Human Rights

CSIS Human Rights Initiative undertakes research and analysis on the critical role that human rights and democratic values play in a comprehensive and sustainable foreign policy.

Photo: Oleksii/Adobe Stock

Photo: Oleksii/Adobe Stock

Turning Diplomatic Commitments into Mineral Investments in the Democratic Republic of Congo

With a peace agreement signed between the DRC and Rwanda, the United States is now seeking to sign a minerals deal. To be effective, it must go beyond handshake diplomacy to catalyze private investments in this high-risk yet strategically critical jurisdiction.

Listen to article

Commentary by Gracelin Baskaran — July 1, 2025

See all analysis on Human Rights

Latest Podcasts

See all podcasts on Human Rights

Past Events

See all events on Human Rights

Related Programs

Experts

Benjamin Jensen

Benjamin Jensen

Director, Futures Lab, and Senior Fellow, Defense and Security Department
Will Todman

Will Todman

Chief of Staff, Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department; and Senior Fellow, Middle East Program

All Human Rights Content

Filter by

1 - 10 of 1048 results

Can Washington Counter Beijing Without Repeating Cold War Mistakes?

Efforts to counter Beijing across the globe, including countering Chinese military bases, need to prioritize consulting civil society in host countries. A sole focus on government is more fickle and less sustainable than getting true popular buy-in for U.S. partnership.

Commentary by Andrew Friedman — June 26, 2025

Africa’s Complicated Democratic Landscape

Africa’s upcoming year of elections signals both great promise and potential peril. Despite its growing population’s increasing demands for responsive governance, economic opportunity, and equitable treatment, many of their aspirations remain unmet.

Report by Cameron Hudson, Mvemba Phezo Dizolele, and Khasai Makhulo — June 17, 2025

USAID Cuts Weaken U.S. Influence at the United Nations

Recent cuts to U.S. foreign assistance made by the Trump administration include major pullbacks on U.S. contributions to the United Nations. This jeopardizes U.S. leadership on humanitarian aid, global health, and disasters, as well as strategic competition and leadership in the UN system.

Commentary by Allison Lombardo — May 19, 2025