Human Rights
Prosecuting Conflict-related Sexual Violence at the International Criminal Court
SIPRI
A 16-page Swedish paper looking into the strengths and weaknesses of the ICC as a catalyst for the elimination of sexual violence in armed conflict
Human Rights, Crime, Law & OrderPosted: 2013-05-24
Cross-border Humanitarian Aid in Syria Has Legal Basis But Few Precedents
IPI
This article considers whether aid can be channelled across borders directly in opposition-controlled areas despite Damascus’ lack of consent, or whether it should be channelled across frontlines with consent of the Assad regime
Public Safety & Disaster Mitigation, Human RightsPosted: 2013-05-13
Stability at All Costs
CEIP
A commentary on how the Algerian government is cracking down more forcefully on demands for greater freedoms & political change
Governance & Politics, Human RightsPosted: 2013-04-22
International Legal Frameworks for Humanitarian Action
GSDRC
This 57-page UK topic guide describes the key provisions and implications of the branches of international law relevant to humanitarian action
Human Rights, Immigration & RefugeesPosted: 2013-04-22
Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide in Canada
Library of Parliament - Canada
A 29-page Canadian background paper on euthanasia and assisted suicide
Social Policy, Human RightsPosted: 2013-04-20
Democracy, Human Rights and the Emerging Global Order
Brookings
The 14-page report of a US conference held to discuss emerging trends in international support for democracy and human rights and the increasingly complex drivers shaping foreign policies
Governance & Politics, Human RightsPosted: 2013-04-13
And Justice for All?
CEIP
This US article states that how Egyptians approach the process of reconciling with remnants of the old regime could have major long-term implications for the country
Governance & Politics, Human RightsPosted: 2013-03-23
A Kingdom's Future: Saudi Arabia Through the Eyes of Its Twentysomethings
Wilson Center
This 170-page US report explores the self-image of young Saudis and what they want when it comes to education, marriage, politics, religion, and personal liberties
Governance & Politics, Human RightsPosted: 2013-03-23
It Happens Here: Equipping the United Kingdom to fight modern slavery
Centre for Social Justice
The 224-page report of an inquiry into modern slavery in the UK, examining the scale of the problem and the Government's response
Crime, Law & Order, Human RightsPosted: 2013-03-22
'Responsibility While Protecting': Are we Asking the Wrong Questions?
SIPRI
This essay contributes to the debate on how the international community should respond when civilian populations are targeted
Defence, Terrorism & Security, Human RightsPosted: 2013-01-30
The Evolution of Human Rights in Canada
Canadian Human Rights Commission
An 80-page report focusing on social movements, political debates surrounding the constitution, human rights law, and foreign policy as evidence of Canadians’ evolving human rights ideals
Human RightsPosted: 2013-01-24
Towards a Worldwide Index of Human Freedom
Fraser Institute et al.
This 294-page publication focuses on the challenge of creating the first comprehensive and conceptually consistent index of freedom, including economic freedom, and is based on the “negative” definition of freedom—in other words, the absence of barriers or coercion that prevent individuals from acting as they might wish
Governance & Politics, Human RightsPosted: 2013-01-18
Press Freedom in Turkey
CEIP
A 36-page US paper criticising the state of press freedom in Turkey
Governance & Politics, Human RightsPosted: 2013-01-18
Who's Afraid of the Responsability to Protect?
Clingendael
This 6-page Dutch policy brief analyses the reasons for a growing international reluctance towards further implementing, or even referring to, the principle of the Responsibility to Protect
Human Rights, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2013-01-17
New Egypt’s Democracy Woes: Challenges for President Morsi
IDSA
An Indian backgrounder on Egypt's political turmoil
Governance & Politics, Human RightsPosted: 2013-01-14
The UN Internal Review Panel Report and Sri Lanka’s Urgent Need for Accountability
IDSA
This Indian issue brief considers the deteriorating human rights situation in Sri Lanka
Human Rights, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2013-01-14
After the Mourning in India
CEIP
This US article considers the reasons for the injustices women face in India
Crime, Law & Order, Human RightsPosted: 2013-01-04
Improving Mass Atrocities Prevention
SWP
A 4-page German commentary discussing guidelines for effective and legitimate implementation of the responsibility to protect
Human Rights, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2012-12-11
A Tyranny of the Majority? Islamists’ Ambivalence about Human Rights
FRIDE
A 28-page Spanish working paper asserting that Islamists’ ambivalence about the foundations and content of human rights has translated into constitutional and legal practices that endanger the full enjoyment of certain universal human rights in the emerging regimes in Egypt and Tunisia
Human Rights, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-11-03
International Day of the Girl Child: Malala’s Attack and the Fight for Girls’ Education
Brookings
This US blog discusses the tragedy of the attack on Malala Yousafzai, the broader issues of oppression endured by women and girls worldwide, and the power of education for improving their lives
Families, Children & Youth, Human RightsPosted: 2012-10-15
Iraq: Politics, Governance, and Human Rights
CRS
A 55-page US report providing an overview of politics, governance and human rights in Iraq
Governance & Politics, Human RightsPosted: 2012-10-08
Towards the Intelligent Use of Intelligence: Quis Custodiet ipsos Custodes?
ICCT
This 15-page Dutch research paper examines the role of the exchange of intelligence between states, the applicable human rights framework, and the dilemmas involved
Defence, Terrorism & Security, Human RightsPosted: 2012-10-03
Disquiet on the Jordanian Front
CEIP
A US commentary on political reform and human rights in Jordan
Foreign Policy, Human RightsPosted: 2012-10-02
Bahrain: Human Rights and Political Wrongs
CEIP
A US commentary on the human rights situation in Bahrain
Human Rights, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-10-02
Topic Guide on Gender
IDD
A 130-page UK topic guide introducing literature on a range of gender and development issues and highlighting major critical debates
International Development, Human RightsPosted: 2012-06-27
A Nuclear Deal Helps Human Rights in Iran
CEIP
This US article argues that a nuclear deal that averts war (which would cause even greater human suffering in Iran) need not betray Iranian democrats nor preclude U.S. advocacy of their cause
Human Rights, Disarmament & PeacekeepingPosted: 2012-06-15
MAPRO: Mass Atrocity Prevention & Response Options, A Policy Planning Handbook
SSI
A 209-page US policy planning handbook intended to assist the policy community in addressing mass atrocity situations.
Defence, Terrorism & Security, Human RightsPosted: 2012-04-27
Duma Elections and Protests
CCS et al.
This 18-page publication analyses the results of the December Duma elections and the subsequent mass protests
Governance & Politics, Human RightsPosted: 2012-03-17
The Violent Power Struggle in Syria
SWP
A 4-page German commentary discussing the scenarios and policy options for the international community in respect of Syria
Defence, Terrorism & Security, Human RightsPosted: 2012-03-16
Prevention of Odious Obligations: A New Tool to Help Stem the Violence in Syria
CGD
A US article calling for the use of preemptive contract sanctions against the Syrian regime
Human Rights, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2012-03-15
Burma and the Road to Normality
"Inside Story"
An Australian report on the political transformation of Burma
Governance & Politics, Human RightsPosted: 2012-03-12
Rescuing Human Rights
Henry Jackson Society
This 74-page paper examines the United Kingdom's involvement in the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and offers a way forward for reforming a supranational body in line with the most commonly advanced criticisms of it
Human Rights, European UnionPosted: 2012-03-12
Humanitarian Safe Havens: Bosnia's Lessons for Syria
Washington Institute
This 2-page US policy brief argues that as the international community seeks ways to diminish civilian casualties in Syria as well as cripple the regime's hold on power, the Bosnia trajectory from civilian-defense-unit-liberated areas to internationally designated enclaves provides food for thought in Syria
Defence, Terrorism & Security, Human RightsPosted: 2012-02-19
Hurting Stalemate in Syria
CEIP
A US commentary on the likely future of the existing Syrian regime
Governance & Politics, Human RightsPosted: 2012-02-01
Riot Control Agents: Improve Knowledge to Improve Safety
SIPRI
A Swedish essay arguing that there is a growing body of evidence that so-called non-lethal weapons used to control riots are not as safe as they seem and are not always employed as they should be
Crime, Law & Order, Human RightsPosted: 2011-12-16
Lebanese Civil-Military Dynamics: Weathering the Regional Storm?
CEIP
This US report describes how a Jordanian trial singles out Islamists on charges of terrorism and casts doubts on the kingdom’s path towards genuine political reform, its commitment to the rule of law, and its stated desire to protect the rights of freedom of expression and assembly.
Governance & Politics, Human RightsPosted: 2011-11-25
Freedom in the World 2011: The Authoritarian Challenge to Democracy
Freedom House
This 34-page report asserts that 2010 was the fifth consecutive year in which global freedom suffered a decline
Governance & Politics, Human RightsPosted: 2011-11-17
The Syrians Are on Their Own
SADA
This US article asserts that the international community is incapable of stopping the human rights violations in Syria—or even helping the opposition
Human Rights, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-11-04
"We Cannot Achieve What We Want With Hatred"
"Inside Story"
An Australian article reporting on the changing political environment in Burma
Governance & Politics, Human RightsPosted: 2011-11-03
American Options in Syria
CFR
This 4-page US article proposes a strategy for bringing down the Assad regime
Governance & Politics, Human RightsPosted: 2011-10-31
Against Her Will: Forced and Coerced Sterilization of Women Worldwide
Open Society Foundations
This 12-page US fact sheet focuses on forced sterilization of racial and ethnic minorities, poor women, women living with HIV, and women with disabilities. It also provides recommendations to end this widespread human rights violation
Human RightsPosted: 2011-10-13
Not Just Politics: A Different Approach to Supporting Ethnic Minorities in China
Clingendael
A 3-page Dutch article arguing that the most effective way for Western nations to help minorities in China is through efforts in the socio-economic realm
Human Rights, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-10-13
Unrest in Syria and U.S. Sanctions Against the Asad Regime
CRS
A 24-page US report analyzing the current unrest in Syria and the U.S. response to the Syrian government’s crackdown against demonstrators. It also provides background information on U.S. sanctions against the Asad regime and its supporters
Governance & Politics, Human RightsPosted: 2011-09-28
How New Atrocity-Prevention Steps Can Work
CFR
This US brief addresses how the US can contribute to atrocity-prevention
Defence, Terrorism & Security, Human RightsPosted: 2011-08-24
Why Syria's Regime is Likely to Survive
MERIA
This Israeli article argues that examining the differences between the uprising in Syria and those in Tunisia and Egypt offers important clues as to why Syria’s regime is likely to survive
Governance & Politics, Human RightsPosted: 2011-08-23
Syria: Violence as a Communications Strategy
ISS
This opinion piece explains why Assad believes that he has carte blanche to do what it takes to restore his grip over Syria.
Governance & Politics, Human RightsPosted: 2011-08-18
The Syrian Regime: Protests at Home and Criticism from Abroad
INNS
A 3-page Israeli perspective on the growing unrest in Syria
Crime, Law & Order, Human RightsPosted: 2011-08-16
Freedom of Religion and Religious Symbols in the Public Sphere
Library of Parliament - Canada
A 20-page Canadian background paper covering the issues of freedom of religion and religious symbols in the public sphere
Social Policy, Human RightsPosted: 2011-08-08
Mass Atrocities in Syria: the International Response
USIP
A US article examing the international response to the mass atrocities in Syria
Human Rights, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-08-02
Justice Beyond The Hague
CFR
A 56-page US report arguing that the international community must place greater emphasis on strengthening the national justice systems of the countries where atrocities have occurred
Crime, Law & Order, Human RightsPosted: 2011-06-24
Arms Transfers to Zimbabwe: Implications for an Arms Trade Treaty
SIPRI
This 12-page Swedish background paper details the sources of Zimbabwe's arms and military equipment and examines the question of how human rights considerations should affect arms supplies
Defence, Terrorism & Security, Human RightsPosted: 2011-05-22
Elections and Violence in Nigeria: The Question of Citizenship in Sub-Saharan Africa
Brookings
A US article considering the ramifications of citizenship in sub-Saharan Africa
Governance & Politics, Human RightsPosted: 2011-05-16
Government Accountability for Torture and Ill-Treatment in Health Settings
Open Society
This 8-page US briefing paper focuses on torture and ill-treatment in health settings, including hospitals, clinics, hospices, people’s homes, or anywhere health care is delivered
Human Rights, HealthPosted: 2011-05-13
Arms Transfers to Zimbabwe: Implications for an Arms Trade Treaty
SIPRI
This 12-page Swedish background paper details the sources of Zimbabwe's arms and military equipment and examines the question of how human rights considerations should affect arms supplies
Defence, Terrorism & Security, Human RightsPosted: 2011-04-14
Conflict Risk Alert: Syria
Crisis Group
A media release highlighting the options facing the Syrian leadership
Governance & Politics, Human RightsPosted: 2011-03-25
The Middle East in the Aftermath of Arab Revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt
Arab Reform Initiative
The 7-page summary of a conference address analysing the situation in the Middle East in the aftermath of the Tunisian and Egyptian revolutions
Governance & Politics, Human RightsPosted: 2011-03-24
Crackdown in Bahrain
Chatham House
This UK commentary argues that Bahrain's internal problems will not be solved militarily, and the intervention of Sunni troops from overseas in a Shia-majority country will add to sectarian tensions in the wider Middle East.
Governance & Politics, Human RightsPosted: 2011-03-23
Rethinking Internal Security in Egypt
CEIP
This US commentary argues that there is no way for the country to make a transition to real democracy if its internal security services resume their pre-January 25 mode of operation
Governance & Politics, Human RightsPosted: 2011-03-23
Sri Lanka: Forgotten Prisoners
Amnesty International
An 8-page report on how thousands of people are languishing in detention without charge or trial under Sri Lanka’s repressive anti-terrorism laws. Sometimes held in secret prisons, they are vulnerable to a whole range of abuses, including torture or being killed in custody
Human Rights, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-03-14
Reconciliation through a Common Purpose: Third Party Human Rights in Cyprus
TESEV
This 38-page Turkish report represents the end of a yearlong groundbreaking project that looked at the human rights of refugees and asylum seekers on both sides of Cyprus
Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Human RightsPosted: 2011-01-14
Privacy and the Media: How to Balance Rights and Interests
Privacy Victoria
This 16-page Australian paper argues that protecting freedom of expression must not be to the exclusion of privacy rights
Personal Privacy, Human RightsPosted: 2010-12-09
Empowering Women in the Muslim World
Wilson Center
The summary of three recent US events held to discuss the empowering of women in the Muslim world
Regional, Human RightsPosted: 2010-12-06
Section 13 of the Canadian Human Rights Act, Anti-Hate Laws and Freedom of Expression
Library of Parliament - Canada
A 29-page Canadian background paper discussing anti-hate laws in Canada and the potential effects of proposed amendments to the Canadian Human Rights Act
Human RightsPosted: 2010-12-01
Narrating Atrocity: Uses of Evidence in the Political Asylum Process
DIIS
A 21-page Danish working paper exploring the disconnect between asylum law and human rights
Immigration & Refugees, Human RightsPosted: 2010-11-12
Globalization, Economic Freedom and Human Rights
CESifo
This working paper analyzes whether globalization and economic liberalization affect governments’ respect for human rights using a panel of 106 countries over the 1981-2004 period
Globalisation & International Trade, Human RightsPosted: 2010-11-10
The EU and Human Rights at the UN: 2010 Review
ECFR
A 12-page policy brief reviewing how the EU has struggled to make an impact on human rights at the UN
Human Rights, European UnionPosted: 2010-10-12
Age Discrimination: Exposing the Hidden Barrier for Mature Age Workers
Australian Human Rights Commission
This 36-page Australian paper aims to look at and raise awareness of the issues of ageism and unlawful age discrimination against mature age workers within the workplace
Ageing, Human RightsPosted: 2010-10-11
Catalysts for Rights: The Unique Contribution of the UN's Independent Experts on Human Rights
Brookings
This 103-page US report assesses how the UN's independent experts work to promote international human rights norms at the national level. He concludes that the system is one of the most effective tools for human rights promotion worldwide
Human Rights, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-10-10
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 RightsPosted: 2010-08-30
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 RightsPosted: 2010-08-25
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 RightsPosted: 2010-08-22
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 RightsPosted: 2010-08-19
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 & RefugeesPosted: 2010-08-12
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 & SecurityPosted: 2010-06-08
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 RightsPosted: 2010-06-07
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, HealthPosted: 2010-06-02
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 RightsPosted: 2010-05-28
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 RightsPosted: 2010-05-18
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 RightsPosted: 2010-05-13
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 RightsPosted: 2010-01-22
Spotlight on Georgia
FPC
This 143-page UK paper examines the growing human rights and governance challenges facing Georgia
Governance & Politics, Human RightsPosted: 2009-12-09
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 RightsPosted: 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 UnionPosted: 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 & OrderPosted: 2009-10-02
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 RightsPosted: 2009-09-20
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 RightsPosted: 2009-09-09
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 RightsPosted: 2009-09-09
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 RightsPosted: 2009-09-09
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 & PoliticsPosted: 2009-08-30
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 RightsPosted: 2009-08-21
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 RightsPosted: 2009-08-06
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 & PoliticsPosted: 2009-07-31
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 RightsPosted: 2009-07-29
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 RightsPosted: 2009-07-09
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 RightsPosted: 2009-07-06
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 RightsPosted: 2009-07-03
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 & SecurityPosted: 2009-06-15
Rights Versus Compassion
Inside.org
An Australian article considering the need for a Bill of Rights to safeguard human rights in Australia
Human RightsPosted: 2009-06-11
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 & SecurityPosted: 2009-06-10