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: JOHN WESSELS/AFP/Getty Images

Photo: JOHN WESSELS/AFP/Getty Images

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

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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

Support Civil Society, Counter Autocracy

The United States should provide robust and long-term support for civil society. Ending this support cedes the space to dictators looking to build a more authoritarian world.

Commentary by Andrew Friedman — April 28, 2025

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