Human Rights


Latest additions to the site

United States Gives Itself High Marks on Human Rights, but What Comes Next?

Brookings

A US commentary on an assessment of its human rights record submitted to the UN Human Rights Council as part of the UN’s newest human rights mechanism

Human Rights Posted: 2010-08-31

Comprehensive Responses to Gender Based Violence in Low-Resource Settings

Population Council

This 56-page report reviews the findings, lessons learned, and promising practices in the provision of comprehensive SGBV services in sub-Saharan Africa

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Human Rights Posted: 2010-08-26

Human Rights Challenges in EU Civilian Crisis Management

ISS

This 48-page occasional paper examines the operational models used by the EU in civilian crisis management operations and their implications in a human rights perspective

European Union , Human Rights Posted: 2010-08-23

Intelligence Cooperation and Torture

Chatham House

This 8-page UK paper is a summary of an International Law Discussion Group that examined the legal and policy implications of relying for counterterrorism purposes on intelligence extracted by torture in third countries

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Human Rights Posted: 2010-08-20

Crimes against Humanity in Western Burma: The Situation of the Rohingyas

Irish Centre for Human Rights

A 154-page report on the persecution of a minority Muslim group in Burma

Human Rights , Immigration & Refugees Posted: 2010-08-13

Huber, Marper and Others: Throwing New Light on the Shadows of Suspicion

CEPS

This 9-page paper examines some of the issues arising from the proliferation of large-scale databases containing personal information, and the multiple uses to which they can be put

Human Rights , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-06-09

Sudan: The Crisis in Darfur and Status of the North-South Peace Agreement

CRS

A 36-page US report on the status of the Darfur crisis

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Human Rights Posted: 2010-06-08

Protecting Human Rights in Australia: A Long and Winding Road

Australian Review of Public Affairs

An article assessing the implications of there being no Bill of Rights in Australia

Human Rights , Health Posted: 2010-06-03

The Myanmar Elections

Crisis Group

This 24-page briefing updates recent developments in Burma and includes an analysis of the electoral legislation issued in March 2010

Governance & Politics , Human Rights Posted: 2010-05-29

A Roadmap for Integrating Human Rights into the World Bank Group

WRI

This 59-page report examines the WBG’s integration of human rights standards into its operations — highlighting accomplishments, shortcomings, and barriers — and suggest ways forward

Human Rights Posted: 2010-05-19

Women’s Rights Gain Focus in Saudi Arabia

Arab Reform Bulletin

This US article describes how the reform focus in Saudi Arabia is focusing on women’s rights

Human Rights Posted: 2010-05-14

Women, Business and the Law 2010

World Bank

This 188-page report measures legal gender parity for entrepreneurs and workers in 128 economies across 6 topics

Human Rights , Employment, Industrial Relations & Training Posted: 2010-03-26

The State of the World's Indigenous Peoples

UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

This 250-page report on the state of the world\'s indigenous peoples reveals alarming statistics on poverty, health, education, employment, human rights and the environment

Indigenous Affairs , Human Rights Posted: 2010-01-22

Kazakhstan at a Crossroads: Human Rights and Democracy

FPC

A 17-page UK background paper on human rights and democracy in Kazakhstan

Governance & Politics , Human Rights Posted: 2009-12-09

Spotlight on Georgia

FPC

This 143-page UK paper examines the growing human rights and governance challenges facing Georgia

Governance & Politics , Human Rights Posted: 2009-12-09

Ensuring Rights for All in Europe: Challenges for the Council of Europe and the European Union

Clingendael

A 10-page Dutch seminar overview paper on how best to ensure human rights, rule of law and democracy for all in a future Europe

Human Rights , European Union Posted: 2009-11-24

Tyrants on Trial: Keeping Order in the Courtroom

OSI

This 76-page US report examines the difficulties of ensuring a fair trial when former leaders defend themselves, often by attacking the court while simultaneously treating it as a platform for lengthy espousals of their broad political and ideological views

Human Rights , Crime, Law & Order Posted: 2009-10-03

Challenges to Human Security in the Arab Countries

UNDP

This 288-page Arab Regional Report focuses on human development in the Arab world through a human security lens

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Human Rights Posted: 2009-09-21

Rethinking Conflict Transformation from a Human Rights Perspective

Berghof Research Center

This 34-page paper moves beyond “justice vs. peace” and proposes that applying a perspective of human rights in conflict transformation brings it closer to its aims – by forcing greater emphasis on structural conditions, especially the role of the state, systems of governance and issues of power

Disarmament & Peacekeeping , Human Rights Posted: 2009-09-10

Iran's Tenth Presidential Elections: Candidates, Issues and Implications

MERIA

An 18-page Israeli article on the fall-out from the Iranian presidential elections

Governance & Politics , Human Rights Posted: 2009-09-10

Women and Radicalisation in Kyrgyzstan

Crisis Group

This 39-page report focuses on the increasingly important role that women are playing in the Islamist movement, as the government of Kyrgyzstan ignores their problems

Governance & Politics , Human Rights Posted: 2009-09-10

Tunisia: The Life of Others

FRIDE

This Spanish working paper outlines a number of key obstacles to free association in the everyday practice of Tunisian civic rights activism

Human Rights , Governance & Politics Posted: 2009-08-31

Submission to the National Human Rights Consultation

Castan Centre for Human Rights Law

This 55-page submission discusses the most appropriate way to protect human rights in Australia

Human Rights Posted: 2009-08-22

Rights Not Rescue

OSI

This 106-page US report highlights opportunities to expand human rights protection for sex workers in Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa

Human Rights Posted: 2009-08-07

Sudan: Justice, Peace and the ICC

Crisis Group

This 41-page report examines the root cause of the country’s many crises, namely the reluctance of the long-ruling National Congress Party (NCP) to enact policies that would bring justice to the victims of its many conflicts

Human Rights , Governance & Politics Posted: 2009-08-01

The Responsibility to Protect (RtoP) and Genocide Prevention in Africa

IPI

This 32-page report outlines the outcomes from an expert roundtable convened jointly by IPI, the UN Office of the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, and the InterAfrica Group, which took place in Addis Ababa in October 2008

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Human Rights Posted: 2009-07-30

Sri Lanka: Politicised Courts, Compromised Rights

Crisis Group

This 46-page report warns that the Sri Lankan judiciary is not working in a fair and impartial way that secures justice and human rights for everyone regardless of ethnicity

Governance & Politics , Human Rights Posted: 2009-07-10

Protecting and Promoting Rights in Natural Disasters in South Asia: Prevention and Response

Brookings-Bern

The 38-page summary report of a workshop held to consider protecting and promoting rights in natural disasters in South Asia

Public Safety & Disaster Mitigation , Human Rights Posted: 2009-07-07

Challenges to Implementing the Protection of Civilians Agenda

NUPI

A 4-page Norwegian policy brief considers the challenges faced by the UN if the Protection of Civilians agenda is to succeed

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Human Rights Posted: 2009-07-04

Responsibility to Protect: Translating Ideas into Capacity

FRIDE

An 18-page report of a conference held to discuss R2P, its implementation and its prospects as an internationally accepted working norm of the future

Human Rights , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2009-06-16

Rights Versus Compassion

Inside.org

An Australian article considering the need for a Bill of Rights to safeguard human rights in Australia

Human Rights Posted: 2009-06-12

The ICC Arrest Warrant Against Omar al-Bashir: Darfur and the Non-Intervention Discourse

Dayan Center

This 5-page Israeli commentary discusses the implications of the ICC arrest warrant against the Sudanese president

Human Rights , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2009-06-11

The State of the World's Human Rights

Amnesty International

A 424-page report reviewing the state of human rights across the globe

Human Rights Posted: 2009-06-06

From the Prisoners to the People: America’s Human Rights Policy toward China 20 Years after Tiananmen

FPRI

A US essay asking whether America’s human rights policy toward China has worked and how it might need to be reconsidered given the developments of the last twenty years

Human Rights , Foreign Policy Posted: 2009-06-06

The Virtuous Twins: Protecting Human Rights and Improving Security in Colombia

Crisis Group

This 20-page policy briefing examines the security gains made by the Uribe administration in Colombia over seven years and warns that immediate steps are needed to address human rights concerns

Governance & Politics , Human Rights Posted: 2009-05-26

Human Rights Abuses in the Name of Drug Treatment: Reports from the Field

OSI

A 5-page US factsheet detailing the range of abuses practised in the name of drug dependence treatment, and suggest the need for reform on grounds of health and human rights

Human Rights , Drug Abuse Posted: 2009-02-23

Global Report on Trafficking in Persons

UNODC

A 292-page report on human trafficking

Crime, Law & Order , Human Rights Posted: 2009-02-14

Reform of the UN Human Rights Mechanism: Current State and Challenges

JIIA

A 3-page Japanese article on the UN human rights mechanism

Human Rights , Governance & Politics Posted: 2009-02-14

Violence in the North Caucasus

CSIS

This 15-page US report tracks violent incidents occurring in the North Caucasus during September-December 2008

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Human Rights Posted: 2009-02-04

Telling the Story: Documentation Lessons for Afghanistan from the Cambodian Experience

USIP

This 24-page US briefing reports on a recent conference in Cambodia to introduce Afghan human rights leaders to best practices in documenting war crimes and mass human rights abuses

Human Rights Posted: 2009-01-19

Report of the Expert Legal Panel on Corporate Complicity in International Crimes

International Commission of Jurists

This three volume report addresses corporate complicity in gross human rights violations from different angles (single page linking to each volume)

Human Rights Posted: 2009-01-07

African Mistrust of ‘Northern Justice'

FRIDE

A 10-page Spanish paper describing the difficulties that international justice has in expanding jurisdiction beyond state borders in cases of genocide or massive violations of human rights

Human Rights , Regional Posted: 2009-01-07

Minorities, Displacement and Iraq's Future

Brookings Institution

This 20-page presentation analyzes the relationship between minorities and displacement, with a particular emphasis on the case of Iraq’s smaller minorities

Internal Displacement , Human Rights Posted: 2008-12-30

The Refugee Problem: Looking Toward Afghanistan’s Long-Term Stability

CSIS

This 3-page US brief examines the plight of Afghan refugees in Pakistan

Immigration & Refugees , Human Rights Posted: 2008-12-18

Iran: Ethnic and Religious Minorities

CRS

A 14-page updated US report dealing with the condition of minorities in Iran in repect of their human rights

Human Rights , Governance & Politics Posted: 2008-12-15

Human Rights Require Stronger Institutions

Project Syndicate

An article calling for the leadership, resources, a greater sense of urgency, and commitment to the long-term efforts that must dedicated to ensuring that the rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration are respected

Human Rights Posted: 2008-12-13

Asylum Seekers

Research Service, Parliament of New South Wales

Kathryn Simon

Immigration & Refugees , Human Rights Posted: 2008-11-27

Promoting the Rights of Migrants

GFMD

This 36-page conference paper examines the international legal frameworks for protecting migrant rights, focusing in particular on international conventions.It then discusses the implementation of these international legal norms at the national level and the role that both destination andsource countries play in promoting the rights of migrants.

Immigration & Refugees , Human Rights Posted: 2008-11-19

Correcting Course: Victims of the Justice and Peace Law in Colombia

Crisis Group

A 37-page paper arguing that the Uribe government has neglected the defence and promotion of victims' rights

Governance & Politics , Human Rights Posted: 2008-11-04

Security, Risk and Human Rights: A Vanishing Relationship?

CEPS

a 20-page essay examining how the risk-focused mindset has weakened human rights in Europe over recent years

Human Rights , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2008-10-01

China's Grassroots Movement Toward Greater Freedom

CIPE

A 9-page article examining how a grassroots social revolution is leading China toward a more liberal society

Governance & Politics , Human Rights Posted: 2008-08-29

Internal Displacement, Human Rights and Development

Brookings Institution

This 12-page US speech examines internal displacement from the standpoint of human rights

Internal Displacement , Human Rights Posted: 2008-08-27

China and Human Rights: Power to the Party

Chatham House

A 3-page UK article on the state of human rights in China

Human Rights , Governance & Politics Posted: 2008-08-22

Explaining China's Continued Resistance Towards Human Rights Norms

ACDIS

This 57-page US paper investigates why China is antagonistic towards human rights laws

Human Rights Posted: 2008-08-01

Explaining China's Continued Resistance Towards Human Rights

ACDIS

A 57-page historical legal analysis examining why China is wary of international human rights law

Human Rights Posted: 2008-06-13

A New Chance for Darfur

Project Syndicate

An article proposing policies that the international community might adopt to bring about improvements in Darfur

Governance & Politics , Human Rights Posted: 2008-05-15

An International Comparison of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975

Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission - Australia

A 114-page Australian paper comparing their racial discrimination legislation with those in overseas jurisdictions

Human Rights Posted: 2008-05-01

Resurrecting the Wall of Fear: The Human Rights Situation in Syria

USIP

The report of a discussion held in the US on the recent crackdown on human rights activities in Syria

Human Rights , Governance & Politics Posted: 2008-04-15

Human Trafficking in Ohio: Markets, Responses and Considerations

Rand Corporation

This 108-page US monograph draws lessons from the responses of 2 Ohio cities to human trafficking

Crime, Law & Order , Human Rights Posted: 2008-03-18

Modernization a la Carte

Project Syndicate

A commentary on how the concept and practice of human rights has developed

Human Rights Posted: 2008-03-11

Government's Human Rights Report to United Nations

Ministry of Justice - UK

This 20-page UK report outlines the Government's work in promoting and protecting human rights with in the UK and abroad

Human Rights Posted: 2008-03-11

Human Rights Insight Project

Ministry of Justice - UK

A 114-page UK study aiming to establish whether human rights could be used empirically as a tool to improve the public's experience of public services

Human Rights , Governance & Politics Posted: 2008-01-17

Trafficking in Persons: U.S. Policy and Issues for Congress

CRS

This 56-page U.S. report provides a global overview of people trafficking and reviews relevant policy issues for the US

Crime, Law & Order , Human Rights Posted: 2008-01-16

Who Failed Whom? Assessing the UN's Human Rights Efforts

MIT CIS

A US article examining the record of the UN Commission on Human Rights

Human Rights Posted: 2007-11-02

Darfur and the Failure of the Responsibility to Protect

Chatham House

A 16-page UK paper examining the causes of the failure of the international community to live upto its "responsibility to protect" in Darfur

Internal Displacement , Human Rights Posted: 2007-10-26

The Human Right to Food in Nepal

Rights & Democracy

This 78-page Canadian report examines hunger and poverty in Nepal from a human rights standpoint

Poverty & Hunger , Human Rights Posted: 2007-10-25

Investigating Genetic Discrimination in Australia

AJETS

A 21-page paper on the experiences and perceptions of clinical genetics clients in Australia regarding different kinds of coercion

Human Rights Posted: 2007-10-11

Right for You, Right for Us?

Chatham House

A 3-page article examining human rights legislation and promotion in the UK

Human Rights Posted: 2007-09-25

Rights and Security: A Broad View

CIS

A lecture on civil rights in Iran and US policy towards that country

Foreign Policy , Human Rights Posted: 2007-08-09

Human Trafficking

GAO

A 64-page US report recommending improvements in international efforts to monitor and evaluate anti-trafficking efforts

Crime, Law & Order , Human Rights Posted: 2007-07-30

Child Soldiers in Afghanistan

IPCS

A 6-page Indian report on the use of child soldiers in Afghanistan

Families, Children & Youth , Human Rights Posted: 2007-07-12

Democratization and Human Rights in Central Asia

CEPS

This 11-page policy brief examines the progress made in Central Asia to introduce democratic reform and respect for human rights

Governance & Politics , Human Rights Posted: 2007-07-11

Civil Society Perspectives on HIV/AIDS in Nicaragua, Senegal, Ukraine, the United States and Vietnam

OSI

A 60-page report on how marginalized groups are often excluded from national HIV/AIDS policies and programmes

Health , Human Rights Posted: 2007-06-28

Human Rights Impact Assessments for Foreign Investment Projects

Rights and Democracy

This 152-page Canadian study looks at the human rights impact assessments of external investments

Human Rights Posted: 2007-06-26

China's Anti-Terror Raid in Xinjiang

IDSA

An Indian commentary on Chinese treatment of Uyghurs

Human Rights Posted: 2007-06-22

Iran: Ethnic and Religious Minorities

CRS

A 13-page US report on Iran's treatment of its minorities

Human Rights Posted: 2007-06-18

Dissident Dissonance

AEI

A 6-page essay examining the difference in the standards applied by the US to human rights and dissent in Russia and China

Human Rights , Foreign Policy Posted: 2007-05-15

Does Terror Threaten Human Rights? Evidence from Panel Data

CESifo

A 43-page working paper presenting a political economy model linking terror and governments' respect for human rights

Human Rights , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2007-04-27

Sudan at the Crossroads

CIS

A 6-page US essay examining the Darfur crisis from the perspective of Sudan's search for identity

Internal Displacement , Human Rights Posted: 2007-04-25

Use of Children in Armed Conflict

CDI

A 6-page US House testimony on the use of children in armed conflict

Human Rights , Families, Children & Youth Posted: 2007-04-25

Monthly Update April/May 2007

Enough

A 27-page bulletin providing updates on atrocities committed in Darfur, Eastern Congo and Northern Uganda

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Human Rights Posted: 2007-04-20

Responsibility to Protect in 2007: Five Thoughts for Policymakers

Crisis Groups

A panel discussion presentation on the protecttion of populations under threat of genocide and crimes against humanity

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Human Rights Posted: 2007-04-20

Assistance Programs Constrained in Burma

GAO

This 46-page US report describes how the Burmese government has restricted the efforts of international organisations to alleviate Burma's pressing problems

Governance & Politics , Human Rights Posted: 2007-04-20

The EU Fundamental Rights Agency: Satellite or Guiding Star?

SWP

An 8-page German commentary on the creation of the EU Fundamental Rights Agency

Human Rights Posted: 2007-03-28

UK Action Plan on Tackling Human Trafficking

Home Office - UK

This 114-page document pulls together the work currently under way across UK government to tackle human trafficking

Crime, Law & Order , Human Rights Posted: 2007-03-27

Darfur and Beyond: What is Needed to Prevent Mass Atrocities

CFR

A 54-page US report outlining the steps that need to be taken by the international community to prevent genocide

Human Rights , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2007-02-24

Making Idealism Realistic: The Responsibility to Protect as a New Global Security Norm

Crisis Group

A speech addressing the principal issues involved in realising the responsibility to protect

Human Rights , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2007-02-16

Human Rights and Common Sense

DCA - UK

A speech by the UK's Lord Chancellor on the relationship between human rights and common sense

Human Rights Posted: 2007-02-12

Punishing Violations of Fundamental Human Rights in the International Justice System

IFIMES

This article examines the working of the international criminal justice system in dealing with violations of fundamental human rights

Crime, Law & Order , Human Rights Posted: 2007-01-15

Uzbekiistan: Europe's Sanctions Matter

Crisis Group

This 16-page briefing examines the state of Uzbekistan as the EU prepares to review its sanctions regime

Human Rights Posted: 2006-11-07

Economic and Political Rights at the U.N: A Guide for U.S. Policymakers

CIPE

A 10-page U.S. article defining economic and political freedom as understood in the US and in other parts of the world

Human Rights Posted: 2006-10-04