakeholders to implement new strategies.

Critical Questions by ​Marti Flacks, Lauren Burke Preputnik, and Nicolas Jude Larnerd — February 16, 2023

The Private Sector and the 2023 Summit for Democracy: A Preview

Please join the CSIS Human Rights Initiative, senior administration officials, and outside experts for a discussion on the roadmap to the 2023 Summit for Democracy and the role the private sector plays in building more resilient, sustainable democracy at home and abroad.

Event — February 8, 2023