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

81 - 90 of 297 results
Intersections: Where Human Rights and Democracy Meet

A Well-Founded Fear: Protecting the Rights of Refugees in Times of Crisis

What rights do refugees have, and how can states protect them? The first episode of Intersections discusses Ukraine, Afghanistan, the two-year anniversary of Title 42 and the global health crisis.

Podcast Episode by ​Marti Flacks — March 22, 2022

CSIS Inter Sections

Spotlight on Civilian Harm in the Mariupol Theater Airstrike

A Russian airstrike destroyed the Mariupol Drama Theater on March 16, trapping hundreds of civilians who had taken refuge inside the building. Targeting of the theater is consistent with Russia’s pattern of attacking non-military objects and locations.

Commentary by Jacob Kurtzer, ​Marti Flacks, Matthew P. Funaiole, and Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. — March 21, 2022

Intersections: Where Human Rights and Democracy Meet

Intersections Trailer

The battle for democracy will be fought one human rights issue at a time. In this biweekly podcast from the CSIS Human Rights Initiative, host Marti Flacks tackles current events with activists and policymakers at the center of global efforts to promote human rights and build stronger, more sustainable democracies.

Podcast Episode by ​Marti Flacks — March 16, 2022

CSIS Inter Sections
The Truth of the Matter

Humanitarian Crisis

CSIS’s Marti Flacks and Erol Yayboke join the podcast to discuss the refugee and humanitarian crisis in wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. 

Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz, ​Marti Flacks, and Erol Yayboke — March 3, 2022

CSIS the truth of the matter

What’s next for the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan?

This event will discuss the current negotiations for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) mandate, which is up for renewal in March and is more important than ever to address ongoing crises in Afghanistan.

Event — February 24, 2022

Reeling In Abuse

IUU fishing creates a market for seafood harvested or processed using forced labor. By leveraging existing transparency requirements and enhancing analysis and enforcement, the U.S. government can deter companies from utilizing forced labor in their seafood supply chains.

Report by ​Marti Flacks, Jacqueline Lewis, and David McKean — February 15, 2022